Liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube

Abstract

The utility model provides a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube which comprises a liquid separation tank, a connecting tube and a fixing device, and the liquid separation tank is provided with a downward opening and is sealed by a lower cover; and the connecting pipe is communicated with fluid at the bottom of the centrifugal pipe. And the connecting pipe is a siphon pipe, can realize siphon of fluid between the bottom of the centrifugal pipe and the liquid separation tank, and has the functions of a magnifying glass and flow control. And the lower edge of the fixing device is flush with the liquid separation tank, so that the whole centrifugal tube is kept in a vertical position. When the centrifugal tube is used for liquid-liquid separation, an injector without a needle head is mounted in the liquid separation tank, the condition of liquid in the siphon is observed, and a lower-layer solution is slowly extracted; when an upper solution appears in the siphon, extraction is stopped, at the moment, the upper solution is contained in the centrifugal tube, and the lower solution is contained in the injector. The device can be used for separating liquids with different densities to the greatest extent, so that complete separation can be ensured, and the volume loss of the solution can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of centrifuge tubes, and in particular relates to a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube. Background Art

[0002] The main methods for separating liquids include distillation, liquid separation, extraction, and centrifugation. Centrifugation is used to separate liquids of varying densities or mixed liquids containing bubbles or exosomes. This involves using a high-speed centrifuge to separate the two liquids, creating a boundary between the two liquid surfaces. A pipette is then used to remove the upper layer of liquid, thereby separating the different liquids. If the desired liquid has a high density and sinks to the bottom, the upper layer of waste liquid can be aspirated with a pipette, and the lower layer of liquid can be used for future use. Conversely, if the research object is a low-density sample, such as a solution rich in microvesicles or exosomes, the solution itself is relatively small, and when the upper layer of solution is transferred, the solution will remain in the pipette, resulting in unnecessary sample loss. Moreover, the instruments used to transfer the upper layer of liquid may cause structural damage to fragile components in the liquid. For example, when using a pipette to aspirate plant protoplasts, the shear force of the pipette gun will cause the protoplasts to break up, thereby affecting subsequent experiments. In addition, although a boundary is formed between solutions of different densities, this boundary is often difficult to observe, resulting in incomplete solution separation, that is, the desired liquid contains other liquids, or in order to reduce the residual impurities, some of the volume of the desired solution is sacrificed. In summary, there is an urgent need to invent new liquid-liquid separation instruments to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube, comprising a liquid separation trough, a connecting tube, upper and lower centrifuge tube covers, and a centrifuge tube fixing device; the specific structure of the centrifuge tube is as follows: a siphon tube (connecting tube) is used to connect the bottom of the centrifuge tube and the liquid separation trough, and a matching syringe can be installed at the end of the liquid separation trough, the latter being used to extract the lower layer of liquid. Under the action of the centrifugal force of the centrifuge, the liquid will be stratified. The lower cover of the centrifuge tube is opened and the syringe is quickly installed in the liquid separation trough; observe whether the upper layer of solution appears in the siphon tube. If so, stop extracting, and the maximum amount of upper layer solution without the lower layer of solution can be obtained, while the lower layer solution without the upper layer of solution is contained in the syringe. This device can maximize the separation of the two liquid phases and ensure the purity between the liquid phases.

[0004] The utility model provides a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube, which comprises a liquid separation tank. The liquid separation tank is in fluid communication with the bottom of the centrifuge tube through a connecting tube.

[0005] Furthermore, the liquid separation tank is opened downward and is sealed by a centrifuge tube lower cover, which can prevent the liquid in the centrifuge tube from flowing out and ensure the integrity of the sample.

[0006] Furthermore, an upper cover is provided at the upper end of the centrifuge tube for sealing the centrifuge tube. The upper cover and the lower cover can be any type of cover as long as they can play a sealing role.

[0007] Furthermore, the connecting tube is a siphon tube, which can realize the siphoning of fluid between the bottom of the centrifuge tube and the liquid separation tank; and acts as a magnifying glass, which can observe the boundary between the upper and lower liquid levels, control the volume of the lower liquid extracted, and ensure that the two liquids are fully separated.

[0008] Furthermore, the connecting pipe has a diameter of 0.1-5 mm and a length of 2-50 mm.

[0009] Furthermore, the cross section of the liquid separation tank is smaller than that of the centrifuge tube, and the cross section is any one of circular, quadrilateral, hexagonal, and octagonal; the shape of the liquid separation tank is any one of cylindrical, quadrangular, hexagonal, and octagonal.

[0010] Furthermore, the size of the liquid separation groove matches the size of the syringe head, and the syringe is used to absorb the liquid in the liquid separation groove.

[0011] When extracting the lower layer solution with a syringe, the head (nipple) of the syringe without the needle needs to be inserted into the separatory tank, and the nipple needs to be in contact with the liquid in the separatory tank as much as possible and ensure that no liquid flows out during the extraction process. Therefore, the nipple must be in close contact with the separatory tank, and the separatory tank needs to be designed according to the shape and size of the syringe nipples of different specifications (1 to 100 mL).

[0012] Furthermore, the lower edge of the fixing device is flush with the liquid separation groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the lower cover matches the lower edge of the fixing device, so that the lower cover seals the liquid separation tank and is combined with the fixing device at the same time.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the sample separation centrifuge tube provided by the utility model are:

[0015] 1. The sample separation centrifuge tube provided by the utility model is mainly used to retain the upper part of the sample after centrifugation, but can also be used to retain the lower layer sample or upper and lower layer samples;

[0016] 2. Use the siphon to observe the boundary between the upper and lower liquid levels, control the volume of the lower liquid extracted, and ensure that the two liquids are fully separated. This can minimize the loss of the upper sample and maximize the removal of the lower sample. Vice versa, that is, maximize the removal of the upper sample and maximize the retention of the lower sample.

[0017] 3. Reduce the number of times the upper sample is transferred, thereby reducing unnecessary loss of upper sample volume and reducing structural damage to the components in the solution caused by sample transfer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in Example 1

[0019] Figure 2 A three-dimensional image of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in Example 1

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube with the upper cover opened provided in Example 1

[0021] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in Example 1

[0022] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the decomposition structure of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in Example 1

[0023] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the syringe used to extract the lower layer solution in Example 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be pointed out that the following embodiments are intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and do not have any limiting effect on it. All features disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, or all steps in the disclosed methods or processes, except for mutually exclusive features and / or steps, can be combined in any way.

[0025] Example 1 Liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided by the utility model

[0026] The structure of the liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in this embodiment is as follows Figures 1 to 5 As shown, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in this embodiment; Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in this embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in this embodiment when the upper cover is opened; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in this embodiment; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in this embodiment. Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the syringe used to extract the lower layer solution.

[0027] The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in this Example 1 is mainly used for the separation of microstructures such as cell components (such as vesicles and exosomes) and nano / micro transmitters (such as microbubbles and droplets); Figures 1 to 4As shown, the liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube includes a centrifuge tube upper cover 1, a centrifuge tube body 2, a fixing device 3, a connecting tube / siphon tube 4, a liquid separation tank 5 and a centrifuge tube lower cover 6.

[0028] The function of the centrifuge tube upper cover 1 is to prevent the liquid in the tube from overflowing and ensure that the centrifuge tube is in a sealed state. The upper cover 1 can be any form of cover as long as it can play a sealing role, such as a gland, a screw cap and a buckle (a gland is preferred in this embodiment); the upper and lower parts of the centrifuge tube body 2 are cylindrical and conical respectively, and the lower end is connected to the liquid separation tank 5 through a connecting tube 4; the connecting tube 4, also called the connecting tube, can not only realize the siphoning of the fluid between the bottom of the centrifuge tube and the liquid separation tank, but also play the role of a magnifying glass, that is, it is convenient for the user to observe the stratification phenomenon between the liquids and control the extraction degree of the lower layer solution. The diameter of the connecting tube is 0.1-5mm (preferably 1mm in this embodiment) and the length is 2-50mm (preferably 10mm in this embodiment). Although the diameter of the connecting tube is small, because the separation object is a liquid, there is no possibility of being blocked. Instead, it can play a role in controlling the flow and more accurately control the volume of the extracted solution. The shape of the liquid separation tank is any one of cylindrical, quadrangular, hexagonal and octagonal (cylindrical is preferred in this embodiment), and its cross section is smaller than the cross section of the centrifuge tube, and is any one of circular, quadrilateral, hexagonal and octagonal (circular is preferred in this embodiment). In addition, the opening of the liquid separation tank 5 faces downward and is sealed by the lower cover 6 of the centrifuge tube. The lower end is used to connect the syringe ( Figure 6 ), the latter extracts the lower layer solution by inserting it into the separatory tank 5, so the size of the separatory tank must match the syringe nipple 7, that is, the separatory tank needs to be designed according to the shape and volume of the nipple 7 of syringes of different specifications (1 to 100 mL); the fixing device 3 of the centrifuge tube keeps the centrifuge tube in an upright position as a whole, so as to stabilize the centrifuge tube to prevent the liquid in the centrifuge tube from splashing out in a non-centrifugal state or without a fixed frame. The lower edge of the device is flush with the separatory tank 5; the lower cover 6 can be any form of cover as long as it can play a sealing role, such as a gland, a screw cover and a buckle (a gland is preferred in this embodiment). The lower cover 6 matches the lower edge of the fixing device to facilitate the combination of the fixing device, and the raised part in the middle can match the separatory tank 5 to achieve a better sealing effect. In addition, due to the action of centrifugal force, part of the lower layer solution may enter the separatory tank 5, so the lower cover can prevent the outflow of the lower layer solution.

[0029] The process of separating liquid samples using the liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0030] 1. Tighten the upper cover 1 and lower cover 6 of the centrifuge tube containing the liquid sample to seal the centrifuge tube, and then perform high-speed centrifugation;

[0031] 2. After centrifugation, first open the lower cover 6. Since the pressure inside the centrifuge tube is consistent with the atmospheric pressure, the liquid in the tube will not flow down, and install a new disposable syringe without a needle into the separatory tank 5; open the upper cover 1, on the one hand observe the condition of the liquid in the siphon tube, on the other hand slowly use the syringe to extract the lower layer of solution.

[0032] 3. When the upper layer of solution appears in the siphon tube 4, stop pumping. At this point, the upper layer of solution is in the centrifuge tube 2, and the lower layer of solution is in the syringe. Depending on the purpose of the research, the lower layer of liquid in the syringe can be retained for research or discarded.

[0033] The application of the present invention is not limited to this. It can be expanded based on its application scope in environmental protection. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be based on the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube, characterized in that: The invention comprises a liquid separation tank, which is in fluid communication with the bottom of the centrifuge tube through a connecting tube.

2. The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that The opening of the liquid separation tank faces downward and is sealed by a lower cover.

3. The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube according to claim 2, characterized in that The upper end of the centrifuge tube is provided with a tube cover for sealing the centrifuge tube.

4. The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube according to claim 3, characterized in that The connecting tube is a siphon tube, which can realize the siphoning of fluid between the bottom of the centrifuge tube and the liquid separation tank.

5. The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube according to claim 4, characterized in that The connecting tube has a diameter of 0.1-5 mm and a length of 2-50 mm.

6. The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube according to claim 5, characterized in that The cross section of the liquid separation tank is smaller than the cross section of the centrifuge tube.

7. The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube according to claim 6, characterized in that The size of the liquid separation groove matches the size of the syringe head, and the syringe is used to absorb the liquid in the liquid separation groove.

8. The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube according to claim 7, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a fixing device for stabilizing the centrifuge tube, wherein the fixing device is used to keep the centrifuge tube in an upright position as a whole when the centrifuge tube is in a non-centrifugal state and when there is no fixing device, thereby ensuring that the sample is in a separated state.

9. The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube according to claim 8, characterized in that The lower edge of the fixing device is flush with the liquid separation groove.

10. The liquid-liquid separation centrifuge tube according to claim 8, characterized in that The lower cover matches the lower edge of the fixing device, so that the lower cover seals the liquid separation tank and is combined with the fixing device at the same time.

Images