Colon bioreactor for simulating digestive system in vitro

Abstract

The utility model relates to a colon bioreactor for simulating a digestive system in vitro. The colon bioreactor comprises a flexible pipeline, each of the first extrusion assembly and the second extrusion assembly comprises a screw rod, a screw rod nut in threaded connection with the screw rod, a driver for driving the screw rod to rotate, an extrusion plate connected with the screw rod and a guide rod connected with the extrusion plate, and the guide rod and the screw rod are arranged in parallel; the extrusion plate of the first extrusion assembly and the extrusion plate of the second extrusion assembly are arranged on the two sides of the flexible pipeline in a right-facing mode correspondingly, and the extrusion plate of the first extrusion assembly and the extrusion plate of the second extrusion assembly move in the opposite directions. According to the utility model, a crank mechanism is replaced by the screw rod mechanism to push the plurality of extrusion plates, so that the stroke of the extrusion plates is increased, the flexible pipeline is extruded at different depths, and the mixing effect of a solid-liquid mixture is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of in vitro digestive system technology, and in particular to a colon bioreactor for simulating an in vitro digestive system. Background Technology

[0002] Fermenters are mainly used for the cultivation of microorganisms and consist primarily of a rigid tank body, a stirrer, various sensors, and an air supply system. Existing fermenters often use a stirring mechanism consisting of a paddle and a motor. However, the paddle cannot effectively mix high-viscosity solid-liquid mixtures, hindering microbial growth. Patent CN112852603A discloses a biomimetic colon bioreactor that uses a peristaltic drive device to simulate compression and achieve flexible wall contraction. This makes the contraction of the flexible wall more closely resemble the structure of the human large intestine, and the mixing effect of peristaltic contraction is more comprehensive and uniform than that of a stirring paddle. However, this peristaltic drive device mainly consists of a compression plate and a crank mechanism. The movement distance of the crank mechanism is relatively fixed and limited, making it impossible to achieve varying degrees of compression of the flexible wall by the compression plate. Therefore, the mixing effect of peristaltic contraction needs further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the problem that the movement distance of the crank mechanism of the peristaltic drive device in the prior art is relatively fixed and limited, which makes it impossible for the extrusion plate to extrude different degrees of pressure on the flexible wall. In this way, a colon bioreactor for simulating the digestive system in vitro is provided. By replacing the crank mechanism with a screw mechanism to drive multiple extrusion plates, the stroke of the extrusion plates is increased, and extrusion of the flexible pipe to different depths is achieved, thereby improving the mixing effect of solid-liquid mixture.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a colon bioreactor for simulating the digestive system in vitro, comprising:

[0005] Flexible pipes;

[0006] The first extrusion assembly and the second extrusion assembly each include a lead screw, a lead screw nut threadedly connected to the lead screw, a driver for driving the lead screw to rotate, an extrusion plate connected to the lead screw, and a guide rod connected to the extrusion plate. The guide rod is arranged parallel to the lead screw. The extrusion plates of the first extrusion assembly and the extrusion plates of the second extrusion assembly are respectively arranged facing each other on both sides of the flexible pipe. The extrusion plates of the first extrusion assembly and the extrusion plates of the second extrusion assembly move towards each other.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, a hot air blower assembly is further provided directly below the flexible pipe, and the hot air blower assembly blows hot air upwards to the bottom of the flexible pipe.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a gas control component is further provided at the top of the flexible pipe, the gas control component including an aerobic pipe and an anaerobic pipe both connected to the upper end of the flexible pipe.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a rigid connector is further included, which is connected to the upper end of the flexible pipe. The side of the rigid connector is provided with a plurality of probe holes that penetrate the interior of the rigid connector.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, a pH measurement and control component and an oxygen content measurement and control component are disposed on the side of the flexible pipe, wherein the pH measurement and control component and the oxygen content measurement and control component extend into the interior of the flexible pipe from the probe hole, respectively.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a temperature measurement and control component is further provided at the top of the flexible pipe. The temperature measurement and control component includes a first temperature probe that extends into the interior of the flexible pipe.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature measurement and control component further includes a second temperature probe, which is disposed outside the flexible pipe.

[0013] In one embodiment of this utility model, a peristaltic pump connected to the upper end of the flexible pipe via a pipeline is also included. The peristaltic pump includes an acid pump, an alkali pump, a feed pump, and a standby pump.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first extrusion components and a plurality of second extrusion components are included, wherein the plurality of first extrusion components are distributed along the length direction of the flexible pipe, and the plurality of second extrusion components are distributed along the length direction of the flexible pipe.

[0015] In one embodiment of this utility model, the flexible pipe is arranged vertically.

[0016] Both the first extrusion assembly and the second extrusion assembly are provided with a base, the lead screw nut is fixedly connected to the base, and the driver is disposed on the base.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The colon bioreactor for simulating the digestive system in vitro described in this utility model has a driver that drives a lead screw to rotate. The rotation of the lead screw causes the extrusion plate to move linearly along a guide rod, greatly extending the movement distance of the extrusion plate and thus increasing the extrusion depth. This allows for different degrees of extrusion on the wall of the flexible pipe, improving the peristaltic effect of the solid-liquid mixture. The extrusion plates of the first extrusion assembly and the second extrusion assembly extrude from both sides of the flexible pipe, realistically simulating the peristaltic contraction of the human body structure, further improving the mixing effect of the solid-liquid mixture. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the colon bioreactor used for simulating an in vitro digestive system in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the flexible pipe, pH control component, oxygen content control component, and first temperature probe.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the first extrusion assembly.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of the first extrusion assembly is shown.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 1. Flexible pipe; 2. First extrusion assembly; 3. Second extrusion assembly; 4. Hot air blower assembly; 5. Base; 6. pH control assembly; 7. Oxygen content control assembly; 8. Second temperature probe; 9. First temperature probe; 10. First motor; 11. Second motor; 12. Guide rod; 13. First lead screw; 14. First extrusion plate; 15. Second extrusion plate; 16. Base; 17. Fixing plate; 18. Transmission belt; 19. Rigid connector; 20. Second lead screw; 21. Guide sleeve; 22. First transparent reaction vessel. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, a colon bioreactor for simulating the digestive system in vitro is disclosed, comprising,

[0027] Flexible pipe 1, made of flexible material, is used to simulate the structure of a fermenter. Flexible pipe 1 is equipped with a feed inlet for feeding fermentation raw materials.

[0028] The first extrusion assembly 2 and the second extrusion assembly 3 each include a lead screw, a lead screw nut threadedly connected to the lead screw, a driver for driving the lead screw to rotate, an extrusion plate connected to the lead screw, and a guide rod 12 connected to the extrusion plate. The guide rod 12 is arranged parallel to the lead screw, ensuring smooth movement of the extrusion plate. When the driver drives the lead screw to rotate, since the lead screw nut is fixed, the lead screw and the lead screw nut cooperate to convert the rotation of the lead screw into linear movement of the lead screw. The lead screw drives the extrusion plate to move linearly, which can reduce the burden on the driver. The extrusion plate of the first extrusion assembly 2 and the extrusion plate of the second extrusion assembly 3... The extrusion plates are respectively positioned opposite each other on both sides of the flexible pipe 1, with the side with the largest area of ​​the extrusion plate facing the flexible pipe 1. When the extrusion plates of the first extrusion assembly 2 and the second extrusion assembly 3 move towards each other, the two extrusion plates extrude the flexible pipe 1, and the flexible pipe 1 is in a compressed state. When the extrusion plates of the first extrusion assembly 2 and the second extrusion assembly 3 move in opposite directions, the two extrusion plates release the flexible pipe 1, and the flexible pipe 1 is in a released state. By continuously extruding the sidewall of the flexible pipe 1, the fermentation raw materials in the flexible pipe 1 are mixed evenly and thoroughly.

[0029] Driven by the actuator, the rotation of the lead screw is converted into the linear movement of the extrusion plate along the guide rod 12. The lead screw greatly extends the movement distance of the extrusion plate, which can achieve extrusion of the flexible pipe 1 to different depths. The two extrusion plates can work together to extrude different degrees of extrusion of the flexible pipe 1, ensuring that the fermentation raw materials are fully mixed.

[0030] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the driver is preferably a motor, and the output end of the motor and the lead screw are driven by a transmission belt 18.

[0031] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the first extrusion assembly 2 and the second extrusion assembly 3 are both provided with a base, the lead screw nut is fixedly connected to the base, and the driver is disposed on the base.

[0032] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the base is further provided with a fixing plate 17, the fixing plate 17 is provided with a through hole, and the lead screw and the guide rod 12 both pass through the through hole. The fixing plate 17 can improve the stability of the lead screw and the guide rod 12.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, a guide sleeve 21 is further included, which is sleeved on the guide rod 12 and is fixedly connected to the fixing plate 17.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 As shown, it further includes a hot air blower assembly 4 located directly below the flexible pipe 1. The hot air blower assembly 4 includes a hot air blower, which is used to blow hot air upwards to the bottom of the flexible pipe 1, so that the heat can be transferred faster and more evenly inside the flexible pipe 1. The hot air blower is a forced convection heating, which makes the temperature inside the flexible pipe 1 and the heating environment outside the flexible pipe 1 closer.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 As shown, the system further includes a gas control assembly disposed at the top of the flexible pipe 1. The gas control assembly includes an aerobic pipe, an anaerobic pipe, a solenoid valve, and a program unit. Both the aerobic pipe and the anaerobic pipe extend into the interior of the flexible pipe 1 from the top. The aerobic pipe is used to supply the required oxygen into the flexible pipe 1 to promote the aerobic reaction; the anaerobic pipe is used to supply nitrogen into the flexible pipe 1 to promote the anaerobic reaction. The solenoid valve and the program unit are used to control the closing of the aerobic pipe and the anaerobic pipe.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 As shown, it further includes a rigid connector 19 fixedly connected to the upper end of the flexible pipe 1. The rigid connector 19 is a metal part with an internal channel and openings at both the upper and lower ends. The lower opening of the rigid connector 19 is fixed to the upper end of the flexible pipe 1 by a clamp. The side of the rigid connector 19 is also provided with multiple probe holes that penetrate the internal channel of the rigid connector 19. The probe holes are used to facilitate the measurement instruments to detect the experimental environment inside the flexible pipe 1.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the system further includes a pH control component 6 and an oxygen content control component 7 disposed on the side of the flexible pipe 1. The pH control component 6 includes a pH meter for measuring the acidity or alkalinity inside the flexible pipe 1, and the oxygen content control component 7 includes a dissolved oxygen probe for detecting the oxygen content inside the flexible pipe 1. During the experiment, the experimenter inserts the pH meter and dissolved oxygen probe into the interior of the flexible pipe 1 through the probe hole, so that the pH meter and dissolved oxygen probe measure the pH value and oxygen content inside the flexible pipe 1 from the side of the flexible pipe 1. This not only brings the pH meter and dissolved oxygen probe closer to the sample, but also overcomes the defect that the pH value of the sample can only be measured when the equipment is squeezed, realizes the continuity of sample data, reduces sample loss, and saves sample costs.

[0038] Furthermore, the rigid connector 19 has two metal tubes on its side that are inserted into the probe hole from the outside. The pH meter and the dissolved oxygen probe respectively pass through the two metal tubes and extend into the interior of the flexible pipe 1. The hardness of the two metal tubes is greater than that of the wall of the flexible pipe 1, which can prevent the peristaltic contraction of the flexible pipe 1 from causing deformation or loosening of the rigid connector 19, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the pH measurement and control component 6 and the oxygen content measurement and control component 7.

[0039] In one embodiment of this utility model, the through hole is further sealed by a sealing element to prevent impurity gas from entering the interior of the flexible pipe 1.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 As shown, it further includes a temperature monitoring and control component disposed at the top of the flexible pipe 1. The temperature monitoring and control component includes a first temperature probe 9, which extends into the flexible pipe 1 to accurately monitor the reaction temperature inside the flexible pipe 1, so as to adjust the temperature inside the flexible pipe 1 and improve the fermentation effect.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the temperature measurement and control component further includes a second temperature probe 8, which is disposed on the outside of the flexible pipe 1 to accurately detect the temperature outside the flexible pipe 1 so as to monitor the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the flexible pipe 1.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 As shown, it further includes a peristaltic pump connected to the upper end of the flexible pipe 1 via a pipe. The peristaltic pump includes an acid pump, an alkali pump, a feeding pump, and a standby pump. Therefore, acidic and alkaline substances and fermentation raw materials can be introduced into the flexible pipe 1 through the peristaltic pump, thereby changing the pH level in the flexible pipe 1 and rapidly feeding materials. It can also automatically feed and drain liquids.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, further, it includes multiple first extrusion components 2 and multiple second extrusion components 3. The multiple first extrusion components 2 are distributed along the length direction of the flexible pipe 1, and the multiple second extrusion components 3 are distributed along the length direction of the flexible pipe 1. Multiple extrusion plates are used to extrude the pipe wall at different positions on both sides of the flexible pipe 1 to achieve different degrees of extrusion on the pipe wall of the flexible pipe 1.

[0044] Reference Figure 1As shown, further, it includes two first extrusion assemblies 2 located on the same side of the flexible pipe, and two second extrusion assemblies 3 located on the same side of the flexible pipe; specifically, the first motor 10 drives the first lead screw 13 and the first extrusion plate 14 to move linearly, and the second motor 11 drives the second lead screw 20 and the second extrusion plate 15 to move linearly. Both first extrusion assemblies 2 are mounted on the same base 16. Therefore, the first extrusion plate 14 and the second extrusion plate 15 can simultaneously or separately extrude the same side of the flexible pipe 1. Similarly, both second extrusion assemblies 2 are mounted on the same base, and the two extrusion plates of the two second extrusion assemblies 2 can simultaneously or separately extrude the same side of the flexible pipe 1.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the flexible pipe 1 is further arranged vertically to ensure that the fermentation raw materials are in full contact.

[0046] Furthermore, it also includes a control system, which is used to control the first extrusion assembly 2, the second extrusion assembly 3, the pH measurement and control assembly 6, the oxygen content measurement and control assembly 7, and the temperature measurement and control assembly. The control system also includes a control terminal such as a PC, which facilitates the experimenters to control the experimental process.

[0047] Furthermore, it also includes a machine base 5, on which the first extrusion assembly 2, the second extrusion assembly 3, and the flexible pipe 1 are all mounted.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the system further includes a first transparent reaction container 22 and a second transparent reaction container. The first transparent reaction container 22 is located at the upper end of the flexible pipe 1, and the first transparent reaction container 22 and the flexible pipe 1 are nested inside the second transparent reaction container. The bottom of the first transparent reaction container 22 is provided with a feed port that connects to the upper opening of the rigid connector 19. The upper opening and the feed port are fixedly connected by a clamp. The top of the first transparent reaction container 22 is provided with two temperature probe holes, four peristaltic pump inlet holes, two gas pipeline inlet holes, one sample inlet, and one gas outlet. The first temperature probe 9 extends into the interior of the first transparent reaction container 22 and the interior of the flexible pipe 1 through one temperature probe hole to monitor the temperature inside the first transparent reaction container 22. The second temperature probe 8 is located between the first transparent reaction container 22 and the second transparent reaction container to monitor the temperature outside the flexible pipe 1. The four pipes that connect to the acid pump, alkali pump, feed pump, and standby pump are respectively inserted into the interior of the first transparent reaction container 22 through the four sample inlet holes.

[0049] The working principle of the colon bioreactor for simulating the digestive system in vitro described in this utility model is as follows:

[0050] A certain amount of sample is placed into the flexible pipe 1. The control system sets the moving distance and extrusion frequency of the extrusion plate on the same side. The reactor is then started by clicking the control terminal. The hot air blower assembly 4 begins to heat the bottom of the flexible pipe 1. The motors of the first extrusion assembly 2 and the second extrusion assembly 3 drive the lead screw to rotate clockwise. The extrusion plate moves forward about 10-50mm to extrude the flexible pipe 1. After the extrusion plate reaches the preset depth, the motors of the first extrusion assembly 2 and the second extrusion assembly 3 drive the lead screw to rotate counterclockwise. The extrusion plate moves backward a corresponding distance, releasing the flexible pipe 1. The extrusion plate repeats this step within a set time until the fermentation raw materials in the flexible pipe 1 are mixed evenly and thoroughly. After the extrusion is completed, the experiment is ended by clicking "close" on the control terminal, and the data is automatically saved.

[0051] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of the digestive system, characterized in that, Comprising, a flexible pipe; a first extrusion assembly and a second extrusion assembly, each comprising a screw rod, a screw nut threadedly connected to the screw rod, a driver driving the screw rod to rotate, an extrusion plate connected to the screw rod, and a guide rod connected to the extrusion plate, the guide rod being arranged in parallel with the screw rod, the extrusion plate of the first extrusion assembly and the extrusion plate of the second extrusion assembly being arranged opposite to each other on two sides of the flexible pipe, and the extrusion plate of the first extrusion assembly and the extrusion plate of the second extrusion assembly moving towards each other.

2. A colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of a digestive system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising a hot air blower assembly arranged below the flexible pipe, and the hot air blower assembly blowing hot air upward to the bottom of the flexible pipe.

3. The colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of a digestive system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising a gas control assembly, the gas control assembly comprising an aerobic pipe and an anaerobic pipe both communicating with the upper end of the flexible pipe.

4. The colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of a digestive system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising a rigid connector connected to the upper end of the flexible pipe, the rigid connector being provided with a plurality of probe holes penetrating through the interior of the rigid connector.

5. A colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of a digestive system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Further comprising a pH measurement and control assembly and an oxygen content measurement and control assembly arranged on the side of the flexible pipe, the pH measurement and control assembly and the oxygen content measurement and control assembly respectively extending into the interior of the flexible pipe from the probe holes.

6. The colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of a digestive system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising a temperature measurement and control assembly arranged on the top of the flexible pipe, the temperature measurement and control assembly comprising a first temperature probe extending into the interior of the flexible pipe.

7. A colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of a digestive system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The temperature measurement and control assembly further comprises a second temperature probe arranged outside the flexible pipe.

8. The colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of a digestive system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising a peristaltic pump communicating with the upper end of the flexible pipe through a pipe, the peristaltic pump being arranged as one of an acid pump, an alkali pump, a feeding pump, and a standby pump.

9. The colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of a digestive system according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible pipe is vertically arranged.

10. The colonic bioreactor for in-vitro simulation of a digestive system according to claim 1, characterized in that, ​

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