A system for library preparation for genetic sequencing
By integrating sample storage and processing devices into the positioning base and utilizing collaborative equipment to transport samples, the problems of detection efficiency and quality in the gene sequencing library construction process have been solved, achieving efficient and stable sample detection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BGI GENOMICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
The existing gene sequencing library preparation process requires multiple independent devices and a large amount of manual operation, resulting in low detection efficiency and unstable quality, making it difficult to efficiently complete the sample testing tasks for precision medicine.
The sample storage, processing, and packaging devices are integrated into the positioning base, and the sample carrier is transferred between the devices through collaborative equipment, reducing manual intervention and improving detection efficiency and quality.
It enables the cascading of multiple experimental procedures, reduces human error and labor costs, improves sample testing efficiency and quality, and supports the clinical application of precision medicine.
Smart Images
Figure CN224362741U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of sequencing library preparation technology, specifically to a system for preparing gene sequencing libraries. Background Technology
[0002] Precision medicine is a new medical model that develops personalized treatment plans based on an individual's genetic information, environment, and lifestyle. Currently, due to multiple bottlenecks in gene sequencing and library construction, the proportion of precision medicine implemented in clinical practice remains relatively low.
[0003] The gene sequencing library preparation process involves several steps, including nucleic acid quantification, pipetting, temperature control, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It typically requires multiple independent devices to complete different experimental steps and relies heavily on professional manual operation. This not only places high demands on manpower and resources but also limits testing efficiency and quality. Consequently, it presents a challenge in efficiently and effectively completing sample testing tasks for precision medicine. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application provides a system for preparing gene sequencing libraries in order to improve the detection efficiency of gene sample testing.
[0005] In one embodiment, a system for preparing gene sequencing libraries is provided, comprising:
[0006] The functional device includes a sample storage device, a sample processing device, and a packaging device. The sample storage device is used to store a sample carrier. The sample processing device is used to transfer and dispense samples and / or reagents for sample processing from the sample carrier. The packaging device is used to remove the protective film on the sample carrier and to coat the sample carrier with a film. Each device in the functional device has a loading and unloading interaction position.
[0007] Collaborative equipment for transferring sample carriers between various devices of the functional equipment;
[0008] And a positioning base, used to position the relative positions of the loading and unloading interaction positions of each device in the functional equipment, so that the cooperating equipment can move to the loading and unloading interaction position to perform loading and unloading operations.
[0009] In one embodiment, the functional device further includes at least one of a nucleic acid quantification device, a thermal circulation device, and a temperature control device, wherein the nucleic acid quantification device, the thermal circulation device, and the temperature control device all have loading and unloading interaction positions; the nucleic acid quantification device is used to measure the nucleic acid concentration of the sample; the thermal circulation device is used to perform a PCR reaction; and the temperature control device is used to control the sample temperature.
[0010] In one embodiment, the functional device includes a carrier device, which also has loading and unloading interaction positions. The carrier device is used to load the sample carrier and transport the sample carrier to the downstream process of the system.
[0011] In one embodiment, the system includes a human-computer interaction device electrically connected to various devices of the collaborative device and the functional device.
[0012] In one embodiment, the positioning base includes at least two assembly platforms, which are assembled to form the positioning base.
[0013] In one embodiment, the positioning base has a receiving position on one side for the sample storage device to be installed.
[0014] In one embodiment, the sample storage device includes a sample storage rack or a stack storage unit, the stack storage unit having an automated stacking unit for storing and managing the sample carriers.
[0015] In one embodiment, the sample processing device includes a pipetting workstation;
[0016] And / or, the encapsulation processing apparatus includes a film-removing machine and a film-sealing machine, the film-removing machine being used to remove the encapsulation protective film from the sample carrier, and the film-sealing machine being used to coat the sample carrier with a film to protect the sample.
[0017] In one embodiment, the collaborative device includes at least two robotic arms;
[0018] Alternatively, the collaborative device includes a rotating mechanism and a robotic arm mounted on the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism being used to drive the robotic arm to rotate;
[0019] Alternatively, the collaborative device may include a movable guide rail and a robotic arm mounted on the movable guide rail, the movable guide rail being used to move the robotic arm.
[0020] In one embodiment, the collaborative device includes two robotic arms, which are spaced apart on the positioning base.
[0021] The functional device includes at least one of a nucleic acid quantification device, a thermal circulation device, and a temperature control device. There is a mounting position between the two robotic arms for mounting the nucleic acid quantification device, the thermal circulation device, and the temperature control device. Other devices in the functional device are arranged on both sides of the line connecting the two robotic arms.
[0022] The system for gene sequencing library preparation according to the above embodiments integrates functional devices including a sample storage device, a sample processing device, and a packaging processing device into a positioning base. By setting up cooperative devices, the sample carrier can be transferred between the various devices in the functional devices. This helps to connect multiple experimental processes in sequencing library preparation, reduces manual intervention, improves sample detection efficiency, and shortens library preparation time.
[0023] Furthermore, reducing human intervention helps lower the risk of human error and labor costs, improves sample testing quality, and facilitates the implementation of precision medicine in clinical practice. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a system for preparing gene sequencing libraries according to one embodiment;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample storage device according to one embodiment;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample processing device according to one embodiment;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a film-peeling machine according to one embodiment;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sealing machine according to one embodiment;
[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat circulation device and a temperature control device according to one embodiment;
[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a carrier device according to one embodiment;
[0031] Figure 8 This is an exploded structural diagram of a system for preparing gene sequencing libraries according to one embodiment.
[0032] In the diagram, 100 is a functional device; 110 is a sample storage device; 111 is an automated stacking unit; 120 is a sample processing device; 121 is a workbench; 122 is a pipetting robot arm; 123 is a waste channel; 130 is a packaging device; 131 is a film tearing machine; 132 is a film sealing machine; 140 is a nucleic acid quantification device; 150 is a thermal circulation device; 160 is a temperature control device; 170 is a carrier device; 171 is a lead screw conveyor unit; and 172 is a sample loading and unloading unit.
[0033] 200. Collaborative equipment; 210. Robotic arm;
[0034] 300. Positioning base; 310. Assembly table;
[0035] 400. Human-computer interaction devices. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.
[0037] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.
[0038] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).
[0039] In this embodiment of the application, by integrating the functional device 100, which includes a sample storage device 110, a sample processing device 120, and a packaging processing device 130, into the positioning base 300, and using the cooperating device 200 to realize the transfer of the sample carrier between the various devices of the functional device 100, it is helpful to reduce manual intervention, thereby improving sample detection efficiency and ensuring sample detection quality.
[0040] One embodiment provides a system for preparing gene sequencing libraries; please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 1 to 8 The system includes a functional device 100, a collaborative device 200, and a positioning base 300.
[0041] The functional device 100 includes several individual experimental devices required for gene sequencing library preparation, including but not limited to a sample storage device 110, a sample processing device 120, and a packaging device 130. The cooperating device 200 can be understood as an auxiliary device used to connect the devices in the functional device 100 in series, enabling sample transfer between the devices within the functional device 100. Through the cooperation of the functional device 100 and the cooperating device 200, multiple experimental procedures in sequencing library preparation can be connected in series. The positioning base 300 can be understood as the integration foundation of the system. By placing the devices in the functional device 100 on the positioning base 300, the relative positions of the devices in the functional device 100 can be determined, allowing the cooperating device 200 to perform loading and unloading operations on each device.
[0042] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The functional equipment 100 includes a sample storage device 110, a sample processing device 120, and a packaging processing device 130. Each device in the functional equipment 100 has a loading / unloading interaction position. The loading / unloading interaction position refers to the fixed or movable position of each device for exchanging sample carriers with the cooperating equipment 200; and the loading / unloading interaction positions can be the same position, or they can be divided into a loading interaction position and a unloading interaction position.
[0043] The sample storage device 110 is used to store sample carriers. A "sample carrier" can be understood as a component used to carry samples, such as a 96-well plate. The sample carriers described in this application embodiment include sample carriers with samples installed and sample carriers without samples installed.
[0044] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 The sample storage device 110 can be configured as a stack temporary storage machine. The stack temporary storage machine has an automated stacking unit 111 for storing and managing sample carriers. The stack temporary storage machine can have a dedicated loading and unloading interaction position. The sample carriers in the stack temporary storage machine can be moved to their own loading and unloading interaction position by the automated stacking unit 111.
[0045] In other embodiments, the sample storage device 110 may also be configured as a sample storage rack to temporarily store sample carriers. Each position in the sample storage rack used for temporarily storing sample carriers can be regarded as a loading and unloading interaction position.
[0046] It is understandable that both the stack buffer and the sample storage rack can be commercially available products, or any structure from related technologies that can achieve the corresponding functions.
[0047] Please refer to Figure 3The sample processing device 120 is used to transfer and dispense samples and / or reagents for sample processing from a sample carrier. Exemplarily, the sample processing device 120 includes a pipetting workstation, which may be a commercially available product. The pipetting workstation includes a worktable 121, a pipetting robotic arm 122, and a waste channel 123. The worktable 121 provides an operating position for transferring and dispensing samples and reagents. The worktable 121 has a loading interaction position and a unloading interaction position on the side closest to the cooperating device 200. The pipetting robotic arm 122 has grippers to transfer the sample carrier from the loading interaction position to the worktable 121. The pipetting workstation automates the transfer and dispensing of samples or samples and reagents. The sample carrier containing the transferred sample can be transferred by the pipetting robotic arm 122 to the unloading interaction position. Waste channel 123 is used for the pipetting robot arm 122 to discharge pipetting waste, that is, waste generated during the operation of the pipetting workstation is transferred to waste channel 123 by the pipetting robot arm 122 and discharged to an external trash can from waste channel 123. The sample processing device 120 can also adopt any structure in the related technology that can achieve the corresponding function.
[0048] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The encapsulation processing device 130 is used to remove the protective film from the sample carrier and to coat the sample carrier with a film. Exemplarily, the encapsulation processing device 130 may include a film-tearing machine 131 and a film-sealing machine 132. The film-tearing machine 131 is used to automatically remove the protective film from the sample carrier, and the film-sealing machine 132 is used to coat the sample carrier with a film to seal and protect the sample. The film-sealing machine 132 can be configured as an aluminum film sealing machine 132, a plastic film sealing machine 132, or other different types of sealing machines 132 as needed. Both the film-tearing machine 131 and the film-sealing machine 132 can be commercially available products or any structure from related technologies capable of achieving the corresponding functions. In other embodiments, the encapsulation processing device 130 may also be configured as other machines that meet design and usage requirements, such as an integrated film-tearing and film-sealing machine.
[0049] In a further embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6The functional device 100 also includes at least one of a nucleic acid quantification device 140, a thermal circulation device 150, and a temperature control device 160, all of which have loading and unloading stations. The nucleic acid quantification device 140 can be used to accurately measure the nucleic acid concentration of a sample; the thermal circulation device 150 is used to perform PCR reactions and can also be used to automatically adjust temperature changes, display reaction progress, and record experimental data; the temperature control device 160 is used to control the sample temperature for heating or isothermal treatment. The nucleic acid quantification device 140, thermal circulation device 150, and temperature control device 160 can all be commercially available products or structures that can achieve the corresponding functions of the device using any relevant technology.
[0050] When the system is in use, the collaborative device 200 can transport the sample carrier from the dispensing interaction position of the pipetting workstation to the nucleic acid quantification device 140, the thermal circulation device 150, or the temperature control device 160 to perform PCR reaction, sample warming, or nucleic acid quantification.
[0051] In a further embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 The functional equipment 100 also includes a carrier device 170, which also has a loading / unloading interaction position. The carrier device 170 is used to load sample carriers and transport them to the downstream process of the system. Exemplarily, the carrier device 170 may include a screw conveyor unit 171 and a sample loading / unloading unit 172. The sample loading / unloading unit 172 is disposed on the screw conveyor unit 171 and has a loading / unloading interaction position. The screw conveyor unit is used to drive the sample loading / unloading unit 172 to move. In use, the cooperating equipment 200 can transport the sample carriers sealed by the sealing machine 132 to the loading / unloading interaction position of the sample loading / unloading unit 172, so that the screw conveyor unit 171 can transport the sample carriers to the downstream process of the system. The carrier device 170 can be a commercially available product or any structure in related technologies capable of achieving the corresponding function.
[0052] To facilitate understanding of the system described in this application, the following is an example of the system's operation flow in this embodiment:
[0053] The stack storage machine moves the sample carriers temporarily stored inside to its own loading and unloading interaction position;
[0054] The collaborative device 200 transports the sample carrier on the loading and unloading interaction position of the stack temporary storage machine to the loading and unloading interaction position on the film tearing machine 131 and performs the film tearing action.
[0055] The collaborative device 200 transports the sample carrier from the loading and unloading interaction position of the film tearing machine 131 to the loading interaction position of the pipetting workstation. The pipetting workstation executes an internal transfer program to transfer the sample carrier from the loading interaction position to the worktable 121.
[0056] Repeat the above ac operation until the required sample carrier is transferred to the workbench 121;
[0057] The pipetting workstation performs internal pipetting and dispensing processes. The sample carrier containing the transferred sample is transferred to the unloading interaction position by the pipetting robot arm 122. Waste generated during the process is picked up by the pipetting robot arm 122 and discharged into the waste channel 123, which is then discharged into the external trash can.
[0058] Depending on the application requirements, the collaborative device 200 transports the sample carrier from the dispensing interaction position of the pipetting workstation to the thermal circulation device 150, the temperature control device 160, or the nucleic acid quantification device 140 to perform PCR reaction, warming bath, or nucleic acid quantification.
[0059] The collaborative device 200 transports the sample carrier to the loading and unloading interaction position of the sealing machine 132 and performs the sealing operation;
[0060] The collaborative device 200 transports the sample carrier from the loading and unloading interaction position of the sealing machine 132 to the carrier device 170, thus ending the process.
[0061] Those skilled in the art will understand that the operation process of this system is not limited to the above-described example; any operation process that meets the experimental requirements is acceptable.
[0062] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 The positioning base 300 includes at least two assembly tables 310, each of which can be equipped with several devices and equipment. The assembly tables 310 can be assembled to form an island-type positioning base 300. One side of the assembled positioning base 300 can be provided with a receiving space for the sample storage device 110 to be installed. The assembly table 310 can be configured as a steel base frame.
[0063] By integrating the various devices in the functional equipment 100 into the positioning base 300, the positioning base 300 can position the relative positions of the loading and unloading interaction positions of the various devices in the functional equipment 100, so that the cooperating equipment 200 can move to the loading and unloading interaction positions to perform loading and unloading operations.
[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that the number and arrangement of the assembly stations 310 are not limited, as long as they meet the setup requirements of the functional equipment 100 and the collaborative equipment 200. Furthermore, the number of assembly stations 310 can be increased or decreased as needed. For example, when adding or removing devices from the functional equipment 100, the number of assembly stations 310 can be increased or decreased accordingly, and the positions of each assembly station 310 can be readjusted to optimize the system layout. The modular design of the positioning base 300 facilitates modular deployment of the system, improves deployment flexibility, and increases the likelihood of the system being implemented in hospitals, thus enabling more patients to benefit from molecular diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
[0065] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8 The collaborative device 200 includes at least two robotic arms 210, which work together to transfer the sample carrier between various devices of the functional device 100. The robotic arms 210 can be commercially available products or any structure from related technologies that can achieve the corresponding function.
[0066] In one embodiment, two robotic arms 210 are spaced apart on a positioning base 300. The functional device 100 includes at least one of a nucleic acid quantification device 140, a thermal circulation device 150, and a temperature control device 160. A mounting position is provided between the two robotic arms 210 for mounting the nucleic acid quantification device 140, the thermal circulation device 150, and the temperature control device 160. Other devices in the functional device 100 are arranged on both sides of the line connecting the two robotic arms 210. This arrangement results in a compact system layout, saving space and reducing the travel distance of the robotic arms 210 during transport, further improving experimental efficiency.
[0067] For example, the positioning base 300 is modularly assembled from six assembly platforms 310. One side of the positioning base 300 has an assembly platform 310 for mounting the sample processing device 120; the other side has two assembly platforms 310 for mounting the encapsulation processing device 130 and the carrier device 170, respectively, with a receiving position formed between the two assembly platforms 310, in which the sample storage device 110 is installed. Three assembly platforms 310 can be arranged linearly between the two sides of the positioning base 300. Each of the assembly platforms 310 at both ends of the three platforms 310 is equipped with a robotic arm 210, such that the surface of the assembly platform 310 between two robotic arms 210 forms a mounting position for mounting the thermal circulation device 150 and the temperature control device 160. If necessary, a nucleic acid quantification device 140 can also be further installed at the mounting position.
[0068] In another embodiment, the collaborative device 200 also includes a movable guide rail and a robot arm 210 disposed on the movable guide rail. The movable guide rail is used to move the robot arm 210 to expand the working coverage area of the robot arm 210, so that the robot arm 210 can be used for loading and unloading operations of various devices in the functional device 100.
[0069] In another embodiment, the collaborative device 200 may also include a rotating mechanism and a robotic arm 210 mounted on the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism drives the robotic arm 210 to rotate so that the working range of the robotic arm 210 can cover the required area. The number and position of the robotic arm 210 and the rotating mechanism can be set as needed. The rotating mechanism can be a commercially available DD motor (direct drive motor) or other structure capable of driving the robotic arm 210 to rotate.
[0070] In other embodiments, the collaborative device 200 may also adopt other configuration methods as long as they meet the design and usage requirements. For example, it may be equipped with one, three or more robotic arms 210, or two robotic arms 210 may be set up, with one robotic arm 210 fixedly set up and the other robotic arm 210 set on a moving guide rail and / or a rotating device, etc.
[0071] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8 The system also includes a human-machine interface device 400, which is mounted on the positioning base 300 and electrically connected to the various devices of the collaborative device 200 and the functional device 100. Operators can use the human-machine interface device 400 to control the various devices and equipment in the system and understand their operating parameters. In one embodiment, the human-machine interface device 400 can be configured to: generate automated process instructions based on the database creation task input by the operator and distribute them to the various devices and equipment in the system; monitor the operating status of each device and equipment in real time, and issue an alarm when a device malfunction or operational abnormality is detected.
[0072] The system described in this application helps improve human efficiency in gene sequencing library preparation, reducing the number of operators in the library preparation stage from 3 per day to 1 per day, while achieving a throughput of 384 samples / 8 hours. It facilitates fully automated functions such as pipetting, sealing, membrane removal, incubation, PCR reaction, and sample storage.
[0073] The above examples illustrate this application only to aid understanding and are not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art to which this application pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the ideas presented.
Claims
1. A system for preparing gene sequencing libraries, characterized in that, include: The functional device includes a sample storage device, a sample processing device, and a packaging device. The sample storage device is used to store a sample carrier. The sample processing device is used to transfer and dispense samples and / or reagents for sample processing from the sample carrier. The packaging device is used to remove the protective film on the sample carrier and to coat the sample carrier with a film. Each device in the functional device has a loading and unloading interaction position. Collaborative equipment for transferring sample carriers between various devices of the functional equipment; And a positioning base, used to position the relative positions of the loading and unloading interaction positions of each device in the functional equipment, so that the cooperating equipment can move to the loading and unloading interaction position to perform loading and unloading operations.
2. The system for preparing gene sequencing libraries as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The functional device also includes at least one of a nucleic acid quantification device, a thermal circulation device, and a temperature control device, wherein the nucleic acid quantification device, the thermal circulation device, and the temperature control device all have loading and unloading interaction positions; the nucleic acid quantification device is used to measure the nucleic acid concentration of the sample; the thermal circulation device is used to perform PCR reaction; and the temperature control device is used to control the sample temperature.
3. The system for preparing gene sequencing libraries as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The functional equipment includes a carrier device, which also has a loading and unloading interaction position. The carrier device is used to load the sample carrier and transport the sample carrier to the downstream process of the system.
4. The system for preparing gene sequencing libraries as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The system includes a human-computer interaction device, which is electrically connected to various devices of the collaborative device and the functional device.
5. The system for preparing gene sequencing libraries as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The positioning base includes at least two assembly platforms, which are assembled to form the positioning base.
6. The system for preparing gene sequencing libraries as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The positioning base has a accommodating position on one side for the installation of the sample storage device.
7. The system for preparing gene sequencing libraries as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sample storage device includes a sample storage rack or a stack storage machine, the stack storage machine having an automated stacking unit for storing and managing the sample carriers.
8. The system for preparing gene sequencing libraries as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sample processing device includes a pipetting workstation; And / or, the encapsulation processing apparatus includes a film-removing machine and a film-sealing machine, the film-removing machine being used to remove the encapsulation protective film from the sample carrier, and the film-sealing machine being used to coat the sample carrier with a film to protect the sample.
9. The system for preparing gene sequencing libraries as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The collaborative device includes at least two robotic arms; Alternatively, the collaborative device includes a rotating mechanism and a robotic arm mounted on the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism being used to drive the robotic arm to rotate; Alternatively, the collaborative device may include a movable guide rail and a robotic arm mounted on the movable guide rail, the movable guide rail being used to move the robotic arm.
10. The system for preparing gene sequencing libraries as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The collaborative device includes two robotic arms, which are spaced apart on the positioning base. The functional device includes at least one of a nucleic acid quantification device, a thermal circulation device, and a temperature control device. There is a mounting position between the two robotic arms for mounting the nucleic acid quantification device, the thermal circulation device, and the temperature control device. Other devices in the functional device are arranged on both sides of the line connecting the two robotic arms.