Cell co-culture device
By designing a cell co-culture device and utilizing a combination of separators and filters, efficient co-culture and separation of cells were achieved, solving the problem of inconvenient cell separation in existing technologies and improving experimental efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU UNIVERSITY OF CHINESE MEDICINE
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, cell separation is inconvenient during cell co-culture, resulting in low experimental efficiency.
Design a cell co-culture device that divides the inner cavity into multiple chambers using partition plates and filter plates, and arranges cell filter membranes in sequence according to their pore size to achieve the mixed culture and separation process of cells within the device.
It improves cell isolation and experimental efficiency, simplifies the operation process, and enhances experimental efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN224212666U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cell culture technology, and more specifically, to a cell co-culture device. Background Technology
[0002] Cell co-culture refers to the technique of culturing two or more different types of cells together in the same culture system. This technique can simulate the interactions between different cells in vivo, and study biological processes such as cell signaling, metabolic effects, and growth regulation.
[0003] In co-culturing cells that require direct contact, different cell types must first be cultured separately, then the cultured cells are mixed and cultured further, and finally the changes in each cell are isolated and observed. However, this process of mixing and culturing different cells before separating them is cumbersome and leads to low experimental efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0004] To overcome the problem of inconvenient cell separation during cell co-culture in the prior art, this invention provides a cell co-culture device that can effectively improve cell separation efficiency and experimental efficiency.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a cell co-culture device, comprising: a box having an inner cavity, at least one partition plate and at least one filter plate, the box having at least one socket, the partition plate and the filter plate being detachably connected to the socket to divide the inner cavity into at least two chambers, the filter plate having a cell filter membrane, each chamber being used to culture cells of different sizes, and the pore size of the cell filter membrane being between the cell sizes cultured in its two adjacent chambers.
[0006] In the technical solution of this utility model, during the initial cell culture stage, a separator plate divides the inner cavity into different chambers for culturing different cells. The separator plate is then disassembled to allow the different cells and their culture media to mix. After co-culturing, a filter plate further divides the inner cavity, allowing the mixed culture media to be filtered, thereby separating the different cells for analysis. The entire culture and separation process is completed within the cell co-culture device, making it convenient and highly efficient.
[0007] Furthermore, multiple partition plates, filter plates, and insertion ports are provided, and the inner cavity is divided into multiple chambers by the partition plates or filter plates, with the membrane pore sizes of each cell filter membrane arranged in sequence.
[0008] In this scheme, multiple chambers can be used to culture a wider variety of cells of different sizes. Since the pore sizes of the cell filter membranes are arranged in sequence, the cell sizes in each chamber are also arranged in sequence. During separation, the mixed culture medium can be separated into individual cells by passing through each filter plate in sequence, resulting in high efficiency.
[0009] Furthermore, the chambers are arranged vertically in sequence.
[0010] In this scheme, since the chambers are arranged vertically in sequence, during the cell culture stage, the cells are cultured in each chamber from top to bottom in order of increasing cell size. After the partition plates are removed, the cells cultured in each chamber fall to the bottom layer for mixed culture. After the culture is completed, the filter plates are installed in the slots according to the cell size requirements, and then the box is inverted. The mixed culture medium passes through each filter plate in sequence to separate the cells.
[0011] Furthermore, the inlet includes a first groove and a second groove, both of which are respectively formed in the housing. The first groove is slidably connected to the partition plate, and the second groove is slidably connected to the filter plate. The first groove is located on the upper side of the second groove.
[0012] In this scheme, during cell culture, the separator and filter plate are slidably connected in the first tank and the second tank, respectively. Since the first tank is located on the upper side of the second tank, when cells are cultured separately, the bottom of each chamber is separated by the separator and will not fall off the filter plate. Sliding the separator and filter plate outward connects the chambers, allowing the cells cultured in each chamber to fall to the bottom chamber for mixed culture. After culture is completed, the filter plate is slidably inserted to separate the chambers, and then the tank is inverted. The mixed culture medium passes through each filter plate in sequence, thereby separating the cells.
[0013] Furthermore, the partition plate has a first sealing groove in its circumference, and a first sealing ring is provided in the first sealing groove.
[0014] In this design, the sealing performance between the partition plate and the housing is improved by setting the first sealing ring through the first sealing groove.
[0015] Furthermore, the filter plate also includes a frame member in which the cell filter membrane is installed.
[0016] In this design, the frame facilitates the installation of the cell filter membrane and the removal and installation of the filter plate.
[0017] Furthermore, the filter plate has a second sealing groove in its circumference, and a second sealing ring is provided in the second sealing groove.
[0018] In this design, the second sealing ring, installed through the second sealing groove, can improve the sealing performance between the filter plate and the housing.
[0019] Furthermore, each of the chambers has an entrance on its side wall.
[0020] In this design, cells to be cultured and culture medium can be injected into each chamber through the inlet.
[0021] Furthermore, both the partition plate and the filter plate are respectively connected to a first handle and a second handle.
[0022] In this design, a first handle and a second handle facilitate the removal and installation of the separator plate and filter plate.
[0023] Furthermore, the top and bottom of the housing are each provided with detachable end plates.
[0024] In this design, detachable end plates are provided to allow the top or bottom of the chamber to be opened, facilitating the removal of cultured cells and cleaning of the chamber.
[0025] Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the box are each provided with support feet.
[0026] In this design, support feet are provided at both the top and bottom to facilitate placing the box upright and upside down for cell separation.
[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0028] I. The cell co-culture device of this invention, in the initial stage of cell culture, divides the inner cavity into different chambers by a partition plate to culture different cells. The partition plate is then removed to mix the different cells and their culture media. After co-culture, the inner cavity is further divided by a filter plate, allowing the mixed culture media to be filtered, thereby separating the different cells for analysis. The entire culture and separation process is completed within the cell co-culture device, making it convenient to use and highly efficient.
[0029] II. The cell co-culture device of this utility model can culture more types of cells of different sizes through multiple chambers. Since the pore sizes of the cell filter membranes are arranged in sequence, and the pore size of the cell filter membrane of the filter plate is between the cell sizes cultured in two adjacent chambers, the cell sizes in each chamber are arranged in sequence. Therefore, during separation, the mixed culture medium can be separated into individual cells by passing through each filter plate in sequence, which is highly efficient.
[0030] III. The cell co-culture device of this utility model arranges each chamber vertically in sequence. After culturing in the upright position, the separator plate is removed. Gravity is used to let the cells and culture medium in each chamber fall to the bottom for mixing. After mixing and culturing, the filter plate is inserted and inverted to facilitate the separation of each cell, which is highly efficient. Attached Figure Description
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first embodiment of the cell co-culture device of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the second embodiment of the cell co-culture device of this utility model;
[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the third embodiment of the cell co-culture device of this utility model;
[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The front view;
[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Top view;
[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view of section AA;
[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 BB section sectional view;
[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the partition plate structure;
[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the filter plate.
[0040] In the attached diagram: 1. Box body; 11. Chamber; 12. Inlet; 2. Divider plate; 21. First sealing groove; 22. First handle; 3. Filter plate; 31. Cell filter membrane; 32. Frame component; 33. Second sealing groove; 34. Second handle; 4. Inlet; 41. First groove; 42. Second groove; 5. Support leg; 6. End plate. Detailed Implementation
[0041] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this patent. To better illustrate this embodiment, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings. The positional relationships described in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this patent.
[0042] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "long," and "short" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0043] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
[0044] Example 1
[0045] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a cell co-culture device includes a box 1 with an inner cavity, at least one partition plate 2 and at least one filter plate 3. The box 1 is provided with at least one port 4 that runs through the inner cavity. The partition plate 2 and the filter plate 3 can be detachably connected to the port 4 to divide the inner cavity into at least two chambers 11. The filter plate 3 is provided with a cell filter membrane 31. Each chamber 11 is used to culture cells of different sizes. The pore size of the cell filter membrane 31 is between the cell sizes cultured in its two adjacent chambers 11.
[0046] In the initial cell culture stage, the inner cavity is divided into different chambers 11 by a separator 2 for culturing different cells. The separator 2 is then disassembled to mix the different cells and their culture media. After co-culturing, the inner cavity is further divided by a filter plate 3, allowing the mixed culture media to be filtered through the filter plate 3, thus separating the different cells for analysis. The entire culture and separation process is completed within the cell co-culture device, making it convenient and highly efficient.
[0047] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 The diagram below shows the structure of the cell co-culture device according to the first embodiment of this application. It includes a housing 1, a partition plate 2, and a filter plate 3. An insertion port 4 is provided in the housing 1. When in use, the partition plate 2 or the filter plate 3 is connected to the insertion port 4 to achieve the function of partitioning or filtering, depending on the usage status of the device.
[0048] More specifically, during the stage of separating cells for culture, the separator 2 is connected to the connector 4, dividing the inner cavity of the chamber 1 into two isolated chambers 11, allowing the cells in the two chambers 11 to be cultured independently without affecting each other. When it is necessary to mix the cells from the two chambers 11, the separator 2 is removed, allowing the cells and their culture medium in the two chambers 11 to mix and continue culturing. When it is necessary to separate different cells, the filter plate 3 is connected to the connector 4, allowing the mixed cells and culture medium to be filtered through the filter plate 3, thus separating the different cells. Since the entire culture and separation process is completed within the cell co-culture device, there is no need to remove the cells and culture medium from the device for separation, making the operation convenient and effectively improving experimental efficiency.
[0049] In some embodiments, the interior of the housing 1 is divided into vertically arranged chambers 11. Therefore, after the partition plate 2 is removed, the cells and their culture medium in the upper layer will fall into the lower layer and mix under the influence of gravity. When separation is required, the filter plate 3 is installed and the device is inverted so that the mixed culture medium is separated by the cell filtration membrane 31 of the filter plate 3. In actual use, the height of each chamber 11 can be different. For example, the bottom chamber 11 is higher and can accommodate all the cells and their culture medium that fall in, so that subsequent filtration through the filter plate 3 can be effective.
[0050] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The insertion port 4 serves as the inlet for the partition plate 2 or filter plate 3 to be inserted into the housing 1. By inserting the partition plate 2 into the insertion port 4, the housing 1 is divided into different sealed chambers 11, or by inserting the filter plate 3 into the insertion port 4, it is divided into chambers 11 for filtering different cells. In some embodiments, receiving grooves are formed on the inner sidewall of the housing 1 to match the edges of the partition plate 2 or filter plate 3, and the receiving grooves correspond to the positions where the insertion port 4 extends into the housing 1. By engaging the receiving grooves with the partition plate 2 or filter plate 3, the sealing between the chambers 11 can be improved.
[0051] like Figure 8 As shown, the partition plate 2 has a first sealing groove 21 circumferentially provided, and a first sealing ring is provided in the first sealing groove 21. The first sealing ring provided in the first sealing groove 21 can improve the sealing performance between the partition plate 2 and the box body 1.
[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, the filter plate 3 also includes a frame member 32, in which the cell filter membrane 31 is installed. The frame member 32 facilitates the installation of the cell filter membrane 31 and the disassembly and assembly of the filter plate 3. A second sealing groove 33 is provided circumferentially in the filter plate 3, and a second sealing ring is provided in the second sealing groove 33. The second sealing ring provided in the second sealing groove 33 can improve the sealing between the filter plate 3 and the housing 1.
[0053] refer to Figure 1 Each chamber 11 has an inlet 12 on its side wall, through which cells to be cultured and culture medium can be introduced into each chamber 11. The inlet 12 can be a region that allows injection into the chamber 11, for example, a side wall area made of rubber. Cells and culture medium can be injected into the chamber 11 through this side wall using a syringe and needle, and the culture medium in the chamber 11 will not leak from the inlet 12 after injection. Alternatively, the inlet 12 can be an interface that can be opened and closed, through which cells and culture medium can be introduced into the chamber 11.
[0054] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 Both the partition plate 2 and the filter plate 3 are connected to a first handle 22 and a second handle 34, respectively. The first handle 22 and the second handle 34 facilitate the removal and installation of the partition plate 2 and the filter plate 3.
[0055] refer to Figure 1 The upper and lower ends of the box 1 are each provided with support feet 5. The support feet 5 at both the upper and lower ends facilitate the placement of the box 1 upright and upside down for cell separation.
[0056] refer to Figures 1 to 7 The top and bottom of the chamber 1 are each equipped with a detachable end plate 6. These detachable end plates 6 allow for easy opening of the top or bottom of the chamber 1, facilitating the removal of cultured cells and cleaning of the chamber. For example, after adhering cell culture is complete, the adhering cells grown on the end plate 6 can be removed by disassembling it. A sealing ring can be used to seal the connection between the end plate and the chamber 1, thereby improving airtightness. The end plate 6 can be detachably connected to the chamber 1 by means of, for example, a partition plate 2 and a filter plate 3, which can be pulled out from the chamber 1, or it can be detachably connected to the chamber 1 by other connecting components.
[0057] In one embodiment, during initial cell culture, the bottom chamber 11 of the chamber 1 is used to culture adherent cells, while the upper chamber 11 is used to culture suspension cells. When co-culture is required, the suspension cells in the upper chamber are allowed to fall into the bottom chamber 11 to co-culture with the adherent cells. When cell separation is required, the chamber 1 is inverted, allowing the adherent and suspension cells to be filtered and separated. Finally, the end plate 6 is removed to obtain the separated adherent cells, while the filtered culture medium yields suspension cells.
[0058] Example 2
[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, and in combination Figures 5 to 9 , Figure 2This is the second embodiment of the present application. Similar to Embodiment 1, the difference is that in this embodiment, multiple partition plates 2, filter plates 3, and insertion ports 4 are provided. The inner cavity is divided into multiple chambers 11 by the partition plates 2 or filter plates 3, and the pore sizes of the cell filter membranes 31 are arranged in sequence. Since the pore size of the cell filter membranes 31 is between the cell sizes of adjacent chambers 11, the cell sizes of the cells cultured in each chamber 11 are also arranged in sequence.
[0060] In this embodiment, a wider variety of cells of different sizes can be cultured through multiple chambers 11. Since the cell sizes in each chamber 11 are arranged in sequence, and the pore size of each cell filter membrane 31 is between the cell sizes cultured in its two adjacent chambers 11, the cells can be separated by passing the mixed culture medium through each filter plate 3 in sequence during separation, which is highly efficient.
[0061] In this embodiment, the chambers 11 are arranged vertically in sequence. Because the chambers 11 are arranged vertically in sequence, during the cell culture stage, cells are cultured from top to bottom in order of increasing size. After removing the partition plates 2, the cells cultured in each chamber 11 fall to the bottom layer for mixed culture. After culture is complete, the filter plates 3 are installed in the insertion ports 4 according to the cell size requirements. Then, the box 1 is inverted, and the mixed culture medium passes through each filter plate 3 sequentially, thereby separating the cells. Here, "according to cell size requirements" means that the pore size of the cell filter membrane 31 of the filter plate 3 is between the cell sizes cultured in its two adjacent chambers 11, thus enabling the separation of cells of different sizes layer by layer.
[0062] Example 3
[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, and in combination Figures 5 to 9 , Figure 3 This is the third embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is similar to embodiment 2, except that the socket 4 includes a first groove 41 and a second groove 42. The first groove 41 and the second groove 42 are respectively opened in the housing 1. The first groove 41 is slidably connected to the partition plate 2, and the second groove 42 is slidably connected to the filter plate 3. The first groove 41 is located on the upper side of the second groove 42.
[0064] refer to Figure 7In this embodiment, during cell culture, the separator 2 and the filter plate 3 are slidably connected in the first tank 41 and the second tank 42, respectively. Since the first tank 41 is located above the second tank 42, the bottom of each chamber 11 is separated by the separator 2 and does not fall from the filter plate 3 when the cells are cultured separately. Sliding the separator 2 and the filter plate 3 outwards connects each chamber 11, so that the cells cultured in each chamber 11 fall to the bottom chamber 11 for mixed culture. After the culture is completed, the filter plate 3 is slidably inserted to separate each chamber 11, and then the box 1 is inverted. The mixed culture medium passes through each filter plate 3 in sequence to separate the cells.
[0065] Port 4 is the inlet for inserting the partition plate 2 or filter plate 3 into housing 1. (See reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the separator 2 and filter 3, located in the same position, need to share the same connector 4, different connection methods can be used at different stages. Specifically, in the cell culture stage, the separator 2 is connected to the connector 4 to provide complete isolation. In the cell separation stage, the filter 3 is connected to the connector 4 to provide filtration.
[0066] In this embodiment, reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The insertion port 4 includes a first groove 41 and a second groove 42. A separator 2 is disposed in the first groove 41, and a filter plate 3 is disposed in the second groove 42. That is, both the separator 2 and the filter plate 3 have their own connection points within the insertion port 4. During cell culture or separation, the separator 2 or filter plate 3 can be partially pulled outwards without being completely removed, thus avoiding the problem of having nowhere to place them after complete removal.
[0067] In this embodiment, the sliding connection between the first tank 41 and the partition plate 2 means that the partition plate 2 can slide and separate from the first tank 41, which can be partially separated to allow adjacent chambers 11 to communicate. The sliding connection between the second tank 42 and the filter plate 3 is similar. Separation by sliding connection easily changes the communication relationship between adjacent chambers 11, and the partition plate 2 and the filter plate 3 can be partially placed in the first tank 41 and the second tank 42 without being completely removed, making it more convenient to use.
[0068] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A cell co-culture device, characterized in that: The device includes a box (1) with an inner cavity, at least one partition plate (2) and at least one filter plate (3). The box (1) is provided with at least one socket (4). The partition plate (2) and the filter plate (3) can be detachably connected to the socket (4) to divide the inner cavity into at least two chambers (11). The filter plate (3) is provided with a cell filter membrane (31). Each chamber (11) is used to culture cells of different sizes. The pore size of the cell filter membrane (31) is between the cell sizes cultured in its two adjacent chambers (11). The partition plate (2) has a first sealing groove (21) in its circumference, and a first sealing ring is provided in the first sealing groove (21); the filter plate (3) also includes a frame member (32), and the cell filter membrane (31) is installed in the frame member (32); the filter plate (3) has a second sealing groove (33) in its circumference, and a second sealing ring is provided in the second sealing groove (33).
2. The cell co-culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition plate (2), the filter plate (3) and the inlet (4) are all provided in multiple ways. The inner cavity is divided into multiple chambers (11) by the partition plate (2) or the filter plate (3). The membrane pore size of each cell filter membrane (31) is arranged in sequence.
3. The cell co-culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chambers (11) are arranged vertically in sequence.
4. The cell co-culture device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inlet (4) includes a first groove (41) and a second groove (42). The first groove (41) and the second groove (42) are respectively opened in the box (1). The first groove (41) is slidably connected to the partition plate (2), and the second groove (42) is slidably connected to the filter plate (3). The first groove (41) is located on the upper side of the second groove (42).
5. The cell co-culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the chambers (11) has an entrance (12) on its side wall.
6. The cell co-culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the partition plate (2) and the filter plate (3) are connected to a first handle (22) and a second handle (34), respectively.
7. The cell co-culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top and bottom of the box (1) are each provided with a detachable end plate (6).