Sterile sampling and collecting structure suitable for bioreactor and test equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a sterile sampling and collecting structure suitable for a bioreactor and test equipment. The sterile sampling and collecting structure suitable for the bioreactor comprises a negative pressure ball, a flexible pipe and a collector, the flexible pipe comprises a main pipe and a plurality of branch pipes, and the plurality of branch pipes are communicated with the main pipe; a flow limiting mechanism is mounted on the branch pipe, one end of the branch pipe is communicated with the main pipe, and the other end of the branch pipe is used as a sampling port; and the other end of the main pipe is connected with the reactor chamber. According to the utility model, the problem of retention of residual liquid in dead volume can be solved, dead volume of a pipeline can be collected into the negative pressure ball through negative pressure provided by the negative pressure ball, then sampling is carried out from the sampling port, the operation is simple, and it can be ensured that a sample taken every time is a fresh sample. And moreover, the sampling device is provided with a plurality of branches, namely a plurality of sampling ports, and a new sampling port can be used for sampling each time, so that the pollution-free property and the safety of sampling are further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chemical equipment, specifically to a sterile sampling and collection structure and testing equipment suitable for bioreactors. Background Technology

[0002] A bioreactor is a device system that utilizes the biological functions of enzymes or organisms (such as microorganisms) to carry out biochemical reactions in vitro. It is a type of biological function simulator, such as fermenters, immobilized enzyme reactors, or immobilized cell reactors. It has important applications in winemaking, pharmaceutical production, concentrated jam production, fruit juice fermentation, and the degradation of organic pollutants. In recent years, with the rapid rise of the cell therapy industry, the role of bioreactors in biopharmaceutical production has been increasing. In systems such as fermenters, fixed-bed reactors, and wave reactors, periodic sampling and testing are required.

[0003] Currently available samplers are typically single-tube designs. During sampling, the dead volume in the tubing poses a significant impact and potential risk to subsequent testing. Removing the dead volume is relatively complex, usually involving using a syringe to extract the dead volume from the sampling port. After extraction, the syringe must be removed, residual liquid drained, and then the syringe used again to power the extraction of sample liquid. This process is complex and incurs high time and labor costs.

[0004] In summary, how to quickly remove residual liquid from dead volumes is an urgent problem to be solved in the development and use of bioreactors. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a sterile sampling and collection structure and testing equipment suitable for bioreactors.

[0006] According to the present invention, a sterile sampling and collection structure suitable for bioreactors is provided, comprising a negative pressure bulb, a flexible tube, and a collector;

[0007] The flexible tube includes a main tube and branch tubes, and there are multiple branch tubes, all of which are connected to the main tube. A flow limiting mechanism is installed on the branch tube, one end of the branch tube is connected to the main tube, and the other end of the branch tube serves as a sampling port.

[0008] One end of the main pipe is connected to a negative pressure ball, and the other end is connected to the reactor chamber.

[0009] Preferably, the flexible tube further includes a collection tube, and the collector includes a valve, a filter membrane, a collection chamber, a flow limiting mechanism, and a discharge tube;

[0010] One end of the collection pipe is connected to the main pipe, and the other end is connected to one end of the collection chamber;

[0011] The collection pipe is also equipped with a flow limiting mechanism; the other end of the collection chamber is connected to the discharge pipe, and the collection chamber is also connected to the valve through a filter membrane, and the valve is connected to an external air pressure regulating structure.

[0012] Preferably, the other end of the collecting tube is detachably connected to one end of the collecting chamber.

[0013] Preferably, the flow limiting mechanism includes a threaded rod, a fixed frame, an extrusion block, an upper fixed ring, and a lower fixed ring; the fixed frame has an internal accommodating space, the extrusion block, the upper fixed ring, and the lower fixed ring are all installed in the accommodating space, the upper fixed ring has a through hole, and the threaded rod is threadedly connected to the fixed frame;

[0014] One end of the threaded rod is located outside the fixed frame, and the other end passes through the through hole and is connected to the extrusion block. The extrusion block, the flexible tube, and the lower fixed ring are arranged in sequence. The extrusion block can move between the upper and lower fixed rings under the drive of the threaded rod to press or release the flexible tube.

[0015] Preferably, the diameters of the multiple branch pipes are not exactly the same.

[0016] Preferably, a Luer check valve is installed on the other end of the branch pipe.

[0017] Preferably, the main pipe is provided with a switch valve.

[0018] Preferably, the number of collectors is multiple.

[0019] Preferably, the collection chamber is a collection bag structure.

[0020] According to the experimental equipment provided by this utility model, the aseptic sampling and collection structure suitable for bioreactors is adopted.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] This invention solves the problem of dead volume residual liquid retention. The negative pressure provided by the negative pressure bulb collects the dead volume from the pipeline into the bulb, and then samples are taken from the sampling port. The operation is simple and ensures that each sample is fresh. Furthermore, this invention has multiple branches, i.e., multiple sampling ports, allowing for the use of a new sampling port each time, further improving the pollution-free and safe sampling process. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the current-limiting mechanism in its unlimited state.

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the current limiting mechanism in its current limiting state;

[0027] The diagram shows:

[0028] Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the present invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0030] This invention provides a system comprising a negative pressure ball 1, a flexible tube 7, and a collector 4. The flexible tube 7 includes a main pipe 2 and multiple branch pipes 3, all of which are connected to the main pipe 2. A flow limiting mechanism 5 is installed on each branch pipe 3. In a preferred embodiment, the closer the flow limiting mechanism 5 is to the main pipe, the better the effect of this invention. One end of each branch pipe 3 is connected to the main pipe 2, and the other end of the branch pipe 3 serves as a sampling port and is equipped with a Luer check valve 6. One end of the main pipe 2 is connected to the negative pressure ball 1, and the other end is connected to the reactor chamber, communicating with the liquid in the reactor.

[0031] The flexible tube 7 also includes a collection tube 41. The collector 4 includes a valve 42, a filter membrane 43, a collection chamber 44, a flow-limiting mechanism 5, and a discharge pipe 45. In a preferred embodiment, the collection chamber 44 is a collection bag structure. One end of the collection tube 41 is connected to the main pipe 2, and the other end is fixedly or detachably connected to one end of the collection chamber 44. When detachably connected, the operator can remove the collection chamber 44 to facilitate the transfer of liquid in the collection chamber 44 to another location. The collection tube 41 is also provided with a flow-limiting mechanism 5. The other end of the collection chamber 44 is connected to the discharge pipe. The collection chamber 44 is also connected to the valve 42 through the filter membrane 43. The valve 42 is connected to an external air pressure regulating structure, which can be a pressure control mechanism, such as an air compressor. The external pressure regulating structure controls the flow of liquid from branch pipe 3 into collection chamber 44 via main pipe 2 by increasing or decreasing the pressure in collection chamber 44. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the external pressure regulating structure can both pressurize collection chamber 44 and extract air from it, thus depressurizing collection chamber 44. When the external pressure regulating structure extracts air from collection chamber 44, liquid in the reactor chamber flows sequentially through main pipe 2 and collection pipe 41 into collection chamber 44. When it is necessary to discharge liquid from collection chamber 44, the flow limiting mechanism 5 on collection pipe 41 is closed, and the external pressure regulating structure pressurizes collection chamber 44 to discharge liquid from discharge pipe 41. In another preferred embodiment, there are two external pressure regulating structures, one for extraction and one for exhaust.

[0032] The flow limiting mechanism 5 includes a threaded rod 51, a fixed frame 52, an extrusion block 53, an upper fixed ring 54, and a lower fixed ring 55; the fixed frame 52 has an internal accommodating space, and the extrusion block 53, the upper fixed ring 54, and the lower fixed ring 55 are all installed in the accommodating space. The upper fixed ring 54 has a through hole 56, and the threaded rod 51 is threadedly connected to the fixed frame 52.

[0033] One end of the threaded rod 51 is located outside the fixed frame 52, and the other end passes through the through hole 56 and is connected to the extrusion block 53. The extrusion block 53, the flexible tube 7, and the lower fixing ring 55 are arranged in sequence. The extrusion block 53 can move between the upper fixing ring 54 and the lower fixing ring 55 under the drive of the threaded rod 51 to press or release the flexible tube 7.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the main pipe 2 is provided with a switching valve 8, which may be a flow limiting mechanism 5.

[0035] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0036] When this invention is not needed, the switch valve 8 is closed. When this invention is needed, the switch valve 8 is open.

[0037] When sampling is required using this invention, only the flow-limiting mechanism 5 on the branch to be sampled is activated, while all other flow-limiting mechanisms 5 are closed. Then, a syringe is connected to a Luer check valve 6, and pulling the syringe provides power for branch sampling. The liquid in the reactor chamber flows through the main pipe into the branch pipe and finally into the syringe. After sampling is completed on one branch, a negative pressure bulb at the end of the main pipe 2 provides a negative pressure, allowing the dead volume sample in the pipeline to be automatically collected into the negative pressure bulb. Then, sampling can be performed on another branch. Even if a negative pressure still exists in the negative pressure bulb, as long as the suction force generated by pulling the syringe is greater than the negative pressure in the bulb, the liquid in the reactor chamber will flow through the main pipe into the branch pipe and finally into the syringe, instead of flowing into the negative pressure bulb. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the negative pressure bulb 1 is large enough that even if some dead volume liquid flows into the negative pressure bulb, it will not affect the negative pressure provided by the negative pressure bulb 1. Furthermore, because the negative pressure bulb 1 can provide a negative pressure, the liquid in the negative pressure bulb 1 will not flow back into the main pipe.

[0038] When it is necessary to use this utility model to collect or transfer liquid, close the flow limiting mechanism 5 on all branch pipes 3, open the flow limiting mechanism 5 on the collection pipe 41, and then use the external air pressure regulating structure to regulate the pressure of the collection chamber 44, so as to achieve the purpose of transferring the liquid in the reactor chamber to the collection chamber 44.

[0039] In this invention, the branch pipelines connected to the main pipeline serve as sampling ports. Different sampling ports can be used multiple times to collect samples, and the collection chamber is used to collect the final collected samples. The air pressure in the collection chamber 44 is controlled by an external air pressure regulating structure and valve 42 to collect samples or to introduce samples into the next operation module through pipelines. The entire collection device can be designed with different specifications of pipelines and collection chambers to adapt to different specifications of reactor devices.

[0040] The working principle of the flow-limiting mechanism is as follows: The operator rotates the threaded rod 51, which drives the extrusion block to move downward, compressing and deforming the flexible tube, thereby achieving the function of flow limitation. Furthermore, by controlling the distance the threaded rod descends, the flexible tube can be released and the flow limited. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2-3 As shown, when the flow-limiting mechanism is in the flow-limiting state, the threaded rod of the flow-limiting mechanism is tightened to the bottom to maintain the entire collection device in a sealed state. When sampling is required, the length of the threaded rod is adjusted according to the usage requirements to perform sampling and the next operation. After sampling is completed, the threaded rod is tightened, and the extrusion block presses the flexible tube 7.

[0041] This invention solves the problem of dead volume retention during sampling. By using a negative pressure device at the tail end to collect the dead volume in the pipeline into a negative pressure bulb, samples are then taken sequentially from the side closest to the tail end. This ensures that each sample is fresh and avoids duplicate sampling. Each sampling uses a new sampling port, and the use of a negative pressure bulb at the tail end prevents duplicate sampling, ensuring sterility and safety. This invention features a collection bag structure. After the entire collection process, the harvested liquid can be collected into the collection bag via valve 42. The collection bag is connected to the pipeline, and the harvested liquid can be introduced into the next operation module via valve 42, reducing the risk of contamination, simplifying operation, and saving on the costs of secondary containers and labor for intermediate transfers. This invention can regulate the sample solution flow rate through a flow-limiting mechanism, controlling the sample volume and avoiding sample waste.

[0042] In addition, current sampling devices cannot integrate sampling and collection, necessitating the use of connection and sealing machines during the reaction process. This increases operational complexity and difficulty, requiring more operators and raising labor costs. Furthermore, the connection and sealing machines generate fumes and odors, contributing to pollution in cleanroom environments. This invention, however, incorporates a collection chamber, integrating sampling and collection for convenient and simple operation.

[0043] In summary, this invention avoids the need for sealing and connecting pipe devices, enabling rapid and aseptic sampling and testing. It automatically eliminates interference from dead volume samples in the pipeline during the sampling process through negative pressure, while also preventing secondary sampling and contamination caused by dead volume in the citation pipeline. This invention allows for multi-branch pipeline sampling, avoiding the risk of contamination from reusing the same sampling port and ensuring smooth production. The invention includes a collection chamber, integrating sampling and collection for convenient and simple operation. A flow-limiting device controls the sample flow rate, allowing for sample collection according to subsequent needs. This invention can also be designed with collection pipelines of different diameters and collection bags of different specifications based on the harvest liquid volume, suitable for different production volumes. Furthermore, it is compatible with various bioreactors and can be sold separately as a finished product.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0045] The specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above. It should be understood that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the substantive content of this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A sterile sampling and collection structure suitable for bioreactors, characterized in that, Includes a negative pressure ball (1), a flexible tube (7), and a collector (4); The flexible tube (7) includes a main tube (2) and branch tubes (3). There are multiple branch tubes (3), and all branch tubes (3) are connected to the main tube (2). A flow limiting mechanism (5) is installed on the branch tube (3). One end of the branch tube (3) is connected to the main tube (2), and the other end of the branch tube (3) serves as a sampling port. One end of the main tube (2) is connected to the negative pressure ball (1), and the other end is connected to the reactor chamber.

2. The aseptic sampling and collection structure for bioreactors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible tube (7) also includes a collection tube (41), and the collector (4) includes a valve (42), a filter membrane (43), a collection chamber (44), a flow limiting mechanism (5), and a discharge tube (45). One end of the collection pipe (41) is connected to the main pipe (2), and the other end is connected to one end of the collection chamber (44); The collection pipe (41) is also provided with a flow limiting mechanism (5); the other end of the collection chamber (44) is connected to the discharge pipe (45), and the collection chamber (44) is also connected to the valve (42) through the filter membrane (43), and the valve (42) is connected to the external air pressure regulating structure.

3. The aseptic sampling and collection structure suitable for bioreactors according to claim 2, characterized in that, The other end of the collection tube (41) is detachably connected to one end of the collection chamber (44).

4. The aseptic sampling and collection structure suitable for bioreactors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow limiting mechanism (5) includes a threaded rod (51), a fixed frame (52), an extrusion block (53), an upper fixed ring (54), and a lower fixed ring (55); the fixed frame (52) has an internal accommodating space, and the extrusion block (53), the upper fixed ring (54), and the lower fixed ring (55) are all installed in the accommodating space. The upper fixed ring (54) has a through hole (56), and the threaded rod (51) is threadedly connected to the fixed frame (52). One end of the threaded rod (51) is located outside the fixed frame (52), and the other end passes through the through hole (56) and is connected to the extrusion block (53). The extrusion block (53), the flexible tube (7), and the lower fixing ring (55) are arranged in sequence. The extrusion block (53) can move between the upper fixing ring (54) and the lower fixing ring (55) under the drive of the threaded rod (51) to press or release the flexible tube (7).

5. The aseptic sampling and collection structure suitable for bioreactors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameters of the multiple branch pipes (3) are not exactly the same.

6. The aseptic sampling and collection structure for bioreactors according to claim 1, characterized in that, A Luer check valve (6) is installed on the other end of the branch pipe (3).

7. The aseptic sampling and collection structure suitable for bioreactors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main pipe (2) is equipped with a switch valve (8).

8. The aseptic sampling and collection structure for bioreactors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of collectors (4) is multiple.

9. The aseptic sampling and collection structure for bioreactors according to claim 2, characterized in that, The collection chamber (44) is a collection bag structure.

10. A testing device, characterized in that, The aseptic sampling and collection structure suitable for bioreactors as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is adopted.

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