Reaction shell structure and culture device
By incorporating a filter fan and temperature control components into the bioprinting system, the problem of inaccurate temperature and humidity control of bio-inks was solved, achieving stable preservation and efficient reaction of bio-inks and improving the reliability of experimental results.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520058537.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-11-14
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing bioprinting systems lack precision in temperature and humidity control, leading to the inactivation or denaturation of bioactive components, affecting the rheological properties and curing rate of bio-inks, and potentially causing uneven internal stress distribution and poor physicochemical properties in the printed product.
A reaction shell structure was designed, including a shell assembly, a well plate, and a culture platform unit, equipped with a filter fan and a temperature control component. The filter fan regulates humidity, and the temperature control component regulates temperature, ensuring that the bio-ink is stored and used in a suitable environment.
It enables precise control of temperature and humidity of bio-inks, reduces the loss of biomaterials due to environmental fluctuations, improves the reliability of experimental results and the activity retention rate of bio-inks, and ensures the stability of the reaction and a sterile environment.
Smart Images

Figure CN223793164U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of organoid and cell culture technology, and in particular to a reaction shell structure and culture device. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of 3D bioprinting technology, bio-inks are key materials for constructing tissue engineering scaffolds and organ models. Their reaction process is extremely sensitive to environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity.
[0003] However, existing bioprinting systems focus on improving printing accuracy and speed, while neglecting the precise control of temperature and humidity inside the reaction device. This may not only lead to the inactivation or denaturation of bioactive ingredients, affecting the rheological properties and curing rate of bio-inks, but may also cause problems such as uneven stress distribution and poor physicochemical properties in the printed product due to unstable environmental conditions. Utility Model Content
[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a reaction shell structure and a culture device that can regulate the temperature and humidity conditions inside the reaction shell structure to ensure the smooth progress of the reaction process.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, some embodiments of this utility model propose a reaction shell structure, comprising:
[0006] The housing assembly defines the receiving chamber;
[0007] The perforated plate, located within the receiving chamber, is used to contain bio-ink.
[0008] A culture platform unit is located in a receiving chamber. The culture platform unit carries a perforated plate and includes a first temperature control component connected to the perforated plate to regulate the temperature of the perforated plate.
[0009] The housing assembly also includes a filter fan, which connects the housing chamber to the external environment to regulate the humidity within the housing chamber.
[0010] In some embodiments, the orifice plate includes an upper surface wall and a lower surface wall. The upper surface wall is recessed with a plurality of receiving grooves, each of which is used to receive bio-ink. A first temperature control component is adapted to fit against the lower surface wall to adjust the temperature value of the orifice plate to a first preset range.
[0011] In some embodiments, the filter fan includes a filter screen and a flow channel. The filter screen is located at one end of the flow channel near the perforated plate, and the receiving chamber is connected to the external environment through the filter screen and the flow channel.
[0012] In some embodiments, the air vent of the flow channel is located within the receiving chamber, and the air vent of the flow channel faces the upper surface wall.
[0013] In some embodiments, the filter fan includes multiple flow channels, which are arranged at intervals, and the air inlets of the multiple flow channels all face the upper surface wall.
[0014] In some embodiments, the culture platform unit is located in the middle of the receiving chamber.
[0015] In some embodiments, the housing assembly includes an outer door panel that is at least partially transparent.
[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a culture apparatus, including the reaction shell structure of any of the above embodiments, the culture apparatus further comprising:
[0017] The first liquid guiding assembly has a first liquid guiding end for discharging bio-ink;
[0018] A first driving component is connected to a first liquid guiding component. The first driving component drives the first liquid guiding component to move so as to drop bio-ink into a specific area of the well plate.
[0019] A humidity sensor, including a sensing end that extends into a receiving chamber to monitor the humidity within the receiving chamber.
[0020] In some embodiments, the first temperature control component includes a first temperature control device, a driving device, and a second temperature control device. The first temperature control device is fixedly connected to the orifice plate to adjust the temperature of the orifice plate, and the second temperature control device is movably connected to the orifice plate. The driving device drives the second temperature control device to move to adjust the temperature of a specific area of the orifice plate.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first driving component is configured to first move the liquid guiding component toward the solution to be treated until the bio-ink at the first liquid guiding end adheres to the solution to be treated, and then move the first liquid guiding component away from the solution to be treated until the bio-ink detaches from the first liquid guiding end.
[0022] According to the above embodiments, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0023] The reaction shell structure of this invention includes a shell assembly, a perforated plate, and a culture platform unit. The shell assembly includes a filter fan. The shell assembly defines a receiving chamber, in which the perforated plate is disposed and used to contain bio-ink. The culture platform unit is disposed within the receiving chamber and supports the perforated plate. The culture platform unit includes a first temperature control component connected to the perforated plate to regulate its temperature. The filter fan connects the receiving chamber to the external environment to regulate the humidity within the receiving chamber.
[0024] The filter fan regulates the humidity of the internal environment and maintains sterile conditions by introducing filtered fresh air from the outside through air exchange. Specifically, the filter fan's precise gas flow control results in precise humidity regulation. For example, when the humidity inside the chamber is too high, increasing the exhaust gas flow while appropriately introducing dry fresh air can quickly and effectively reduce the humidity. Conversely, when the humidity is too low, reducing the exhaust gas flow and increasing the proportion of humidified air introduced can maintain suitable humidity. This regulatory capability is crucial for the specific humidity requirements of different types of bio-inks at different growth or reaction stages.
[0025] The inclusion of a filter fan helps maintain stable humidity conditions, enabling the reaction chamber structure to control both temperature and humidity, thus providing more ideal reaction and storage conditions for bio-inks. Furthermore, the filter fan design of this application allows gases generated during the reaction within the containment chamber to be promptly expelled. This maintains a pressure conducive to the reaction within the containment chamber and preserves a sterile environment, while also preventing the removal of gases generated during the reaction process from affecting the reaction progress.
[0026] Furthermore, compared to traditional humidity control devices, the filter fan in this application responds faster through direct airflow exchange. It can change the humidity of the containment chamber in a short time, reducing the risks associated with excessive humidity fluctuations in bio-inks, such as cracking due to over-drying or bacterial growth due to over-wetting.
[0027] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature control system of an organoid 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded structural diagram of the temperature control system in a 3D printer for organoids;
[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;
[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the temperature control system of an organoid 3D printer, viewed from another perspective, in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the temperature control system of the organoid 3D printer cut by the aa plane;
[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the temperature control system of the organoid 3D printer hidden behind the outer door panel in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the temperature control system of the organoid 3D printer cut by the bb plane;
[0036] Figure 8 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the first liquid guiding component and the second liquid guiding component in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] Figure 9 It is to observe from another perspective Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second liquid guiding components;
[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cultivation platform unit in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the culture platform unit cut by the cc plane.
[0040] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0041] Housing assembly 10; filter fan 101; high-efficiency filter screen 102; microscope display screen 103; outer door panel 104; rear support of cabinet 105; machine support unit 106; load-bearing feet 107; lower support of cabinet 108;
[0042] Second liquid guiding assembly 20; Vertical precision lead screw motor 201; Motor slider 202; Hydraulic block 203; Liquid injection pump 204; Liquid filling enclosure 205; Liquid filling device holder 206; Microscope 207; Microscope slide 208.
[0043] Culture platform unit 30; well plate holder 301; placement platform 302; temperature probe 303; first temperature control device 304; second temperature control device 305;
[0044] First liquid guiding assembly 40; Vertical precision lead screw motor 401; Motor slider 402; Sampling pressure block 403; Sampling injection pump 404; Sampling encapsulation shell 405; Sampling circulating water cooling generator 406; Temperature probe 407; Sampling device holder 408.
[0045] Second temperature control component 50;
[0046] First temperature control component 60;
[0047] First drive component 70;
[0048] Second drive component 80;
[0049] Orifice plate 90; receiving groove 910.
[0050] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0051] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0052] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0053] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or," "and / or," or "and / or" throughout the text implies three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where A and B are simultaneously satisfied. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0054] In today's industrial production and technological applications, the manufacturing process of organoids often involves humidity and temperature control, including humidity and temperature control during extrusion and in porous containers, to ensure successful manufacturing and shaping.
[0055] Specifically, the preparation of organoid precursors often involves mixing and extruding cells with hydrogels such as matrigel. During the mixing process, the cells are kept at a low temperature to ensure a fluid state conducive to extrusion. After extrusion, the matrigel must be cured within a temperature range of 35°C-45°C and under specific humidity conditions while maintaining cell viability to promote organoid development and maturation. Current printing devices lack a dedicated humidity control module for the organoid manufacturing process. In particular, there is a lack of design and devices for regulating humidity during extrusion, the overall ambient humidity, and the stage of the porous container. This makes it difficult to shape organoids during manufacturing and maintain the viability of cells in the prepared organoid precursors after molding.
[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 5 In some embodiments, the reaction shell structure of this application includes a shell assembly 10, a perforated plate 90, a culture platform unit 30, and a filter fan 101. The shell assembly 10 defines a containment chamber to provide a closed or semi-closed environment to protect the internal components from external interference. The perforated plate 90 is disposed within the containment chamber and is used to contain bio-ink; this design allows the bio-ink to be stored and used in a controlled environment. The culture platform unit 30 is located within the containment chamber and supports the perforated plate 90. The culture platform unit 30 is equipped with a first temperature control component 60 connected to the perforated plate 90 to regulate the temperature of the perforated plate 90, thereby ensuring that the bio-ink can be stored and used under optimal temperature conditions.
[0057] The orifice plate 90 is connected to the first temperature control component 60. When the first temperature control component 60 is working, it can transfer heat to the orifice plate 90 or absorb heat from the orifice plate 90 to regulate the temperature of the orifice plate 90. By precisely controlling the temperature, the activity retention rate of the bio-ink can be improved, the loss of biomaterials caused by temperature fluctuations can be reduced, and thus the reliability of experimental results can be improved.
[0058] One end of the filter fan 101 is connected to the containment chamber, and the other end is connected to the external environment. The humidity level within the containment chamber is adjusted by controlling the intake and exhaust of air or other gases required for the reaction, thus meeting the needs of different bio-inks. The filter fan 101 adjusts the humidity of the internal environment and maintains sterile conditions by introducing filtered fresh air from the outside through airflow exchange. The filter fan 101 helps maintain a stable humidity condition, allowing the reaction chamber structure to control not only temperature but also humidity, providing more ideal reaction and storage conditions for bio-inks. Furthermore, by incorporating the design of the filter fan 101 of this application, gases generated during the reaction within the containment chamber can be promptly discharged. This maintains a pressure conducive to the reaction within the containment chamber and preserves a sterile environment, while also venting gases generated during the intermediate reaction process to prevent these gases from affecting the reaction process.
[0059] Specifically, the gas flow control capability of the filter fan 101 provides precise humidity regulation. For example, when the humidity inside the containment chamber is too high, increasing the exhaust gas flow rate while appropriately introducing dry fresh air can quickly and effectively reduce the humidity inside the chamber. Conversely, when the humidity is too low, reducing the exhaust gas flow rate and increasing the proportion of humidified air introduced can maintain a suitable humidity level. This precise regulation capability is crucial for the specific humidity requirements of different types of bio-inks at different growth or reaction stages.
[0060] Compared to traditional humidity control devices, the filter fan 101 of this application responds faster through direct airflow exchange. It can change the humidity of the containment chamber in a short time, reducing the risks to bio-inks caused by excessive humidity fluctuations, such as cracking due to excessive drying or bacterial growth due to excessive moisture.
[0061] In some embodiments, the air inlet of the filter fan 101 is designed with a multi-layer filter structure. Specifically, the outermost layer of the air inlet of the filter fan 101 is a coarse filter with relatively large pores, which can initially block dust, large particulate impurities, and some possible foreign objects from entering the receiving chamber. Next, the inner layer is a fine filter with extremely small pores, capable of filtering out bacteria, particles, and other smaller contaminants. This design ensures the activity and quality of the bio-ink. Furthermore, the filter design of this application has good air permeability and corrosion resistance, ensuring that it will not be damaged by chemical reactions even after prolonged use. In some embodiments, the air inlet of the filter fan 101 is also equipped with a flow regulating valve, which can be operated electrically or manually. By changing the opening degree of the valve, the flow rate of air or other gases entering the receiving chamber can be precisely controlled. For example, different experimental stages or for bio-inks with different compositions may require different amounts of gas supply, and the flow regulating valve can meet these diverse needs. In summary, the multi-layered filter structure at the air inlet and the one-way valve at the air outlet work together to provide multiple safeguards for maintaining a sterile environment within the containment chamber. The multi-layered filter effectively blocks external bacteria, microorganisms, and other contaminants from entering, while the one-way valve at the air outlet prevents potentially contaminated gas from flowing back into the chamber.
[0062] In some embodiments, to enhance system stability and safety, the filter fan 101 is equipped with a pressure balancing valve and a safety relief device, such as a pressure relief valve. When the pressure inside the containment chamber rises abnormally, the safety relief device automatically opens to release excess pressure, preventing equipment damage or contamination of the bio-ink sample due to overpressure. Simultaneously, the pressure balancing valve maintains stable air pressure within the chamber while introducing fresh air, preventing impact on sensitive samples due to rapid airflow changes.
[0063] Understandably, in some embodiments, the housing assembly 10 may be made of materials with excellent biocompatibility and chemical resistance, such as stainless steel or polypropylene, to ensure stability and reliability during long-term use. The internal chamber design may include multiple vents and sealed doors. The vents are used to install the filter fan 101, and the sealed doors facilitate user replacement or maintenance of internal components under sterile conditions. The filter screen of the filter fan 101 may use HEPA high-efficiency filter media to ensure effective filtration of airborne particulate matter and microorganisms. The design of the airflow duct should ensure uniform airflow and avoid eddies or dead zones, thereby improving the quality of the sterile environment.
[0064] In some embodiments, the housing assembly 10 may be equipped with pressure sensors and temperature and humidity sensors to monitor the environmental parameters of the internal chamber in real time, ensuring that it is always in optimal condition. To improve the automation level of the system, the housing assembly 10 may also integrate an automatic disinfection function, which periodically disinfects the internal chamber using ultraviolet lamps or chemical disinfectants to further ensure a sterile environment. The bottom of the housing assembly 10 may be designed with a drainage structure to facilitate cleaning and discharging of wastewater generated during the cleaning process.
[0065] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the well plate 90 consists of an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has multiple recessed receiving grooves 910. The layout of these grooves 910 is designed to maximize the space for cell growth while ensuring the uniformity of bio-ink distribution, thereby improving the culture efficiency of the temperature control system in the organoid 3D printer. A first temperature control component 60 is mounted close to the lower surface of the well plate 90 and adjusts the temperature of the well plate 90 to a first preset range suitable for cell growth via an electric heating or cooling element. The first preset range can be 32°C to 42°C to simulate the human body environment, such as 33°C, 36°C, 37°C, 39°C, or 42°C, preferably 37°C. This structural design ensures that cells grow in a suitable temperature environment, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of the biological reaction.
[0066] The reservoirs 910 are assembled on a perforated plate 90, and the reservoirs 910 are connected to each other through the perforated plate 90. The heat received by the perforated plate 90 can be conducted between the reservoirs 910, or the temperature of the solution in each reservoir 910 can be conducted and influenced by each other through the perforated plate 90. Therefore, the design of this application can make the temperature of each reservoir 910 tend to be uniform. This design helps to ensure that the solution in each reservoir 910 has the same environmental conditions (such as temperature), which enables more accurate and efficient large-scale organoid printing, culture, reaction testing and other operations.
[0067] In some embodiments, the material of the orifice plate 90 may be selected from materials with excellent biocompatibility and thermal conductivity, such as glass and polystyrene. This not only helps cell adsorption and growth, but also effectively transfers the heat generated by the first temperature control component 60 and maintains the temperature uniformity of the orifice plate 90.
[0068] In some embodiments, the first temperature control component 60, in addition to electric heating, can also be combined with a water bath circulation system to remove or replenish heat through water flow. This method is particularly suitable for experimental scenarios requiring rapid temperature changes. Furthermore, to further improve the accuracy of temperature control, multiple temperature sensors can be arranged inside or on the surface of the orifice plate 90 to monitor temperature changes at various points in real time, so as to adjust the temperature control strategy in a timely manner.
[0069] It is understood that, in some embodiments, the number and arrangement of the wells 910 on the well plate 90 can be adjusted according to experimental requirements. For example, the well plate 90 can be designed with 96 wells, 24 wells, or 6 wells to accommodate experiments of different scales. The shape and size of the wells 910 can also be optimized according to cell type and culture conditions, such as circular, square, or elliptical.
[0070] The well plate 90 can be equipped with a lid to prevent external contaminants from entering the containment tank 910, maintaining a sterile environment. The lid can be designed with a breathable material to allow gas exchange but prevent microbial entry. Furthermore, the well plate 90 can be equipped with a marking system, such as numerical or alphanumeric markings, to facilitate quick location and recording of the position and contents of each containment tank 910 by laboratory personnel.
[0071] The orifice plate 90 can be manufactured using injection molding or blow molding to ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality. The edges of the orifice plate 90 can be designed with a wavy or serrated shape to increase grip and facilitate operation by laboratory personnel. The orifice plate 90 can also be equipped with a support to maintain its stability on the laboratory bench.
[0072] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments, the filter fan 101 includes a filter screen and a flow channel. The filter screen is installed at one end of the flow channel near the perforated plate 90, and it serves to prevent dust, microorganisms, and other impurities from the external environment from entering the receiving chamber, ensuring the cleanliness of the internal environment. The receiving chamber is connected to the external environment through the filter screen and the flow channel. This design allows filtered fresh air to enter the chamber while simultaneously expelling waste gas from the chamber, thereby effectively regulating the humidity level within the chamber. In some embodiments, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or an activated carbon filter is used to ensure optimal filtration performance.
[0073] The design of the airflow channel needs to take into account the uniform distribution of airflow. In some embodiments, the airflow channel adopts a spiral or multi-branch structure to ensure that the air can flow smoothly and evenly into the receiving chamber.
[0074] In some embodiments, to improve humidity regulation efficiency, a humidifier or dehumidifier may be provided at the inlet of the airflow channel to pre-treat the incoming air according to actual needs and further optimize the humidity conditions in the chamber.
[0075] Reference Figure 5In some embodiments, the ventilation port of the flow channel is located within the containment chamber and faces the upper surface wall. This layout allows fresh air to be directly directed towards the area containing the bio-ink on the well plate 90, helping to maintain stable humidity in that area while reducing turbulence, promoting gas exchange, and preventing excessively high local carbon dioxide concentrations from affecting the quality of the bio-ink. When fresh air enters from the ventilation port, it first contacts the space above the well plate 90 and then gradually diffuses throughout the containment chamber, creating a microclimate conducive to cell growth. This design not only improves the accuracy of humidity regulation but also reduces direct impact on the bio-ink on the well plate 90, protecting sensitive samples.
[0076] Understandably, in some embodiments, to further optimize the airflow path, the vent may not be a single opening, but rather composed of multiple small-diameter air outlets. These outlets are distributed at the end of the guide channel in a specific pattern, such as a ring arrangement or a grid distribution, to achieve a more uniform airflow distribution. The direction of the vent may also be adjusted according to different application scenarios. For example, for situations requiring a gentler airflow, the vent may be slightly tilted to reduce the intensity of direct airflow. In addition, the vent may also have a built-in small fan or airflow guide vanes to assist in controlling the airflow speed and direction, ensuring that ideal humidity regulation is achieved even under low airflow conditions. In some embodiments, to prevent condensate from dripping onto the orifice plate 90, a waterproof cover or drain may be provided around the vent to collect and guide the condensate out of the system, keeping the orifice plate 90 dry and clean.
[0077] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments, the filter fan 101 includes multiple flow channels arranged at intervals, with each flow channel's air inlet facing the upper surface wall. This multi-flow channel design allows a larger flow rate of fresh air into the containment chamber while ensuring uniform air distribution within the chamber, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of humidity control. When fresh air passes through the filter and enters each flow channel, it flows out from its respective air inlet, directly blowing towards the space above the perforated plate 90, promoting gas exchange in the area where the bio-ink is located and maintaining stable humidity in that area. Furthermore, due to the presence of multiple flow channels, even if one channel becomes blocked or malfunctions, the other channels can continue to operate, increasing system redundancy and reliability.
[0078] Understandably, in some embodiments, in order to optimize the airflow path and improve air circulation efficiency, the shape of the guide channel can be a simple straight pipe, or it can be a curved or spiral design. Such a design helps to guide the airflow in a specific direction, so that the fresh air can act more concentratedly on the bio-ink on the perforated plate 90.
[0079] Reference Figure 5In some embodiments, the culture platform unit 30 is located in the center of the receiving chamber. This arrangement takes into account space utilization and the uniformity of temperature and humidity. Placing the culture platform unit 30 in the center of the receiving chamber allows fresh air from the filter fan 101 to more easily reach the perforated plate 90 and its surrounding area, ensuring consistent environmental conditions throughout the chamber. Furthermore, the centrally located culture platform unit 30 reduces potential temperature differences caused by proximity to the chamber walls, providing a more stable temperature and humidity environment for the bio-ink on the perforated plate 90.
[0080] The first temperature control component 60 is connected to the orifice plate 90 and is used to regulate the temperature of the orifice plate 90 to ensure that the bio-ink is within its optimal operating temperature range. Placing the culture platform unit 30 in the center of the chamber also helps to reduce the influence of external factors on the temperature control component, making the temperature control process more precise and stable. Therefore, the central arrangement of the culture platform unit 30 not only optimizes the microenvironment within the chamber but also improves the overall system performance and stability, providing a reliable guarantee for the processing of bio-ink.
[0081] In some embodiments, the culture platform unit 30 itself can also be designed as a multi-layer structure, with each layer independently supporting one or more well plates 90. This allows for the processing of more bio-ink samples simultaneously, improving work efficiency. Each layer can be individually temperature-controlled via independent temperature control components to meet the different temperature requirements of different samples.
[0082] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a culture apparatus comprising the reaction shell structure of any of the foregoing embodiments. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 10 and Figure 11In some embodiments, the culture apparatus includes a first liquid guiding assembly 40, a first driving assembly 70, a well plate 90, and a first temperature control assembly 60. The first liquid guiding assembly 40 has a first liquid guiding end for discharging bio-ink, designed to allow the bio-ink to be evenly dripped into the various receiving slots 910 of the well plate 90. The first driving assembly 70 is connected to the first liquid guiding assembly 40 and functions to drive the first liquid guiding assembly 40 to move precisely, ensuring that the bio-ink is accurately dripped into designated locations. The well plate 90 is disposed below the first liquid guiding assembly 40 and consists of an upper surface wall and a lower surface wall. The upper surface wall has multiple recessed receiving slots 910, the layout of which is designed to maximize space for cell growth while ensuring uniform distribution of the bio-ink, thereby improving the culture efficiency of the culture apparatus. The first temperature control assembly 60 is mounted close to the lower surface wall of the well plate 90 and adjusts the temperature of the well plate 90 to a first preset range suitable for cell growth via an electric heating or cooling element. The first preset range can be 32°C to 42°C to simulate the human body environment, such as 33°C, 36°C, 37°C, 39°C, and 42°C, with 37°C being preferred. This structural design ensures that cells grow in a suitable temperature environment, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of biological reactions.
[0083] This invention integrates receiving tanks 910 onto a perforated plate 90, with the tanks 910 connected to each other via the perforated plate 90. Heat received by the perforated plate 90 can be conducted between the tanks 910, or the temperatures of the solutions within each tank 910 can be conducted and influence each other through the perforated plate 90. Therefore, this design enables the temperature of each tank 910 to tend towards uniformity. This design helps ensure that the solution in each tank 910 has the same environmental conditions (such as temperature), enabling more precise and efficient large-scale organoid printing, culture, and reaction testing.
[0084] Understandably, in some embodiments, the first liquid guiding assembly 40 may be equipped with a flow control valve to precisely control the flow rate of the bio-ink, thereby better adapting to different experimental needs. Furthermore, the first driving assembly 70 may employ a stepper motor or a servo motor, which possesses high-precision position control capabilities, enabling fine-tuning of the bio-ink titration position to ensure that the bio-ink is accurately dripped into each receiving slot 910 of the well plate 90.
[0085] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 11In some embodiments, the culture apparatus includes a placement platform 302, with a perforated plate 90 and a first temperature control component 60 respectively mounted on opposite sides of the placement platform 302. The placement platform 302 is recessed to form a first recess that can accommodate the perforated plate 90. Because this recessed structure shortens the distance between the perforated plate 90 and the first temperature control component 60, this design ensures stable placement of the perforated plate 90 while also helping to maintain close contact between the perforated plate 90 and the first temperature control component 60, thus improving the speed at which the first temperature control component 60 regulates the temperature of the perforated plate 90. On the side of the placement platform 302 opposite to the first recess, a second recess is formed along the opposite direction of the first recess, which is used to mount the first temperature control component 60. This design not only saves space but also shortens the distance between the first temperature control component 60 and the perforated plate 90, ensuring that the first temperature control component 60 can effectively and quickly heat or cool the perforated plate 90, guaranteeing high efficiency and stability of temperature control.
[0086] It is understood that, in some embodiments, the mounting platform 302 can be designed with a modular structure, allowing users to replace orifice plates 90 or temperature control components of different specifications according to experimental needs, thereby improving the system's flexibility and applicability. For example, orifice plates 90 and temperature control components can be quickly installed and removed via slide rails or snap-fit mechanisms, facilitating maintenance and cleaning.
[0087] The material of the placement platform 302 can be selected to have good corrosion resistance and thermal stability to cope with the chemical substances and temperature changes that may occur during the biological reaction. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a layer of thermal insulation material can be added to the bottom of the placement platform 302 to prevent heat loss and improve energy utilization efficiency. In some cases, the placement platform 302 can also be equipped with a temperature monitoring system that uses integrated temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the orifice plate 90 and the temperature control components in real time, ensuring that the entire system operates at its optimal condition.
[0088] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 11In some embodiments, the first temperature control component 60 includes a first temperature control device 304 and a second temperature control device 305. The first temperature control device 304 is fixed to the placement platform 302 and conforms to the lower surface wall of the well plate 90, used to regulate the overall temperature of the well plate 90. The second temperature control device 305 is movably connected to the placement platform 302 and can regulate the local temperature of the well plate 90. This design allows for precise adjustment of the local temperature while maintaining overall temperature control of the well plate 90, thereby better meeting the needs of different cell growth. It is understood that the movable connection of the second temperature control device 305 allows it to be configured to promptly compensate for areas of temperature imbalance. For example, if the temperature of a certain container 910 deviates from a preset value during the reaction, the second temperature control device 305 can be moved to that area to adjust the temperature of the solution in that container 910, thus correcting the reaction process in a timely manner. Of course, in some embodiments, only a portion of the orifice plate 90 is injected with bio-ink or the solution to be treated. In this case, it is only necessary to drive the second temperature control device 305 to move to the area where the container tank 910 containing the bio-ink or the solution to be treated is located, and only the temperature of this area needs to be adjusted, thereby saving power and reducing energy consumption.
[0089] Understandably, in some embodiments, the first temperature control device 304 may employ an electric heating element or a cooling element. These elements have high thermal response speed and temperature control accuracy, enabling rapid adjustment of the temperature of the orifice plate 90 to the desired range. The second temperature control device 305 may employ a small heating rod or cooling rod, achieving temperature regulation of localized areas of the orifice plate 90 by precisely controlling its position and power. For example, the second temperature control device 305 may be designed as a movable module, moving across the surface of the orifice plate 90 via a slide rail or robotic arm to cover different localized areas.
[0090] In some embodiments, the second temperature control device 305 may be equipped with a temperature sensor to monitor temperature changes in a local area in real time, ensuring the accuracy and stability of temperature control. To improve the reliability and durability of the system, the connection between the first temperature control device 304 and the second temperature control device 305 may be designed to be waterproof and dustproof to prevent liquids or dust from entering and affecting the temperature control effect.
[0091] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 11In some embodiments, the first temperature control component 60 includes a drive device connected to the second temperature control device 305. The first drive device is configured to drive the second temperature control device 305 to move relative to the well plate 90 to control the temperature of the area of the well plate 90 containing bio-ink. This design allows the second temperature control device 305 to move flexibly on the surface of the well plate 90, achieving localized temperature control in different areas, thereby better adapting to the needs of different cell growth. Furthermore, this design can compensate for areas with excessively low or high temperatures. It is understood that when only a localized temperature adjustment of the well plate 90 is needed, only the second temperature control device 305 needs to be controlled to regulate the temperature of the corresponding area, saving power and making the culture device of this application more environmentally friendly.
[0092] Understandably, in some embodiments, the drive unit may employ a stepper motor or a servo motor, which possesses high-precision position control capabilities and significant driving force, enabling precise movement of the second temperature control device 305 to the desired position. The drive unit may be equipped with a closed-loop control system, adjusting the motor's position and speed in real time via feedback signals to ensure the motion accuracy and stability of the second temperature control device 305. Furthermore, the drive unit may be designed with a modular structure for easy maintenance and replacement. For example, the drive unit may include a detachable motor module and a slide rail module, with the slide rail module mounted on the mounting platform 302. The motor module drives the second temperature control device 305 along the slide rail via a belt or lead screw. To improve system reliability and safety, the drive unit may be equipped with overload protection and emergency stop functions to prevent damage or accidents caused by unforeseen circumstances.
[0093] To facilitate the operation of the drive unit, in some embodiments, the mounting platform 302 may be equipped with guide grooves or positioning pins to ensure the stability of the second temperature control device 305 during movement, avoiding temperature control deviations caused by vibration or collisions. Furthermore, wireless communication technology can be used between the drive unit and the second temperature control device 305 to achieve remote control and monitoring, improving the system's intelligence level.
[0094] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, the mounting platform 302 includes multiple upwardly protruding stops that abut against the edges of the orifice plate 90. The design of the stops ensures the stability and precise positioning of the orifice plate 90 on the mounting platform 302, preventing displacement or tilting of the orifice plate 90 during operation. This structural design not only improves the installation accuracy of the orifice plate 90 but also enhances the overall stability of the system.
[0095] Understandably, in some embodiments, the stop can be made of an elastic material, such as silicone or rubber, to better adapt to changes in the size of the orifice plate 90, while providing a cushioning effect and reducing wear on the orifice plate 90 during installation and use. Furthermore, the stop can be designed as an adjustable structure, fixed to the mounting platform 302 by screws or clips, allowing the user to adjust the position of the stop according to different orifice plate 90 specifications to ensure precise installation. The height and shape of the stop can also be optimized according to the edge design of the orifice plate 90; for example, the stop can be designed in an L-shape or U-shape to provide better support and fixation. To further improve system reliability, anti-slip pads can be added to the surfaces of the stop that contact the orifice plate 90 to prevent the orifice plate 90 from sliding during operation. In addition, the material selection for the stop should consider biocompatibility and chemical resistance to accommodate various chemicals that may be generated during biological reactions.
[0096] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, the culture apparatus further includes a temperature probe 303, which is connected to the placement platform 302 and located on the side of the placement platform 302 opposite to the well plate 90. The temperature probe 303 is designed to monitor the temperature of the well plate 90 in real time, ensuring that the temperature of the well plate 90 remains within a first preset range. The temperature probe 303 is connected to a temperature control system controller, which can provide real-time temperature data feedback. The controller adjusts the operating state of the first temperature control component 60 based on the feedback data, thereby achieving precise temperature control. This design ensures the stability and reliability of the temperature of the well plate 90, providing an ideal environment for cell growth.
[0097] Understandably, in some embodiments, the temperature probe 303 may employ a high-precision thermocouple or resistance temperature detector (RTD). These sensors offer high temperature measurement accuracy and response speed, enabling real-time and accurate monitoring of temperature changes in the orifice plate 90. The temperature probe 303 may be designed with a detachable structure for easy periodic calibration and maintenance, ensuring its long-term accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, multiple temperature probes 303 may be deployed at different locations on the orifice plate 90 to monitor the overall temperature distribution of the orifice plate 90, ensuring temperature uniformity. Communication between the temperature probe 303 and the controller can be wired or wireless; wireless communication reduces wiring complexity and improves system flexibility.
[0098] In some embodiments, to prevent the temperature probe 303 from being affected by the external environment, a protective cover can be added around the temperature probe 303 to protect it from interference from contaminants such as dust and liquids. Furthermore, the installation position of the temperature probe 303 should be as close as possible to the lower surface wall of the orifice plate 90 to ensure the accuracy and real-time nature of temperature measurement. The material selection for the temperature probe 303 should consider biocompatibility and high-temperature resistance to adapt to the potentially high-temperature environment during biological reactions.
[0099] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the culture device includes a second temperature control component 50 connected to the liquid delivery component 40, used to regulate the temperature of the bio-ink discharged from the first liquid delivery component 40 to a second preset range. This design ensures that the bio-ink is at a suitable temperature before discharge, thereby improving cell survival rate and the efficiency of biological reactions. The second temperature control component 50 can be a separate temperature control unit connected to the first liquid delivery component 40 via a pipe to ensure the temperature stability of the bio-ink during transport.
[0100] Understandably, in some embodiments, the second temperature control component 50 may employ a water bath circulation system or an electric heating / cooling element. These temperature control elements have high temperature control accuracy and response speed, enabling them to quickly adjust the temperature of the bio-ink to the required range. A water bath circulation system uses circulating water to remove or replenish heat, making it suitable for scenarios requiring long-term stable temperatures, while an electric heating / cooling element is suitable for scenarios requiring rapid temperature changes.
[0101] In some embodiments, the second temperature control component 50 may be equipped with a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature changes of the bio-ink in real time, ensuring the accuracy and stability of temperature control. To improve the reliability and safety of the system, the second temperature control component 50 may be designed with a modular structure for easy maintenance and replacement. For example, the temperature control unit may be designed as a detachable module, connected to the liquid delivery component via a quick connector, facilitating regular inspection and maintenance by the user. Furthermore, the second temperature control component 50 may be equipped with a flow control valve to further optimize the temperature control effect by adjusting the flow rate. To prevent contamination of the bio-ink during transmission, the connecting pipe between the liquid delivery component and the second temperature control component 50 may be a disposable sterile conduit, ensuring sterility for each use. The second temperature control component 50 may also be equipped with data logging and transmission functions, transmitting temperature data to the central control system in real time via wireless communication technology, facilitating remote monitoring and management by the user.
[0102] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9In some embodiments, the first drive assembly 70 includes a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a guide rail. The motor is installed in the inner cavity of the housing assembly 10, the transmission mechanism connects the motor and the first liquid guiding assembly 40, and the guide rail guides the movement of the first liquid guiding assembly 40. When the motor starts, the transmission mechanism drives the first liquid guiding assembly 40 to move along the guide rail along a predetermined path. First, the first liquid guiding assembly 40 is driven to move towards the solution to be treated, so that the first liquid guiding end contacts the solution to be treated. At this time, the bio-ink will adhere to the surface of the solution to be treated due to capillary action. Subsequently, the motor reverses, and the transmission mechanism pulls the first liquid guiding assembly 40 back, causing the bio-ink to fall off from the first liquid guiding end, completing the fixed-point and quantitative dispensing of the bio-ink. This structural design ensures that the bio-ink can be accurately placed at the target position, while avoiding bio-ink residue. Therefore, it can further accurately control the volume of bio-ink in the container 910, improving the precision of the culture device.
[0103] The culture device described in this application can also be used in various application scenarios such as drug screening, screening of different growth and development factors, exploration of cell mechanisms, and manufacturing of multi-component tissues.
[0104] In some embodiments, the first liquid guiding assembly 40 includes a linear pump and a first liquid guiding end. The linear pump is used to store and extrude bio-ink, and the first liquid guiding end is connected to the linear pump. When the linear pump is operating, the bio-ink is ejected from the first liquid guiding end through the reciprocating motion of an internal piston. The design of the first liquid guiding assembly 40 allows for precise control of the amount of bio-ink discharged, ensuring that the volume of bio-ink discharged each time is consistent.
[0105] The first drive assembly 70, connected to the first liquid guiding assembly 40, consists of a motor and a lead screw. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate, and the lead screw drives the first liquid guiding assembly 40 to move along a first preset path. The first drive assembly 70 drives the first liquid guiding assembly 40 to move so that the bio-ink droplets suspended at the first liquid guiding end come into contact with and adhere to the previously discharged bio-ink surface. Then, the first drive assembly 70 drives the first liquid guiding assembly 40 away from the previously discharged bio-ink surface, thereby smoothly drawing the bio-ink droplets previously suspended at the first liquid guiding end away from the first liquid guiding end. This design avoids droplet residue and can precisely control the volume of bio-ink discharged by the first liquid guiding assembly 40.
[0106] It is understandable that the solution discharged by the first liquid delivery component 40 can be bio-ink. Bio-ink can include cell suspension, cell-mixed hydrogel, cell spheres, cell tissue blocks, cell fibers, cell clusters, hydrogels, DNA, etc. The corresponding material is selected according to the actual application. Through the culture device of this application, the volume of these materials discharged can be controlled more precisely, that is, the amount of materials participating in the reaction can be controlled more precisely.
[0107] It is understood that in some embodiments, the linear pump of the first liquid guiding assembly 40 can employ different driving methods, such as a pneumatic pump or an electric pump, as long as it can achieve precise dispensing of the bio-ink. For example, the parameters of the linear pump of the first liquid guiding assembly 40 can be configured as 100ul, 200ul, 500ul, 1ml, 2ml, 5ml, 10ml, 50ml, 100ml, etc., and the first liquid guiding end can be a needle with a diameter of 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, or 0.5mm.
[0108] It is understood that the volume of the bio-ink droplet discharged from the first liquid guide end is determined by the cross-sectional area and lead of the outlet. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first liquid guide end can be designed with different shapes and sizes to adapt to different types of bio-inks and experimental needs. For example, the first liquid guide end can be designed as an elongated shape to facilitate the formation of small bio-ink droplets, or as a flat shape to facilitate the formation of larger bio-ink droplets.
[0109] The motion control of the first liquid guiding component 40 by the first driving component 70 to avoid droplet residue at the first liquid guiding end can be either compensating or hovering. For example, when configured as compensating, the first driving component 70 continuously drives the first liquid guiding component 40 to move away from the surface of the bio-ink, that is, the liquid guiding component moves upward while dripping, until at the last moment, the dripped bio-ink is pulled by the surface of the bio-ink and breaks off from the first liquid guiding end, thereby achieving the effect of precisely controlling the volume of bio-ink. When configured as hovering, the first driving component 70 only needs to drive the first liquid guiding end to a preset height. As bio-ink is injected, the surface of the bio-ink rises. When it approaches the preset height, the surface of the bio-ink will contact the bio-ink droplet suspended at the first liquid guiding end, thereby breaking off the bio-ink droplet from the first liquid guiding end. Understandably, the volume of bio-ink in the container is determined by the volume of the last drop of bio-ink discharged from the first liquid guide end. The finer the volume of the last drop of bio-ink discharged from the first liquid guide end, the finer the volume of bio-ink in the container, i.e., the higher the precision. Therefore, regardless of whether a compensation-type or hovering-type system is used, it is only necessary to ensure that the last drop of bio-ink discharged from the first liquid guide end is torn off from the first liquid guide end by adsorption from the surface of the previous bio-ink liquid, thereby detaching from the first liquid guide end.
[0110] To precisely control the amount of bio-ink in the container 910, it is necessary to precisely control the height of the first liquid guide end from the surface of the bio-ink or the orifice plate 90. In some embodiments, this height is precisely controlled by a grating ruler to ensure that the accuracy of the culture device achieves the preset effect.
[0111] In some embodiments, the first temperature control component 60 includes a water-cooling generator, which can employ various cooling media, such as water, ethanol, or other coolants, to meet different temperature regulation requirements. The liquid cooling pipes can be designed in a serpentine or spiral shape to increase the contact area between the coolant and the bio-ink, thereby improving cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the first temperature control component 60 can also be equipped with a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the bio-ink in real time, ensuring that the temperature remains within a first preset range. In some embodiments, the first preset range is 4 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius; for example, the temperature can be selected as 4 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees Celsius, 6 degrees Celsius, 7 degrees Celsius, or 8 degrees Celsius.
[0112] The motor of the first drive assembly 70 can be a stepper motor or a servo motor to achieve high-precision motion control. The lead screw can be designed with different pitches to adjust the moving speed and distance of the first fluid guiding assembly 40. The first drive assembly 70 can also be equipped with an encoder to provide real-time feedback on the position information of the first fluid guiding assembly 40, ensuring that it accurately reaches the predetermined position.
[0113] Reference Figures 6 to 9 In some embodiments, the culture apparatus further includes a second liquid guiding component 20 and a second driving component 80. The second liquid guiding component 20 has a second liquid guiding end for discharging culture medium, and the second driving component 80 is connected to the second liquid guiding component 20. The second driving component 80 drives the second liquid guiding component 20 to move along a second preset path to inject the culture medium into the receiving groove 910 of the orifice plate 90.
[0114] The second liquid guiding assembly 20 is designed similarly to the first liquid guiding assembly 40, including a liquid storage container and a liquid guiding conduit. The liquid storage container is used to store the culture medium, and the liquid guiding conduit connects the liquid storage container and the second liquid guiding end. An internal pump operates to discharge the culture medium from the second liquid guiding end. The design of the second liquid guiding end ensures accurate discharge of the culture medium, avoiding over- or under-discharge.
[0115] The second drive assembly 80 consists of a motor and a lead screw. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate, and the lead screw drives the second liquid guiding assembly 20 to move along a second preset path. When the second liquid guiding assembly 20 reaches the predetermined position, the culture medium is discharged from the second liquid guiding end and injected into the receiving groove 910 of the well plate 90. This design ensures precise distribution of the culture medium and improves the efficiency and accuracy of the experiment.
[0116] It is understood that, in some embodiments, the reservoir of the second liquid-conducting assembly 20 can be made of different materials, such as stainless steel or plastic, to accommodate different types of culture media. The capacity of the reservoir can be adjusted according to experimental needs to meet experiments of different scales. The liquid-conducting conduit can be designed with different diameters and lengths to accommodate different flow rates and distances.
[0117] The motor of the second drive assembly 80 can be a stepper motor or a servo motor to achieve high-precision motion control. The lead screw can be designed with different pitches to adjust the moving speed and distance of the second fluid guiding assembly 20. The second drive assembly 80 can also be equipped with an encoder to provide real-time feedback on the position information of the second fluid guiding assembly 20, ensuring that it accurately reaches the predetermined position.
[0118] In some embodiments, the second liquid guiding assembly 20 may further include a flow divider plate having multiple flow dividers, each flow divider corresponding to a receiving tank 910. The design of the flow divider plate allows the culture medium to be injected into multiple receiving tanks 910 simultaneously, improving experimental efficiency. The shape and size of the flow dividers can be optimized according to the dimensions of the receiving tanks 910 to ensure uniform distribution of the culture medium.
[0119] In some embodiments, heating or cooling functions can be integrated into the second liquid guiding assembly 20 to regulate the temperature of the culture medium, ensuring that it reaches the required temperature conditions before being injected into the well plate 90. These improvements further enhance the reliability of the system and the accuracy of experimental results.
[0120] In some embodiments, regarding the cultivation apparatus of this application, refer to Figures 1 to 11 , specifically, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The culture device mainly consists of a shell assembly 10, a second liquid guiding assembly 20, a culture platform unit 30, a first liquid guiding assembly 40, a first temperature control assembly 60, and a second temperature control assembly 50.
[0121] The shell assembly 10 in the extrusion-type organoid 3D printer of this utility model, refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The housing assembly 10 includes a filter fan 101, a high-efficiency filter screen 102, a microscope display screen 103, an outer door panel 104, a rear support for the cabinet 105, a machine support unit 106, load-bearing feet 107, and a lower support for the cabinet 108.
[0122] The filter fan 101 in this extrusion-type organoid 3D printer features a special FFU structure, a guided airflow duct, and a uniform airflow system design. This reduces eddies, eliminates noise, and guides airflow evenly through the filter. The fan speed is controllable, and combined with the high-efficiency filter, it achieves a sterile environment throughout the entire internal structure in a short time. The microscope display screen 103 connects to the microscope via cable, allowing real-time transmission of captured video and images to the screen. The outer door panel 104 consists of two panels, made of semi-transparent black acrylic, providing a semi-transparent effect to the internal structure of the machine. The rear support 105 provides structural support and features regularly spaced ventilation holes for heat dissipation. Support units 106 are designed with central cutouts to reduce machine weight and support components, ensuring stable operation. Load-bearing feet 107 are located at the four corners of the machine, allowing for slight height adjustment of the operating platform. The lower cabinet support 108 connects to the rear cabinet support 105, and the cabinet features symmetrically distributed ventilation holes for heat dissipation.
[0123] The second liquid guiding component 20 in the bioreactor of this invention refers to... Figure 9 The second liquid guiding assembly includes a vertical precision lead screw motor 201, a motor slider 202, a hydraulic block 203, a liquid injection pump 204, a liquid filling enclosure 205, a liquid filling device holder 206, a microscope 207, and a microscope stage 208. The vertical precision lead screw motor 201 provides precise transmission, powering the liquid filling assembly's vertical movement. Transmission methods include, but are not limited to, belts, chains, and gears. The motor slider 202 is tightly fitted to the vertical precision lead screw motor 201; the forward and reverse rotation of the lead screw motor enables the slider to slide up and down. One end of the hydraulic block 203 is connected to the liquid injection pump, and the other end is connected to the liquid filling power unit. When tightly fitted with the liquid injection pump 204, the downward movement of the hydraulic block 203 causes the liquid to be injected to be squeezed out from the injection needle. The liquid injection pump 204 consists of a liquid injection push rod, a liquid injection pump housing, and an injection needle, and has good sealing properties. The size of the liquid injection pump 204 can be adjusted according to the liquid volume. The liquid filling enclosure 205 serves as a fixing unit for the liquid filling injection pump 204, providing support. The liquid filling device holder 206 serves as a fixing plate for the second liquid guiding assembly 20, and is equipped with another set of power units for pressing the liquid filling block a203, located on the back of the fixing plate.
[0124] The microscope 207 in this extrusion-type organoid 3D printer can observe the sample application and liquid addition in real time and provide real-time feedback to the system control unit. It can also perform supplementary sample application for individual wells that were not previously sampled. The microscope stage 208 can slide up and down and then be fixed, allowing adjustment of the microscope's imaging area.
[0125] The first liquid guiding component 40 in the bioreactor of this invention, as shown in the reference... Figure 9The first liquid guiding assembly includes a vertical precision lead screw motor 401, a motor slider 402, a sampling pressure block 403, a sampling injection pump 404, a sampling enclosure 405, a sampling circulating water cooling generator 406, a temperature probe 407, and a sampling device holder 408. The vertical precision lead screw motor 401 provides precision transmission and power for the up-and-down movement of the sampling assembly. Transmission methods include, but are not limited to, belts, chains, and gears. The motor slider 402 works closely with the vertical precision lead screw motor 401; the forward and reverse rotation of the lead screw motor enables the slider to slide up and down. The sampling pressure block 403 is connected to the sampling injection pump at one end and to the sampling power unit at the other. When in close contact with the sampling injection pump, the downward movement of the sampling pressure block 403 causes the sampling material to be squeezed out from the injection needle. The sampling injection pump 404 consists of a sampling push rod, a sampling pump housing, and an injection needle, and has good sealing properties. The size of the sampling injection pump can be adjusted according to the sampling volume. The sample dispensing enclosure 405 serves as the fixing unit for the sample dispensing injection pump 404, providing support and transferring temperature. The other end of the sample dispensing circulating water-cooling generator 406 is connected to a water pump, which removes excess heat through water circulation. The temperature probe 407 monitors the temperature of the dispensing area in real time. When the predetermined temperature range is reached, the temperature control module stops working; otherwise, it activates when the temperature is outside the predetermined range. The normal temperature setting is around 4 to 8 degrees Celsius. The sample dispensing device holder 408 serves as the fixing plate for the first liquid guiding assembly 40, and it houses the power unit for another set of sample dispensing pressure blocks 403, located on the back of the fixing plate.
[0126] The culture platform unit 30 in the bioreactor of this invention refers to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The cultivation platform unit includes a perforated plate holder 301, a placement platform 302, a temperature probe 303, a circulating water cooler, and a semiconductor temperature controller. The first temperature control device 304 can be configured as a circulating water cooler, and the second temperature control device 305 can be configured as a semiconductor temperature controller; alternatively, the two can be configured in reverse. The perforated plate holder 301 can hold perforated plates of different sizes and numbers of holes, fixing their positions through surrounding holes. The placement platform 302 houses the perforated plate holder 301 on top and connects to the first temperature control component 60 below. Its material has good thermal conductivity, allowing it to promptly transmit the temperature regulated by the first temperature control component 60 to the perforated plate 90. The temperature probe 303 monitors the temperature of the placement platform 302 in real time. When the predetermined temperature range is reached, the first temperature control component 60 stops working; otherwise, if the temperature is outside the predetermined range, the temperature control module activates. The normal temperature setting is around 37 degrees Celsius. The other end of the circulating water cooler is connected to a water pump, which circulates water to remove excess heat. The semiconductor temperature controller has a cooling function on one end and a heating function on the other. The heating surface can be attached to the mounting platform 302 to transfer the temperature to the orifice plate 90.
[0127] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this utility model and the contents of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A reaction shell structure, characterized in that, include: The housing assembly defines the receiving chamber; A perforated plate, disposed within the receiving chamber, is used to contain bio-ink. A culture platform unit is disposed in the receiving chamber, the culture platform unit carries the well plate, and the culture platform unit includes a first temperature control component connected to the well plate to adjust the temperature of the well plate; The housing assembly also includes a filter fan, which connects the housing chamber to the external environment to regulate the humidity within the housing chamber.
2. The reaction shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orifice plate includes an upper surface wall and a lower surface wall. The upper surface wall is recessed with a plurality of receiving grooves, each of which is used to receive the bio-ink. The first temperature control component is adapted to fit against the lower surface wall to adjust the temperature value of the orifice plate to a first preset range.
3. The reaction shell structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter fan includes a filter screen and a flow guide channel. The filter screen is located at one end of the flow guide channel near the perforated plate. The receiving chamber is connected to the external environment through the filter screen and the flow guide channel.
4. The reaction shell structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air exchange port of the flow guide channel is located in the receiving chamber, and the air exchange port of the flow guide channel faces the upper surface wall.
5. The reaction shell structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter fan includes multiple flow channels, which are arranged at intervals, and the air exchange ports of the multiple flow channels all face the upper surface wall.
6. The reaction shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The culture platform unit is located in the middle of the containing chamber.
7. The reaction shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes an outer door panel, which is at least partially transparent.
8. A culture device, characterized in that, The culture apparatus includes the reaction shell structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and further includes: The first liquid guiding component has a first liquid guiding end for discharging the bio-ink; A first driving component is connected to the first liquid guiding component. The first driving component drives the first liquid guiding component to move so as to drop the bio-ink into a specific area of the well plate. A humidity sensor, including a sensing end that extends into the receiving chamber to monitor the humidity within the receiving chamber.
9. The culture apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first temperature control component includes a first temperature control device, a driving device, and a second temperature control device. The first temperature control device is fixedly connected to the orifice plate to adjust the temperature of the orifice plate. The second temperature control device is movably connected to the orifice plate. The driving device drives the second temperature control device to move to adjust the temperature of a specific area of the orifice plate.
10. The culture apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first driving component is configured to first move the liquid guiding component toward the solution to be treated until the bio-ink at the first liquid guiding end adheres to the solution to be treated, and then move the first liquid guiding component away from the solution to be treated until the bio-ink detaches from the first liquid guiding end.