Nucleic acid vacuum transfer printing instrument

Abstract

The utility model discloses a nucleic acid vacuum transfer printing instrument which comprises a transfer printing groove body, a vacuum groove is formed in the transfer printing groove body, the transfer printing groove body is connected with a vacuum pump through a safety buffering bottle, and a vacuum degree adjusting valve is arranged on the safety buffering bottle. A multi-layer base plate for placing gel is supported in the vacuum tank through a bracket, the multi-layer base plate sequentially comprises a silica gel pad, a nitrocellulose membrane, filter paper, non-woven fabric and a breathable stainless steel base plate from top to bottom, a transfer printing window is formed in the silica gel pad, and the size of the transfer printing window is smaller than that of the gel; the upper portion of the transfer printing groove body is connected with an upper cover through a spring type hasp, the interior of the upper cover is hollow, and the edge of the upper cover enables the multiple layers of base plates to be connected to the top edge of the transfer printing groove body in a pressing mode. The silica gel pad is simple in structure and easy to operate, the spring type hasps are adopted, the sealing performance is enhanced, and due to the fact that the upper cover is hollow, a plurality of transfer printing windows of different sizes can be cut on the same silica gel pad, and the effect of transferring a plurality of DNA gel blocks at a time can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of biotechnology, in particular to a nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument. Background Art

[0002] DNA molecular hybridization technology (Southern blot hybridization) is one of the three major technologies (PCR technology, sequencing technology, and molecular hybridization technology) that promote the development of molecular biology. The core step of this technology is to transfer DNA molecules on agarose gel to nitrocellulose membrane or nylon membrane.

[0003] Currently, transfer is typically performed using a paper tower method in laboratories. This involves placing a transfer fluid onto an enamel tray, placing a glass plate horizontally on the tray, placing a gel on the glass plate, and placing a transfer membrane on the gel. Several layers of filter paper and absorbent paper are then placed on the transfer membrane, with the filter paper suspended in the transfer fluid. A glass plate is then placed on top of the filter paper or absorbent paper, and a weight is placed on top of the glass plate. Transfer is achieved through the downward pressure of the weight and the siphoning effect of the filter paper. However, this transfer method requires more than 16 hours, significantly hindering experimental progress. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to solve the problems of the existing technology and provides a nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument which is easy to operate and can complete transfer within 1 hour, thereby shortening the transfer time, simplifying the transfer steps, maintaining a good transfer effect, and significantly improving the experimental efficiency.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] The utility model provides a nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument, including a transfer tank body, a vacuum tank formed inside the transfer tank body, the transfer tank body is connected to a vacuum pump through a safety buffer bottle, and the safety buffer bottle is provided with a vacuum regulating valve; a multi-layer pad for placing a gel is supported by a bracket in the vacuum tank, the multi-layer pad includes a silicone pad, a nitrocellulose membrane, filter paper, a non-woven fabric and a breathable stainless steel pad from top to bottom, a transfer window is provided on the silicone pad, and the size of the transfer window is smaller than the size of the gel; an upper cover is connected to the top of the transfer tank body by a spring-type buckle, the interior of the upper cover is hollowed out, and the edge of the upper cover presses the multi-layer pad to the top edge of the transfer tank body.

[0007] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument, a vacuum gauge is also installed on the transfer tank.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument, the suction port of the vacuum pump is connected to the outlet of the safety buffer bottle through a first connecting pipe, and the inlet of the safety buffer bottle is connected to the outlet of the vacuum tank through a second connecting pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned nucleic acid vacuum transfer apparatus, the edge of the gel covers the edge of the transfer window by at least 5 cm.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned nucleic acid vacuum transfer apparatus, the edge of the nitrocellulose membrane exceeds the edge of the non-woven fabric by at least 0.5 cm.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument, the breathable stainless steel backing plate is a stainless steel plate with a mesh.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument, the transfer tank, the safety buffer bottle and the vacuum pump are all fixed on the bottom plate.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument, the transfer tank is made of organic glass.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument, the vacuum pump is a silent vacuum pump.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument, the number of the transfer windows is set to be more than one.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] 1. The nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument provided by the present invention has a simple structure and is easy to operate. Cut the corresponding transfer window, place the gel to be transferred (DNA or RNA), pour in the transfer liquid, cover the upper cover, fasten the spring-loaded buckle, turn on the vacuum pump, and appropriately adjust the vacuum regulating valve. The transfer can be completed in about 60 minutes.

[0018] 2. The nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument provided by the utility model utilizes the principle of vacuum extraction to avoid gel breakage caused by excessive pressure in traditional methods and ensure the integrity of the gel. At the same time, a vacuum regulating valve is added to the safety bottle, which is safer and more convenient. When the pressure increases, it prevents backflow and damage to the gel and other solid phase supports during adjustment in the vacuum tank sealed by organic glass.

[0019] 3. The nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument provided by the present invention adopts an upper cover with a spring-loaded buckle to fix the multi-layer pad, which significantly enhances the airtightness and avoids the damage of the tank body and the multi-layer pad caused by improper pressure adjustment in fixing methods such as bottle stopper type.

[0020] 4. The nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument provided by the present invention has a multi-layer pad including, from top to bottom, a silicone pad, a nitrocellulose membrane, filter paper, a non-woven fabric, and a breathable stainless steel pad, to ensure uniform air permeability and thus the integrity of the gel during vacuuming. In addition, the size of the transfer window can be adjusted according to the size of the gel, and multiple transfer windows of different sizes can be cut on the same silicone pad, which can achieve the effect of transferring multiple gels (DNA or RNA) at one time, further improving the transfer efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the transfer tank provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Description of reference numerals:

[0025] 1. Vacuum pump; 2. Vacuum regulating valve; 3. Vacuum gauge; 4. Safety buffer bottle; 5. Spring-loaded buckle; 6. Upper cover; 7. Transfer window; 8. Transfer tank; 9. Multi-layer pad; 10. First connecting pipe; 11. Second connecting pipe; 12. Bottom plate; 13. Bracket; 14. Gel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only specific embodiments cited in this application to illustrate the technical solution of the present application, rather than to limit it, and the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "inside" and "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0027] See also Figure 1-2 shown.

[0028] The present invention provides a nucleic acid vacuum transfer apparatus comprising a transfer tank 8, a safety buffer bottle 4, a vacuum pump 1, and other components. Specifically, the transfer tank 8, safety buffer bottle 4, and vacuum pump 1 are all secured to a base plate 12. In a preferred embodiment, the transfer tank 8 is constructed of plexiglass, which is inexpensive and convenient for cleaning and experimental observation.

[0029] A vacuum tank is formed inside the transfer tank 8, and the transfer tank 8 is connected to a vacuum pump 1 via a safety buffer bottle 4. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum pump 1 is a silent vacuum pump. Specifically, the suction port of the vacuum pump 1 is connected to the outlet of the safety buffer bottle 4 via a first connecting pipe 10, and the inlet of the safety buffer bottle 4 is connected to the outlet of the vacuum tank via a second connecting pipe 11.

[0030] In order to prevent the transfer tank 8 from rupturing when the pressure is too high and to solve the problem of poor sealing of the transfer tank 8, a vacuum regulating valve 2 is provided on the safety buffer bottle 4. In order to facilitate timely understanding and viewing of the vacuum degree of the transfer tank 8, a vacuum gauge 3 is also installed on the transfer tank 8.

[0031] A multi-layered backing plate 9 for placing the gel is supported within the vacuum chamber by a bracket 13. The multi-layered backing plate 9 comprises, from top to bottom, a silicone pad, a nitrocellulose membrane, filter paper, a non-woven fabric, and a breathable stainless steel backing plate. Specifically, the breathable stainless steel backing plate is a meshed stainless steel plate. The edge of the nitrocellulose membrane protrudes from the edge of the non-woven fabric by at least 0.5 cm.

[0032] The silicone pad is provided with a transfer window 7. Specifically, the size of the transfer window 7 is smaller than that of the gel 14. The edge of the gel 14 extends at least 5 cm beyond the edge of the silicone pad, i.e., the edge of the gel overlaps the edge of the transfer window 7 by at least 5 cm. In a preferred embodiment, to improve transfer efficiency, there are at least one transfer window 7.

[0033] The transfer tank 8 is connected to a top cover 6 via a spring-loaded buckle 5. The interior of the top cover 6 is hollowed out, and the edge of the top cover 6 presses a multi-layer backing plate 9 against the top edge of the transfer tank. To improve sealing performance, a sealing rubber ring is provided between the edge of the top cover 6 and the multi-layer backing plate 9. Specifically, the sealing rubber ring can be embedded in the bottom edge of the top cover 6.

[0034] Taking DNA gel transfer as an example, the specific operating steps for transfer using the nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument of the present invention are as follows:

[0035] 1. Cut a piece of nitrocellulose membrane at least 0.5 cm wider than the edge of the nonwoven fabric. Cut a piece of filter paper to the same size as the nitrocellulose membrane. Immerse the nitrocellulose membrane in water at a 45-degree angle to wet it, then soak it in the appropriate transfer solution.

[0036] 2. Cut a transfer window on the silicone pad that is slightly smaller than the gel size (e.g. 20 cm × 25 cm) (the edge of the gel should extend at least 5 cm beyond the silicone pad).

[0037] 3. Place the breathable stainless steel pad on the bracket in the vacuum tank, and lay non-woven fabric, filter paper, nitrocellulose membrane and silicone pad on it in sequence to form a multi-layer pad; then gently place the gel with DNA fragments on the silicone pad to cover the transfer window.

[0038] 4. Press the top cover onto the silicone pad, then tighten the spring-loaded buckle on the outside of the vacuum tank to prevent one side from protruding, and then secure the multi-layer pad.

[0039] 5. Loosen (counterclockwise) the vacuum regulating valve a few turns to prevent a strong internal vacuum, then slowly tighten the regulating valve.

[0040] 6. Gently inject 1000 to 1500 ml of transfer buffer from the side of the transfer window.

[0041] 7. Turn on the silent vacuum pump, adjust the pressure in the vacuum tank appropriately, and transfer at the set pressure (such as 0.5 inch Hg) for about 60 minutes.

[0042] During the evacuation process, vacuum pump 1 draws gas from the vacuum tank through second connecting pipe 11, creating a negative vacuum pressure environment within the tank. The pressure within the tank is adjusted via vacuum control valve 2 on safety buffer bottle 4. Under appropriate pressure, gel bands can be transferred to the nitrocellulose membrane through transfer window 7 while minimizing gel breakage and ensuring the tank is sealed properly. The vacuum value is read using vacuum gauge 3, making operation simple and easy to adjust.

[0043] Compared with the existing technology, the advantages of the present invention are: a small nucleic acid vacuum transfer device with a simple structure, easy operation, multiple sets, and easy pressure adjustment. It adopts a spring-type buckle to enhance the sealing performance. Moreover, since the upper cover is hollow, multiple transfer windows of different sizes can be cut on the same silicone pad, which can achieve the effect of transferring multiple DNA gels at one time.

[0044] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply the existence of any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0045] The above-described embodiments are only specific implementation methods of the present application, which are used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. The scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the above-mentioned embodiments within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features thereof; and these modifications, changes or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application. They should all be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument, comprising a transfer tank (8), characterized in that: A vacuum tank is formed inside the transfer tank body (8), and the transfer tank body (8) is connected to a vacuum pump (1) through a safety buffer bottle (4), and a vacuum regulating valve (2) is provided on the safety buffer bottle (4); a multi-layer pad (9) for placing gel is supported by a bracket (13) in the vacuum tank, and the multi-layer pad (9) includes a silica gel pad, a nitrocellulose membrane, a filter paper, a non-woven fabric and a breathable stainless steel pad from top to bottom, and a transfer window (7) is provided on the silica gel pad, and the size of the transfer window (7) is smaller than the size of the gel; the top of the transfer tank body is connected to an upper cover (6) through a spring buckle (5), the interior of the upper cover (6) is hollowed out, and the edge of the upper cover (6) presses the multi-layer pad (9) to the top edge of the transfer tank body (8).

2. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vacuum gauge (3) is also installed on the transfer tank body (8).

3. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction port of the vacuum pump (1) is connected to the outlet of the safety buffer bottle (4) via a first connecting pipe (10), and the inlet of the safety buffer bottle (4) is connected to the outlet of the vacuum tank via a second connecting pipe (11).

4. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The edge of the gel covers the edge of the transfer window (7) by at least 5 cm.

5. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The edge of the nitrocellulose membrane extends beyond the edge of the nonwoven fabric by at least 0.5 cm.

6. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air-permeable stainless steel backing plate is a stainless steel plate with mesh.

7. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer tank, the safety buffer bottle (4) and the vacuum pump (1) are all fixed on the bottom plate (12).

8. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer tank body is made of organic glass.

9. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum pump (1) is a silent vacuum pump.

10. A nucleic acid vacuum transfer instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the transfer windows (7) is set to be more than one.

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