Optical density measuring device

Abstract

The utility model provides an optical density measuring device which comprises a host, a sleeve and a sleeve probe, a light source and a detector are arranged at the bottom of the long-rod-shaped host, and a user instruction receiving device, a controller, a signal processor, an output device and a power supply module are arranged at the upper part of the host; the sleeve is a cylinder with an open top and a closed bottom, and the bottom is provided with a transparent part; the casing probe is in a short column shape, a detection bin is arranged in the center of the top, a reflector is arranged at the bottom of the detection bin, and at least two sample inlets and outlets are formed in the side face of the casing probe and communicated with the detection bin through flow guide channels. The host is detachably inserted into the sleeve, and the sleeve probe is installed at the bottom of the sleeve. In the assembled state, the light source, the detector, the transparent part and the reflecting mirror are located on the same straight line. The optical density measuring device disclosed by the utility model is accurate in measurement, simple and convenient in measuring process, capable of measuring the OD value of a culture in real time, and easy to be used for measuring different samples.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of measuring instruments, and relates to a measuring instrument for biological experiments, and more particularly to an optical density measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] When culturing bacteria in liquid culture media, it is necessary to measure the optical density (OD) of the bacterial solution to assess the bacterial growth status. Researchers typically take small samples from the culture periodically and measure the OD value using a standard desktop spectrophotometer. This process is cumbersome and time-consuming, increases the risk of contamination of the culture and surrounding environment, and can easily cause researchers to miss the optimal time for harvesting bacteria during the rapid logarithmic growth phase. Researchers need an instrument that can conveniently measure the OD value of the culture in real time.

[0003] Chinese invention patent application CN110441237A discloses an immersion spectrophotometer detection head that can be directly placed in the water sample for real-time monitoring. Since the detection head is in direct contact with the water sample, it needs to be cleaned regularly to remove any dirt or grime.

[0004] However, when measuring the OD value of bacterial cultures, it is crucial to prevent cross-contamination between different samples, which places high demands on the cleanliness of devices that directly contact the cultures. Simple wiping cannot achieve sterility, and due to the difficulties in sterilization, existing immersion spectrophotometers are insufficient to meet the requirements for measuring the OD value of bacterial cultures. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an optical density measuring device to help users conveniently and quickly measure the OD value of cultures.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an optical density measuring device, including a main unit, a sleeve, and a sleeve probe.

[0007] The host is rod-shaped, with a light source and detector at the bottom, and a user command receiving device, controller, signal processor, output device, and power supply module at the top.

[0008] The sleeve is a cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom, and the bottom of the sleeve has a transparent part;

[0009] The cannula probe is short and cylindrical. The top center of the cannula probe has a concave detection chamber. The bottom of the detection chamber is equipped with a reflector. The side of the cannula probe has at least two sample inlet and outlet ports, which are connected to the detection chamber through a guide channel.

[0010] The main unit is detachably inserted into the sleeve, and the sleeve probe is detachably or non-detachably mounted at the bottom of the sleeve;

[0011] In the assembled state, the light source, the detector, the transparent part, and the reflector are all aligned in a straight line.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the optical density measuring device provided by this utility model, the sleeve and the sleeve probe are disposable components.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the optical density measuring device provided by this utility model, the bottom of the main unit is provided with a window, the light source and the detector are installed inside the window, and the window is sealed by a transparent protective sheet.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the optical density measuring device provided by this utility model, the bottom of the main unit also has a distance sensor.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the optical density measuring device provided by this utility model, the light source and the detector are integrated on a spectral chip.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the optical density measuring device provided by this utility model, the guide channel is curved.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the optical density measuring device provided by this utility model, the optical density measuring device further includes an adapter, the adapter including an adapter ring and an adapter plug.

[0018] The adapter ring is annular with external threads on its outer surface.

[0019] The adapter plug has a plug cap and a plug plunger. The plug cap has an internal thread that mates with the external thread of the adapter ring. The top center of the plug cap is hollowed out and extends downward to form a tubular plug plunger. The inner diameter of the plug plunger mates with the outer diameter of the host and / or the sleeve.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the optical density measuring device provided by the present invention, the side of the adapter ring has an opening that axially penetrates the adapter ring, one side of the opening has a recess, and the opposite part on the other side has a protrusion, the protrusion being able to be inserted into the recess.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the optical density measuring device provided by this utility model, the outer surface of the plunger portion is provided with an anti-slip strip.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the optical density measuring device provided by this utility model, the adapter plug is provided with an air hole or an air channel.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has one or more of the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The measurement is accurate and simple, and the OD value of the culture can be measured in real time. The device is also easy to use for measuring different samples and effectively prevents cross-contamination of samples caused by the measuring device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings, based on one or more different embodiments. The drawings provided are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the breadth, scope, size, or applicability of the invention. For ease of explanation, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the main unit of an exemplary optical density measuring device according to the present invention, wherein... Figure 1 A is a stereoscopic image viewed from a higher perspective. Figure 1 B is a stereoscopic view taken from a lower perspective.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the sleeve of an exemplary optical density measuring device according to this utility model.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the sheath probe of an exemplary optical density measuring device according to this utility model.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a front view of the main unit, sleeve, and sleeve probe of an exemplary optical density measuring device of this utility model in an assembled state.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an exemplary adapter ring of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an exemplary adapter plug of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a front view of the main unit, sleeve, sleeve probe and adapter of an exemplary optical density measuring device of this utility model in the assembled state.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a front view of the main unit, sleeve, sleeve probe and adapter of an exemplary optical density measuring device of this utility model after assembly and installation on a conical flask.

[0034] Figure 9 The graph shows the measurement results obtained using the optical density measuring device of this invention and a conventional desktop spectrophotometer. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The specific embodiments of this utility model are further described below. In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on general knowledge and specific circumstances.

[0036] See Figure 1-8 The optical density measuring device provided by this utility model mainly includes a main unit 1, a sleeve 2, and a sleeve probe 3, and may further include other auxiliary components.

[0037] host

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the main unit 1 of the measuring device is shaped like a long rod. The main unit includes a light source 11, a detector 12, a user command receiving device 13, a controller, a signal processor, an output device, a power supply module, and other components.

[0039] The light source 11 and the detector 12 are installed at the bottom of the host 1. The light source 11 is used to emit incident light of the wavelength required for the measurement process, and the detector 12 is used to receive the light that penetrates the sample and convert the light signal into an electrical signal.

[0040] The specific type of light source 11 is not limited, and can be, for example, a tungsten / halogen tungsten lamp, a deuterium lamp, a xenon lamp, a mercury lamp, a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser light source, etc.; considering factors such as size, lifespan, power consumption, and cost, an LED light source is preferred. The emission wavelength of the light source 11 can be any wavelength in the full spectrum, for example, from 100 nm to 1 mm, preferably in the visible light wavelength range of 380-780 nm, more preferably in the range of 580-660 nm, such as 600 nm. If necessary, a monochromator can be equipped for the light source.

[0041] The detector 12 is a device that converts optical signals into electrical signals. For example, it can be a photomultiplier tube, a photodiode or a photodiode array, a charge-coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), etc.

[0042] The user command receiving device 13, controller, signal processor, output device, and power supply module can be installed at any suitable location on the host as needed, such as on the upper part of the long rod-shaped host 1. The controller, signal processor, output device, and power supply module can be embedded in the casing of the host 1 or encased in the casing of the host 1.

[0043] The user instruction receiving device 13 is used to receive user instructions and transmit instruction signals to the control element. Its specific form is not limited, such as one or more buttons, levers, touch screens, etc.

[0044] The controller receives user commands and controls the light source to emit light. The signal processor receives signals transmitted from the detector, performs calculations according to a preset algorithm, and obtains the OD value of the sample.

[0045] The output device is used to output the OD value calculated and processed by the control element to the user. Its specific form is not limited. For example, it can be a display screen or a wired or wireless communication module that communicates with a computer or handheld device.

[0046] The power supply module is used to power the host, and its specific form is not limited. For example, it can be a battery or a power cord for connecting to the mains power.

[0047] From the perspective of miniaturization and portability of the equipment, it is preferable to integrate the light source and the detector. For example, a spectral chip integrating the light source module and the detection module can be installed at the bottom of the host. The light source module emits incident light, and the detection module converts the light signal into an electrical signal.

[0048] Preferably, the main unit has a window at the bottom, and the light source and detector (or a spectral chip integrating a light source module and a detection module) are installed inside the window. The window is sealed with a protective sheet to prevent dust, liquids, and other contaminants from entering and contaminating the internal light-emitting and detection devices. The protective sheet can be made of various transparent materials, as long as it does not affect the transmission of light at the wavelength used for detection, such as glass, quartz, and plastic.

[0049] casing

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the sleeve 2 is a cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom. The main unit 1 can be inserted into the opening at the top of the sleeve 2, with at least a portion of the main unit 1 placed inside the sleeve 2. The sleeve 2 and the main unit 1 are detachably connected. Exemplary examples of the connection mechanism between the sleeve 2 and the main unit 1 include snap-fit, engagement of annular groove and annular protrusion, engagement of insertion groove and protrusion, interference fit between the outer wall of the main unit and the inner wall of the sleeve, magnetic adsorption, threads, etc., preferably engagement of annular groove and annular protrusion. The position of the connection mechanism is not particularly limited, but it is preferably located in the upper half of the long axis of the sleeve 2 or the main unit 1, and more preferably in the upper third of the long axis of the sleeve 2 or the main unit 1.

[0051] The bottom of the sleeve 2 is completely or partially transparent, that is, the bottom of the sleeve 2 has a transparent part 21. When the host 1 is inserted into the sleeve 2, the bottom of the sleeve 2 is made of transparent material at least in the part facing the light source 11 and detector 12 of the host 1, allowing light of the wavelength used for detection to pass through.

[0052] Sleeve probe

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the sleeve probe 3 is a short column with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface, and is made of a non-transparent material. The sleeve probe 3 can be detachably or non-detachably installed at the bottom of the sleeve 2, or the sleeve probe 3 can be integrally formed with the sleeve 2. For example, the sleeve probe 3 can be connected to the bottom of the sleeve 2 by means of threads, snaps, etc. Preferably, the top of the sleeve probe 3 is provided with a male snap 31, and the corresponding position at the bottom of the sleeve 2 is provided with a female snap 22. The sleeve probe 3 is snapped onto the bottom of the sleeve 2 by the cooperation of the male snap 31 and the female snap 22.

[0054] The top center of the sleeve probe 3 has a recess serving as a detection chamber 32. A reflector 33 is located at the bottom of the detection chamber 32. In the assembled state, the bottom of the sleeve 2 is directly opposite the reflector 33 at the bottom of the detection chamber 32 of the sleeve probe 3, and a gap of length δ exists between the bottom of the sleeve 2 and the reflector 33. The value of δ determines the optical path length during measurement and can be determined according to actual needs, preferably 0.2-0.8 cm, for example 0.4-0.6 cm, and particularly preferably 0.5 cm.

[0055] The sheath probe 3 has at least two sample inlet / outlet ports 34 on its side. The sample inlet / outlet ports 34 are connected to the detection chamber 32 through a guide channel 35, thereby forming a radially penetrating fluid channel through the sheath probe 3, allowing the liquid to be tested to flow in the fluid channel. The guide channel 35 is preferably curved, such as S-shaped, so that it does not hinder the flow of the liquid to be tested in the fluid channel, and can fully shield the detection chamber 32 to prevent ambient light from entering the detection chamber 32 and interfering with the measurement.

[0056] Optical density measuring device in use

[0057] In the optical density measuring device of this invention, the sleeve 2 and the sleeve probe 3 are preferably disposable components. For example... Figure 1-4As shown, in use, the cannula probe 3 is installed at the bottom of the cannula 2, and the main unit 1 is inserted into the cannula 2. The light source 11 and detector 12 at the bottom of the main unit 1, the transparent part 21 at the bottom of the cannula 2, and the reflector 33 at the bottom of the detection chamber 32 of the cannula probe 3 are all aligned in a straight line. The lower part of the optical density measuring device is inserted into the liquid to be tested, and the liquid to be tested flows into the fluid channel from the inlet / outlet 34 of the cannula probe 3, filling the detection chamber 32. The light emitted by the light source 11 at the bottom of the main unit 1 enters the liquid to be tested through the transparent part 21 at the bottom of the cannula 2, is reflected by the reflector 33 at the bottom of the detection chamber 32, penetrates the liquid to be tested and the transparent part 21 at the bottom of the cannula 2, is detected by the detector 12 at the bottom of the main unit 1, and transmits a signal to the signal processor. The signal processor performs calculations to obtain the OD value of the liquid to be tested and reports it to the user through the output device.

[0058] Users can keep the lower part of the optical density measuring device within the bacterial sample. At different incubation time points within the same bacterial solution, users can issue commands multiple times to measure the OD value without repeatedly plugging and unplugging the device. After measuring the batch of samples, the optical density measuring device is removed from the bacterial sample, and the contaminated sleeve and probe are removed and replaced with clean ones. The main unit, encased in the sleeve, is not contaminated by the bacterial solution and can be used in the next round without additional sterilization.

[0059] Other modules of the optical density measurement device

[0060] In a further embodiment, the optical density measuring device of the present invention further includes a distance sensor mounted on the bottom of the host 1, or, in the case of using an integrated spectral chip, the spectral chip further includes a ranging module.

[0061] In this optical density measuring device, the gap distance between the bottom of the sleeve 2 and the reflector 33 at the bottom of the detection chamber 32 of the sleeve probe 3 is δ. During OD value measurement, the bacterial solution fills the detection chamber 32, and the δ value determines the optical path length during the OD value measurement process. A distance sensor (or a distance measurement module of the spectral chip) added to the bottom of the main unit 1 can measure the distance between the bottom of the main unit 1 and the reflector 33. After replacing the disposable sleeve 2 and sleeve probe 3, the optical path length change caused by the processing error of the sleeve / sleeve probe can be corrected by calculation based on the readings from the distance sensor or the distance measurement module of the spectral chip, thereby improving measurement accuracy. Alternatively, if the user fails to correctly install the sleeve 2 and sleeve probe 3 when assembling the optical density measuring device, the improper installation can be detected in time by the readings from the distance sensor or the distance measurement module of the spectral chip. In this case, the signal processor can control the output device to issue a warning signal to prompt the user to check.

[0062] Other accessories

[0063] The optical density measuring device of this invention may further include other auxiliary accessories. For example, to facilitate the installation of the optical density measuring device on a conical flask for real-time measurement, an adapter 4 can be provided for the optical density measuring device.

[0064] like Figure 5-8 As shown, an exemplary adapter 4 includes an adapter ring 41 and an adapter plug 42.

[0065] The adapter ring 41 is annular with external threads 411 on its outer surface, allowing it to mate with the adapter plug 42. The inner diameter of the adapter ring 41 matches the outer diameter of the conical bottle neck, enabling the adapter ring 41 to grip the neck of the conical bottle. Preferably, the adapter ring 41 is made of an elastic material (e.g., plastic), and has an axially penetrating opening 412 on its side, allowing the inner diameter of the adapter ring 41 to be adjusted within a certain range for use with conical bottles of different sizes. More preferably, the opening 412 penetrating the adapter ring 41 has a recess 413 on one side and a protrusion 414 on the opposite side. The protrusion 414 is slightly smaller than the recess 413, allowing the protrusion 414 to fit into the recess 413. The engagement between the recess 413 and the protrusion 414 prevents the threads of the adapter ring 41 from misaligning under stress.

[0066] The adapter plug 42 has a plug cap portion 421 and a plug plunger portion 422. The plug cap portion 421 has an internal thread 423, which mates with the external thread 411 of the adapter ring 41, allowing the adapter plug 42 to be rotatably mounted onto the adapter ring 41. The top center of the plug cap portion 421 is hollowed out and extends downward to form a tubular plug plunger portion 422. The inner diameter of the plug plunger portion 422 mates with the outer diameter of the main unit 1 and / or the sleeve 2 of the optical density measuring device, allowing the plug plunger portion 422 to grip the main unit 1 and / or the sleeve 2. Preferably, the outer surface of the plug plunger portion 422 is provided with an anti-slip strip 424. When the adapter plug 42 is inserted into the mouth of the conical bottle, the anti-slip strip 424 fits tightly against the inner surface of the conical bottle neck, preventing slippage between the adapter plug 42 and the conical bottle. Preferably, the anti-slip strip 424 is a discontinuous strip, and the adapter plug 42 has air holes 425 and / or air channels 426. When the optical density measuring device is connected to the conical flask via adapter 41, the intermittent portions of the anti-slip strip 424, the vents 425 and / or air passages 426 on the adapter plug allow airflow, ensuring a non-airtight environment inside the conical flask to facilitate the cultivation of aerobic bacteria. Preferably, the adapter plug 42 is made of a soft material with a Shore hardness between 68D and 95A, giving it appropriate strength and elasticity, making it easy for the user to securely mount the optical density measuring device onto the conical flask.

[0067] Example 1

[0068] The following examples illustrate the usage of the optical density measuring device and its accessories of this utility model.

[0069] (1) Pour an appropriate amount of culture medium into the conical flask and inoculate the bacteria.

[0070] (2) Take a clean sleeve and sleeve probe, install the sleeve probe at the bottom of the sleeve, insert the main unit into the sleeve, check that the connection of each component is secure, and complete the assembly of the optical density measuring device.

[0071] (3) Secure the adapter ring to the neck of the conical flask. Pass the assembled optical density measuring device through the adapter plug, ensuring the plug grips the optical density measuring device tightly. Then immerse the lower part of the optical density measuring device in the culture medium, and screw the adapter plug onto the adapter ring to securely mount the optical density measuring device onto the conical flask.

[0072] (4) Shake the conical flask to begin bacterial culture. During the bacterial culture process, the user issues commands multiple times via buttons on the main unit to measure the OD value of the culture at various times.

[0073] (5) Once the bacterial culture is complete, remove the optical density measuring device, discard the contaminated cannula and cannula probe, and prepare to replace them with clean cannula and cannula probe to carry out the next round of measurement.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] To test the accuracy of the optical density measuring device of this invention, culture medium was injected into a shake flask, E. coli was inoculated, the optical density measuring device of this invention was inserted, and shaking culture was initiated. During the culture process, the absorbance (OD) value of the culture at a wavelength of 600 nm was measured at regular intervals using the optical density measuring device of this invention. 600 Simultaneously, 1 mL of sample was taken from the culture and the OD of the sample was measured using a standard desktop spectrophotometer (HALO DB-20S, Dynamica). 600 The OD values ​​at each time point were measured using two different devices. 600 The values ​​are plotted for comparison. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the horizontal axis represents the OD measured by a conventional desktop spectrophotometer. 600 The vertical axis represents the OD value measured by the optical density measuring device of this invention at the same time point. 600 The values ​​obtained by the optical density measuring device of this invention are highly consistent with those of conventional desktop spectrophotometers, demonstrating that the optical density measuring device of this invention is accurate and reliable.

[0076] The above examples are only used to illustrate the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An optical density measuring device, comprising a main unit, a sleeve, and a sleeve probe, characterized in that: The host is rod-shaped, with a light source and detector at the bottom, and a user command receiving device, controller, signal processor, output device, and power supply module at the top. The sleeve is a cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom, and the bottom of the sleeve has a transparent part; The cannula probe is short and cylindrical. The top center of the cannula probe has a concave detection chamber. The bottom of the detection chamber is equipped with a reflector. The side of the cannula probe has at least two sample inlet and outlet ports, which are connected to the detection chamber through a guide channel. The main unit is detachably inserted into the sleeve, and the sleeve probe is detachably or non-detachably mounted at the bottom of the sleeve; In the assembled state, the light source, the detector, the transparent part, and the reflector are all aligned in a straight line.

2. The optical density measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve and the sleeve probe are disposable components.

3. The optical density measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host has a window at the bottom, and the light source and the detector are installed inside the window, which is sealed by a transparent protective sheet.

4. The optical density measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the host also has a distance sensor.

5. The optical density measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source and the detector are integrated on a spectral chip.

6. The optical density measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide channel is curved.

7. The optical density measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical density measuring device also includes an adapter, which comprises an adapter ring and an adapter plug. The adapter ring is annular with external threads on its outer surface. The adapter plug has a plug cap and a plug plunger. The plug cap has an internal thread that mates with the external thread of the adapter ring. The top center of the plug cap is hollowed out and extends downward to form a tubular plug plunger. The inner diameter of the plug plunger mates with the outer diameter of the host and / or the sleeve.

8. The optical density measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adapter ring has an opening that extends axially through the adapter ring on its side. One side of the opening has a recess, and the opposite side has a protrusion. The protrusion can be inserted into the recess.

9. The optical density measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer surface of the plunger is provided with anti-slip strips.

10. The optical density measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adapter plug has air holes or air channels.

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