Novel automatic tissue dissociation device

Abstract

The utility model provides a novel automatic tissue dissociation device. The novel automatic tissue dissociation device comprises a disposable dissociation tube, a rotary heating part, a sample loading part, a reagent adding part, a control part and a power supply part, wherein the disposable dissociation pipe is detachably locked and mounted with the rotary heating part through the buckle interface; the sample loading part is mounted on one side of the disposable dissociation tube and is used for putting a sample into the disposable dissociation tube; the reagent adding part is correspondingly connected with an inlet of the disposable dissociation tube; the control part is in control connection with the rotary heating part, the sample loading part and the reagent adding part respectively; the power supply part is in power supply connection with the rotary heating part and the control part. According to the utility model, by utilizing the optimized mechanical structure design of the disposable dissociation tube and the high-precision rotary heating structure, all the components are tightly matched and cooperated to jointly complete the tissue dissociation task, so that the efficient dissociation of tissues and the high-quality separation of cells are ensured; the method has the advantages of efficient dissociation, cell viability guarantee, simple operation, high safety, wide applicability and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological laboratory experimental equipment technology, specifically to a novel automated tissue dissociation device for biological tissue processing and cell separation. Background Technology

[0002] In biomedical research and clinical applications, tissue dissociation is a crucial step in obtaining cell samples. Traditional tissue dissociation methods largely rely on manual operation, which suffers from low efficiency, difficulty in ensuring cell viability, complex operation, and insufficient safety. While some automated dissociation devices exist, improvements are still needed in terms of tissue processing uniformity, cell yield, and viability assurance. Furthermore, the complexity and high cost of these devices limit their widespread application. Therefore, developing an efficient, stable, easy-to-operate, and cost-effective automated tissue dissociation device is an urgent problem to be solved in this field.

[0003] Currently, no descriptions or reports of technologies similar to this utility model have been found, and similar information from both domestic and international sources has not yet been collected. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings in the existing technology, this utility model provides a novel automated tissue dissociation device.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0006] An automated tissue dissociation device includes: a disposable dissociation tube, a rotary heating unit, a sample loading unit, a reagent adding unit, a control unit, and a power supply unit; wherein:

[0007] The disposable dissociation tube is detachably and locked to the rotary heating part via a snap-fit ​​interface;

[0008] The sample loading unit is installed on one side of the disposable dissociation tube and is used to deliver a sample into the disposable dissociation tube.

[0009] The reagent addition section is connected to the inlet of the disposable dissociation tube.

[0010] The control unit is respectively connected to the rotary heating unit, the sample loading unit, and the reagent adding unit;

[0011] The power supply unit is connected to the power supply of the rotary heating unit and the control unit, respectively.

[0012] Preferably, the disposable dissociation tube has a spiral pattern inside to form a turbulence structure; the top of the disposable dissociation tube is provided with a tube cap with a multi-stage sealing structure between it and the tube opening, and the center of the tube cap is provided with an inlet, which is connected to the reagent addition part through a pipe that is interference-fitted with it; the bottom of the disposable dissociation tube is provided with a ring-shaped metal buckle to form a buckle interface.

[0013] More preferably, the interior of the disposable dissociation tube is further provided with an inclined filter screen.

[0014] Preferably, the rotating heating part includes a heating component, a driving component, and a rotating shaft driven and connected to the driving component; wherein, the heating component is arranged around the disposable dissociation tube, and the top of the rotating shaft is provided with an electromagnetic lock that matches and is fixed to the snap-fit ​​interface; the disposable dissociation tube is fixedly installed to the rotating shaft through the snap-fit ​​interface, and the rotating shaft is driven to rotate by the driving component, thereby driving the disposable dissociation tube to rotate.

[0015] Preferably, the sample loading unit includes a robotic arm and a guide rail; wherein, the base of the robotic arm is movably mounted on the guide rail, and the end of the robotic arm is provided with a gripper; the control unit controls the robotic arm to move along the guide rail to directly above the disposable dissociation tube, and to vertically feed material into the disposable dissociation tube.

[0016] Preferably, the reagent addition unit includes a reagent storage container, a pump body installed inside the storage container, and a hose connected to the pump body, the end of the hose being connected to the inlet of the disposable dissociation tube; the control unit controls the amount of reagent added to the disposable dissociation tube by controlling the opening and closing of the pump body.

[0017] Preferably, the control unit includes a controller and a display; wherein the controller is connected to the rotary heating unit, the sample loading unit, and the reagent adding unit respectively; the display is connected to the rotary heating unit and is used to monitor the temperature and rotation speed of the rotary heating unit in real time.

[0018] More preferably, the control unit further includes a comparator and an alarm; wherein the comparator presets a temperature threshold and a rotation speed threshold and is connected to the rotating heating unit, for determining whether the temperature value and / or rotation speed value of the rotating heating unit exceeds the threshold range; when the temperature value and / or rotation speed value is greater than or equal to the preset corresponding threshold, the comparator triggers the alarm.

[0019] Preferably, the power supply unit adopts a dual power supply system, including a main power supply and a backup power supply, wherein the main power supply and the backup power supply are electrically connected to the rotary heating unit and the control unit, respectively; wherein, the main power supply is connected to the mains power, and the backup power supply is an uninterruptible power supply; when the main power supply input is normal, the backup power supply charges; when the main power supply input is abnormal, the backup power supply supplies power.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has at least one of the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0021] This invention employs an automated rotary heating structure, which significantly improves tissue dissociation efficiency and can obtain high-purity, high-activity single-cell suspensions in a short time, thus achieving efficient tissue dissociation.

[0022] This invention utilizes a controller to achieve precise temperature control to reach the required dissociation conditions, minimizing damage to cells, ensuring cell viability, and providing a reliable guarantee for subsequent cell experiments and analysis.

[0023] This invention has a simple structure and can be used without complicated training. The controller reduces human error and improves the repeatability of experiments.

[0024] This invention uses disposable dissociation tubes to avoid cross-contamination of samples, and features a multi-level sealing structure and overload protection to ensure a safe and worry-free experimental process.

[0025] This invention can be adapted to various tissue types to meet the needs of different laboratories. At the same time, the invention has a reasonable structural design and controllable cost of disposable consumables, making it cost-effective and suitable for promotion and use in laboratories at all levels. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automated tissue dissociation device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a disposable dissociation tube in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotary heating part in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sample loading part in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reagent addition section in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] In the diagram, 1 is a disposable dissociation tube, 2 is a rotary heating unit, 3 is a sample loading unit, 4 is a reagent adding unit, 5 is a control unit, 6 is a power supply unit, 11 is a buckle, 12 is an inlet, 13 is a spiral pattern, 14 is a tube cap, 15 is a filter screen, 21 is a heating component, 22 is a drive component, 23 is a rotating shaft, 24 is an electromagnetic lock, 31 is a robotic arm, 32 is a guide rail, 33 is a gripper, 41 is a reagent storage container, 42 is a pump body, and 43 is a flexible tube. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below: These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of this utility model, and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0034] Existing biological tissue dissociation techniques typically rely on human experience, resulting in low efficiency, difficulty in guaranteeing cell viability, complex operation, and insufficient safety. Some existing automated dissociation devices, however, suffer from complex structures and high costs, limiting their widespread application.

[0035] To address the aforementioned problems, one embodiment of this utility model provides a novel automated tissue dissociation device. This device utilizes an optimized mechanical structure design with a disposable dissociation tube and a high-precision rotary heating structure to achieve close cooperation between the various components, jointly completing the tissue dissociation task and ensuring efficient tissue dissociation and high-quality cell separation.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Please also refer to Figures 1-5 .

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the automated tissue dissociation device provided in Embodiment 1 may include: a disposable dissociation tube 1, a rotary heating unit 2, a sample loading unit 3, a reagent adding unit 4, a control unit 5, and a power supply unit 6; wherein:

[0039] The disposable release tube 1 is detachably locked to the rotary heating part 2 via a buckle 11;

[0040] The sample loading unit 3 is installed on one side of the disposable dissociation tube 1 and is used to load samples into the disposable dissociation tube 1;

[0041] The reagent addition section 4 is connected to the inlet 12 of the disposable dissociation tube 1.

[0042] The control unit 5 is connected to the rotary heating unit 2, the sample loading unit 3, and the reagent adding unit 4 respectively.

[0043] The power supply unit 6 is connected to the rotary heating unit 2 and the control unit 5 respectively.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, in some preferred embodiments, the interior of the disposable dissociation tube 1 is provided with a spiral pattern 13 to form a turbulence structure; the top of the disposable dissociation tube 1 is provided with a tube cap 14 with a multi-stage sealing structure between it and the tube opening, and the center of the tube cap 14 is provided with an inlet 12, which is connected to the reagent addition part 4 through a pipe that is interference-fitted with it; the bottom of the disposable dissociation tube 1 is provided with a buckle 11 with an annular metal structure.

[0045] To further enhance separation efficiency, in some preferred embodiments, the interior of the disposable dissociation tube is also provided with an inclined filter screen 15. Furthermore, the pore size of this filter screen can be 10-50 μm, and it can be installed at an inclination of 15°.

[0046] The disposable dissociation tube is the core consumable of this automated tissue dissociation device, featuring a unique structural design. The tube body can be made of transparent, biocompatible medical-grade plastic, facilitating observation of the dissociation process without affecting cell viability. The tube body incorporates a special flow-dispersing structure, such as spiral guides or protrusions, which promotes thorough mixing of tissue and dissociation solution when the tissue is subjected to mechanical and enzymatic forces within the tube, accelerating the dissociation process and improving cell release efficiency. Combined with a filter, the separation efficiency is further enhanced. The tube cap has excellent sealing performance, employing a multi-stage sealing structure to effectively prevent liquid leakage during dissociation, ensuring experimental safety and environmental cleanliness. The disposable dissociation tube also avoids cross-contamination during experiments.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, in some preferred embodiments, the rotary heating unit 2 includes a heating assembly 21, a driving assembly 22, and a rotating shaft 23 driven and connected to the driving assembly. The heating assembly 21 is arranged around the disposable release tube 1, and the top of the rotating shaft 23 is provided with an electromagnetic lock 24 that matches and is fixed to the snap-fit ​​11. The disposable release tube 1 is fixedly installed to the rotating shaft 23 via the snap-fit ​​11 and the electromagnetic lock 24. The rotating shaft 23 is driven to rotate by the driving assembly 22, thereby causing the disposable release tube 1 to rotate. In some preferred embodiments, to further simplify the structure, the electromagnetic lock 24 can also adopt other structures that can engage and fix with the snap-fit ​​11. Furthermore, the electromagnetic lock and other engaging structures can all be existing products, which will not be described in detail here.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the heating assembly 21 includes a heat source and a temperature sensor; wherein the heat source is a ceramic heating element or an infrared heating tube, and the temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature of the heat source as a basis for the control unit to control the heating assembly.

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, the drive assembly 22 includes a DC motor and a proximity switch sensor. The DC motor is connected to the rotating shaft via a synchronous belt or gear transmission mechanism to drive the rotating shaft to rotate. The proximity switch sensor is used to measure the rotational speed of the rotating shaft, which serves as the basis for the control unit to control the drive assembly.

[0050] A high-precision rotary heating element is the key power source for tissue dissociation. Heating components are distributed around the dissociation tube, ensuring uniform heating. Utilizing efficient heat sources such as ceramic heating elements or infrared heating tubes, coupled with precise temperature sensors to provide data support for the controller, the temperature can be controlled within a preset range with an error of ±0.5℃. This provides a stable thermal environment for the enzymatic hydrolysis reaction, avoiding the adverse effects of temperature fluctuations on cell viability. The drive component employs a high-torque, low-noise DC motor, connected to the dissociation tube via a synchronous belt or gear transmission mechanism, enabling stepless speed regulation with a speed range of 20-4000 RPM to meet the mechanical force requirements of different tissue types and dissociation stages. During rotation, the system utilizes centrifugal force to ensure full contact between the tissue and the dissociation solution. Simultaneously, a speed sensor provides data support for the controller, preventing excessive rotation that could damage cells. The dissociation tube is fixed to the rotating shaft by an electromagnetic lock through its annular metal buckle, realizing a dual locking structure of magnetic attraction and mechanical engagement. This prevents the dissociation tube from loosening during rotation, ensuring connection stability and enabling quick replacement of the dissociation tube, thus improving experimental safety and convenience.

[0051] Furthermore, to ensure a tighter fit between the snap-fit ​​of the release tube and the electromagnetic lock at the top of the rotating shaft of the rotary heating unit, the outer diameter of the annular metal structure is matched to the adsorption surface of the electromagnetic lock. The inner side of the annular metal structure has a groove for engaging with the protrusion of the electromagnetic lock, preventing lateral displacement during rotation. The surface of the annular metal structure can also be plated with a nickel layer to enhance magnetic permeability and maximize the adsorption force of the electromagnetic lock. When the electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic lock is energized, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the annular metal structure. The annular protrusion matching the groove of the annular metal structure embeds into the groove to limit radial displacement of the snap-fit. A ceramic heat insulation layer can also be placed between the electromagnetic coil and the rotating shaft to prevent other heating components from affecting the performance of the electromagnetic lock.

[0052] like Figure 4As shown, in order to avoid sample contamination caused by human operation, in some preferred embodiments, the sample loading unit 3 includes a robotic arm 31 and a guide rail 32; wherein, the base of the robotic arm 31 is movably mounted on the guide rail 32, and the end of the robotic arm 31 is provided with a gripper 33; the control unit 5 controls the robotic arm 31 to move along the guide rail 32 to directly above the disposable dissociation tube 1, and vertically feeds material into the disposable dissociation tube 1.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to accurately control the amount of reagent added, in some preferred embodiments, the reagent adding unit 4 includes a reagent storage container 41, a pump body 42 installed inside the storage container 41, and a hose 43 connected to the pump body 42. The end of the hose 43 is connected to the inlet 12 of the disposable dissociation tube 1. The control unit 5 controls the amount of reagent added to the disposable dissociation tube 1 by controlling the opening and closing of the pump body 42.

[0054] In some preferred embodiments, the control unit 5 includes a controller and a display; wherein the controller is connected to the rotary heating unit 2, the sample loading unit 3 and the reagent adding unit 4 respectively; the display is connected to the rotary heating unit 2 and is used to monitor the temperature and rotation speed of the rotary heating unit in real time.

[0055] For overload protection, in some preferred embodiments, the control unit 5 further includes a comparator and an alarm; wherein, the comparator presets a temperature threshold and a rotation speed threshold and is connected to the rotating heating unit to determine whether the temperature value and / or rotation speed value of the rotating heating unit exceeds the threshold range; when the temperature value and / or rotation speed value is greater than or equal to the preset corresponding threshold, the comparator triggers the alarm.

[0056] The control unit can set and adjust parameters such as rotation speed, heating temperature, and running time to implement dissociation schemes for different tissue samples. The controller can employ an embedded processor, such as an STM32 controller or an MCU controller, possessing powerful control capabilities and the ability to monitor and display various data during the dissociation process in real time. Furthermore, by setting comparators and alarms, it also has data monitoring and alarm functions, promptly alerting and taking appropriate protective measures upon detecting abnormal data. The control implementation method of this unit is existing technology and not a technical point of this utility model; therefore, it will not be elaborated upon here.

[0057] In some preferred embodiments, the power supply unit 6 adopts a dual power supply system, including a main power supply and a backup power supply, which are electrically connected to the rotary heating unit and the control unit, respectively. The main power supply is connected to the mains power, and the backup power supply is an uninterruptible power supply. When the main power input is normal, the backup power supply charges; when the main power input is abnormal, the backup power supply supplies power.

[0058] The preferred embodiment of this invention employs a dual-power system. The main power supply is connected to the mains power. When the main power input is normal, the backup power supply charges the circuit via an inverter. When the main power input is abnormal, the backup power supply supplies power via the inverter, achieving continuous power supply during tissue dissociation and further ensuring experimental safety. The backup power supply can be an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The operating mode and principle of this UPS can utilize existing technology and will not be elaborated here.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] Based on Example 1, Example 2 may further include a housing with an openable top. The disposable dissociation tube 1, the rotary heating unit 2, and the power supply unit 6 are respectively installed inside the housing, and the control unit 5 is detachably installed outside the housing.

[0061] This automated tissue dissociation device adopts a compact, box-type design. The box can be made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant engineering plastic material with a smooth and easy-to-clean surface, meeting the requirements of laboratory use environment. The internal space of the box is rationally divided, with clear functional areas to ensure that they do not interfere with each other during operation. The top of the box has an openable structure, which facilitates the replacement of consumables and maintenance.

[0062] It should be noted that the connection and working relationship of the disposable dissociation tube, the rotary heating part, the sample loading part, the reagent adding part, the control part, and the power supply part in this embodiment 2 are the same as those in embodiment 1. That is, the preferred embodiment in embodiment 1 can be understood as a preferred example of constructing embodiment 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0063] The novel automated tissue dissociation device provided in the above embodiments of this utility model has the advantages of high efficiency dissociation, preservation of cell viability, simple operation, high safety and wide applicability. It has significant technical advantages and application value in laboratory tissue processing and cell separation.

[0064] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the purpose of simplifying the description of this utility model and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0065] Any matters not covered in the above embodiments of this utility model are known in the art.

[0066] The specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above. It should be understood that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications or variations within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the substantive content of this utility model.

Claims

1. A novel automated tissue dissociation device, characterized in that, include: The unit comprises a disposable dissociation tube (1), a rotary heating section (2), a sample loading section (3), a reagent adding section (4), a control section (5), and a power supply section (6); wherein: The disposable dissociation tube (1) is detachably locked to the rotary heating part (2) by means of a buckle (11); The sample loading part (3) is installed on one side of the disposable dissociation tube (1) and is used to deliver the sample into the disposable dissociation tube (1); The reagent addition section (4) is connected to the inlet (12) of the disposable dissociation tube (1); The control unit (5) is connected to the rotary heating unit (2), the sample loading unit (3), and the reagent adding unit (4) respectively. The power supply unit (6) is connected to the rotating heating unit (2) and the control unit (5) respectively.

2. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the disposable dissociation tube (1) is provided with a spiral pattern (13) to form a turbulence structure; the top of the disposable dissociation tube (1) is provided with a tube cap (14) with a multi-stage sealing structure between it and the tube opening; the center of the tube cap (14) is provided with an inlet (12); the inlet (12) is connected to the reagent addition part (4) through a pipe with an interference fit; the bottom of the disposable dissociation tube (1) is provided with a buckle (11) with an annular metal structure.

3. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The disposable dissociation tube (1) is also equipped with an inclined filter screen (15).

4. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating heating part (2) includes a heating component (21), a driving component (22), and a rotating shaft (23) driven and connected to the driving component (22); wherein, the heating component (21) is arranged around the disposable dissociation tube (1), and the top of the rotating shaft (23) is provided with an electromagnetic lock (24) that matches the buckle (11); the disposable dissociation tube (1) is fixedly installed to the rotating shaft (23) through the buckle (11) and the electromagnetic lock (24), and the rotating shaft (23) is driven to rotate by the driving component (22), thereby driving the disposable dissociation tube (1) to rotate.

5. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating component (21) includes a heat source and a temperature sensor; wherein the heat source is a ceramic heating element or an infrared heating tube, and the temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature of the heat source as the basis for the control unit to control the heating component.

6. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive assembly (22) includes a DC motor and a proximity switch sensor. The DC motor is connected to the rotating shaft via a synchronous belt or gear transmission mechanism to drive the rotating shaft to rotate. The proximity switch sensor is used to measure the rotational speed of the rotating shaft, which serves as the basis for the control unit to control the drive assembly.

7. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample loading unit (3) includes a robotic arm (31) and a guide rail (32); wherein the base of the robotic arm (31) is movably mounted on the guide rail (32), and the end of the robotic arm (31) is provided with a gripper (33); the control unit (5) controls the robotic arm (31) to move along the guide rail (32) to directly above the disposable dissociation tube (1) and vertically feed material into the disposable dissociation tube (1).

8. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent addition unit (4) includes a reagent storage container (41), a pump body (42) installed inside the storage container (41), and a hose (43) connected to the pump body (42). The end of the hose (43) is connected to the inlet (12) of the disposable dissociation tube. The control unit (5) controls the amount of reagent added to the disposable dissociation tube (1) by controlling the opening and closing of the pump body (42).

9. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit (5) includes a controller and a display; wherein the controller is connected to the rotary heating unit (2), the sample loading unit (3) and the reagent adding unit (4) respectively; the display is connected to the rotary heating unit (2) and is used to monitor the temperature and rotation speed of the rotary heating unit (2) in real time.

10. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control unit (5) further includes a comparator and an alarm; wherein the comparator presets a temperature threshold and a rotation speed threshold and is connected to the rotating heating unit, and is used to determine whether the temperature value and / or rotation speed value of the rotating heating unit exceeds the threshold range; when the temperature value and / or rotation speed value is greater than or equal to the preset corresponding threshold, the comparator triggers the alarm.

11. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply unit (6) adopts a dual power supply system, including a main power supply and a backup power supply. The main power supply and the backup power supply are electrically connected to the rotary heating unit and the control unit, respectively. The main power supply is connected to the mains power, and the backup power supply is an uninterruptible power supply. When the main power supply input is normal, the backup power supply is charged. When the main power supply input is abnormal, the backup power supply supplies power.

12. The novel automated tissue dissociation device according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, It also includes a housing, the top of which is an openable structure. The disposable dissociation tube (1), the rotary heating unit (2) and the power supply unit (6) are respectively installed inside the housing, and the control unit (5) is detachably installed outside the housing.

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