compartmented mycelial bridge rootbox

Abstract

This utility model relates to a partitioned mycelial bridge root box, comprising a main body and a microporous partition inside the main body. The microporous partition divides the main body into a donor chamber, an intermediate mycelial bridge chamber, and a recipient chamber. The microporous partition has pores and is vertically installed inside the main body, isolating the donor chamber from the intermediate mycelial bridge chamber and from the recipient chamber. Rhizosphere dialysis probe channels are provided on the side walls of the donor chamber, the intermediate mycelial bridge chamber, and the recipient chamber. A top cover is provided on the top of the main body, with a gas exchange inlet and a gas exchange outlet. The lower end of the gas exchange inlet is connected to a diffuser. This novel design uses a vertically installed microporous partition to separate the three chambers. The pore size allows mycelia to pass through while blocking roots, ensuring isolation and connectivity. The inlet connects to the diffuser for uniform gas supply, a valve controls the on / off state, and the outlet exhausts air through a guide pipe. A detachable connector facilitates connection to external equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plant rhizosphere microbial interaction research technology, specifically a partitioned mycelial bridge root box. Background Technology

[0002] This apparatus is used to study the transfer of nutrients and signals between plants by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal hyphae. It is mainly used to construct hyphal bridges between donor and recipient plants, realize root zone culture and directional hyphal conduction. Its function is to provide a physical support platform for the study of rhizosphere material transport, hyphal network function and interplant information exchange, and meet the experimental requirements of aseptic control, adjustable environment and observable process.

[0003] Existing devices, due to unreasonable microporous pore size design or mismatched material structure, cannot effectively screen the penetration behavior of hyphae and roots, resulting in hindered or broken hyphal growth and difficulty in forming a continuous and stable hyphal network. At the same time, they cannot effectively prevent plant roots from passing through the septum, causing direct cross-growth of roots in the donor and recipient areas, which undermines the physical isolation of the experiment and makes it impossible to evaluate the role of hyphal bridges independently. The gas channel lacks flow guiding and diffusion structures, and gas tends to accumulate in local areas after intake, forming dead zones or uneven concentration gradients, affecting the uniformity and stability of the gas environment in the root zone, leading to deviations in physiological response data. In addition, weak sealing structures or mismatched interfaces further aggravate gas leakage and environmental fluctuations, making it difficult to maintain long-term, controllable experimental conditions. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a compartmentalized mycelial bridge root box. Microporous partitions vertically divide the box into three chambers, with pore sizes allowing mycelia to pass through while obstructing root systems. A diffuser head, in conjunction with a valve, enables uniform air intake, while a guide tube guides exhaust. A detachable connector facilitates quick connection to external equipment. This design solves the problems common in mycelial bridge root boxes, such as inappropriate microporous partition pore sizes leading to mycelial obstruction or root penetration, uneven gas distribution causing accumulation, and poor sealing leading to leakage, all of which affect experimental isolation and environmental stability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a partitioned mycelial bridge root box, comprising a main body; and a microporous partition inside the main body, the microporous partition dividing the main body into a donor chamber, an intermediate mycelial bridge chamber, and a recipient chamber, the microporous partition having pores, the microporous partition being vertically arranged inside the main body, the microporous partition isolating the donor chamber from the intermediate mycelial bridge chamber, and isolating the intermediate mycelial bridge chamber from the recipient chamber; the side walls of the donor chamber, the intermediate mycelial bridge chamber, and the recipient chamber are all provided with rhizosphere dialysis probe channels; the top of the main body is provided with a cover;

[0006] The top cover is provided with a gas exchange inlet and a gas exchange outlet; the lower end of the gas exchange inlet is connected to the diffuser head, and a valve is provided on the surface of the gas exchange inlet; the lower end of the gas exchange outlet is connected to the guide pipe, and a detachable connector is provided at the upper end of the gas exchange outlet; and a connector is provided on the rhizosphere dialysis probe channel.

[0007] Furthermore, the rear end face of the main body of the box is provided with scale lines, the left end face of the main body of the box is provided with a label plate, the front end face of the main body of the box is provided with ventilation holes and drainage pipes, and the microporous partition is fixed to the inside of the main body of the box with bolts.

[0008] Furthermore, the connector is used to connect to an external analyzer. The connector and the analyzer are fixed by a rotary connection, and the connector can rotate around its axis to complete docking or disengagement.

[0009] Furthermore, the top cover is connected to the top edge of the main body of the box via a snap fastener, and the edge of the top cover that contacts the main body of the box is equipped with a sealing structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the lower end of the gas exchange inlet is fixedly connected to the diffuser head via a pipe, and the diffuser head is located in the gas space directly above the donor chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, a hydrophobic filter membrane is installed inside the vent, and an openable and closable plug is provided at the outlet end of the drain pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the scale lines are set longitudinally along the rear end face of the main body of the box, and the label plate is a flat rectangular area.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. By setting microporous partitions inside the main body of the box and installing the microporous partitions vertically, the main body of the box is divided into three independent chambers: the donor chamber, the intermediate hyphae bridge chamber, and the recipient chamber. This achieves spatial isolation between different experimental areas and provides a structural basis for studying hyphae-mediated material transport. The microporous partitions have pores that allow hyphae to penetrate while preventing plant roots from passing through. This ensures the connectivity of the hyphae network and avoids root cross-growth, thus improving the controllability of the experiment.

[0015] 2. The lower end of the gas exchange inlet is connected to the diffuser, which is located in the gas space directly above the donor chamber. This helps the input gas to diffuse evenly within the chamber, reducing localized airflow concentration or dead zones. A valve is provided on the surface of the gas exchange inlet to control the gas flow, facilitating the adjustment of gas input timing and flow rate, and improving the operational flexibility of gas management. The lower end of the gas exchange outlet is connected to a guide pipe, which can guide the gas in the chamber to a designated location for discharge, preventing localized gas accumulation. The upper end of the gas exchange outlet is equipped with a detachable connector, facilitating quick docking or disconnection with external gas analysis equipment or collection devices, thus enhancing the convenience of the system in gas sampling operations.

[0016] 3. The front face of the main body of the box is equipped with ventilation holes, which can realize gas exchange between the inside of the box and the outside, maintain the oxygen supply in the root zone, and prevent the formation of an anaerobic environment. The ventilation holes are equipped with hydrophobic filter membranes, which can allow gas to pass through while preventing external microorganisms, water droplets or dust particles from entering, keeping the environment inside the box clean. The drain pipe is located on the front face of the main body of the box to facilitate the removal of excess water. Its outlet end is equipped with an openable and closable plug, which can control the timing of drainage as needed to avoid excessive water loss of the substrate. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the detachable upper cover of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the location of the top cover of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled three-dimensional structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This utility model Figure 4 A magnified schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure at point A.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Main body of the box; 101. Donor chamber; 102. Intermediate hyphae bridge chamber; 103. Recipient chamber; 2. Microporous partition; 3. Rhizosphere dialysis probe channel; 4. Top cover; 5. Gas exchange inlet; 6. Gas exchange outlet; 7. Diffuser head; 8. Guide tube; 9. Valve; 10. Connector; 11. Scale line; 12. Label plate; 13. Ventilation hole; 14. Drainage pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 The partitioned mycelial bridge root box in this embodiment includes a main body 1; it also includes a microporous partition 2 inside the main body 1, which divides the main body 1 into a donor chamber 101, an intermediate mycelial bridge chamber 102, and a recipient chamber 103. The microporous partition 2 has pores and is vertically arranged inside the main body 1. The microporous partition 2 isolates the donor chamber 101 from the intermediate mycelial bridge chamber 102 and isolates the intermediate mycelial bridge chamber 102 from the recipient chamber 103. The side walls of the donor chamber 101, the intermediate mycelial bridge chamber 102, and the recipient chamber 103 are all provided with rhizosphere dialysis probe channels 3. The top of the main body 1 is provided with a cover 4.

[0026] In this embodiment, the microporous partition 2 is vertically arranged inside the main body 1 of the box, dividing it into a donor chamber 101, an intermediate hyphae bridge chamber 102, and a recipient chamber 103. The microporous partition 2 allows hyphae to penetrate while blocking the root system, ensuring connectivity and preventing cross-growth. The lower end of the gas exchange inlet 5 is connected to the diffuser 7 located above the donor chamber 101, and the diffuser 7 works with the valve 9 to achieve controllable air intake. The exhaust port is guided by the guide pipe 8, and a detachable connector 10 is provided at its upper end for easy connection with external equipment.

[0027] Please see Figures 1-5 In this embodiment, to achieve a physical separation that allows mycelia to pass through but roots to not pass through, ensuring the experimental area is independent and mycelial bridges can be formed, the upper cover 4 in this embodiment is provided with a gas exchange inlet 5 and a gas exchange outlet 6; the lower end of the gas exchange inlet 5 is connected to the diffuser head 7, the surface of the gas exchange inlet 5 is provided with a valve 9, the lower end of the gas exchange outlet 6 is connected to the guide tube 8, the upper end of the gas exchange outlet 6 is provided with a detachably connected connector 10, and the rhizosphere dialysis probe channel 3 is provided with a connector.

[0028] In this embodiment, to achieve a physical separation where mycelia can pass through but roots cannot, ensuring the independence of the experimental area and supporting the formation of mycelial bridges, the microporous partition 2 has a suitable pore size. This prevents plant roots from entering adjacent chambers while allowing mycelia to penetrate, enabling cross-chamber connection. The main body 1 is divided by the microporous partition 2 into a donor chamber 101, an intermediate mycelial bridge chamber 102, and a recipient chamber 103, achieving spatial isolation between different functional areas. The microporous partition 2 is fixed inside the chamber with bolts to ensure structural stability and positional stability during long-term use. The top cover 4 is installed on the top of the main body 1 to seal the entire device. The gas exchange inlet 5 is located on the top cover 4. For introducing external gas, the gas exchange inlet 5 is equipped with a valve 9 on its surface to control gas flow and facilitate adjustment of gas supply timing and flow rate as needed. A diffuser 7 is connected to the lower end of the gas exchange inlet 5 to ensure uniform gas dispersion and reduce dead zones. The diffuser 7 is located above the donor chamber 101, which facilitates effective gas distribution in the target area. The gas exchange outlet 6 is located on the upper cover 4 to discharge gas from the chamber. A guide pipe 8 is connected to the lower end of the gas exchange outlet 6 to guide the gas outwards in a directional manner. A detachable connector 10 is provided at the upper end of the gas exchange outlet 6 for quick connection or disconnection from external gas analysis equipment. The connector 10 uses a rotary connection... The connection method allows for a tight seal during installation and supports reuse. Rhizosphere dialysis probe channels 3 are located on the side walls of each chamber for inserting dialysis probes. Each rhizosphere dialysis probe channel 3 has a connector for a sealed connection with external probes. This connector structure allows for non-destructive sampling of the rhizosphere solution without compromising the chamber's seal. The rear end face of the chamber body 1 has graduation lines 11 for observing and recording root growth positions or substrate filling height. The graduation lines 11 are arranged longitudinally for easy data reading from the outside. A label plate 12, a flat rectangular area, is located on the left end face of the chamber body 1 for attaching numbers or writing processing information, improving experimental readability. The front face of the main body 1 of the chamber is provided with a ventilation hole 13, which can realize the gas exchange between the inside and outside of the chamber and maintain the ventilation state of the root zone. The ventilation hole 13 is equipped with a hydrophobic filter membrane, which can allow gas to pass through while preventing microorganisms and droplets from entering, keeping the internal environment clean. The drain pipe 14 is located on the front face to drain excess water. The outlet end of the drain pipe 14 is equipped with an openable and closable plug, which can control the drainage as needed to prevent the substrate from drying out excessively. The overall structure achieves quick opening and closing and airtight sealing through the snap-fit ​​connection and sealing structure between the top cover 4 and the main body 1 of the chamber. The snap-fit ​​connection facilitates the filling of substrate and planting of plants, while the sealing structure prevents water evaporation and the entry of external pollution, ensuring the stability of the experimental environment.

[0029] It should be noted that the top cover 4 is connected to the top edge of the main body 1 of the chamber via a snap fastener. The edge of the top cover 4 in contact with the main body 1 of the chamber has a sealing structure. The lower end of the gas exchange inlet 5 is fixedly connected to the diffuser head 7 via a pipe. The diffuser head 7 is located in the gas space directly above the donor chamber 101. The top cover 4 is connected to the top edge of the main body 1 of the chamber via a snap fastener, which enables quick installation and disassembly. This facilitates the initial filling of the substrate and planting of plants in the early stages of the experiment. The snap fastener connection structure is stable and easy to operate. The sealing structure at the edge of the top cover 4 in contact with the main body 1 of the chamber can effectively prevent moisture evaporation, avoid the entry of external pollutants, and maintain the airtightness and cleanliness of the chamber environment. The gas exchange inlet 5 is fixedly connected to the diffuser head 7 via a pipe, ensuring that the gas transmission path is firm and not easy to fall off. The diffuser head 7 has a porous structure, which can evenly disperse the input gas, reduce airflow concentration and local accumulation, improve the uniformity of gas distribution in the chamber, and help stabilize and control the gas environment. The overall combination makes the gas supply process more stable, the sealing more reliable, and the operation more convenient.

[0030] Please see Figures 1-6 In this embodiment, in order to achieve uniform gas supply and facilitate gas sampling operation, the rear end face of the main body 1 of the box is provided with scale lines 11, the left end face of the main body 1 of the box is provided with a label plate 12, the front end face of the main body 1 of the box is provided with a vent hole 13 and a drain pipe 14, the microporous partition 2 is fixed inside the main body 1 of the box by bolts, and the connector 10 is used to connect to an external analyzer. The connector 10 and the analyzer are fixed by a rotational connection, and the connector 10 can rotate around its axis to complete docking or separation.

[0031] In this embodiment, to achieve uniform gas supply and facilitate gas sampling, the microporous partition 2 is fixed inside the main body 1 of the chamber with bolts, ensuring the stability of the partition structure, preventing displacement during use, improving the sealing reliability between chambers, and helping to maintain the independent environment of each chamber. The microporous partition 2 has a specific pore size, which can block plant roots from penetrating while allowing hyphae to pass through, realizing selective communication between the donor chamber 101, the intermediate hyphal bridge chamber 102, and the recipient chamber 103, providing structural support for the construction of hyphal bridges. The rear end face of the main body 1 of the chamber has scale lines 11, which can be used to observe and record the root growth depth or substrate filling position, facilitating dynamic monitoring during the experiment. The scale lines 11 are arranged vertically, making the readings intuitive and improving the accuracy of observation. The left end face of the main body 1 of the chamber has a label plate 12, which is a flat rectangular area. It can be used to affix labels or write experimental numbers and treatment group information, facilitating the identification and management of experimental samples and avoiding confusion. The front face of the main body 1 of the chamber has a ventilation hole 13, which can realize the exchange of gases inside and outside the chamber, maintain the oxygen supply in the root zone, and prevent the formation of an anaerobic environment. The ventilation hole 13 is equipped with a hydrophobic filter membrane, which can prevent external microorganisms, water droplets or dust from entering while the gas flows, keeping the chamber clean. The drain pipe 14 is used to drain excess water to prevent water accumulation in the substrate. The outlet end of the drain pipe 14 is equipped with an openable and closable plug, which can control the timing of drainage as needed to prevent the substrate from drying out excessively. The ventilation hole 13 and the drain pipe 14 work together to help maintain a suitable moisture and gas balance in the root zone. The overall structure achieves convenient operation and environmental controllability through reasonable layout, supports long-term stable operation, and meets the needs of rhizosphere process research.

[0032] It should be noted that the main body 1, the top cover 4, and the microporous partition 2 are all made of transparent polycarbonate material, which has good corrosion resistance and observation capabilities. The pore size of the microporous partition 2 can be adjusted according to the type of microorganism.

[0033] It should be noted that the vent 13 is equipped with a hydrophobic filter membrane, the outlet end of the drain pipe 14 is equipped with an openable and closable plug, the scale line 11 is set longitudinally along the rear end face of the main body 1, the label plate 12 is a flat rectangular area, which is vertically set by the microporous partition 2 and fixed with bolts to prevent loosening and ensure the stability of the chamber isolation during long-term experiments. The diffuser 7 is set above the donor chamber 101 and controlled by the valve 9 to achieve uniform diffusion of gas from top to bottom, avoiding matrix disturbance caused by bottom air intake.

[0034] The working principle of the above embodiments is as follows:

[0035] In use, first place the main body 1 of the chamber horizontally. Control the internal humidity through the ventilation holes 13 and drainage pipes 14 on the front side to prevent water accumulation in the substrate. At the same time, use a hydrophobic filter membrane to prevent external microorganisms from entering and keep the interior clean. Fill the mycelial bridge chamber 102 in the donor chamber 101 and the recipient chamber 103 with sterile substrate, and mark the experimental number and treatment information with the label plate 12 on the left end. With the help of the scale lines 11 on the rear end, control the substrate filling height and plant planting depth. Plant the donor plants in the donor chamber 101 and the recipient plants in the recipient chamber 103. The intermediate mycelial bridge chamber 102 remains plant-free, allowing for the extension and growth of mycelial bridges. When installing the top cover 4, it is quickly connected to the top edge of the main body 1 using snap-fit ​​mechanisms. The sealing structure at the edge of the top cover 4 forms an airtight seal, preventing moisture evaporation and external contamination, completing the initial assembly of the root box. Subsequently, the required gas is introduced through the gas exchange inlet 5. The valve 9 on the surface of the inlet controls the gas flow. Once opened, the gas enters the diffuser 7 through a pipe. The diffuser 7, located above the donor chamber 101, uses a porous structure to evenly disperse the gas, reducing airflow concentration and achieving stable gas supply. The gas is discharged from the gas exchange outlet 6, guided by the guide tube 8, and then connected to the external gas analysis equipment via the upper connector 10. The connector 10 adopts a detachable rotating connection method for easy and quick installation and separation, supporting continuous or intermittent gas sampling and monitoring. During the experimental operation, the donor plant roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form hyphae in symbiosis. The hyphae extend radially to the central hyphal bridge chamber 102 through the pores on the microporous partition 2. The microporous partition 2 is fixed with bolts, ensuring structural stability. The pore size allows hyphae to penetrate but blocks plant roots from passing through, achieving the dual functions of physical isolation and biological communication. The hyphae continue to extend into the recipient chamber 103, establishing connections with the root system of the recipient plant to form a complete hyphal bridge, enabling the transplantation of nutrients and signaling substances. When it is necessary to collect rhizosphere solution, the rhizosphere dialysis probe is inserted into the rhizosphere dialysis probe channel 3 on the side wall of each chamber, and a sealing connection is achieved through the connector. Non-destructive sampling is completed without damaging the seal of the chamber. Combined with the scale line 11, the root growth dynamics can be observed in real time. The entire device achieves environmental controllability and convenient operation through a reasonable structural layout, supports long-term stable operation, and meets the needs of research on the hyphal bridge formation process and rhizosphere interaction.

[0036] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0037] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A compartmentalized mycelial bridge root box, comprising a main body (1); characterized in that: It also includes a microporous partition (2) inside the main body (1) of the box, which divides the main body (1) into a donor chamber (101), an intermediate hyphal bridge chamber (102) and a recipient chamber (103). The microporous partition (2) has pores and is vertically arranged inside the main body (1). The microporous partition (2) isolates the donor chamber (101) from the intermediate hyphal bridge chamber (102) and isolates the intermediate hyphal bridge chamber (102) from the recipient chamber (103). The side walls of the donor chamber (101), the intermediate hyphal bridge chamber (102) and the recipient chamber (103) are all provided with rhizosphere dialysis probe channels (3). The top of the main body (1) is provided with a cover (4). The upper cover (4) is provided with a gas exchange inlet (5) and a gas exchange outlet (6). The surface of the gas exchange inlet (5) is provided with a valve (9). The lower end of the gas exchange outlet (6) is connected to the guide pipe (8). The upper end of the gas exchange outlet (6) is provided with a detachable connector (10). The rhizosphere dialysis probe channel (3) is provided with a connector.

2. The partitioned mycelial bridge root box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end face of the main body (1) is provided with scale lines (11), the left end face of the main body (1) is provided with a label plate (12), the front end face of the main body (1) is provided with a vent (13) and a drain pipe (14), and the microporous partition (2) is fixed inside the main body (1) by bolts.

3. The partitioned mycelial bridge root box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector (10) is used to connect to an external analyzer. The connector (10) and the analyzer are fixed by a rotary connection, and the connector (10) can rotate around its axis to complete docking or separation.

4. The partitioned mycelial bridge root box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top cover (4) is connected to the top edge of the main body (1) of the box by a buckle, and the edge of the top cover (4) that contacts the main body (1) of the box is provided with a sealing structure.

5. The partitioned mycelial bridge root box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower end of the gas exchange inlet (5) is fixedly connected to the diffuser head (7) through a pipe. The diffuser head (7) is located in the gas space directly above the donor chamber (101).

6. The partitioned mycelial bridge root box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The vent (13) is equipped with a hydrophobic filter membrane, and the outlet end of the drain pipe (14) is equipped with an openable and closable plug.

7. The partitioned mycelial bridge root box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The scale line (11) is set longitudinally along the rear end face of the main body (1) of the box, and the label plate (12) is a flat rectangular area.

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