Dynamic embryo culture device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of embryo in-vitro culture, and particularly relates to an embryo dynamic culture device which comprises an incubator, a transfer mechanism, a temporary culture container, a separation bracket and a main culture container, a culture cavity is formed in the culture box; the separation bracket is connected to the interior of the culture cavity; a flowing cavity communicated with the culture cavity is formed in the separation bracket; the main culture container is arranged in the flowing cavity; the temporary culture container is connected to the interior of the culture cavity; a temporary cavity is formed in the temporary culture container; the temporary cavity and the flowing cavity are arranged in a separated mode. The transfer mechanism is arranged on the incubator; and the transfer mechanism can be connected with the main culture container, so that the main culture container is moved to the temporary cavity. According to the utility model, the convenience and smoothness of replacing the culture solution can be improved, and the operation efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of in vitro embryo culture technology, and particularly relates to a dynamic embryo culture device. Background Technology

[0002] Birth defects have long been a significant challenge in the field of reproductive health. These defects primarily include structural malformations such as congenital heart disease and cleft lip and palate, as well as genetic diseases like phenylketonuria and spinal muscular atrophy. Birth defects can occur at any stage of pregnancy, especially in the early stages. With the full implementation of my country's two-child policy in 2016, the prevention and treatment of birth defects has become an important research direction in reproductive biology. However, many mysteries remain regarding the physiological processes of normal human embryonic development. For example, the dynamic changes in X chromosome inactivation, the process of early nervous system development, and the mechanisms of heart formation are all important scientific questions in developmental biology that have not yet been fully explained. Therefore, research on normal human pregnancy and embryonic development not only helps us to further understand the origin of life and embryonic development but also provides a theoretical basis for solving major reproductive health problems such as birth defects.

[0003] Currently, in the field of assisted reproduction, in vitro embryo culture technology is gradually maturing. Common desktop or box-type incubators can only achieve basic culture functions, that is, they can provide basic environments such as temperature, humidity and CO2 mixture, but cannot perform real-time optical monitoring, observe embryo development details, record morphological changes during embryo development, or capture dynamic images that may appear in the later stages of embryo development.

[0004] During the long-term continuous development of an embryo, its nutritional requirements for the culture medium change dynamically, and the embryo itself also slowly releases some metabolic products that need to be removed in a timely manner. However, current incubators require removing the culture dish and changing the medium under external environmental conditions, which inevitably has a potential impact on embryonic development. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dynamic embryo culture device that addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies and can solve any of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An embryo dynamic culture device includes an incubator, a transfer mechanism, a temporary culture container, a partition support, and a main culture container. The incubator contains a culture chamber. The partition support is connected to the interior of the culture chamber and contains a flow chamber communicating with the culture chamber. The main culture container is disposed inside the flow chamber. The temporary culture container is connected to the interior of the culture chamber and contains a temporary chamber, which is separated from the flow chamber. The transfer mechanism is mounted on the incubator and can be connected to the main culture container to move the main culture container to the temporary chamber.

[0008] Preferably, the main culture container includes a mesh frame and a cover plate connected to the upper end of the mesh frame; an inner cavity is provided between the mesh frame and the cover plate; the mesh frame is connected to the interior of the flow cavity; and the cover plate is connected to the transfer mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, the upper surface of the cover plate is provided with a metal part; the rotation drive mechanism is adsorbed and connected to the metal part.

[0010] Preferably, the inner bottom of the mesh frame is provided with a flow guide groove; the flow guide groove is inclined from the placement cavity toward the bottom of the mesh frame; the inner bottom of the mesh frame is provided with a flow guide channel communicating with the flow guide groove; the flow guide channel is provided through the inner bottom of the mesh frame and communicates with the flow cavity.

[0011] Preferably, the transfer mechanism includes an electromagnet and a transfer drive assembly connected to the electromagnet; the transfer drive assembly is connected to the incubator; and the electromagnet can be adsorbed and connected to the main culture container.

[0012] Preferably, the transfer drive assembly includes a rotary cylinder, a lifting cylinder, and a connecting shaft; the rotary cylinder is connected to the incubator; the mounting end of the lifting cylinder is connected to the rotating end of the rotary cylinder; one end of the connecting shaft is connected to the movable end of the lifting cylinder; and the other end of the connecting shaft is connected to the electromagnet.

[0013] Preferably, the inner bottom of the partition support is provided with a discharge channel; the two ends of the discharge channel are respectively connected to the flow chamber and the culture chamber.

[0014] Preferably, the incubator is equipped with a light-illuminating component; the light-illuminating component is oriented towards the main culture container; the incubator is also equipped with a view-acquiring component; the view-acquiring component is oriented towards the main culture container.

[0015] Preferably, the incubator is further provided with a rotation drive mechanism; the rotation drive mechanism includes a rotation drive motor and a support plate; the mounting end of the rotation drive motor is connected to the incubator; the support plate is connected to the rotating end of the rotation drive motor; and the partition bracket is connected to the support plate.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are that, by using two relatively independent temporary cavities and a flow cavity, this technical solution can realize a main culture environment and a temporary environment for temporary use when changing the culture medium, thereby avoiding the embryo leaving the culture environment and affecting its development, thus ensuring the safety and orderliness of the culture, and improving the convenience and smoothness of changing the culture medium, thereby improving the operational efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The following will refer to the appendix. Figures 1-3 This section describes the features, advantages, and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embryo dynamic culture device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main culture mechanism of an embryo dynamic culture device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embryo dynamic culture device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1-Incubator; 11-Main chamber; 12-Lid; 101-Cultivation cavity; 102-Circulation port; 2-Transfer mechanism; 21-Electromagnet; 22-Transfer drive assembly; 221-Rotary cylinder; 222-Lifting cylinder; 223-Connecting shaft; 3-Illumination component; 31-Lighting lamp; 32-Transparent cover; 4-View acquisition component; 5-Rotation drive mechanism; 51-Rotation drive motor; 52-Support plate; 6-Temporary culture container; 61-First input channel; 62-First output channel; 7-Separator support; 701-Discharge channel; 702-Flow cavity; 8-Main culture container; 81-Wire mesh frame; 82-Lid plate; 83-Metal part; 801-Placement cavity; 803-Guide chute; 802-Guide channel. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0024] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0025] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or multiple situations existing alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-3 The present invention will be described in further detail, but this is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0028] like Figure 1 and 2As shown in one embodiment of this utility model, the embryo dynamic culture device includes a culture chamber 1, a transfer mechanism 2, a rotation drive mechanism 5, a temporary culture container 6, a separator support 7, and a main culture container 8. The culture chamber 1 contains a culture cavity 101 for storing culture medium. The separator support 7 is connected to the interior of the culture cavity 101 and contains a flow cavity 702 communicating with the culture cavity 101. The main culture container 8 is located inside the flow cavity 702. The temporary culture container 6 is connected to the interior of the culture cavity 101 and contains a temporary cavity for storing temporary liquid. The temporary cavity is separated from the flow cavity 702. The transfer mechanism 2 is mounted on the culture chamber 1 and can be connected to the main culture container 8 to move the main culture container 8 to the temporary cavity. The rotation drive mechanism 5 is connected to the interior of the culture chamber 1 and is driven to the bottom of the separator support.

[0029] The technical solution of this utility model can realize a main culture environment and a temporary environment for changing the culture medium by using two relatively independent temporary cavities and a flow cavity. This avoids the embryo leaving the culture environment and affecting its development, thereby ensuring the safety and orderliness of the culture. It can also improve the convenience and smoothness of changing the culture medium and improve the operational efficiency.

[0030] Specifically, in some implementations, such as Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the incubator 1 includes a main body 11 and a cover 12; the main body 11 and the cover 12 form the culture chamber 101; and the side end of the main body 11 is provided with a circulation port 102 communicating with the culture chamber 101. The main body 11 is made of a transparent material, such as transparent glass.

[0031] Specifically, in some implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the main culture container 8 has a placement cavity 801; the placement cavity 801 communicates with the flow cavity 702; and the placement cavity 801 is used to place embryos. The main culture container 8 includes a mesh frame 81 and a cover plate 82 connected to the upper end of the mesh frame 81; the mesh frame 81 is connected to the interior of the flow cavity 702; the cover plate 82 is connected to the transfer mechanism 2. This structure, with the main culture container 8 composed of a split mesh frame 81 and a cover plate 82, can ensure the flow performance between the inside and outside, and can also reduce the damage to the embryos inside from impacts, thereby improving the safety and stability of the culture. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 2As shown, the upper surface of the cover plate 82 is provided with a metal part 83; the rotation drive mechanism 5 is adsorbed and connected to the metal part 83.

[0032] Specifically, in some implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the transfer mechanism 2 includes an electromagnet 21 and a transfer drive assembly 22 connected to the electromagnet 21; the transfer drive assembly 22 is connected to the incubator 1; the electromagnet 21 can be attracted and connected to the main culture container 8 (metal part 83). Wherein, as... Figure 3 As shown, the transfer drive assembly 22 includes a rotary cylinder 221, a lifting cylinder 222, and a connecting shaft 223. The rotary cylinder 221 is connected to the incubator 1 (middle cover 12). The mounting end of the lifting cylinder 222 is connected to the rotating end of the rotary cylinder 221. One end of the connecting shaft 223 is connected to the movable end of the lifting cylinder 222. The other end of the connecting shaft 223 is connected to the electromagnet 21. That is, when the culture medium needs to be changed, the rotary cylinder 221 and the lifting cylinder 222 are driven to move the incubator 1 vertically and horizontally into the temporary culture container 6, thereby realizing rapid transfer and medium replacement operations.

[0033] Specifically, in some implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the temporary culture container 6 is provided with a first input channel 61 and a first output channel 62; and the first output channel 62 is located below the first input channel 61. When using temporary placement, the input channel 61 is opened and the first output channel 62 is closed to achieve temporary placement of the main culture container.

[0034] Specifically, in some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the inner bottom of the mesh frame 81 is provided with a flow guide groove 803; the flow guide groove 83 is inclined from the placement cavity 801 toward the bottom of the mesh frame 81; the inner bottom of the mesh frame 81 is provided with a flow guide channel 802 communicating with the flow guide groove 803; the flow guide channel 802 penetrates the inner bottom of the mesh frame 81 and communicates with the flow cavity 702. Because the culture medium is fluid, this structure, through the flow guide effect of the flow guide groove 83 and the discharge effect of the flow guide channel 802, can discharge as much waste generated by the embryo as possible, improving internal cleanliness.

[0035] Specifically, in some implementations, such as Figure 2As shown, the inner bottom of the partition support 7 is provided with a discharge channel 701; the two ends of the discharge channel 701 are respectively connected to the flow chamber 702 and the culture chamber 101. The discharge performance of the discharge channel 701 can reduce the excessive residue of waste into the flow chamber 702 and the placement chamber 801, thereby improving the internal cleanliness.

[0036] Specifically, in some implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the incubator 1 is equipped with a light-emitting component 3; the light-emitting component 3 is oriented towards the main culture container 8; the incubator 1 is also equipped with a view acquisition component 4; the view acquisition direction of the view acquisition component 4 is oriented towards the main culture container 8.

[0037] Specifically, in some implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the rotation drive mechanism 5 includes a rotation drive motor 51 and a support plate 52; the mounting end of the rotation drive motor 51 is connected to the incubator 1; the support plate 52 is connected to the rotating end of the rotation drive motor 51; and the partition bracket 7 is connected to the support plate 52. In other words, the rotation of the rotation drive motor 51 enables multi-angle illumination and view acquisition, improving the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the data.

[0038] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0039] Based on the disclosure and teachings of the above specification, those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and any obvious improvements, substitutions, or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on this utility model are within the protection scope of this utility model. Furthermore, although some specific terms are used in this specification, these terms are only for convenience of explanation and do not constitute any limitation on this utility model.

Claims

1. An embryo dynamic culture device, characterized in that: The system includes an incubator, a transfer mechanism, a temporary culture container, a partition support, a rotation drive mechanism, and a main culture container. The incubator contains a culture chamber. The partition support is connected to the interior of the culture chamber and contains a flow chamber communicating with the culture chamber. The main culture container is located inside the flow chamber. The temporary culture container is connected to the interior of the culture chamber and contains a temporary chamber, which is separated from the flow chamber. The transfer mechanism is mounted on the incubator and can be connected to the main culture container to move it to the temporary chamber. The rotation drive mechanism is connected to the interior of the incubator and is driven by the partition support.

2. The embryo dynamic culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main culture container includes a mesh frame and a cover plate connected to the upper end of the mesh frame; an inner cavity is provided between the mesh frame and the cover plate; the mesh frame is connected to the interior of the flow cavity; and the cover plate is connected to the transfer mechanism.

3. The embryo dynamic culture device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper surface of the cover plate is provided with a metal part; the rotation drive mechanism is adsorbed and connected to the metal part.

4. The embryo dynamic culture device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The inner bottom of the mesh frame is provided with a flow guide groove; the flow guide groove is inclined from the placement cavity toward the bottom of the mesh frame; the inner bottom of the mesh frame is provided with a flow guide channel communicating with the flow guide groove; the flow guide channel is provided through the inner bottom of the mesh frame and communicates with the flow cavity.

5. The embryo dynamic culture device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism includes an electromagnet and a transfer drive assembly connected to the electromagnet; the transfer drive assembly is connected to the incubator; the electromagnet can be adsorbed and connected to the main culture container.

6. The embryo dynamic culture device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transfer drive assembly includes a rotary cylinder, a lifting cylinder, and a connecting shaft; the rotary cylinder is connected to the incubator; the mounting end of the lifting cylinder is connected to the rotating end of the rotary cylinder; one end of the connecting shaft is connected to the movable end of the lifting cylinder; and the other end of the connecting shaft is connected to the electromagnet.

7. The embryo dynamic culture device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the partition support is provided with a discharge channel; the two ends of the discharge channel are respectively connected to the flow chamber and the culture chamber.

8. The embryo dynamic culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The incubator is equipped with a light-emitting component; the light-emitting component is oriented towards the main culture container; the incubator is also equipped with a view acquisition component; the view acquisition component is oriented towards the main culture container.

9. The embryo dynamic culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotation drive mechanism includes a rotation drive motor and a support plate; the mounting end of the rotation drive motor is connected to the incubator; the support plate is connected to the rotating end of the rotation drive motor; and the partition bracket is connected to the support plate.

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