A cell culture microreactor

Abstract

This utility model discloses a cell culture microreactor, including a base and an insulated base on top of the base. The diameter of the insulated base is smaller than that of the base. A reactor tank is mounted on top of the insulated base, and a tank end cap is sealed and fixed to the top of the tank. An annular flange is provided on the outer circular surface of the tank end cap. A novel heat-insulating and anti-interference device is added to the outer circular surface of the reactor tank. This device is detachable and can be quickly removed without affecting the normal operation of the reactor when not in use. When needed, it can be quickly snapped onto the metal protective rods on the left and right sides of the tank using an arc-shaped elastic sleeve, thus fitting onto the outside of the tank. For heat insulation, the insulation cotton outside the arc-shaped insulation board works in conjunction with the argon gas injected inside to reduce energy loss and maintain a constant temperature in the tank, which is beneficial for improving the quality and success rate of cell culture. At the same time, the device is easy to install, can prevent collisions, reduce the risk of damage to the tank from collisions, and extend its service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of bioengineering equipment, specifically relating to a cell culture microreactor. Background Technology

[0002] Cell culture plays a crucial role in numerous fields such as biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. As a key device for cell culture, the development of cell culture microreactors has attracted widespread attention. Precise control of the culture environment is crucial to ensuring normal cell growth and metabolism during cell culture. However, existing cell culture microreactors have some limitations.

[0003] Regarding temperature control, the reactor vessel is susceptible to the influence of ambient temperature. Fluctuations in external temperature are transmitted to the reactor vessel through the mounting base, leading to temperature instability within the vessel. This can cause the cell growth environment to deviate from the optimal temperature range, affecting cell proliferation, differentiation, and product synthesis, thus reducing the quality and efficiency of cell culture. In terms of physical disturbances, the reactor vessel is easily subjected to external impacts and vibrations during daily use. These external shocks may damage the delicate internal structure of the vessel, affecting the normal operation of components such as the stirring system and sensors, thereby interfering with the cell culture process. Simultaneously, dust and debris may enter the reactor vessel, contaminating the cell culture environment and increasing the risk of cell culture failure. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cell culture microreactor to solve the problems mentioned in the background art regarding the temperature control of existing cell culture microreactors. These problems include external temperature fluctuations being transmitted to the reactor tank through the mounting base, resulting in unstable internal temperature, affecting cell growth and product synthesis, and reducing culture quality and efficiency. In terms of physical interference, the tank is easily damaged by external collisions and vibrations, and dust and debris can easily enter and contaminate the culture environment, increasing the risk of culture failure.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a cell culture microreactor, comprising a base and a heat-insulating base disposed on top of the base, wherein the diameter of the heat-insulating base is smaller than the diameter of the base, a reactor tank is disposed on top of the heat-insulating base, a tank end cap is sealed and fixed to the top of the reactor tank, an annular flange is disposed on the outer circular surface of the tank end cap, a plurality of metal protective rods are equidistantly connected between the base and the annular flange, the tops of the plurality of metal protective rods are fixedly connected to the annular flange by fixing nuts, and a heat insulation and anti-interference device is disposed on the outer circular surface of the reactor tank, and the heat insulation and anti-interference device is fixedly connected to the metal protective rods.

[0006] Preferably, the heat insulation and anti-interference device includes heat insulation cotton, arc-shaped elastic sleeves, arc-shaped heat insulation board A and arc-shaped heat insulation board B. The arc-shaped heat insulation board A, with its opening facing right, is fitted onto the outside of the left half of the reactor tank. The arc-shaped heat insulation board B, with its opening facing left, is fitted onto the outside of the right half of the reactor tank. Arc-shaped elastic sleeves are provided at the center of the inner wall on the right side of the left end of the arc-shaped heat insulation board A and at the center of the inner wall on the left side of the right end of the arc-shaped heat insulation board B. The two arc-shaped elastic sleeves are elastically fastened to the outside of the metal protective rods located on the left and right sides of the reactor tank, respectively. Heat insulation cotton is pasted on the outer wall of the left end of the arc-shaped heat insulation board A and the outer wall of the right end of the arc-shaped heat insulation board B.

[0007] Preferably, the heat preservation and anti-interference device further includes a soft-fitting pad A and a soft-fitting pad B. Soft-fitting pad A is pasted on both outer walls of the right end opening of the arc-shaped heat preservation plate A, and soft-fitting pad B is pasted on both outer walls of the left end opening of the arc-shaped heat preservation plate B. After the two arc-shaped elastic sleeves are elastically snapped onto the outside of the metal protective rods on the left and right sides of the reactor tank, the two soft-fitting pads A and the two soft-fitting pads B are respectively attached to each other.

[0008] Preferably, the distance between the upper and lower ends of the arc-shaped insulation plate A and the outer wall of the top of the mounting base and the inner wall of the bottom of the annular flange is less than one millimeter, and the arc-shaped insulation plate A and the arc-shaped insulation plate B can completely protect the circular exterior of the reactor tank.

[0009] Preferably, both the arc-shaped insulation board A and the arc-shaped insulation board B are hollow inside, and argon gas is injected into the hollow cavities inside the arc-shaped insulation board A and the arc-shaped insulation board B.

[0010] Preferably, a sealed bearing seat is provided at the center of the outer wall at the top of the reactor tank, and a micro stirring motor is provided at the top of the sealed bearing seat. The micro stirring motor is electrically connected to an external control power supply via wires.

[0011] Preferably, a stirring shaft is vertically arranged inside the center of the reactor tank. The top end of the stirring shaft is fixedly connected to the motor shaft of a micro stirring motor via a coupling. Multiple sets of stirring rollers are equidistantly arranged on the lower outer side of the center of the stirring shaft. The bottom end of the stirring shaft does not contact the inner wall of the bottom end of the reactor tank.

[0012] Preferably, multiple culture interfaces are equidistantly arranged on the outer side of the center of the top of the tank end cap. The multiple culture interfaces are arranged in a circular and equidistant manner on the outer side of the sealed bearing seat, and all of the multiple culture interfaces are connected to the inside of the reactor tank.

[0013] Preferably, the plurality of culture interfaces are a temperature and humidity detection interface, a refrigerant inlet interface, a heat medium inlet interface, a refrigerant / heat medium outlet interface, a ventilation interface, and a cell culture nutrient delivery interface.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a cell culture microreactor with the following advantages:

[0015] This invention features a novel heat-insulating and anti-interference device added to the outer circular surface of the reactor tank. This device can be quickly disassembled when not in use, thus not affecting the normal operation of the cell culture microreactor. When needed, the device can be quickly and securely fastened to the metal protective bars on the left and right sides of the reactor tank using an arc-shaped elastic clip. This allows the device to completely cover and protect the outside of the reactor tank, providing both heat insulation and impact protection. For heat insulation, the insulating cotton on the outer wall of the arc-shaped insulation board and the argon gas injected into the internal cavity work together... Simultaneously, it effectively reduces the energy loss of the heat and cold media used to control cell culture temperature, maintaining a constant temperature inside the reactor tank for a long time. This provides a stable temperature environment for cell culture, helping to improve the quality and success rate of cell culture. Secondly, the device is detachable and can be quickly disassembled when not in use without affecting the normal operation of the reactor. When needed, it can be quickly snapped onto the metal protective rod using an arc-shaped elastic sleeve, making operation convenient. In addition, two arc-shaped insulation plates protect the outside of the reactor tank, providing a certain degree of impact protection, reducing the risk of damage to the reactor tank from external collisions, and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external three-dimensional structure of a cell culture microreactor according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of a cell culture microreactor according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the right-side plan view of a cell culture microreactor according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the heat preservation and anti-interference device of this utility model in its disassembled state.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the heat preservation and anti-interference device of this utility model in its closed state.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the heat preservation and anti-interference device of this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Insulated base; 3. Metal protective rod; 4. Reactor tank; 5. Insulation and anti-interference device; 6. Annular flange; 7. Fixing nut; 8. Tank end cover; 9. Sealed bearing seat; 10. Miniature stirring motor; 11. Culture interface; 12. Stirring roller; 13. Stirring shaft; 14. Insulation cotton; 15. Soft bonding pad A; 16. Arc-shaped elastic sleeve; 17. Arc-shaped insulation board A; 18. Arc-shaped insulation board B; 19. Soft bonding pad B. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] This utility model provides, for example Figure 1-6The cell culture microreactor shown includes a base 1 and an insulated base 2 mounted on top of the base 1. The diameter of the insulated base 2 is smaller than that of the base 1. One of the main functions of the insulated base 2 is to isolate the reactor tank 4 from the base 1, effectively preventing heat transfer between the two. Since cell culture requires precise temperature control, the reactor tank 4 maintains a specific temperature environment suitable for cell growth. The base 1 is typically placed on various surfaces, and its temperature may fluctuate due to the surrounding environment. The insulated base 2 reduces heat conduction from temperature changes in the base 1 to the reactor tank 4, preventing external temperature interference with the constant temperature environment inside the reactor tank 4. This helps maintain stable temperature conditions required for cell culture, ensuring the stability and reliability of the cell growth environment, thereby improving the success rate and quality of cell culture. The reactor tank 4 is mounted on top of the insulated base 2, and a tank end cap 8 is sealed and fixed to the top of the reactor tank 4. The tank end cap 8 has a circular outer ring. A ring flange 6 is provided, and multiple metal protective rods 3 are equidistantly connected between the base 1 and the ring flange 6. The tops of the multiple metal protective rods 3 are fixedly connected to the ring flange 6 by fixing nuts 7. A sealed bearing seat 9 is provided at the center of the outer wall of the top of the reactor tank 4. A micro stirring motor 10 is provided at the top of the sealed bearing seat 9. The micro stirring motor 10 is electrically connected to an external control power supply via wires. A stirring shaft 13 is vertically arranged inside the center of the reactor tank 4. The top of the stirring shaft 13 is fixedly connected to the motor shaft of the micro stirring motor 10 via a coupling. Multiple sets of stirring rollers 12 are equidistantly arranged on the lower outer side of the center of the stirring shaft 13. The bottom end of the stirring shaft 13 does not contact the inner wall of the bottom end of the reactor tank 4. When the micro stirring motor 10 is powered on, it drives the stirring shaft 13 to rotate through the coupling. The multiple sets of stirring rollers 12 on the stirring shaft 13 rotate accordingly. This makes the culture medium in the reactor tank 4 uniformly mixed, ensuring that the cells and nutrients are in full contact and avoiding the adverse effects of local nutrient concentration differences on cell growth.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, multiple culture ports 11 are equidistantly arranged on the outer side of the top center of the tank end cap 8. These ports are arranged in a circular, equidistant pattern on the outer side of the sealed bearing seat 9. All culture ports 11 are connected to the interior of the reactor tank 4. These ports 11 are, respectively, a temperature and humidity detection port, a refrigerant inlet port, a heat inlet port, a heat / cold medium outlet port, a ventilation port, and a cell culture nutrient delivery port. Through the heat inlet port and the heat / cold medium outlet port, heat or cold media at different temperatures are introduced to precisely regulate the temperature inside the reactor tank 4. This process is monitored in real-time by a temperature sensor to ensure the temperature is maintained within the suitable range required for cell growth, providing a stable thermal environment for the cells. The ventilation port is responsible for gas exchange with the outside environment, providing oxygen for cell respiration and expelling carbon dioxide produced by metabolism. By precisely controlling the gas flow rate and composition, a suitable gas concentration is maintained in the cell culture environment to meet the normal metabolic needs of the cells. Cell culture is sensitive to pH; the system monitors the pH value inside the tank in real-time using a specific pH sensor. According to monitoring results, acidic or alkaline substances are added through specific interfaces to automatically adjust the pH of the culture medium, ensuring it is within the optimal range for cell growth. The cell culture nutrient delivery interface is connected to an external nutrient storage device, delivering various nutrients, such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, to the reactor tank 4 in a timed and quantitative manner according to cell growth requirements. These nutrients provide the necessary material basis for cell growth, metabolism, and proliferation. In summary, multiple interfaces, such as the temperature and humidity detection interface and the refrigerant inlet interface, work together to monitor various parameters such as temperature, humidity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient concentration in real time during cell culture. Sensors convert these parameters into electrical signals and transmit them to an external control power supply. The control power supply analyzes and processes the data, comparing it with preset optimal cell growth parameters. Once a deviation is detected, the corresponding interface devices are immediately adjusted, such as controlling the flow rate of heat and cold media, adjusting the gas exchange rate, and changing the nutrient delivery amount, to achieve automatic regulation of the cell culture environment and ensure that the cells are always under optimal growth conditions.

[0026] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, a heat insulation and anti-interference device 5 is installed on the circular exterior of the reactor tank 4, and the heat insulation and anti-interference device 5 is fixedly connected to the metal protective rod 3. The heat insulation and anti-interference device 5 includes heat insulation cotton 14, arc-shaped elastic sleeve 16, arc-shaped heat insulation plate A17, and arc-shaped heat insulation plate B18. The arc-shaped heat insulation plate A17 is sleeved on the left half of the reactor tank 4 with its opening facing right, and the arc-shaped heat insulation plate B18 is sleeved on the right half of the reactor tank 4 with its opening facing left. Arc-shaped elastic sleeves are installed at the center of the inner wall on the right side of the left end of the arc-shaped heat insulation plate A17 and at the center of the inner wall on the left side of the right end of the arc-shaped heat insulation plate B18. Two arc-shaped elastic clips 16 are elastically fastened to the outside of the metal protective rods 3 located on the left and right sides of the reactor tank 4, respectively. Insulation cotton 14 is adhered to the outer wall of the left end of the arc-shaped insulation plate A17 and the outer wall of the right end of the arc-shaped insulation plate B18. The insulation cotton 14 has good heat insulation performance; its material structure can effectively prevent heat conduction. The insulation cotton 14 adhered to the outer wall of the left end of the arc-shaped insulation plate A17 and the outer wall of the right end of the arc-shaped insulation plate B18 forms a heat insulation barrier, reducing heat exchange between the reactor tank 4 and the external environment and lowering the rate of heat loss. To help maintain temperature stability inside the reactor tank 4, the insulation and anti-interference device 5 also includes soft-fit pads A15 and B19. Soft-fit pads A15 are attached to both outer walls of the right end opening of the arc-shaped insulation plate A17, and soft-fit pads B19 are attached to both outer walls of the left end opening of the arc-shaped insulation plate B18. After the two arc-shaped elastic sleeves 16 are elastically fastened to the outside of the metal protective rods 3 on the left and right sides of the reactor tank 4, the arc-shaped elastic sleeves 16, utilizing the properties of elastic materials, can tightly fasten to the metal protective rods located on the left and right sides of the reactor tank 4. 3. Externally, this connection method not only allows the insulation and anti-interference device 5 to be firmly fixed around the reactor tank 4, but also provides a certain degree of flexibility, facilitating installation and disassembly when needed, and making the device easier to maintain and adjust. The two soft-fitting pads A15 are respectively bonded to the two soft-fitting pads B19, and the soft-fitting pads play a sealing role, preventing external air, dust, etc. from entering from the joint between the insulation board A and the insulation board B, further enhancing the overall sealing and protective effect of the insulation and anti-interference device 5, and ensuring that its insulation and protection functions for the reactor tank 4 are more complete.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the distance between the upper and lower ends of the arc-shaped insulation plates A17 and B18 and the outer wall of the top of the base 1 and the inner wall of the bottom of the annular flange 6 is less than one millimeter. The arc-shaped insulation plates A17 and B18 completely protect the circular exterior of the reactor tank 4, acting like a sturdy protective shell. The distance between them and the outer wall of the top of the base 1 and the inner wall of the bottom of the annular flange 6 is less than one millimeter, tightly surrounding the reactor tank 4. This not only prevents external objects from directly colliding with the reactor tank 4, avoiding damage due to impact, but also reduces contamination of the reactor tank 4 by dust and debris from the external environment, providing a relatively clean and stable physical environment for cell culture. Both the arc-shaped insulation plates A17 and B18 are hollow inside. Argon gas, an inert gas with low thermal conductivity, is injected into the empty cavity. The argon layer formed inside the insulation plate acts like a heat-insulating curtain, further hindering heat transfer. When the external temperature changes, the argon layer slows down the rate at which heat enters or leaves the reactor tank 4. Working together with the insulation cotton 14, it helps the reactor tank 4 maintain a relatively stable temperature for a longer period of time, reducing the energy consumption of the heat and cold media used to control the cell culture temperature. This lowers energy costs while better meeting the constant temperature requirements for cell growth. Through the insulation and physical protection of the arc-shaped insulation plates A17 and B18, the interference of external environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, vibration, and dust on the cell culture environment inside the reactor tank 4 is reduced, maintaining a stable internal environment. This helps maintain the stability of cell growth, improves the success rate and quality of cell culture, and reduces abnormal cell growth or experimental errors caused by external interference.

[0028] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A cell culture microreactor, comprising a base (1) and a heat-insulating base (2) disposed on the top of the base (1), wherein the diameter of the heat-insulating base (2) is smaller than the diameter of the base (1), a reactor tank (4) is disposed on the top of the heat-insulating base (2), a tank end cap (8) is sealed and fixed on the top of the reactor tank (4), an annular flange (6) is disposed on the outer circular surface of the tank end cap (8), and a plurality of metal protective rods (3) are equidistantly connected between the base (1) and the annular flange (6), wherein the tops of the plurality of metal protective rods (3) are fixedly connected to the annular flange (6) by fixing nuts (7), characterized in that: The reactor tank (4) is provided with a heat insulation and anti-interference device (5) on its circular exterior, and the heat insulation and anti-interference device (5) is fixedly connected to the metal protective rod (3); The heat insulation and anti-interference device (5) includes heat insulation cotton (14), arc-shaped elastic sleeve (16), arc-shaped heat insulation board A (17) and arc-shaped heat insulation board B (18). The arc-shaped heat insulation board A (17) is opened to the right and fitted onto the outside of the left half of the reactor tank (4). The arc-shaped heat insulation board B (18) is opened to the left and fitted onto the outside of the right half of the reactor tank (4). Arc-shaped elastic sleeves (16) are provided at the center of the inner wall on the right side of the left end of the arc-shaped heat insulation board A (17) and at the center of the inner wall on the left side of the right end of the arc-shaped heat insulation board B (18). The two arc-shaped elastic sleeves (16) are elastically fastened to the outside of the metal protective rods (3) located on the left and right sides of the reactor tank (4). Heat insulation cotton (14) is pasted on the outer wall of the left end of the arc-shaped heat insulation board A (17) and the outer wall of the right end of the arc-shaped heat insulation board B (18).

2. The cell culture microreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat preservation and anti-interference device (5) also includes a soft-fitting pad A (15) and a soft-fitting pad B (19). The outer walls of both ends of the right opening of the arc-shaped heat preservation plate A (17) are attached with soft-fitting pad A (15), and the outer walls of both ends of the left opening of the arc-shaped heat preservation plate B (18) are attached with soft-fitting pad B (19). After the two arc-shaped elastic sleeves (16) are elastically snapped to the outside of the metal protective rods (3) on the left and right sides of the reactor tank (4), the two soft-fitting pads A (15) are respectively attached to the two soft-fitting pads B (19).

3. A cell culture microreactor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The distance between the upper and lower ends of the arc-shaped insulation plate A (17) and the outer wall of the top of the base (1) and the inner wall of the bottom of the annular flange (6) is less than one millimeter. The arc-shaped insulation plate A (17) and the arc-shaped insulation plate B (18) can completely protect the circular exterior of the reactor tank (4).

4. A cell culture microreactor according to claim 3, characterized in that: Both the arc-shaped insulation board A (17) and the arc-shaped insulation board B (18) are hollow inside, and argon gas is injected into the hollow cavities inside the arc-shaped insulation board A (17) and the arc-shaped insulation board B (18).

5. A cell culture microreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealed bearing seat (9) is provided at the center of the outer wall of the top of the reactor tank (4). A micro stirring motor (10) is provided at the top of the sealed bearing seat (9). The micro stirring motor (10) is electrically connected to an external control power supply through a wire.

6. A cell culture microreactor according to claim 5, characterized in that: A stirring shaft (13) is vertically arranged inside the center of the reactor tank (4). The top end of the stirring shaft (13) is fixedly connected to the motor shaft of the micro stirring motor (10) through a coupling. Multiple sets of stirring rollers (12) are equidistantly arranged on the lower outer side of the center of the stirring shaft (13). The bottom end of the stirring shaft (13) does not contact the inner wall of the bottom end of the reactor tank (4).

7. A cell culture microreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple culture ports (11) are equidistantly arranged on the outer side of the top center of the tank end cap (8). The multiple culture ports (11) are arranged in a circular and equidistant manner on the outer side of the sealed bearing seat (9). All of the multiple culture ports (11) are connected to the inside of the reactor tank (4).

8. A cell culture microreactor according to claim 7, characterized in that: The multiple culture interfaces (11) are respectively a temperature and humidity detection interface, a refrigerant inlet interface, a heat inlet interface, a cold and hot medium outlet interface, a ventilation interface, and a cell culture nutrient delivery interface.

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