Combined cell freezing container and matching freezing box

Abstract

This invention proposes a combined cell cryopreservation container and a matching cryopreservation box. The combined cell cryopreservation container includes a single cryopreservation tube, connecting tubing, a Luer male connector, and a Luer female connector. The middle section of the single cryopreservation tube has a straight tube structure, and both ends have a narrowed opening structure, with a Luer male connector and a Luer female connector at each end. The connecting tubing also has a Luer male connector and a Luer female connector at each end. The single cryopreservation tube and another single cryopreservation tube or connecting tubing are detachably connected. The matching cryopreservation box includes at least one stacked cryopreservation box and a box lid. The cryopreservation box has regular groove tracks inside, which are spiral grooves or S-shaped dividing grooves. The spacing of the regular groove tracks matches the diameter of the single cryopreservation tube, and the regular groove tracks are separated by partitions. In this application, structural optimization solves the problems of fixed specifications and difficulty in achieving uniform batch dispensing in existing cell cryopreservation containers. It has the advantages of achieving uniform batch dispensing and improving operational efficiency; optimizing the thawing operation and reducing cell loss; ensuring uniform freezing and cooling and improving cell viability; flexible combination and reducing usage costs; and adapting to storage needs and improving management convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cell cryopreservation, and in particular to a combined cell cryopreservation container and a matching cryopreservation box. Background Technology

[0002] Cell cryopreservation is a key technology in biomedical research, cell therapy, and biotechnology. Its core requirement is to maintain cell viability through low-temperature storage while ensuring ease of operation, minimizing cell loss, and improving batch processing efficiency. Currently, the mainstream cell cryopreservation containers on the market are fixed-size cryovials and cryopreservation bags, but they have the following significant drawbacks and limitations in practical applications:

[0003] 1. Fixed specifications, making batch dispensing difficult: Existing cryovials (e.g., 2mL, 5mL) and cryopreservation bags (e.g., 30mL, 70mL) are all in fixed volume ranges, making it impossible to achieve uniform dispensing of large batches of cells in a single operation. For scenarios requiring multiple cryopreservations of the same volume (e.g., cell bank construction, batch sample preservation), dispensing must be done one vial / bag at a time, which is cumbersome, inefficient, and prone to uneven dispensing volumes due to human error.

[0004] 2. Inconvenient resuscitation operation and high cell loss rate: Large cryopreservation tubes such as 5mL are too long (usually ≥10cm). In scenarios where cells are used directly after thawing, if a syringe needle is used to draw the cells, it is difficult to reach the bottom of the tube, resulting in some cells remaining and wasting precious cells. Because the cell cryopreservation bags are made of soft material, they are easily punctured when drawn directly with a syringe due to improper control of puncture force and angle, resulting in cell leakage after thawing, contaminating the environment and losing samples.

[0005] 3. Difficulty in removing air bubbles and uneven cooling during cryopreservation: Before programmed cooling, air bubbles in cell cryopreservation bags need to be manually removed (air bubbles can cause abnormal local cooling rates and affect cell viability). However, because the bags are soft and have no fixed shape, removing air bubbles is time-consuming and laborious, and small air bubbles are easily left behind. At the same time, when the cryopreservation volume does not reach the rated range of the cryopreservation bag (such as when a 10-30mL cryopreservation bag contains only 10mL of cells), the cell suspension cannot be evenly spread in the bag, resulting in uneven cooling rates during cryopreservation, which affects the cell cryopreservation effect and thawing activity.

[0006] 4. Low operating efficiency and significant cost waste: Each cryovial needs to be individually labeled and frozen, resulting in high labor costs when processing in batches; cryovial bags are for single use, and if the volume of a single bag is insufficient, the entire bag of consumables still needs to be consumed, resulting in cost waste; moreover, the cryovial bag material is soft and easily folded and squeezed during storage, which may cause mechanical damage to local cells.

[0007] 5. Low storage space utilization and difficult labeling management: Cryopreservation bags are large in volume and occupy a lot of space when stored in gas phase liquid nitrogen tanks, resulting in low storage capacity per unit volume; although cryopreservation tubes are small in volume, they are stored individually, making it easy to confuse labels and resulting in poor traceability when managing in batches. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular cell cryopreservation container and matching cryopreservation box, which achieves batch uniform dispensing, convenient thawing, efficient cryopreservation and flexible storage through modular and combinable structural design.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a combined cell cryopreservation container, comprising a single-segment cryopreservation tube, a connecting pipe, a Luer male connector, and a Luer female connector. The middle section of the single-segment cryopreservation tube has a straight tube structure, and both ends of the single-segment cryopreservation tube have a narrowed opening structure. The two ends of the single-segment cryopreservation tube are respectively provided with the Luer male connector and the Luer female connector. The two ends of the connecting pipe are respectively provided with the Luer male connector and the Luer female connector. Through the mating Luer male connector and the Luer female connector, the single-segment cryopreservation tube and the connecting pipe or another single-segment cryopreservation tube can be detachably connected.

[0010] Furthermore, in the combined cell cryopreservation container, the single-segment cryopreservation tube and its two ends, the Luer male and female connectors, are all made of materials resistant to liquid nitrogen temperatures of -196°C.

[0011] Furthermore, in the combined cell cryopreservation container, the internal volume of the single-segment cryopreservation tube is 2 mL, and the outer side of the single-segment cryopreservation tube is marked with volume graduations.

[0012] Furthermore, in the combined cell cryopreservation container, the length of the single cryopreservation tube is 30±5mm, the diameter of the middle section of the single cryopreservation tube is 12-15mm, the length of the middle section is 15-20mm, and the end diameters of both ends of the single cryopreservation tube are 3-5mm; the length of the connecting pipe is 3-5cm, and the inner diameter is 3mm.

[0013] Furthermore, in the combined cell cryopreservation container, the connecting tubing is made of EVA material or medical-grade PVC material.

[0014] Furthermore, in the combined cell cryopreservation container, a silicone gasket for sealing the interface is provided between the Luer male connector and the Luer female connector.

[0015] The present utility model also provides a supporting cryopreservation box for a combined cell cryopreservation container, which is used to store and preserve the combined cell cryopreservation container as described above. It includes at least one layer of stacked cryopreservation boxes and a box cover. The cryopreservation box is provided with a regular groove track, and the regular groove track is a circular spiral groove or an S-shaped partition groove. The track spacing of the regular groove track matches the diameter of the single-section cryopreservation tube, and the regular groove track is separated by a partition board.

[0016] Further, in the supporting cryopreservation box of the combined cell cryopreservation container, the material of the cryopreservation box is polycarbonate material.

[0017] Further, in the supporting cryopreservation box of the combined cell cryopreservation container, an identification card slot is provided on the outer side of the cryopreservation box and / or on the box cover.

[0018] Further, in the supporting cryopreservation box of the combined cell cryopreservation container, a number of air-permeable and liquid-leaking round holes are provided at the inner bottom of the regular groove track.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are mainly reflected in:

[0020] 1. Achieve batch uniform sub-packaging and improve operation efficiency: Through the multi-section combined structure, the cell sub-packaging of 5 - 100 sections with the same volume (2 mL per section) can be completed at one time, reducing the cumbersome process of operating each tube separately, reducing human error, and significantly improving the batch cryopreservation efficiency.

[0021] 2. Optimize the thawing operation and reduce cell loss: The length of the single-section cryopreservation tube is only 10 - 25 mm. When thawing, the syringe needle can easily reach the bottom of the tube, avoiding residue and waste; using a rigid cryopreservation tube to replace the commonly used soft cryopreservation bag to avoid the problem of cell leakage caused by puncture.

[0022] 3. Ensure the uniformity of cryopreservation cooling and improve cell activity: Through the heat sealing of the EVA pipeline, the air bubbles in the pipeline and the cryopreservation tube can be quickly exhausted after sub-packaging; the single-section fixed volume is 2 mL. Regardless of the combined specification, the cell suspension can be evenly spread in each section, ensuring that the temperature fields of each unit are consistent during programmed cooling and improving the cryopreservation effect.

[0023] 4. Flexible combination and reduce the use cost: The number of combined sections (5 sections to 100 sections) can be flexibly adjusted according to needs to adapt to different batch requirements; if a single section is damaged, it can be replaced separately without discarding the whole, significantly reducing the consumable cost.

[0024] 5. Adapt to storage requirements and improve management convenience: The S-shaped coiled or square coiled structure of the supporting cryopreservation box can be flexibly selected according to the combined length, saving storage space in the gas-phase liquid nitrogen tank; the identification card slots on the cryopreservation box and the box cover are convenient for recording and tracing sample information, reducing the management difficulty.

[0025] 6. The material selections of this application (polypropylene, EVA) are both existing medical-grade low-temperature resistant materials and can be directly purchased; the Luer connector is a standardized connector and is easy to process; the heat-sealing operation can be completed by an existing handheld heat-sealing machine without additional special equipment, and it has good industrial feasibility. The number of combined segments can be expanded according to actual needs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the combined cell cryopreservation container in the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a schematic plan view of the combined cell cryopreservation container in the present utility model when the cell cryopreservation containers are arranged in a loop in the supporting cryopreservation box for storing the cell cryopreservation containers;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a schematic plan view of the combined cell cryopreservation container in the present utility model when the cell cryopreservation containers are arranged in an S shape in the supporting cryopreservation box for storing the cell cryopreservation containers;

[0029] Figure 4 It is a schematic external view of the supporting cryopreservation box of the combined cell cryopreservation container in the present utility model. SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The combined cell cryopreservation container and the supporting cryopreservation box of the present utility model will be described in more detail below with reference to the schematic diagrams, in which the preferred embodiments of the present utility model are shown. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the present utility model described herein while still achieving the beneficial effects of the present utility model. Therefore, the following description should be understood as a broad guidance for those skilled in the art and not as a limitation to the present utility model.

[0031] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that for the orientation terms, such as the terms "center", "horizontal", "vertical", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., the orientation and position relationships indicated are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of the present utility model.

[0032] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can also refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or a connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] The present invention will be described in more detail below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model proposes a modular cell cryopreservation container, including a single-segment cryopreservation tube 1, a connecting pipe 2, a Luer male connector 31, and a Luer female connector 32. The middle section of the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 has a straight tube structure, and both ends of the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 have a narrowing structure. Both ends of the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 are respectively equipped with a Luer male connector 31 and a Luer female connector 32. Both ends of the connecting pipe 2 are respectively equipped with a Luer male connector 31 and a Luer female connector 32. Through the mating Luer male connector 31 and Luer female connector 32, the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 and the connecting pipe 2 or another single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 can be detachably connected. Specifically, the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 and the connecting pipe 2 adopt a "segmented combination" structure, composed of multiple independent single-segment cryopreservation tubes 1 connected in series through standardized interfaces. This allows for flexible combination according to needs, with no limit on the number of segments. After filling, it can be further divided into 2 to 24 segments of different specifications to meet different batch cryopreservation requirements. Since each individual cryopreservation tube 1 and the connecting pipe 2 are detachably connected via Luer interfaces, if a single cryopreservation tube 1 or connecting pipe 2 is damaged, it can be disassembled and discarded individually, and the remaining units can be reconnected in series to form a new cryopreservation container, reducing the waste of consumables.

[0035] Furthermore, the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 and its two ends, the Luer male connector 31 and the Luer female connector 32, are all made of materials that can withstand the low temperature of liquid nitrogen at -196℃, such as medical-grade polypropylene PP.

[0036] Furthermore, the internal volume of the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 is fixed at 2 mL. The outer side of the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 is marked with fine volume graduations 11, with an accuracy of 0.1 mL, facilitating intuitive reading of the volume. The length of the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 is 30±5 mm. The diameter of the middle section of the tube 1 is 12-15 mm, consistent with the existing optimal cryopreservation tube diameter, ensuring efficient heat transfer during cryopreservation. The length of the middle section is 15-20 mm, shorter than traditional 2 mL / 5 mL cryopreservation tubes. The diameter of both ends of the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 is 3-5 mm. The connecting tubing 2 is 3-5 cm long with an inner diameter of 3 mm.

[0037] Furthermore, connecting pipe 2 is made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) or medical-grade PVC, which is resistant to DMSO corrosion. A handheld heat sealer is used to heat seal connecting pipe 2, achieving segmented sealing and fixed filling volume. The sealing performance of the Luer joint can be verified through pressure testing, achieving no leakage at 0.1 MPa pressure.

[0038] Furthermore, a silicone gasket conforming to USP Class VI standard is provided between the mating Luer male connector 31 and Luer female connector 32 for sealing the interface.

[0039] At the same time, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, this utility model also proposes a matching cryopreservation box for the combined cell cryopreservation container. To adapt to the storage requirements of the combined cell cryopreservation container in the gas phase liquid nitrogen tank, the matching cryopreservation box for storing the combined cell cryopreservation container as described above includes at least one stacked square cryopreservation box 4 and a box cover 5. The cryopreservation box 4 is provided with regular groove tracks. The regular groove tracks are spiral grooves 41 or S-shaped dividing grooves 42. The combined cell cryopreservation container can be placed coiled along the spiral grooves 41 or folded along the S-shaped dividing grooves 42 to save longitudinal space. The track spacing of the regular groove tracks matches the diameter of the single cryopreservation tube 1 to ensure stable fixation. The regular groove tracks are separated by partitions 43.

[0040] Furthermore, the cryopreservation box 4 is made of polycarbonate material.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the cryopreservation box 4 and / or the lid 5 are provided with identification slots 6 for inserting or pasting paper cryopreservation labels to facilitate the recording of sample information. Furthermore, several breathable and leak-proof round holes with a diameter of 2-3 mm are provided at the bottom of the regular groove track.

[0042] The specific implementation details are as follows:

[0043] The modular cell cryopreservation container consists of 5 single-segment cryopreservation tubes 1, 4 Luer connectors, and 4 connecting tubing sections 2. The single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 has a central tube length of 18mm, a maximum diameter of 14mm, and 4mm diameter at both ends (constricted ends). It is graduated from 0-2mL with an accuracy of 0.1mL and is made of medical-grade polypropylene. The Luer connectors at both ends of each single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 are male and female, and the Luer connectors at both ends of each connecting tubing section 2 are also male and female. This ensures that the individual single-segment cryopreservation tubes 1 can be connected to each other or connected using the connecting tubing sections 2. The Luer connectors are made of medical-grade polypropylene. The EVA tubing of the connecting tubing section 2 is 4cm long, has an inner diameter of 3mm, and a wall thickness of 0.5mm.

[0044] Assembly process: Connect the single-segment cryopreservation tube 1 to the connecting tube 2 through the Luer interface to form a complete assembly; when dispensing cells, inject cell suspension from one end with a syringe, and after each segment is filled with 2mL, use a heat sealer to heat seal the EVA tube near the interface to complete the segment fixation.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the matching U-shaped cryopreservation box is square in shape and made of polycarbonate. It features an internal U-shaped spiral groove 41, allowing modular cryopreservation containers to be coiled along this groove, saving vertical space and suitable for long, modular containers. The single-layer box dimensions are 13.3-14cm × 13.3cm × 2.5cm (length × width × height), with partition spacing of 1.5-1.8cm (adapted to cryopreservation tube diameter), partition thickness of 1.5-2mm, and partition height of 1.5-2cm.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the matching S-shaped cryopreservation box is square in shape and made of polycarbonate material. It features an internal S-shaped divider 42, allowing the modular cryopreservation containers to fold along the divider 42, saving vertical space and suitable for long modular units. The single-layer box dimensions are 13.3-14cm × 13.3cm × 2.5cm (length × width × height). The internal dividers are 10-12cm long and consist of 7 dividers. One box can hold 16-24 single-segment cryopreservation tubes 1. Label slots 6 are located in the center of the lid 5 and on the sides of the cryopreservation box 4, allowing for the insertion or attachment of paper cryopreservation labels.

[0047] In summary, the proposed modular cell cryopreservation container and its accompanying cryopreservation box, through structural optimization, solve the problems of fixed specifications and difficulty in achieving uniform batch dispensing in existing cell cryopreservation containers. It can be widely applied in various scenarios where there is a need for large-scale, one-time cryopreservation of cells. It offers advantages such as achieving uniform batch dispensing, improving operational efficiency; optimizing resuscitation operations, reducing cell loss; ensuring uniform freezing and cooling, enhancing cell viability; flexible combination, reducing usage costs; and adapting to storage requirements, improving management convenience.

[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and do not constitute any limitation on this utility model. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions and contents disclosed in this utility model without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of this utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A modular cell cryopreservation container, characterized in that, The system includes a single-section cryopreservation tube (1), a connecting pipe (2), a Luer male connector (31), and a Luer female connector (32). The middle section of the single-section cryopreservation tube (1) has a straight tube structure, and the two ends of the single-section cryopreservation tube (1) have a narrow opening structure. The two ends of the single-section cryopreservation tube (1) are respectively provided with the Luer male connector (31) and the Luer female connector (32). The two ends of the connecting pipe (2) are respectively provided with the Luer male connector (31) and the Luer female connector (32). The single-section cryopreservation tube (1) and the connecting pipe (2) or another single-section cryopreservation tube (1) can be detachably connected through the mating Luer male connector (31) and the Luer female connector (32).

2. The combined cell cryopreservation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single-segment cryopreservation tube (1) and its two ends, the Luer male connector (31) and the Luer female connector (32), are all made of materials that can withstand the low temperature of liquid nitrogen at -196℃.

3. The combined cell cryopreservation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal volume of the single-segment cryopreservation tube (1) is 2 mL, and the outer side of the single-segment cryopreservation tube (1) is marked with volume graduations (11).

4. The combined cell cryopreservation container according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The length of the single-segment cryopreservation tube (1) is 30±5mm, the diameter of the middle section of the single-segment cryopreservation tube (1) is 12-15mm, the length of the middle section is 15-20mm, and the end diameters of both ends of the single-segment cryopreservation tube (1) are 3-5mm; the length of the connecting pipe (2) is 3-5cm, and the inner diameter is 3mm.

5. The combined cell cryopreservation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe (2) is made of EVA material or medical PVC material.

6. The combined cell cryopreservation container according to claim 1, characterized in that, A silicone gasket for sealing the interface is provided between the Luer male connector (31) and the Luer female connector (32).

7. A cryopreservation box for a modular cell cryopreservation container, used to store and preserve the modular cell cryopreservation container as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It includes at least one stacked cryopreservation box (4) and a box cover (5). The cryopreservation box (4) is provided with a regular groove track. The regular groove track is a spiral groove (41) or an S-shaped dividing groove (42). The track spacing of the regular groove track matches the diameter of the single-segment cryopreservation tube (1). The regular groove track is separated by a partition (43).

8. The matching cryopreservation box for the combined cell cryopreservation container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cryopreservation box (4) is made of polycarbonate.

9. The matching cryopreservation box of the combined cell cryopreservation container according to claim 7, wherein, The cryopreservation box (4) has an identification slot (6) on its outer side and / or on its lid (5).

10. The matching cryopreservation box for the combined cell cryopreservation container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the regular groove track is provided with several breathable and leak-proof round holes.

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