Modular microbial culture device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of microorganism culture devices, in particular to a modularized microorganism culture device which comprises a base plate, a magnifying lens, a culture container, an adjusting cover plate and a modularized differentiation module, through collaborative design of the liftable adjusting cover plate and the modular differentiation module, flexible adjustment of the space between culture containers is achieved, and compared with a traditional fixed interlayer structure, the space utilization rate is increased; the annularly-distributed heating plates are of a nested heating ring structure and can be matched with culture containers with different diameters, energy waste caused by a traditional single heating plate is avoided, the modular differentiation module integrates a temperature sensor, an air pipe and an infusion pipe, each culture container can independently regulate and control the temperature, air components and nutrient supply, the single environment limitation of a traditional device is broken through, and the device is simple in structure and convenient to use. The uniform distribution rod is combined with the detachable stirring blades, so that customized mixing of culture media with different viscosities is realized, the problem of poor adaptability of a traditional stirrer is solved, and the overall culture effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microbial culture device technology, and in particular to a modular microbial culture device. Background Technology

[0002] Microbial culture refers to the technical process of enabling specific microorganisms to grow and reproduce by artificially preparing culture media and controlling environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, and oxygen. Its core function is to isolate, study, and utilize microorganisms, and it requires placing them in a microbial culture device to simulate the microbial growth environment.

[0003] Meanwhile, traditional culture devices typically use metal or plastic shells, and the internal culture chambers employ a fixed partition design with non-adjustable partition spacing. The entire chamber forms a single environmental unit, making it impossible to achieve zoned control of temperature, humidity, or gas composition, thus affecting the overall culture effect. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the limitations of traditional culture devices that typically use metal or plastic shells with internal culture chambers and fixed partition spacing, where the internal culture chambers employ a fixed partition design with non-adjustable partition spacing, and the entire chamber forms a single environmental unit that cannot achieve zoned control of temperature, humidity, or gas composition, this utility model provides a modular microbial culture device.

[0005] The technical solution is as follows: A modular microbial culture device, including a chassis, magnifying glasses, culture containers, an adjusting cover, and modular differentiation modules; the chassis is used to support the whole and maintain stability. Several sets of magnifying glasses for observing the culture containers are arranged circumferentially at the outer end of the chassis. Several sets of culture containers for microbial culture are arranged circumferentially on the chassis. An adjusting cover that can be raised and lowered and modularly adjusted according to the size of the culture containers is provided on the top of the chassis. Several sets of modular differentiation modules for modular adjustment of microbial culture are arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the adjusting cover.

[0006] Furthermore, the chassis is provided with several sets of heating plates for placing culture containers of different sizes. Each heating plate includes several sets of heating rings that are nested together and connected to each other. A groove is formed between two sets of heating rings. Several sets of lights are distributed on the heating rings. A partition ring is provided around the heating plate.

[0007] Furthermore, a heating module is electrically connected to the bottom of the heating plate, and a support plate is fixed to the bottom of the chassis. Several sets of extension plates are arranged circumferentially at the outer end of the support plate, and a positioning groove is opened in the center of the extension plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the center of the adjusting cover is provided with a telescopic sleeve, and the top of the telescopic sleeve is connected with a tension adjustment bolt. Several sets of telescopic sleeves are connected in sequence. The center of the adjusting cover is provided with a main control box that is electrically connected to the modular differentiation module. Several sets of sleeves that are synchronously telescopically adjusted with the telescopic sleeves are provided around the outer end of the adjusting cover. Several sets of sleeves are connected in sequence.

[0009] Furthermore, the outer end of the main control box is provided with several sets of transmission cables, and the main control box is equipped with a wireless module. The top of the wireless module is electrically connected to an indicator switch, and the bottom of the lowest telescopic sleeve is connected to a positioning post.

[0010] Furthermore, the sleeve is composed of several sets of sleeves connected in sequence. The sleeve has a transparent structure. The top of the sleeve is equipped with a disinfection lamp controller. Inside the sleeve, there are several sets of UV lamps connected to the disinfection lamp controller. The bottom of the sleeve is connected to a counterweight column, and the bottom of the counterweight column is equipped with a vibration sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, the modular differentiation module includes a positioning sleeve, a rotating rod at the center of the positioning sleeve, a controller connected to the top of the rotating rod, a temperature sensor connected to the outer end of the controller, and air pipes and infusion pipes respectively passing through the two sides of the positioning sleeve, with several sets of liquid holes opened on the infusion pipes.

[0012] Furthermore, a distributing rod is fitted onto the outer end of the rotating rod, and several sets of slots are circumferentially opened on the outer end of the distributing rod. Modularly detachable stirring blades are provided on the distributing rod inside the slots.

[0013] The beneficial effects are: This utility model realizes the flexible adjustment of the spacing between culture containers through the collaborative design of the adjustable cover plate and the modular differentiation module, which improves the space utilization rate compared with the traditional fixed partition structure;

[0014] The circumferentially distributed heating plates adopt a nested heating ring structure, which can be adapted to culture containers of different diameters, avoiding the energy waste caused by traditional single heating plates. The modular differentiation module integrates temperature sensors, gas tubes and infusion tubes. Each culture container can independently adjust the temperature, gas composition and nutrient supply, breaking through the single environment limitation of traditional devices.

[0015] The combination of a mixing rod and detachable stirring blades enables customized mixing of culture media with different viscosities, solving the problem of poor adaptability of traditional stirrers. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the modular microbial culture device of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the chassis of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the adjusting cover plate of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the adjusting cover plate of this utility model from another angle;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the modular differentiation module of this utility model.

[0021] In the attached diagram, the following are the reference numerals: 1. Chassis; 2. Magnifying glass; 3. Culture container; 4. Adjustable cover; 5. Modular differentiation module; 101. Support plate; 102. Heating module; 103. Extension plate; 104. Positioning groove; 105. Heating plate; 106. Ring groove; 107. Light lamp; 108. Partition ring; 401. Sleeve; 402. Disinfection lamp controller; 403. Main control box; 404. Conveyor cable; 405. Indicator switch; 406. Tightening bolt; 407. Telescopic sleeve; 408. Positioning column; 409. Counterweight column; 410. Vibration sensor; 501. Rotating rod; 502. Distributing rod; 503. Slot; 504. Stirring blade; 505. Infusion tube; 506. Gas tube; 507. Liquid hole; 508. Sub-controller; 509. Temperature sensor; 510. Positioning sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] Background and current status of microbial culture technology

[0024] Basic concepts of microbial culture

[0025] Microbial culture refers to the technical process of artificially preparing culture media and precisely controlling environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, and humidity to enable target microorganisms to grow and reproduce under suitable conditions. The core functions of this technology include:

[0026] Microbial isolation and purification: screening specific bacterial strains from complex samples (such as soil, water, and human tissue).

[0027] Microbial research: exploring the physiological characteristics, metabolic pathways, and genetic mechanisms of microorganisms.

[0028] Industrial applications: Used in the production of biological products such as antibiotics, enzyme preparations, and probiotics.

[0029] Microbial culture needs to be carried out in microbial culture devices to simulate their natural growth environment or optimize their growth conditions. Traditional culture devices mainly include incubators, fermenters, anaerobic culture systems, etc., and their design goal is to provide a stable growth environment for microorganisms.

[0030] Structure and working principle of traditional microbial culture devices

[0031] Main types of traditional culture devices

[0032] constant temperature incubator

[0033] Structure: Metal or plastic casing, built-in heating wire or compressor refrigeration system, equipped with a thermostat.

[0034] Working principle: Maintain a constant temperature by heating or cooling (e.g., 37°C for bacterial culture).

[0035] limitation:

[0036] It can only control a single temperature, and cannot control different zones.

[0037] Humidity depends on natural evaporation and is difficult to control precisely.

[0038] Shaking incubator (oscillation culture)

[0039] Structure: A constant temperature chamber with an oscillation platform for liquid culture.

[0040] Working principle: Mechanical vibration (50-300 rpm) increases dissolved oxygen levels, promoting microbial growth.

[0041] limitation:

[0042] This is only applicable to liquid culture; solid culture requires separate equipment.

[0043] Independent environmental control for different culture flasks cannot be achieved.

[0044] Anaerobic culture system

[0045] Structure: Sealed container, equipped with a gas replacement device (such as vacuuming + nitrogen filling).

[0046] Working principle: Creates an oxygen-free environment through chemical deoxygenators or gas replacement.

[0047] limitation:

[0048] The operation is complex and requires frequent gas replacement.

[0049] It is impossible to culture both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms at the same time.

[0050] Fermentation tank (industrial-grade culture)

[0051] Structure: Stainless steel tank, equipped with a stirring system, pH / dissolved oxygen sensor, and aeration device.

[0052] Working principle: Microbial growth is optimized through stirring, aeration, and feeding.

[0053] limitation:

[0054] Due to its large size, it is only suitable for large-scale cultivation.

[0055] The needs of small-scale experiments are difficult to meet.

[0056] Structural defects of traditional culture devices

[0057] Single environmental parameter

[0058] Most devices can only control one or two parameters (such as temperature and humidity), and cannot achieve multi-parameter coordinated control.

[0059] The optimal growth conditions for different microorganisms vary greatly (for example, thermophilic bacteria require temperatures above 50°C, while some anaerobic bacteria require strict anaerobic conditions), which traditional equipment cannot meet.

[0060] Low space utilization

[0061] The fixed compartment design limits the density of culture flasks / vessels, resulting in wasted space for small culture flasks and the inability to fit large culture dishes.

[0062] 30%-50% of the space inside the culture device is occupied by structural components (supports, partitions, fixing bolts), leaving insufficient actual usable space.

[0063] Poor scalability

[0064] Traditional equipment is usually single-function (e.g., incubators are only used for static culture, and shakers are only used for shaking culture), and cannot be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different experimental needs.

[0065] If aerobic and anaerobic culture is to be carried out simultaneously, two separate sets of equipment need to be purchased, which increases costs and laboratory space usage.

[0066] High risk of pollution

[0067] Open-type operation can easily introduce contaminating bacteria, affecting the purity of the culture.

[0068] Traditional ultraviolet disinfection methods can only sterilize the surface and cannot completely eliminate the risk of contamination during the cultivation process.

[0069] Low energy efficiency

[0070] Traditional constant temperature systems rely on continuous heating / cooling, resulting in high energy consumption (e.g., ordinary incubators have a power consumption of over 500W).

[0071] Lacking intelligent regulation, it is impossible to dynamically adjust environmental parameters according to the microbial growth stage.

[0072] Development Trends of Microbial Culture Technology

[0073] With the rapid development of synthetic biology, precision medicine, and industrial biotechnology, microbial culture technology faces higher requirements:

[0074] Precise control of multiple parameters: It is necessary to simultaneously adjust parameters such as temperature in order to study the complex metabolic behavior of microorganisms.

[0075] High-throughput culture: to meet the demand for large-scale microbial samples in omics technologies (such as metagenomics and metabolomics).

[0076] Intelligentization and automation: Reduce human intervention, lower the risk of contamination, and improve the reproducibility of experiments.

[0077] Energy saving and environmental protection: Optimize energy use and reduce carbon emissions during the cultivation process.

[0078] Traditional microbial culture devices have significant shortcomings in terms of environmental control, space utilization, scalability, and energy efficiency, making it difficult to meet the needs of modern microbial research. Modular microbial culture devices, through reconfigurable design, intelligent control, and energy-saving technologies, offer more flexible, efficient, and precise solutions, and are expected to become the mainstream development direction of future microbial culture technology.

[0079] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the modular microbial culture device includes a chassis 1, a magnifying glass 2, a culture container 3, an adjusting cover 4, and a modular differentiation module 5. The chassis 1 is used to support the overall stability. Several magnifying glasses 2 are arranged around the outer end of the chassis 1 for observing the culture container 3. Several culture containers 3 for microbial culture are arranged around the chassis 1. An adjusting cover 4 is provided above the chassis 1, which can be raised and lowered to be modularly adjusted according to the size of the culture container 3. Several modular differentiation modules 5 for modular adjustment of microbial culture are arranged around the bottom of the adjusting cover 4.

[0080] Please see Figures 2-3 In this embodiment, the chassis 1 is provided with several sets of heating plates 105 for placing culture containers 3 of different sizes. The heating plate 105 includes several sets of heating rings that are nested and connected to each other. A ring groove 106 is formed between two sets of heating rings. Several sets of lamps 107 are distributed on the heating rings. A partition ring 108 is provided around the heating plate 105. A heating module 102 is electrically connected to the bottom of the heating plate 105. A support plate 101 is fixed to the bottom of the chassis 1. Several sets of extension plates 103 are provided around the outer end of the support plate 101. A positioning groove 104 is opened in the center of the extension plate 103.

[0081] Please see Figures 3-4In this embodiment, the center of the adjusting cover plate 4 is provided with a telescopic sleeve 407, and the top of the telescopic sleeve 407 is connected with a tension adjustment bolt 406. Several sets of telescopic sleeves 407 are connected in sequence. The center of the adjusting cover plate 4 is provided with a main control box 403 that is electrically connected to the modular differentiation module 5. Several sets of sleeves 401 that are synchronously telescopically adjusted with the telescopic sleeves 407 are provided around the outer end of the adjusting cover plate 4. Several sets of sleeves 401 are connected in sequence. Several sets of transmission cables 404 are provided around the outer end of the main control box 403. A wireless module is provided inside the main control box 403. An indicator switch 405 is electrically connected to the top of the wireless module. A positioning post 408 is connected to the bottom of the lowest telescopic sleeve 407.

[0082] Please see Figures 3-5 In this embodiment, the sleeve 401 is composed of several sets of sleeves connected in sequence. The sleeve 401 is a transparent structure. A disinfection lamp controller 402 is provided at the top of the sleeve 401. Several sets of UV lamps connected to the disinfection lamp controller 402 are linearly arranged inside the sleeve 401. A counterweight column 409 is connected to the bottom of the sleeve 401. A vibration sensor 410 is provided at the bottom of the counterweight column 409. The modular differentiation module 5 includes a positioning sleeve 510. A rotating rod 501 is provided at the center of the positioning sleeve 510. The top of the rotating rod 501 is connected to a controller 508, and the outer end of the controller 508 is connected to a temperature sensor 509. The two sides of the positioning sleeve 510 are respectively provided with an air pipe 506 and an infusion pipe 505. Several sets of liquid holes 507 are opened on the infusion pipe 505. The outer end of the rotating rod 501 is fitted with a distributing rod 502. Several sets of slots 503 are opened circumferentially on the outer end of the distributing rod 502. Modularly detachable stirring blades 504 are provided on the distributing rod 502 inside the slots 503.

[0083] The heating plate 105 precisely heats the bottom of the culture container 3 through nested heating rings. The heat is evenly conducted through the aluminum alloy ring groove 106 with a thermal conductivity ≥200W / m·K, and the temperature difference is controlled within ±0.5℃. The gas tube 506 injects mixed gas into the positioning sleeve 510, which diffuses to the culture container 3 through the hollow structure of the rotating rod 501. The gas replacement rate can be adjusted by the controller 508. When the microorganisms in the culture container 3 enter the logarithmic growth phase, the temperature sensor 509 triggers the infusion tube 505 to open the liquid hole 507, replenishing fresh culture medium (flow rate adjustable from 0.5-10mL / min). The controller 508 drives the rotating rod 501, which in turn drives the stirring blades 504 to automatically adjust their tilt angle (15°-45°) according to the rotation speed of the distributing rod 502. Different stirring blades 504 are installed according to the stirring requirements to form a mixing mode of alternating turbulence and laminar flow, ensuring that the dissolved oxygen content is ≥80% during high-density cultivation. The counterweight column 409 and the vibration sensor 410 form a dual balance system. When the equipment tilt angle is >3°, the heating power is immediately cut off, and the sterilization lamp controller 402 starts the UV lamp tube in the sleeve 401 according to the preset program (e.g., 10 minutes every 8 hours), with an ultraviolet radiation intensity ≥100μW / cm². 2 This ensures the continuity of a sterile environment.

[0084] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. Modular microbial cultivation device comprising a base plate (1); characterized in that: It also includes a magnifying glass (2), a culture container (3), an adjusting cover plate (4) and a modular differentiation module (5); a chassis (1) is used to support the whole and keep it stable. Several magnifying glasses (2) are arranged around the outer end of the chassis (1) for observing the culture container (3). Several culture containers (3) for microbial culture are arranged around the chassis (1). An adjusting cover plate (4) that can be raised and lowered and modularly adjusted according to the size of the culture container (3) is provided above the chassis (1). Several modular differentiation modules (5) for modular adjustment of microbial culture are arranged around the bottom of the adjusting cover plate (4).

2. The modular microbial cultivation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The base (1) is provided with several sets of heating plates (105) for placing culture containers (3) of different sizes. The heating plate (105) includes several sets of heating rings that are nested together. A ring groove (106) is formed between two sets of heating rings. Several sets of lamps (107) are distributed on the heating rings. A partition ring (108) is provided around the heating plate (105).

3. The modular microbial cultivation apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The bottom of the heating plate (105) is electrically connected to the heating module (102), and the bottom of the chassis (1) is fixedly connected to the bearing plate (101). Several sets of extension plates (103) are arranged around the outer end of the bearing plate (101), and a positioning groove (104) is opened in the center of the extension plate (103).

4. The modular microbial cultivation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The center of the adjusting cover plate (4) is provided with a telescopic sleeve (407), and the top of the telescopic sleeve (407) is connected with a tension adjustment bolt (406). The telescopic sleeve (407) is connected in several sets in sequence. The center of the adjusting cover plate (4) is provided with a main control box (403) that is electrically connected to the modular differentiation module (5). The outer end of the adjusting cover plate (4) is provided with several sets of sleeves (401) that are synchronously telescopically adjusted with the telescopic sleeve (407). The sleeves (401) are connected in several sets in sequence.

5. The modular microbial cultivation apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The outer end of the main control box (403) is provided with several sets of transmission cables (404). The main control box (403) is equipped with a wireless module. The top of the wireless module is electrically connected to an indicator switch (405). The bottom of the lowest telescopic sleeve (407) is connected to a positioning post (408).

6. The modular microbial cultivation apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The sleeve (401) is made up of several sets of sleeves connected in sequence. The sleeve (401) is transparent. The top of the sleeve (401) is equipped with a disinfection lamp controller (402). The inside of the sleeve (401) is equipped with several sets of UV lamp tubes connected to the disinfection lamp controller (402). The bottom of the sleeve (401) is connected with a counterweight column (409). The bottom of the counterweight column (409) is equipped with a vibration sensor (410).

7. The modular microbial culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modular differentiation module (5) includes a positioning sleeve (510), a rotating rod (501) is provided at the center of the positioning sleeve (510), a sub-controller (508) is connected to the top of the rotating rod (501), a temperature sensor (509) is connected to the outer end of the sub-controller (508), and an air tube (506) and an infusion tube (505) are respectively provided on both sides of the positioning sleeve (510), and several sets of liquid holes (507) are opened on the infusion tube (505).

8. The modular microbial cultivation apparatus of claim 7, wherein, A distributing rod (502) is sleeved on the outer end of the rotating rod (501). Several sets of slots (503) are circumferentially opened on the outer end of the distributing rod (502). Modularly detachable stirring blades (504) are provided on the distributing rod (502) inside the slots (503).

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