A PCR tube
By setting up an inner and outer double-layer structure inside the PCR tube, a wax oil storage space is formed between the inner and outer tubes, which solves the problem of needing an additional mechanism to introduce wax oil in the existing technology, and realizes the miniaturization of the equipment and cost optimization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 广州中渔生物科技有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing PCR tubes require an additional mechanism to introduce wax oil in fully automated molecular POCT equipment to prevent reagent evaporation, which occupies extra cartridge space and increases costs.
Design a PCR tube with an inner and outer double-layer structure, forming a solid wax oil storage space between the inner and outer tubes. The wax oil automatically melts and covers the reagent surface when heated, achieving a seal.
It significantly reduces the size of the equipment and cartridges, lowers manufacturing costs, and improves the stability and reliability of the sealing effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN224299230U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of biological experimental equipment technology, and in particular to a PCR tube. Background Technology
[0002] Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique that rapidly amplifies specific DNA fragments in vitro by mimicking the natural DNA replication process. Its core principle is based on a cyclic reaction of three stages: DNA denaturation, primer annealing, and DNA polymerase extension. Theoretically, each cycle can double the amount of target DNA. In PCR experiments, reagents are usually added to PCR tubes, and then the PCR tubes are placed in an instrument for various operations.
[0003] Common PCR tubes have a heat-sealed cap at the top. After adding reagents, the operator closes the cap to prevent the PCR reaction solution from condensing or evaporating at the top. In fully automated molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) equipment, because PCR tubes are usually integrated with the nucleic acid extraction section in a smaller cartridge, there is typically no heat-sealed cap on the top of the PCR tube. Therefore, after adding reagents, a certain volume of wax is added to seal the reagents under the wax and prevent evaporation. In POCT, the wax sealing method usually involves pre-sealing the wax in a certain position in the cartridge, and then using a mechanism to introduce the wax into the PCR tube to seal the reagents. This approach occupies additional cartridge space, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the equipment and cartridges, and increases costs. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application aims to at least partially address one of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art. To this end, embodiments of this application provide a PCR tube that can directly store solid wax oil, avoiding the need for additional mechanisms to introduce wax oil during the experiment, significantly reducing the size of the equipment and cartridges, and lowering manufacturing costs.
[0005] A PCR tube, comprising:
[0006] The outer tube includes a tapered tube, wherein the larger diameter end of the tapered tube is the inlet end, and the smaller diameter end of the tapered tube is closed.
[0007] The inner tube is a straight tube structure and is disposed inside the outer tube. The inner tube extends axially along the outer tube. One end of the inner tube extends to be flush with or lower than the end face of the inlet end, and the other end extends into the interior of the tapered tube. The inner tube and the tapered tube are spaced apart. A first annular cavity for storing solid wax oil is formed between the outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the tapered tube. An annular gap is formed between the outer wall of the end of the inner tube extending into the tapered tube and the inner wall of the tapered tube. The solid wax oil in the first annular cavity is used to flow out from the annular gap.
[0008] A connector is provided at one end of the inner tube extending into the tapered tube. The connector is fixed to the inner wall of the tapered tube, and a through hole is provided on the connector corresponding to the position of the annular gap.
[0009] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the outer tube further includes a cylindrical tube installed at the inlet end of the tapered tube, the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube being the same as the inner diameter of the inlet end.
[0010] In an optional or preferred embodiment, one end of the inner tube extends to be flush with the end face of the cylindrical tube, and the other end extends into the interior of the tapered tube. The outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the cylindrical tube are spaced apart to form a second annular cavity for storing solid wax oil. The second annular cavity communicates with the first annular cavity.
[0011] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the connector is a ring-shaped grid plate, the inner ring of the connector is fixed to one end of the inner tube that extends into the tapered tube, the outer ring of the connector is fixed to the inner wall of the tapered tube, and grid holes are provided on the grid plate corresponding to the position of the annular gap.
[0012] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the connector is a crossbar, and the inner tube and the outer tube are connected by multiple crossbars, with each crossbar spaced apart between the inner tube and the outer tube.
[0013] In an optional or preferred embodiment, four crossbars are provided.
[0014] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the inner tube and the cylindrical tube are arranged concentrically.
[0015] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the inner tube and the tapered tube are arranged concentrically.
[0016] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the cylindrical tube is the same as the outer diameter of the inlet end.
[0017] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the cylindrical tube is the same as the wall thickness of the tapered tube.
[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects: by setting an inner tube and an outer tube, the entire PCR tube forms a double-layer structure, and a storage space for solid wax oil is formed between the inner tube and the outer tube, which avoids the problem of needing an additional mechanism to introduce wax oil in traditional POCT equipment, significantly reduces the volume of the equipment and cartridge, and lowers the manufacturing cost. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments;
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram from another perspective of the embodiment shown;
[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown;
[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The schematic diagram shown illustrates the solid wax oil located in the first annular cavity and the second annular cavity in the embodiment shown.
[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the solid wax oil melting and covering the surface of the reagent;
[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of this application.
[0026] Figure label:
[0027] 1-Outer tube; 10-Conical tube; 11-Cylindrical tube; 2-Inner tube; 3-Connector; 4-First annular cavity; 5-Second annular cavity; 6-Reagent. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0033] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.
[0034] Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique that rapidly amplifies specific DNA fragments in vitro by mimicking the natural DNA replication process. Its core principle is based on a cyclic reaction involving three stages: DNA denaturation, primer annealing, and DNA polymerase extension. Theoretically, each cycle can double the amount of target DNA. Typically, in a PCR experiment, reagents are added to a PCR tube, which is then placed in an instrument for various operations.
[0035] Common PCR tubes have a heat-sealed cap at the top. After adding reagents, the operator closes the cap to prevent condensation and evaporation of the PCR reaction solution. In fully automated molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) devices, because PCR tubes are usually integrated with the nucleic acid extraction unit in a smaller cartridge, there is typically no heat-sealed cap on the top of the PCR tube. Therefore, after adding the reagent system to the sample, a certain volume of wax is added to seal the reagents under the wax and prevent evaporation. In POCT, the wax sealing method usually involves pre-sealing the wax in a certain position in the cartridge, and then using a mechanism to introduce the wax into the PCR tube to seal the reagents. This approach occupies additional cartridge space, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the equipment and cartridges, and increases costs.
[0036] Example 1:
[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment provides a PCR tube, including an outer tube 1, an inner tube 2, and a connector 3.
[0038] The outer tube 1 includes a tapered tube 10, which has a truncated cone shape. The larger diameter end of the tapered tube 10 is the inlet end, and the smaller diameter end is closed, forming a sealed bottom. The tapered angle of the tapered tube 10 is 15°, which effectively guides the liquid flow. The sealed bottom of the tapered tube 10 is manufactured using a one-piece molding process to ensure good sealing performance. The uniform wall thickness of the tapered tube 10 ensures structural strength and thermal conductivity.
[0039] The inner tube 2 is a straight tube with a constant inner and outer diameter. The inner tube 2 is set inside the outer tube 1 and extends along the axial direction of the outer tube 1. One end of the inner tube 2 extends to be flush with the end face of the inlet end, and the other end extends into the interior of the tapered tube 10. The inner tube 2 and the tapered tube 10 are spaced apart and a certain distance is maintained between them. The outer wall of the inner tube 2 and the inner wall of the tapered tube 10 form a first annular cavity 4 for storing solid wax oil.
[0040] An annular gap is formed between the outer wall of the inner tube 2 extending into the conical tube 10 and the inner wall of the conical tube 10. The annular gap allows the molten wax to flow out smoothly while preventing the solid wax from accidentally falling out. The solid wax in the first annular cavity 4 melts when heated, forming liquid wax. The liquid wax flows down from the annular gap under the action of gravity, covering the surface of the reagent 6 at the bottom of the conical tube 10 to form a sealing layer.
[0041] The connector 3 is located at one end of the inner tube 2 extending into the tapered tube 10. The connector 3 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tapered tube 10. A through hole is provided on the connector 3 at the position corresponding to the annular gap to ensure that the wax oil drips into the lower part of the tapered tube 10 through the through hole.
[0042] After reagent 6 is added to the PCR tube, when the temperature rises to the melting point of the solid wax oil, the solid wax oil stored in the first annular cavity 4 begins to melt. The melted wax oil flows through the annular gap under the action of gravity, passes through the through hole on the connector 3, and drips onto the surface of reagent 6 at the bottom of the conical tube 10, quickly spreading and forming a continuous sealing layer, effectively preventing the evaporation and contamination of reagent 6.
[0043] This embodiment sets up an inner tube 2 and an outer tube 1, so that the entire PCR tube forms a double-layer structure. Inside the PCR tube, a storage space for solid wax oil is formed between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1, which avoids the problem of needing an additional mechanism to introduce wax oil in traditional POCT equipment, significantly reducing the volume of the equipment and cartridges, and lowering manufacturing costs.
[0044] The connector 3 is designed to connect and fix the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1 on the one hand, and to support the solid wax oil on the other.
[0045] Example 2:
[0046] In this embodiment, one end of the inner tube 2 extends to a face lower than the inlet end, forming a concave structure. This design facilitates the dispensing of reagent 6 while avoiding direct contact between the end face of the inner tube 2 and the external environment.
[0047] Example 3:
[0048] In this embodiment, the outer tube 1 also includes a cylindrical tube 11, which is installed at the inlet end of the tapered tube 10. The inner diameter of the cylindrical tube 11 is the same as the inner diameter of the inlet end, and a smooth inner surface transition is formed between the two. The cylindrical tube 11 provides sufficient space for the reagent 6 to be dispensed and sealed.
[0049] One end of the inner tube 2 extends to be flush with the end face of the cylindrical tube 11, forming a flat open end face, while the other end extends into the interior of the tapered tube 10, maintaining the same structure as in Embodiment 1. The outer wall of the inner tube 2 and the inner wall of the cylindrical tube 11 are spaced apart to form a second annular cavity 5 for storing solid wax oil. The second annular cavity 5 communicates with the first annular cavity 4, forming a continuous wax oil storage space. The arrangement of the second annular cavity 5 further increases the storage capacity of the wax oil, ensuring that there is enough wax oil to seal the larger volume of reagent 6.
[0050] The inner tube 2 and the cylindrical tube 11 are concentrically arranged, with their axes coinciding, ensuring that the width of the second annular cavity 5 is evenly distributed along the circumference. The inner tube 2 and the tapered tube 10 are also concentrically arranged, with the axis of the entire inner tube 2 coinciding with the axis of the outer tube 1, ensuring the continuity and uniformity of the first annular cavity 4 and the second annular cavity 5.
[0051] The outer diameter of the cylindrical tube 11 is the same as the outer diameter of the inlet end, forming a smooth outer surface transition between the two, which facilitates the installation and positioning of the PCR tube in the equipment. The wall thickness of the cylindrical tube 11 is the same as the wall thickness of the tapered tube 10, ensuring the consistency of strength of the entire outer tube 1 structure.
[0052] Example 4:
[0053] Reference Figure 2 In this embodiment, the connector 3 is an annular grid plate. The inner ring of the connector 3 is fixed to one end of the inner tube 2 that extends into the conical tube 10, and the outer ring of the connector 3 is fixed to the inner wall of the conical tube 10. Grid holes are provided on the grid plate at positions corresponding to the annular gaps. The grid plate serves to connect the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1, and also to support the solid wax oil. The grid holes are through holes through which the melted wax oil can flow down. The grid holes facilitate the uniform flow of the solid wax oil, spreading it evenly on the surface of the reagent 6.
[0054] Example 5:
[0055] Reference Figure 6 In this embodiment, the connector 3 is a crossbar, and the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1 are connected by multiple crossbars, with each crossbar distributed at intervals between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1.
[0056] Specifically, four crossbars are set, one in each direction (front, back, left, and right) between the inner tube 2 and the tapered tube 10. The distance between two adjacent crossbars is the through hole for the wax oil to flow down.
[0057] In the above embodiments, the PCR tubes are made of thermoplastic plastics such as polypropylene or polystyrene, which have good chemical resistance and thermal stability. Injection molding is used in the manufacturing process to ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the product. The solid wax oil is selected considering biocompatibility and thermal stability to ensure that it will not interfere with the PCR reaction.
[0058] The PCR tube of this application achieves automatic release of wax oil through a built-in solid wax oil storage structure, which significantly simplifies the equipment structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the stability and reliability of the sealing effect, providing an effective technical solution for the miniaturization and cost optimization of POCT equipment.
[0059] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.
Claims
1. A PCR tube, characterized in that, include: The outer tube includes a tapered tube, wherein the larger diameter end of the tapered tube is the inlet end, and the smaller diameter end of the tapered tube is closed. The inner tube is a straight tube structure and is disposed inside the outer tube. The inner tube extends axially along the outer tube. One end of the inner tube extends to be flush with or lower than the end face of the inlet end, and the other end extends into the interior of the tapered tube. The inner tube and the tapered tube are spaced apart. A first annular cavity for storing solid wax oil is formed between the outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the tapered tube. An annular gap is formed between the outer wall of the end of the inner tube extending into the tapered tube and the inner wall of the tapered tube. The solid wax oil in the first annular cavity is used to flow out from the annular gap. A connector is provided at one end of the inner tube extending into the tapered tube. The connector is fixed to the inner wall of the tapered tube, and a through hole is provided on the connector corresponding to the position of the annular gap.
2. The PCR tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer tube also includes a cylindrical tube, which is installed at the inlet end of the tapered tube, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube is the same as the inner diameter of the inlet end.
3. The PCR tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the inner tube extends to be flush with the end face of the cylindrical tube, and the other end extends into the interior of the tapered tube. The outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the cylindrical tube are spaced apart to form a second annular cavity for storing solid wax oil. The second annular cavity is in communication with the first annular cavity.
4. The PCR tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector is a ring-shaped grid plate. The inner ring of the connector is fixed to one end of the inner tube that extends into the tapered tube, and the outer ring of the connector is fixed to the inner wall of the tapered tube. The grid plate is provided with grid holes corresponding to the positions of the annular gap.
5. The PCR tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector is a crossbar, and the inner tube and the outer tube are connected by multiple crossbars, with each crossbar spaced apart between the inner tube and the outer tube.
6. The PCR tube according to claim 5, characterized in that: Four crossbars are provided.
7. The PCR tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner tube is arranged concentrically with the cylindrical tube.
8. The PCR tube according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner tube and the tapered tube are arranged concentrically.
9. The PCR tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the cylindrical tube is the same as the outer diameter of the inlet end.
10. The PCR tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the cylindrical tube is the same as that of the tapered tube.