Screening device for acellular matrix particles

Abstract

The utility model discloses a screening device for acellular matrix particles, and relates to the technical field of biomedical material processing. The device is based on the fluidized bed principle and comprises a fluidized bed reactor, a feeding system, a fluid conveying system and a collecting system. The top of the fluidized bed reactor is connected with a discharging system, the middle is connected with a feeding system, and the bottom is connected with a fluid conveying system. The working principle of the screening device is as follows: the acellular matrix particles are input into the fluidized bed layer, the particles suspended on the fluidized bed layer can settle quickly under the action of fluid, and the particles with smaller particle size can rise along with the fluid and enter the discharging system. The device can realize accurate screening of acellular matrix particles, remarkably reduces the particle size fluctuation range, can be used for directionally preparing particles in a specific particle size interval, and has the characteristics of high efficiency, continuous production, simplicity and convenience in operation and high applicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical materials processing technology, specifically to a screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles. Background Technology

[0002] Acellular matrix (AM) is a biomaterial widely used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Obtained by removing cellular components from tissues, it retains the natural extracellular matrix structure and exhibits good biocompatibility and biomechanical properties. In practical applications, biological cell raw materials undergo processes such as alkali treatment, decellularization, dehydration, grinding, and sieving to obtain acellular matrix microparticles, which are then used for mixing with other materials or directly for tissue repair.

[0003] The particle size of decellularized matrix microparticles has a significant impact on their biological properties and application effects. Microparticles that are too small can lead to a decrease in the mechanical properties of the material, while microparticles that are too large can affect their penetration and distribution in tissues. Therefore, precise particle size screening of decellularized matrix microparticles is essential.

[0004] While commonly used sieving methods can effectively screen microparticles, the particles easily clog the sieve openings, reducing sieving efficiency and requiring frequent cleaning or replacement of the sieve, leading to a decrease in sieving accuracy. Besides sieving, other common microparticle screening methods include sedimentation and centrifugation, but these generally have drawbacks, such as low efficiency when processing large quantities of microparticles, difficulty in achieving continuous production, and large fluctuations in particle size. Within the commonly used particle size distribution D10-D50-D90 (30±15μm-115±30μm-250±50μm), excessive particle size fluctuations have many adverse effects on subsequent microparticle packaging, clinical use, and product efficacy.

[0005] Fluidized bed technology is a technique that uses a fluid (such as a gas or liquid) to suspend solid particles and create a fluidized state. In a fluidized bed, there is a vigorous interaction between the particles and the fluid, and the motion of the particles is similar to that of a fluid. Therefore, it has excellent mixing and mass transfer properties and is widely used in many industrial fields.

[0006] Chinese patent CN116807893A (publication date September 20, 2023) discloses the application of fluidized bed side-spray granulation technology in the preparation of Shunqi Huatan granules. The steps include: S1 raw material proportioning and weighing, S2 fluidized bed setting and preheating, S3 raw material input and sealing, S4 dilution of Shunqi Huatan ointment, S5 installation and sealing of peristaltic pump hose, S6 spray gun position adjustment and pressure setting, S7 granulation production, S8 granule sieving and collection, and S9 granule packaging. It employs fluidized bed side-spray granulation technology, achieving efficient preparation of Shunqi Huatan granules through precise raw material proportioning and process parameter settings, including fluidized bed setting and preheating, peristaltic pump hose installation and sealing, and spray gun position adjustment and pressure setting. While it utilizes fluidized bed drying in drug preparation, the sieving operation is performed using a vibrating sieve, which still suffers from the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0007] Chinese Patent CN116617170A (publication date August 22, 2023) discloses a method for preparing composite-encapsulated α / β anhydrous lactose microparticles, relating to the field of lactose preparation technology. Its fluidized bed unit includes a fluidized bed, the bottom of which is connected to a heating system, a fan, and an air inlet. An air outlet is also provided at the top of the fluidized bed. The heating system employs adjustable temperature and flow rate. The aim is to utilize fluidized bed technology to coat α-lactose onto the surface of β-lactose to maintain the stability of the entire lactose composite particle, while obtaining composite particles with uniform properties and controllable proportions. The purpose of applying the fluidized bed is to control the α-lactose / β-lactose ratio and the water content of the particles, thereby regulating the dissolution rate, solubility, and compressibility of the lactose composite particles, rather than to perform targeted precise sieving of particle size to improve sieving efficiency.

[0008] In view of this, this application provides a screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles. Utility Model Content

[0009] This utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0010] A screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles includes a fluidized bed reactor, a feeding system, a fluid delivery system, and a collection system. The fluidized bed reactor is connected to the discharge system at the top, the feeding system in the middle, and the fluid delivery system at the bottom.

[0011] The fluidized bed reactor has a cylindrical structure, with an internal porous plate supporting and forming the upper fluidized bed layer, in which particles are suspended. The porous plate has uniformly distributed small holes of the same diameter for fluid inlet and outlet. A particle outlet is located at the top of the fluidized bed reactor for discharging screened particles.

[0012] The feeding system includes a feeding hopper and a feeding pipe. The feeding hopper is used to store the decellularized matrix microparticles to be screened, and the feeding pipe connects the feeding hopper and the fluidized bed reactor to transport the microparticles to the upper part of the fluidized bed.

[0013] The fluid delivery system includes a fluid source, a pressure regulating valve, and a fluid distributor. The fluid source provides the fluid required by the fluidized bed reactor; high-purity nitrogen is selected based on the characteristics of the material being processed. High-purity nitrogen is delivered from the fluid source to the bottom of the fluidized bed reactor via a fluid delivery pipeline. A pressure regulating valve is installed on the fluid delivery pipeline to adjust the inlet pressure and measure the flow rate. The fluid distributor is installed at the bottom of the fluidized bed reactor to evenly distribute the fluid onto a porous plate, ensuring uniform fluid entry into the fluidized bed.

[0014] The collection system includes a cyclone separator and a collection container. The cyclone separator separates particles and gas, and the collection container collects decellularized matrix microparticles within a specified particle size range. Exhaust gas exits through an outlet above the cyclone separator, and the collection container is sealed to prevent contamination and loss of microparticles.

[0015] Furthermore, the working principle of the device is as follows: the decellularized matrix microparticles to be screened enter the fluidized bed layer of the fluidized bed reactor through the feeding system. The fluid delivery system transports the fluid to the bottom of the fluidized bed reactor and distributes it evenly onto the porous plate through the fluid distributor. After entering the fluidized bed layer, the fluid interacts with the microparticles, suspending them and forming a fluidized state. In the fluidized bed layer, intense collisions and friction occur between the microparticles and the fluid. Depending on the density and size of the microparticles, microparticles of different sizes will move at different speeds and trajectories. Larger microparticles will settle faster, while smaller microparticles will rise with the fluid. Microparticles within a specified size range enter the collection system after passing through the fluidized bed layer and are temporarily stored in the collection container.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following advantages and effects:

[0017] 1. High screening accuracy. The most commonly used sieve screening method in existing technologies suffers from significant fluctuations in particle diameter due to sieve clogging and other factors; while sedimentation and centrifugation methods also exhibit large particle size fluctuations. The screening device of this application places the particles in a suspended state, achieving precise screening of decellularized matrix particles by adjusting the fluid pressure of the fluid bed.

[0018] 2. High screening efficiency. In existing technologies, sieve screening is prone to clogging, while sedimentation and centrifugation require a long time, resulting in low screening efficiency. This application utilizes the excellent mixing and mass transfer characteristics of a fluidized bed to rapidly disperse and screen particles, greatly improving screening efficiency.

[0019] 3. Continuous Production. The most commonly used sieve screening method in existing technologies can only screen particles of a specific size based on the mesh size. If the particle size needs to be adjusted, the sieve must be replaced. The screening device of this application, by continuously adjusting the fluid pressure, can achieve continuous screening of decellularized matrix particles. Multiple screenings can be performed to obtain particles with different size gradients, such as 15μm-50μm-90μm and 110μm-150μm-200μm, meeting the needs of different applications. This eliminates the need for frequent downtime and equipment replacement, thus improving production efficiency.

[0020] 4. Simple operation. In existing technologies, screen sieving is simple to operate, but it is prone to screen clogging and requires complicated maintenance; sedimentation and centrifugation methods require longer operation times and are more complex. The sieving device of this application has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and is easy to control and maintain.

[0021] 5. High applicability. The most commonly used sieve separation method in the prior art requires changing the sieve according to different targets. The screening device of this application, by adjusting the fluid selected in the fluidized bed, can be used to screen decellularized matrix particles from different sources and processing methods, and has broad application prospects.

[0022] The above is merely an overview of the technical solution of this application. To enable the technical means of this application to be implemented according to the content of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features, and advantages of this application clearer and easier to understand, the embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will more clearly understand the above and other objects, features, and advantages of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly introduce the technical solutions of this utility model and its embodiments, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fluidized bed reactor for a screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles according to this utility model.

[0025] Reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Fluidized bed reactor; 2. Feed hopper; 3. Feed pipe; 4. Fluid source; 5. Fluid delivery pipe; 6. Fluid distributor; 7. Perforated plate; 8. Particle outlet; 9. Cyclone separator; 10. Collection container; 11. Pressure regulating valve. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this utility model without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

[0027] This embodiment provides a screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles, including a fluidized bed reactor 1, a feeding system, a fluid delivery system, and a collection system. The specific structure of the screening device is as follows:

[0028] The fluidized bed reactor 1 has a cylindrical structure and contains a fluidized bed. The fluidized bed is supported by a porous plate 7, which has multiple small holes evenly distributed on it. The top of the fluidized bed reactor 1 has a particle outlet 8, specifically as shown below. Figure 1 As shown.

[0029] The feeding system includes a feed hopper 2 and a feed pipe 3. The feed hopper 2 is used to store the decellularized matrix microparticles to be screened, and the feed pipe 3 connects the feed hopper 2 and the fluidized bed reactor 1 to transport the microparticles to the top of the fluidized bed.

[0030] The fluid delivery system includes a fluid source 4, a fluid delivery pipeline 5, and a fluid distributor 6. The fluid source 4 provides high-purity nitrogen as the fluid required for the fluidized bed. After the high-purity nitrogen is adjusted to a suitable pressure via the pressure regulating valve 11 on the fluid delivery pipeline 5, it is delivered from the fluid source 4 to the bottom of the fluidized bed reactor 1. The fluid distributor 6 is installed at the bottom of the fluidized bed reactor 1 to evenly distribute the nitrogen onto the porous plate 7.

[0031] The collection system includes a cyclone separator 9 and a collection container 10 for collecting decellularized matrix particles within a specified particle size range.

[0032] The screening process of the device is as follows: S1: The decellularized matrix microparticles to be screened are placed into the feed hopper 2 and transported to the fluidized bed through the feed pipe 3. S2: The fluid delivery system is started, and fluid is transported from the fluid source 4 to the bottom of the fluidized bed reactor 1 through the fluid delivery pipe 5, and evenly distributed onto the porous plate 7 through the fluid distributor 6. S3: After entering the fluidized bed, the fluid interacts with the microparticles, suspending them and forming a fluidized state. In the fluidized bed, there is intense collision and friction between the microparticles and the fluid. Depending on the density and size of the microparticles, microparticles of different sizes will move at different speeds and trajectories. Larger microparticles will settle faster, while smaller microparticles will rise with the fluid. S4: After passing through the fluidized bed, the microparticles enter the collection system. The cyclone separator 9 captures microparticles within a specified size range. S5: The microparticles are collected in the collection container 10 for temporary storage. After collecting particles within a specified particle size range, the collection container 10 is replaced, and the inlet pressure is adjusted via the pressure regulating valve 11 to obtain particles within another particle size range. Decellularized matrix particles of different particle size ranges can then re-enter the fluidized bed system for secondary processing, achieving finer sieving.

[0033] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and variations can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all modifications and variations are included within the protection scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. The protection scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of those claims are also included.

Claims

1. A screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles, characterized in that, include: Fluidized bed reactor (1), feeding system, fluid transport system and collection system; The fluidized bed reactor (1) is connected to the discharge system at the top, the feed system in the middle, and the fluid conveying system at the bottom.

2. The screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fluidized bed reactor (1) has a cylindrical structure, and the internal porous plate (7) supports the upper fluidized bed layer, in which the particles are suspended. The top of the fluidized bed reactor (1) is provided with a particle outlet for discharging the screened particles.

3. The screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles as described in claim 2, wherein the porous plate (7) has small holes of the same diameter evenly distributed for fluid entry and exit.

4. A screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The feeding system includes a feeding hopper (2) and a feeding pipe (3). The feeding hopper (2) is used to store the decellularized matrix microparticles to be screened. The feeding pipe (3) connects the feeding hopper (2) and the fluidized bed reactor (1) to transport the microparticles to the upper part of the fluidized bed.

5. The screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The fluid delivery system includes a fluid source (4), a pressure regulating valve (11), and a fluid distributor (6); high-purity nitrogen gas is delivered from the fluid source (4) to the bottom of the fluidized bed reactor (1) via a fluid delivery pipeline (5). A pressure regulating valve (11) is installed on the delivery pipeline to regulate the inlet pressure and measure the flow rate. A fluid distributor (6) is installed at the bottom of the fluidized bed reactor (1) to distribute the fluid evenly onto the porous plate (7) so that the fluid can enter the fluidized bed uniformly.

6. A screening device for decellularized matrix microparticles as described in claim 1, 2, 3, or 5, characterized in that: The collection system includes a cyclone separator (9) and a collection container (10), wherein the cyclone separator (9) is used to separate particles and gas, and the collection container (10) is used to collect decellularized matrix particles within a specified particle size range; The exhaust gas is discharged through the airflow outlet above the cyclone separator (9), and the collection container (10) is sealed.

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