Manual high-flux cell scratching device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a manual high-flux cell scratching device, which belongs to the technical field of experimental instruments and comprises a scratching device needle body component, a plurality of scratching needles and a plurality of cell scratching needles, and the scratching needles are used for scratching a plurality of samples; the culture plate fixing frame is detachably connected with a culture plate, and the culture plate and the scratching device needle body assembly are correspondingly arranged; the cleaning tank is used for soaking and cleaning the scratching device needle body assembly and the culture plate fixing frame. According to the utility model, the high-throughput design is adopted, and a plurality of scratching needles are arranged, so that a plurality of samples can be scratched at the same time, the experiment efficiency is greatly improved, and the time and the labor cost are saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of experimental instrument technology, specifically, it relates to a manual high-throughput cell scrubber. Background Technology

[0002] The cell scratch assay is a simple and widely used in vitro method for studying cell migration and proliferation. In traditional cell scratch assays, tools such as pipette tips are commonly used for manual scratching. However, this method is inefficient, makes it difficult to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the scratches, and has a low throughput, allowing only one or a few samples to be scratched at a time.

[0003] Given that cell scratch assays are used in almost all cell culture laboratories, numerous cell scratchers have been invented. However, almost none can meet high throughput requirements and be compatible with well plates from different manufacturers; some even require specialized well plates, making it impossible to minimize experimental costs. For example, CN2020200965617 and CN2022226013402 have complex structures, high manufacturing costs, and are difficult to operate, making them unsuitable for large-scale deployment. CN2021226846892, CN2021204885705, CN2022108169900, and CN2022217580061 have their advantages, but their scratch throughput is low and cannot meet the needs of modern large-scale, high-throughput screening and experiments. While designs like CN2024205229675 consider… Electric drive offers some convenience, but because it only has a single row of scrubbing needles, it requires retraction and cleaning of the needles after the single row of wells is set up for multi-well plate applications. This makes it difficult to achieve high efficiency for high-throughput applications. For example, CN2023230993751 solves the problem of high-throughput scrubbing, but this patent focuses on freely adjusting the length and distance of the scrubbing lines and does not consider the versatility of the scrubbing instrument. It requires a specially matched cell culture tank, so it cannot solve the problem of different bottom heights and uneven bottoms of universal culture dishes from different manufacturers.

[0004] Since cell culture plates are mostly injection molded, the bottom depth of the wells varies between different manufacturers due to different molds. The precision of the mold directly determines the precision of the culture plate. If the mold precision is poor, even the same culture plate produced will have different bottom depths. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to develop a manual instrument that is easy to operate, can be adapted to cell culture plates from different manufacturers, and can even address the issue of uneven bottoms in some culture plates due to injection molding problems. At the same time, it should be low-cost and truly achieve high-throughput cell scratching. Utility Model Content

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A manual high-throughput cell scrubber includes:

[0007] A scratcher needle assembly, comprising multiple scratching needles for scratching multiple samples;

[0008] A culture plate holder is provided, on which a culture plate is detachably connected, and the culture plate is correspondingly arranged with the scratcher needle assembly;

[0009] A cleaning tank is used to soak and clean the scratcher needle assembly and the culture plate holder.

[0010] Furthermore, the scratcher needle assembly also includes:

[0011] Scratch tool handle;

[0012] A streak holder is detachably connected to the lower side of the streak tool handle. The streak holder has a plurality of streak mounting holes arranged in an array. A plurality of streaks are correspondingly arranged with the plurality of streak mounting holes. The first end of each streak is installed in the corresponding streak mounting hole, and the second end is used to contact the cell culture plate to make a streak. The culture plate has a plurality of culture wells corresponding to the streak.

[0013] Multiple return springs are provided, each corresponding to a multiple scribe pin. The return springs are located inside the scribe pin mounting hole and sleeved on the outside of the first end of the scribe pin, for resetting the scribe pin, buffering force, and adapting to uneven culture plate surfaces.

[0014] Furthermore, the plurality of the described scriber mounting holes are arranged in an array.

[0015] Furthermore, the scratcher handle and the scratch needle holder are fixed together by a set screw.

[0016] Furthermore, the scratcher handle is ergonomically designed.

[0017] Furthermore, both the scratcher handle and the scratch needle holder are made of aerospace aluminum alloy, and the corners of the scratcher handle are chamfered.

[0018] Furthermore, the scriber is made of PEEK material.

[0019] Furthermore, the first end of the stylus is provided with an annular protrusion, and the bottom of the stylus mounting hole is provided with a limiting part to prevent the stylus from slipping out.

[0020] Furthermore, positioning guide rails are provided on both sides of the culture plate holder, and a sliding groove is provided on the scratcher handle to cooperate with the positioning guide rails.

[0021] Furthermore, the scratcher needle assembly is provided with a zero-position scale, and the culture plate holder is provided with a scale that cooperates with the zero-position scale.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] This invention features a high-throughput design that, by setting up multiple scribing needles, can simultaneously scribing multiple samples, greatly improving experimental efficiency and saving time and labor costs.

[0024] The scratcher handle and scratch needle holder of this utility model are detachable, and different scratch needle holders can be replaced for different culture plates. The scratcher handle and needle body assembly of commonly used 96, 48 and 24-well plates can also be modularized for convenient use.

[0025] This utility model is easy to operate, adopts a manual operation mode, and combines a positioning guide rail and an ergonomic scratcher handle design, making it simple and convenient to operate without complicated training.

[0026] This invention has low cost, simple instrument structure, and is made of common materials, which reduces production costs and makes it suitable for use in a wide range of scientific research laboratories. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the scratcher needle assembly structure of a manual high-throughput cell scratcher according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the culture plate fixing frame structure of a manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning tank structure of a manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the scratcher needle assembly of a manual high-throughput cell scratcher according to this utility model.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reset spring and needle structure of the needle body assembly of a manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to this utility model.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the scale and zero mark of a manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to this utility model.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Scratch tool handle; 2. Scratch needle holder; 3. Scratch needle; 4. Return spring; 5. Set screw; 6. Slide groove; 7. Culture plate holder; 8. Culture plate; 9. Guide rail; 10. Culture well; 11. Annular protrusion; 12. Zero mark; 13. Scale; 14. Cleaning tank. Detailed Implementation

[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] refer to Figures 1 to 6 A manual high-throughput cell scrubber, comprising:

[0037] The scratcher needle assembly is used to scratch cells;

[0038] Culture plate holder 7, culture plate 8 is detachably connected to culture plate holder 7, culture plate 8 is set correspondingly to scratcher needle body assembly;

[0039] The cleaning tank 14 is used to soak and clean the scratcher needle assembly and the culture plate holder 7.

[0040] This utility model features a high-throughput design that, by setting multiple scribing needles 3, can simultaneously perform scribing operations on multiple samples, greatly improving experimental efficiency and saving time and labor costs.

[0041] This invention has low cost, simple instrument structure, and is made of common materials, which reduces production costs and makes it suitable for use in a wide range of scientific research laboratories.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] To improve practicality, this embodiment has been further modified based on embodiment 1.

[0044] In this embodiment, the scratcher needle assembly includes:

[0045] Scratch tool handle 1;

[0046] In this embodiment, the function of the scratcher handle 1 is to facilitate the operator's grip and pressing of the scratch during operation. The scratcher handle 1 adopts an ergonomic design and is made of one-piece aerospace aluminum alloy. The corners of the scratcher handle 1 mostly adopt arcs and one-piece structures to facilitate cleaning, and to facilitate the operator's grip and the force during scratching operation.

[0047] The scratching needle holder 2 is detachably connected to the lower side of the scratcher handle 1. The scratching needle holder 2 has a plurality of scratching needle mounting holes arranged in an array.

[0048] In this embodiment, the stylus mounting box 2 is also made of metal, which has a certain rigidity and stability. Its function is to install stylus 3 to position and reset each stylus. Each stylus mounting hole corresponds one-to-one with the culture well 10 of the culture medium plate. Moreover, each stylus mounting hole has a reserved installation position for the reset spring 4, so that the reset spring 4 can be placed inside to fully perform the reset function and be stable without shaking.

[0049] The scratcher handle 1 and the scratch needle holder 2 of this utility model are detachable. Different scratch needle holders 2 can be replaced for different culture plates 8. The scratcher handle 1 and needle body assembly of commonly used 96, 48 and 24-well plates can also be modularized for convenient use.

[0050] In practice, the number of scratching needles can be set according to needs, such as 96 needles, 48 ​​needles, 24 needles, etc., to achieve high-throughput scratching.

[0051] Multiple streaks 3 are provided, and multiple streaks 3 are correspondingly set with multiple streak mounting holes. The first end of each streak 3 is installed in the corresponding streak mounting hole, and the second end is used to contact the cell culture plate 8 to make scratches. The culture plate 8 is provided with multiple culture wells 10 corresponding to the streaks 3.

[0052] In this embodiment, the scriber 3 is the most important component of the scratching device. When it is working, it comes into contact with the cells and produces scratches. Therefore, the selection of its materials is more stringent. The scriber 3 is made of PEEK material, which is widely used in the medical industry, is non-toxic and harmless, heat resistant, and has moderate hardness so as not to scratch the culture medium well plate. Each scriber 3 is an independent structure.

[0053] Multiple reset springs 4 are provided, which are corresponding to multiple styluses 3. The reset springs 4 are located in the stylus mounting holes and are sleeved on the outside of the first end of the stylus 3. They are used to reset the stylus 3, buffer the force, and adapt to the uneven surface of the culture plate 8.

[0054] In this embodiment, the reset spring 4 has three functions. First, it makes the force surface uniform when the scratching operation is pressed, so that the size, thickness and depth of the scratches are consistent, and the needle surface of each scratch needle 3 is suitable for different bottom surfaces to meet the needs of subsequent cell observation, imaging and analysis. Second, it resets the scratches so that each scratch returns to its initial position. Third, it acts as a buffer when force is applied to avoid damage to the culture plate 8 during the scratching operation.

[0055] In this embodiment, each streak 3 is an independent structure, equipped with a return spring 4 that adapts to uneven surfaces, ensuring that the bottom of the streak 3 is in full contact with the bottom plane of the culture plate 8 during operation.

[0056] In this embodiment, the scratcher handle 1 and the scratch needle holder 2 are fixed by a set screw 5.

[0057] In practice, the scratcher handle 1 and the scratch needle holder 2 are fixed by set screws 5 at both ends to form the scratcher needle body assembly, which makes it convenient for the operator to hold and perform scratching operations.

[0058] In this embodiment, the function of the set screw 5 is to make the entire scratcher needle body assembly a whole. This design only uses two small set screws 5 to complete the assembly of the scratcher needle body structure. Reducing the number of installation parts not only reduces weight, but also reduces more gaps, creating conditions for subsequent cleaning and washing.

[0059] In this embodiment, the scratcher handle 1 is ergonomically designed.

[0060] In this embodiment, both the scratcher handle 1 and the scratch needle holder 2 are made of aerospace aluminum alloy, and the corners of the scratcher handle 1 are chamfered.

[0061] In this embodiment, the scribing needle 3 is made of PEEK material.

[0062] In this embodiment, the scratcher handle 1 is ergonomically designed and made of one-piece aerospace aluminum alloy, making it easy for the operator to hold. The scratch needle 3 is made of PEEK material, which is widely used in the medical industry, is non-toxic and harmless, heat resistant (200-250 degrees), and has moderate hardness so as not to scratch the culture medium well plate.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first end of the scriber 3 is provided with an annular protrusion 11, and the bottom of the scriber mounting hole is provided with a limiting part to prevent the scriber from slipping out.

[0064] In practice, the second end of the scriber 3 passes through the scriber mounting hole and is limited by the limiting part of the annular protrusion 11, while the first end of the scriber 3 is located inside the scriber mounting hole.

[0065] Example 3

[0066] For ease of operation, this embodiment has been further modified based on embodiment 1 or embodiment 2.

[0067] In this embodiment, positioning guide rails 9 are provided on both sides of the culture plate fixing frame 7, and a sliding groove 6 is provided on the scratcher handle 1 to cooperate with the positioning guide rails 9.

[0068] This utility model is easy to operate, adopts a manual operation mode, and combines the positioning guide rail 9 and ergonomic scratcher handle design, making it simple and convenient to operate without complicated training.

[0069] In this embodiment, the scratcher needle assembly is provided with a zero-position scale 12, and the culture plate holder 7 is provided with a scale 13 that is configured to cooperate with the zero-position scale 12.

[0070] In this embodiment, the scratcher needle assembly has a zero-position scale 12, and the culture plate holder 7 has a scale 13. When scratching, the displacement generated during scratching can be determined according to the relative position of the zero-position scale 12 and the scale 13 on the scratcher needle assembly.

[0071] Usage instructions: For example, the needle body assembly of a 96-pin scratcher.

[0072] Cell scratching includes the following steps:

[0073] S1. Place the 96-well culture plate 8 into the culture holder;

[0074] S2. Pour the cleaning solution into the cleaning tank 14 (note that the amount of cleaning solution should generally be maintained at one-third of the height of the groove in the cleaning tank 14, so as to submerge the scrubbing needle 3 and make it in contact with the cells to achieve the purpose of cleaning and soaking).

[0075] S3. Lift the scratcher handle 1 and needle assembly by hand from top to bottom. Visually align the last row of needles with the end face of the well plate and continue to press down to reach the top of the slide rail surface of the protrusions on both sides of the culture plate holder 7. Then push from back to front to reach the front face of the well plate and lift the scratcher handle 1 and needle assembly to complete the cell scratching operation.

[0076] S4. Soak and clean the scratcher needle assembly in the cleaning tank 14 containing cleaning solution. You can use a special cleaning brush to scrub it during cleaning.

[0077] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model are included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A manual high-throughput cell scrubber, characterized in that, include: A scratcher needle assembly, comprising multiple scratching needles for scratching multiple samples; A culture plate holder is provided, on which a culture plate is detachably connected, and the culture plate is correspondingly arranged with the scratcher needle assembly; A cleaning tank is used to soak and clean the scratcher needle assembly and the culture plate holder.

2. The manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scratcher needle assembly also includes: Scratch tool handle; A streak holder is detachably connected to the lower side of the streak tool handle. The streak holder has a plurality of streak mounting holes arranged in an array. A plurality of streaks are correspondingly arranged with the plurality of streak mounting holes. The first end of each streak is installed in the corresponding streak mounting hole, and the second end is used to contact the cell culture plate to make a streak. The culture plate has a plurality of culture wells corresponding to the streak. Multiple return springs are provided, each corresponding to a multiple scribe pin. The return springs are located inside the scribe pin mounting hole and sleeved on the outside of the first end of the scribe pin, for resetting the scribe pin, buffering force, and adapting to uneven culture plate surfaces.

3. A manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of the described scriber mounting holes are arranged in an array.

4. A manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scratcher handle and the scratch needle holder are secured by a set screw.

5. A manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scratcher handle is ergonomically designed.

6. A manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the scratcher handle and the scratch needle holder are made of aerospace aluminum alloy, and the corners of the scratcher handle are chamfered.

7. A manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scriber is made of PEEK material.

8. A manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first end of the scriber is provided with an annular protrusion, and the bottom of the scriber mounting hole is provided with a limiting part to prevent the scriber from slipping out.

9. A manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The culture plate holder is provided with positioning guide rails on both sides, and the scratcher handle is provided with a sliding groove that cooperates with the positioning guide rails.

10. A manual high-throughput cell scrubber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scratcher needle assembly is provided with a zero-position scale, and the culture plate holder is provided with a scale that is matched with the zero-position scale.

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