A cell culture system

Abstract

This application provides a cell culture system, relating to the field of cell culture equipment technology, comprising: a loading stage with at least one fixed position for mounting a culture container; a light source disposed on one side of the fixed position for adjusting the ambient brightness at the culture container; a monitoring module including an imaging component and a focusing component, the imaging component being disposed on one side of the fixed position for acquiring images of cells in the culture container; a focusing component for driving the imaging component to move to achieve focusing; a perfusion component for supplying liquid to the culture container; and a control module communicatively connected to the monitoring module and the perfusion component. This application integrates liquid supply and image acquisition functions, enabling automated cell culture. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to remove the culture container from the cell culture chamber or other culture environment for cell observation, facilitating real-time observation of cell culture and reducing interference from external factors on cell growth during experiments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cell culture equipment technology, and more particularly to a cell culture system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the methods of supplying nutrients for organoid tissue culture can be broadly categorized into several types. One is to use air pressure to propel the liquid back and forth through the organoid tissue and cells. The second is to achieve the back and forth circulation of the liquid through a swinging motion. The third is to use a liquid pump as a power source for liquid circulation and transportation. Each of the above three methods has its own advantages and disadvantages.

[0003] Generally, organoid cells can be cultured by seeding them onto culture containers such as well plates or microfluidic chips. Of the three nutrient supply methods mentioned above, the first and third methods are suitable for culturing organoid cells on microfluidic chips, while the second method is suitable for larger-scale culture containers such as 96-well plates. Since the flow channels inside microfluidic chips are mostly between 20µm and 80µm in size, the internal resistance is relatively high, making it difficult to achieve low-velocity (no more than 10µl / min) liquid flow using a gas source.

[0004] Furthermore, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the growth status of organoids and other tissues, researchers need to periodically remove the microarrays of cultured organoid cells from the incubator and place them on a microscope for observation and photographic recording. This process cannot be automated or standardized, and the growth status of organoid cells / tissues within the entire field of view cannot be monitored in real time. At the same time, since the microarrays need to be removed from the cell culture incubator during observation, the growth conditions of the cells and the absence of interference with the cells cannot be guaranteed during this process, which may lead to experimental failure. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a cell culture system that facilitates automated cell culture and real-time monitoring of cell growth.

[0006] Embodiments of this application provide a cell culture system, comprising:

[0007] The loading platform is provided with at least one fixed position for mounting culture containers;

[0008] A light source is positioned on one side of the fixed position, and the light source is used to adjust the ambient brightness at the culture container;

[0009] The monitoring module includes an imaging component and a focusing component. The imaging component is disposed on one side of the fixed position and is used to acquire images of cells in the culture container. The focusing component is used to drive the imaging component to move in order to achieve focusing.

[0010] A perfusion assembly for delivering liquid to the culture vessel;

[0011] The control module is communicatively connected to the monitoring module and the irrigation component.

[0012] Furthermore, the focusing component includes a Z-axis moving mechanism, the imaging component is connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism, and the Z-axis moving mechanism is used to drive the imaging component to move in the Z direction to change the distance between the imaging component and the fixed position.

[0013] Furthermore, the focusing assembly includes an X-axis moving mechanism connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism. The X-axis moving mechanism is used to drive the Z-axis moving mechanism to move along the X-direction, wherein the X-direction is perpendicular to the Z-direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the focusing assembly includes a Y-axis moving mechanism connected to the X-axis moving mechanism, the X-axis moving mechanism being used to drive the Y-axis moving mechanism to move along the X direction, and a Z-axis moving mechanism connected to the Y-axis moving mechanism, the Y-axis moving mechanism being used to drive the Z-axis moving mechanism to move along the Y direction, wherein the Y direction is perpendicular to both the X and Z directions.

[0015] Furthermore, the focusing component includes a position sensor for detecting the position of the imaging component.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a touch display screen, and the control module is electrically connected to the touch display screen.

[0017] Furthermore, there are multiple fixed positions, which are spaced apart along the X direction. The number of light sources is equal to the number of fixed positions, and a light source is correspondingly arranged above each fixed position.

[0018] Furthermore, the imaging component includes a lens, a mirror, a reflective lens, and an image acquisition element. The lens is positioned below the fixed position, and the lens, the mirror, and the reflective lens are used to allow light passing through the culture container to illuminate the image acquisition element.

[0019] Furthermore, the perfusion assembly includes a reagent container, a pipe, and a power pump. The reagent container is disposed on one side of the loading platform. One end of the pipe is connected to the reagent container, and the other end of the pipe is connected to the culture container. The power pump is used to drive the liquid in the reagent container to flow through the pipe to the culture container.

[0020] Furthermore, the power pump is a peristaltic pump, the pipeline is a flexible tube, and the peristaltic pump is used to drive the flow of liquid within at least one of the flexible tubes.

[0021] Furthermore, the irrigation assembly includes a signal sensor for detecting flow rate and / or fluid pressure within the pipe.

[0022] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0023] The cell culture system provided in this application integrates liquid supply and image acquisition functions, which can realize the automation of cell culture. When observing cells, there is no need to remove the culture container from the culture environment such as the cell culture box, which is conducive to real-time observation of cell culture and also helps to reduce the interference of external factors on cell growth during the experiment. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a system architecture diagram of a cell culture system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the loading stage, light source, monitoring module and perfusion assembly in a cell culture system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the loading stage, light source, monitoring module, and perfusion assembly in a cell culture system provided in one embodiment of this application, from another perspective.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the loading stage, monitoring module, and perfusion assembly in a cell culture system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a cell culture system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a monitoring module in a cell culture system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partially enlarged structural diagram of part A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the monitoring module in a cell culture system provided in one embodiment of the present application from another perspective.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the perfusion component and the culture container in a cell culture system provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure label:

[0035] 1. Culture container;

[0036] 10. Operations Unit; 20. Main Unit;

[0037] 100. Loading platform; 110. Fixing position; 120. Loading assembly;

[0038] 210. Light source; 220. Mounting bracket;

[0039] 310. Reagent container; 320. Power pump; 321. Rotating wheel; 322. Clamping block; 323. Adjustment mechanism; 330. Signal sensor;

[0040] 410. Imaging assembly; 411. Lens; 420. Focusing assembly; 421. Z-axis movement mechanism; 4211. Driven pulley; 4212. Driven pulley; 4213. Synchronous belt; 422. X-axis movement mechanism; 423. Y-axis movement mechanism;

[0041] 510. Control module; 520. Touch screen display. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] See Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an embodiment of this application discloses a cell culture system, including a loading stage 100, a light source 210, a monitoring module, a perfusion assembly, and a control module 510.

[0044] Specifically, the loading stage 100 is provided with at least one fixed position 110, which is used to install and fix the culture container 1; the light source 210 is provided on one side of the fixed position 110, and the light source 210 is used to adjust the ambient brightness at the culture container 1; the monitoring module includes an imaging component 410 and a focusing component 420, the imaging component 410 is provided on one side of the fixed position 110, and the imaging component 410 is used to acquire images of cells in the culture container 1; the focusing component 420 is used to drive the imaging component 410 to move in order to achieve focusing; the perfusion component is used to deliver the liquid required for culture to the culture container 1; the control module 510 is communicatively connected to the monitoring module and the perfusion component to control the operation of the monitoring module and the perfusion component.

[0045] The cell culture system provided in this application integrates cell supply and image acquisition functions, which can realize the automation of cell culture. When observing cells, it is not necessary to remove the culture container 1 from the culture environment such as the cell culture box. While facilitating real-time observation of cell culture, it is also more conducive to reducing the interference of external factors on cell growth during the experiment.

[0046] It is worth mentioning that the cell culture system disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used to culture organoid cells, or to culture other cells suitable for culture in culture container 1, and is not limited herein.

[0047] The following will combine Figures 1 to 9 The cell culture system disclosed in the embodiments of this application will be explained and described in detail.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, see Figures 2 to 5 There are multiple fixing positions 110, which are spaced apart along the X direction. Each fixing position 110 is used to fix a culture container 1.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the culture container 1 may specifically be a well plate, a culture dish, a microfluidic chip, an organoid chip, or other containers suitable for culturing cells.

[0050] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the number of light sources 210 is not less than one, but not more than the number of fixed positions 110. Meanwhile, the brightness of the light source 210 can be adjusted according to the actual situation to achieve optimal brightness in the image capture area. Furthermore, the light source 210 can be located on the same axis as the lens of the imaging component 410, and positioned above the fixed position 110 or closer to the imaging component 410, or it can be set at a certain angle to the axis of the imaging component 410.

[0051] In this embodiment, the number of light sources 210 is equal to the number of fixed positions 110, and a light source 210 is correspondingly arranged above each fixed position 110.

[0052] Further, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The liquid supply system includes a mounting bracket 220, which is rotatably mounted on the loading platform 100. A light source 210 is mounted on the mounting bracket 220, and when the mounting bracket 220 is unfolded, the light source 210 is positioned above the fixed position 110. Thus, when installing the culture container 1, the operating space around the fixed position 110 can be increased by rotating the mounting bracket 220, making it easier to install the culture container 1 onto the fixed position 110.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, see Figures 6 to 8 The imaging component 410 includes a lens 411, which is positioned below the fixed position 110. Light emitted from the light source 210 can pass through the culture container 1 and enter the lens 411.

[0054] In this embodiment, the imaging component 410 includes a lens 411, a lens, a reflecting mirror, and an image acquisition element. The lens 411 is disposed below the fixed position 110. The lens 411, the lens, and the reflecting mirror are used to allow light passing through the culture container 1 to illuminate the image acquisition element, thereby acquiring images of cells within the field of view to achieve cell growth monitoring.

[0055] Furthermore, once the image acquisition is complete, operations such as automatic image feature recognition and image stitching can be performed using host computer software.

[0056] In this embodiment, the brightness of the light source 210 can be adjusted according to the actual situation to achieve the optimal brightness of the image area.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, see Figures 6 to 8 The focusing component 420 includes a Z-axis moving mechanism 421. The imaging component 410 is connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism 421. The Z-axis moving mechanism 421 drives the imaging component 410 to move in the Z direction, thereby changing the distance between the imaging component 410 and the fixed position 110. Thus, by changing the distance between the imaging component 410 and the fixed position 110 through the Z-axis moving mechanism 421, the distance between the imaging component 410 and the culture container 1 can be changed, enabling the imaging component 410 to focus on the cells to be observed and ensuring a clear imaging image.

[0058] In one possible implementation, please continue to see Figures 6 to 8The Z-axis movement mechanism 421 includes a third stepper motor, a third lead screw, a third linear guide rail, a third slider, a synchronous pulley, and a synchronous belt 4213. The third linear guide rail is parallel to the Z-direction, the third slider is slidably connected to the third linear guide rail, and the third lead screw is threadedly connected to the third slider. The synchronous pulley includes a driving pulley 4212 and a driven pulley 4211. The driven pulley 4211 is mounted on one end of the third lead screw, and the stepper motor is located on one side of the third lead screw. The driving pulley 4212 is connected to the output end of the third stepper motor, and the synchronous belt 4213 is sleeved between the driving pulley 4212 and the driven pulley 4211. The third stepper motor drives the driving pulley 4212 to rotate, which in turn drives the driven pulley 4211 and the third lead screw to rotate. The rotation of the third lead screw drives the third slider to move along the Z-direction. The imaging component 410 is connected to the third slider, thus allowing the imaging component 410 to move along the Z-direction under the influence of the third slider, thereby changing the focal position of the imaging component 410.

[0059] In the above embodiments, the adjustment accuracy can be improved by using a third lead screw in conjunction with a third slider. For example, in some embodiments, the adjustment accuracy of the Z-axis moving mechanism 421 can be in the range of 0-10µm, and the further adjustment accuracy can be in the range of 1-5µm.

[0060] Furthermore, a reduction ratio can exist between the output end of the stepper motor and the driven pulley 4211 mounted on the third lead screw. In practical applications, the radii of the driving pulley 4212 and the driven pulley 4211 can be set according to the target reduction ratio. For example, by setting the radius of the driving pulley 4212 to be smaller than the radius of the driven pulley 4211, the rotational speed of the third lead screw is made less than the rotational speed of the motor output end.

[0061] It is worth mentioning that, in some other embodiments, the motor used in the focusing component 420 may also be an open-loop stepper motor, a closed-loop stepper motor, or other motors that meet the usage requirements, and is not limited here.

[0062] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 6 to 8 The focusing assembly 420 includes an X-axis moving mechanism 422, which is connected to a Z-axis moving mechanism 421. The X-axis moving mechanism 422 drives the Z-axis moving mechanism 421 to move along the X-direction, wherein the X-direction is perpendicular to the Z-direction. Through the X-axis moving mechanism 422, the field of view position of the imaging assembly 410 in the X-direction can be changed, enabling the field of view of the imaging assembly 410 to be adjusted to the target position.

[0063] It is worth understanding that the Z-axis moving mechanism 421 and the X-axis moving mechanism 422 can be directly connected or indirectly connected.

[0064] In one possible implementation, please continue to see Figures 6 to 8 The X-axis moving mechanism 422 includes a first stepper motor, a first lead screw, a first linear guide rail, and a first slider. The first linear guide rail is parallel to the X-direction, the first slider is slidably connected to the first linear guide rail, the first lead screw is threadedly connected to the first slider, and the first stepper motor is connected to one end of the first lead screw. By driving the first lead screw to rotate, the first stepper motor can drive the first slider to move along the X-direction. The Z-axis moving mechanism 421 is connected to the first slider. Thus, the imaging component 410 can move along the X-direction under the action of the first slider, thereby changing the focal position of the imaging component 410.

[0065] It is worth understanding that the Z-axis moving mechanism 421 can be directly connected to the first slider or indirectly connected to the first slider, and no limitation is made here.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the adjustment accuracy can be improved by using the first lead screw and the first slider in cooperation. For example, in some embodiments, the adjustment accuracy of the X-axis moving mechanism 422 can be in the range of 0-10µm, and further in the range of 1-5µm.

[0067] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 6 to 8 The focusing assembly 420 includes a Y-direction moving mechanism 423, which is connected to an X-direction moving mechanism 422. The X-direction moving mechanism 422 drives the Y-direction moving mechanism 423 to move along the X direction. A Z-direction moving mechanism 421 is connected to the Y-direction moving mechanism 423, which drives the Z-direction moving mechanism 421 to move along the Y direction. The Y direction is perpendicular to both the X and Z directions. Thus, the imaging assembly 410 can be moved along the Y direction via the Y-direction moving mechanism 423.

[0068] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the plane formed by the X and Y directions is set parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0069] In one possible implementation, please continue to see Figures 6 to 8 The Y-axis moving mechanism 423 includes a second stepper motor, a second lead screw, a second linear guide rail, and a second slider. The second linear guide rail is parallel to the Y-direction, the second slider is slidably connected to the second linear guide rail, the second lead screw is threadedly connected to the second slider, and the second stepper motor is connected to one end of the second lead screw. By driving the second lead screw to rotate, the second stepper motor can drive the second slider to move along the Y-direction. The Z-axis moving mechanism 421 is connected to the second slider. Thus, the imaging component 410 can move along the Y-direction under the action of the second slider, thereby changing the focal position of the imaging component 410.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the adjustment accuracy can be improved by using the second lead screw and the second slider in cooperation. For example, in some embodiments, the adjustment accuracy of the Y-axis moving mechanism 423 can be in the range of 0-10µm, and the further adjustment accuracy can be in the range of 1-5µm.

[0071] In some embodiments of this application, the focusing component 420 includes a position sensor for detecting the position of the imaging component 410. The control module 510 confirms that the current imaging component 410 has reached the position, and then automatically turns on and adjusts the brightness of the LED light source according to the brightness of the image to achieve the best imaging effect.

[0072] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 1 The cell culture system includes a touch screen 520, and a control module 510 is electrically connected to the touch screen 520. In practical applications, the touch screen 520 can be used to control the light source 210 and the detection module to achieve real-time monitoring of the cultured cells.

[0073] In some embodiments of this application, the perfusion assembly includes a reagent container 310, a pipe, and a power pump 320. The reagent container 310 is disposed on one side of the loading platform 100. One end of the pipe is connected to the reagent container 310, and the other end of the pipe is connected to the culture container 1. The power pump 320 is used to drive the liquid reagent in the reagent container 310 to flow through the pipe to the culture container 1.

[0074] In some embodiments of this application, the power pump 320 is specifically a liquid pump, and using a liquid pump can achieve better low flow control.

[0075] In some embodiments of this application, the power pump 320 is a peristaltic pump, and the pipeline is a flexible hose. The peristaltic pump is used to drive the flow of liquid in at least one flexible hose. That is, the peristaltic pump can drive the flow of liquid in one flexible hose or drive the flow of liquid in multiple flexible hoses simultaneously.

[0076] In the above embodiments, see Figure 4 The peristaltic pump includes a rotating wheel 321, a clamping block 322, and an adjusting mechanism 323. The clamping block 322 is disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating wheel 321, and the hose portion is disposed between the clamping block 322 and the rotating wheel 321. The adjusting mechanism 323 is used to adjust the distance between the clamping block 322 and the rotating wheel 321. When the clamping block 322 clamps the hose, the liquid inside the hose is propelled as the rotating wheel 321 rotates, thereby achieving transport.

[0077] It is worth mentioning that during the liquid filling process, the reagent comes into contact with the tubing, and the tubing can be replaced for each experiment, thus eliminating cross-contamination between different experiments.

[0078] In the above embodiments, by setting the power pump 320 as a peristaltic pump, low-flow-rate perfusion can be achieved. For example, the peristaltic pump can slowly supply fluid to the cells or tissues in the organoid chip at a flow rate of 0.2 μL / min to 10 μL / min.

[0079] It is understandable that the cells or tissues in organoid chips grow over time and produce metabolites, allowing researchers to periodically extract the mixed liquid in reagent container 310 for physicochemical experiments.

[0080] In one embodiment, the power pump 320 is specifically a peristaltic pump, and the culture container 1 is specifically an organoid chip, which is used to culture organoid cells.

[0081] In one embodiment, one end of the peristaltic pump is inserted into the reagent container 310, and the other end is inserted into the organoid chip. The outlet on the other side of the organoid chip is connected to another reagent container 310 via another pipe, or connected in series with another organoid chip, such as... Figure 9 As shown.

[0082] In the above embodiments, when multiple organoid chips are connected in series, the interactions between various organoid tissues and cells can be detected, and these interactions can be detected by metabolites that are recycled back to the reagent container 310.

[0083] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 1 The irrigation assembly includes a signal sensor 330, which is used to detect flow rate and / or fluid pressure within the pipeline. The specific sensor type of the signal sensor 330 is selected according to the parameter to be detected. Specifically, when the signal sensor 330 is used to detect flow rate, it is a flow sensor; when the signal sensor 330 is used to detect fluid pressure, it is a pressure sensor.

[0084] The cell culture system of this application embodiment is described in detail below with reference to a specific example. It should be noted that the following embodiment is merely an exemplary description and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0085] See Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the cell culture system includes an operation unit 10 and a host unit 20. The operation unit 10 includes a loading stage 100, a light source 210, a detection module, and a perfusion assembly. The host unit 20 includes a control module 510 and a touch screen 520.

[0086] In practical applications, the operation unit 10 is set in a cell culture environment, such as inside a cell culture incubator. The operation unit 10 and the host unit 20 are connected via power and signal lines, enabling the host unit 20 to send commands to the operation unit 10 via the touch screen 520, thereby adjusting the brightness of the light source 210, the frequency of image acquisition, the flow rate, etc.

[0087] In this embodiment, a loading component 120 is provided on one side of the fixing position 110 for fixing the chip placed on the fixing position 110. In this embodiment, the loading component 120 includes a clamping clamp, which is provided on one side of the fixing position 110 for pressing the chip onto the fixing position 110.

[0088] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 220 is rotatably mounted on the loading platform 100. The mounting bracket 220 can rotate around the pivot axis and form a top-down cooperation with the imaging component 410. That is, the light source 210, such as bright field / blue light, is used to illuminate the imaging component 410 from above, and then the light from the light source 210 passes through the chip and enters the imaging component 410.

[0089] In another embodiment, the light source 210 may be located on the same side of the fixed position 110 as the imaging component 410, and the light source 210 may coincide with the axis of the lens 411 of the imaging component 410, or it may be set at a certain angle to the axis of the reflector and the lens 411.

[0090] In this embodiment, the imaging component 410 and the focusing component 420 are disposed below the fixed position 110. The imaging component 410 is assembled onto the focusing component 420 by structural coupling. The focusing component 420 can drive the imaging component 410 to freely adjust in the XYZ directions.

[0091] Furthermore, in the X direction, the same number of detection positions as the fixed position 110 can be set, and position sensors can be installed. When the focusing component 420 moves to the corresponding detection position, the control module 510 can identify the current position of the imaging component 410 and use it as a reference point to perform imaging focusing and image acquisition operations. Of course, the aforementioned position detection function can also be implemented by adding an encoder to the motor, etc.

[0092] Meanwhile, the X-axis moving mechanism 422, Y-axis moving mechanism 423, and Z-axis moving mechanism 421 of the focusing assembly 420 all employ a stepper motor + lead screw transmission method, where the lead screw's lead range is 0.5-6.35mm, and can further be 0.5mm-2mm. Furthermore, the Z-axis drive is achieved by a stepper motor driving a synchronous pulley, which in turn drives the lead screw to rotate, thereby driving the module to move up and down.

[0093] In this embodiment, the perfusion assembly mainly consists of a peristaltic pump, pipes, and connectors. Furthermore, a flow sensor can be added as needed to detect the flow rate of the liquid reagent within the pipes. When the operator sets the corresponding parameters on the touchscreen display 520, such as the target flow rate and pipe size parameters, the main unit 20 automatically calculates the rotation speed of the peristaltic pump according to a preset program, and can adjust the pump's rotation speed based on the flow rate obtained from the flow sensor. Simultaneously, multiple pipes can be installed on a single peristaltic pump, allowing one pump to drive multiple flow paths at the same speed simultaneously. The number of pipes and reagent containers 310 can be one-to-one or connected in series in a one-to-many configuration.

[0094] During operation, the operator first flips the mounting bracket 220 backward, increasing the operating space around the fixed part of the operating table to facilitate the replacement and installation of the peristaltic pump tubing. After installation, the mounting bracket 220 rotates back to its initial position, positioning the light source 210 above the fixed position 110 to provide illumination for imaging. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 220 includes a mechanical limiting structure to ensure the relative position of the light source 210 and the chip. In this embodiment, the operator can place the peristaltic pump tubing into the reagent container 310 and insert it into the chip, and input corresponding experimental parameters on the touch screen 520 of the main unit 20, such as flow rate, time, liquid supply method (periodic or continuous), and set the image acquisition time, etc. After setting, the cell culture experiment can begin, and real-time monitoring of the cells can be achieved during the culture process.

[0095] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0096] 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0097] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "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 refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0098] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0099] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

Claims

1. A cell culture system, characterized in that, include: The loading platform is provided with at least one fixed position for mounting culture containers; A light source is positioned on one side of the fixed position, and the light source is used to adjust the ambient brightness at the culture container; The monitoring module includes an imaging component and a focusing component. The imaging component is disposed on one side of the fixed position and is used to acquire images of cells in the culture container. The focusing component is used to drive the imaging component to move in order to achieve focusing. A perfusion assembly for delivering liquid to the culture vessel; The control module is communicatively connected to the monitoring module and the irrigation component.

2. The cell culture system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The focusing component includes a Z-axis moving mechanism, and the imaging component is connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism. The Z-axis moving mechanism is used to drive the imaging component to move in the Z direction to change the distance between the imaging component and the fixed position.

3. The cell culture system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The focusing assembly includes an X-axis moving mechanism connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism. The X-axis moving mechanism is used to drive the Z-axis moving mechanism to move along the X-direction, wherein the X-direction is perpendicular to the Z-direction.

4. The cell culture system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The focusing assembly includes a Y-axis moving mechanism connected to the X-axis moving mechanism. The X-axis moving mechanism drives the Y-axis moving mechanism to move along the X direction. The Z-axis moving mechanism is connected to the Y-axis moving mechanism and drives the Z-axis moving mechanism to move along the Y direction. The Y direction is perpendicular to both the X and Z directions.

5. The cell culture system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The focusing component includes a position sensor for detecting the position of the imaging component.

6. The cell culture system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a touch screen display, and the control module is electrically connected to the touch screen display.

7. The cell culture system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed positions are multiple, and the multiple fixed positions are spaced apart along the X direction. The number of light sources is equal to the number of fixed positions, and a light source is correspondingly arranged above each fixed position; and / or, the imaging component includes a lens, a lens, a reflective mirror, and an image acquisition element. The lens is arranged below the fixed position, and the lens, the lens, and the reflective mirror are used to allow light passing through the culture container to illuminate the image acquisition element.

8. The cell culture system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The perfusion assembly includes a reagent container, tubing, and a power pump. The reagent container is located on one side of the loading platform. One end of the tubing is connected to the reagent container, and the other end of the tubing is connected to the culture container. The power pump is used to drive the liquid in the reagent container to flow through the tubing to the culture container.

9. The cell culture system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The power pump is a peristaltic pump, and the pipeline is a flexible tube. The peristaltic pump is used to drive the flow of liquid within at least one of the flexible tubes.

10. The cell culture system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The irrigation assembly includes a signal sensor for detecting flow rate and / or fluid pressure within the pipe.

Images