A fermentation device for biopharmaceutical molecule experiments

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of fermentation devices for biological medicine molecule experiment, belong to biological medicine experimental equipment technical field, including the fermentation tank for preventing biological medicine molecule experiment fermentation product splashing, the outer periphery of the fermentation tank is connected with the pressure relief pipe for gas exfiltration when fermentation, the inside of the pressure relief pipe is installed with conical exhaust port, the outer periphery of the pressure relief pipe is fixedly connected with annular pipe for adjusting, the inside of the annular pipe is provided with annular groove for limiting movement displacement, the inside of the annular groove is connected with spring for providing tension, the end of the spring is connected with annular plate, the device improves the ability to prevent external gas from entering from the source, avoids miscellaneous bacteria to invade to break down sterile environment, while maintaining the stable pressure in tank, prevent oxygen, carbon dioxide concentration imbalance caused by external gas mixing, guarantee the microbial metabolism balance, avoid the experimental error caused by fermentation parameter disorder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of biomedical experimental equipment technology, and in particular to a fermentation device for biomedical molecular experiments. Background Technology

[0002] In biomedical molecular experiments, fermentation is one of the key steps in obtaining target biomolecules. If the sterile barrier is damaged during fermentation, it will cause a chain reaction of disturbances in fermentation parameters, ultimately leading to experimental failure or data distortion. The negative impact on biomedical molecular experiments is particularly significant. When the ability to prevent external gases from entering is weak, it will directly break through the sterile environment, causing irreversible contamination, seriously disrupting fermentation parameters, and destroying the metabolic balance of microorganisms.

[0003] A search revealed Chinese patent document (authorization announcement number CN223226054U), which discloses a fermentation device for biomedical molecular experiments. The device includes a feeding mechanism, a servo motor, and a feeding pump mounted on top of the feeding mechanism. The feeding mechanism has an internal cleaning mechanism, one end of which is threaded to the end of a roller. The feeding mechanism not only ensures uniform oxygen delivery to the reactor but also promotes uniform mixing of the biological components, improving fermentation efficiency. The cleaning mechanism allows for rapid cleaning of the reactor's inner wall, enhancing the device's practicality. While the device meets basic usage requirements, its weak ability to prevent external gas intrusion can directly disrupt the sterile environment, causing irreversible contamination, severely interfering with fermentation parameters, and damaging microbial metabolic balance. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a fermentation device for biomedical molecular experiments, comprising a fermenter for preventing the fermentation product of biomedical molecular experiments from splashing out, a pressure relief pipe for gas leakage during fermentation connected to the outer periphery of the fermenter, a conical exhaust port installed inside the pressure relief pipe, and an annular pipe for adjustment fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the pressure relief pipe. The annular tube has an annular groove inside for limiting movement displacement. A spring for providing tension is connected inside the annular groove. An annular plate is connected to the end of the spring. The annular plate is slidably disposed inside the annular groove. A limiting plate for limiting the displacement of the annular plate is installed at the end of the annular groove. Multiple connecting posts for support are connected to the side of the annular plate away from the spring. The connecting posts completely penetrate the interior of the limiting plate.

[0006] Preferably, a movable frame is connected to one end of the plurality of connecting columns away from the annular plate, and a conical sealing block is installed on the side of the movable frame near the connecting column for engaging with the conical exhaust port to prevent external gas from entering the pressure relief pipe.

[0007] Preferably, a magnetic ring for increasing the sealing performance between the conical sealing block and the conical exhaust port is installed on the side of the conical exhaust port away from the conical sealing block, and the end of the annular tube is provided with multiple grooves for gas discharge between the conical exhaust port and the conical sealing block.

[0008] Preferably, a filter box for the entry of depressurized gas is installed on the outer periphery of the fermenter, the annular pipe is disposed inside the filter box, and two filter plate holders are symmetrically installed on the vertical inner wall of the filter box.

[0009] Preferably, filter plates for contact with fermentation gases are slidably installed inside the two filter plate frames, and air outlets for the treated gases are provided on both sides of the filter box. A door is installed on the side of the filter box to facilitate the replacement of filter plates.

[0010] Preferably, the fermenter is equipped with support legs at the bottom, a buffer hopper is connected to the bottom of the fermenter, a discharge pipe is installed at the bottom of the buffer hopper, and a sealing cover is installed at the top of the fermenter.

[0011] Preferably, the top of the top cover is connected to a feed pipe, and a motor for providing power is installed on the top of the top cover. The output shaft of the motor is connected to a stirring shaft through a coupling, and the outer periphery of the stirring shaft has stirring blades for preventing the precipitation of biopharmaceutical molecular experimental fermentation products.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows: This fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments significantly enhances unidirectional sealing capabilities thanks to the precise fit between the conical sealing block and the conical exhaust port, combined with the magnetic attraction of the magnetic ring. When the pressure inside the fermenter decreases, the spring returns and pulls the annular plate, which in turn drives the movable frame via the connecting column, causing the conical sealing block to press tightly against the conical exhaust port. The magnetic ring further strengthens the seal, effectively blocking the backflow of external air containing contaminants into the pressure relief pipe. This structure fundamentally improves the ability to prevent external gases from entering, avoiding the invasion of contaminants that could compromise the sterile environment. Simultaneously, it maintains stable pressure inside the fermenter, preventing imbalances in oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations caused by external gas contamination, ensuring microbial metabolic balance, and avoiding experimental errors caused by fermentation parameter disturbances.

[0013] This fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments utilizes a gas filtration structure comprised of a filter box, filter plate holder, and filter plates to effectively purify the exhaust gases produced during fermentation. After entering the filter box through a pressure relief pipe, the fermentation gases pass through the filter plates supported by the filter plate holder. These plates intercept microbial aerosols or fermentation broth droplets carried in the gas, preventing them from spreading into the external environment and causing contamination. Simultaneously, the structure allows for convenient replacement of the filter plates via a door, ensuring long-term stable filtration performance. This structure not only prevents secondary contamination of the experimental environment by the exhaust gases but also indirectly ensures the cleanliness of the environment surrounding the fermenter. It reduces the risk of external microorganisms entering the fermenter through equipment gaps or during operation, further solidifying the aseptic environment, providing stable external conditions for microbial metabolism, and improving the accuracy and repeatability of experimental results. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This utility model Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 5 This utility model Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: In the diagram: 1. Fermentation tank; 101. Buffer hopper; 102. Discharge pipe; 103. Support leg; 104. Feed pipe; 105. Top cover; 106. Motor; 107. Stirring shaft; 108. Stirring blade; 2. Filter box; 201. Pressure relief pipe; 202. Conical exhaust port; 203. Magnetic ring; 204. Filter plate frame; 205. Filter plate; 206. Air outlet; 207. Box door; 3. Annular pipe; 301. Annular groove; 302. Spring; 303. Annular plate; 304. Connecting column; 305. Limiting plate; 306. Movable frame; 307. Conical sealing block. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention.

[0018] The connection method can be any existing method, such as bonding, welding, or bolting, depending on the actual needs.

[0019] like Figures 1 to 5 The fermentation apparatus shown includes a fermenter 1 for preventing the fermentation product of the biomedical molecular experiment from splashing out. The fermenter 1 is connected to a pressure relief pipe 201 for gas leakage during fermentation. A conical exhaust port 202 is installed inside the pressure relief pipe 201. An annular pipe 3 for adjustment is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the pressure relief pipe 201. The annular tube 3 has an annular groove 301 inside for limiting the movement displacement. A spring 302 for providing tension is connected inside the annular groove 301. An annular plate 303 is connected to the end of the spring 302. The annular plate 303 is slidably disposed inside the annular groove 301. A limiting plate 305 for limiting the displacement of the annular plate 303 is installed at the end of the annular groove 301. A plurality of connecting posts 304 for support are connected to the side of the annular plate 303 away from the spring 302. The connecting posts 304 completely penetrate the interior of the limiting plate 305.

[0020] Multiple connecting posts 304 are connected to a movable frame 306 at the end away from the annular plate 303. A conical sealing block 307 is installed on the side of the movable frame 306 near the connecting post 304 to prevent external gas from entering the pressure relief pipe 201 when combined with the conical exhaust port 202. A magnetic ring 203 is installed on the side of the conical exhaust port 202 away from the conical sealing block 307 to increase the sealing performance between the conical sealing block 307 and the conical exhaust port 202. Multiple grooves are provided at the end of the annular pipe 3 for gas to be discharged between the conical exhaust port 202 and the conical sealing block 307. The gas generated by fermentation is discharged through the pressure relief pipe 201. The gas pushes the conical sealing block 307, causing the connecting post 304 to drive the annular plate 303 to slide in the annular groove 301 and stretch the spring 302. The conical sealing block 307 separates from the conical exhaust port 202, and the gas enters the filter box 2. The magnetic ring 203 enhances the sealing performance when the two are combined, and the limiting plate 305 restricts the displacement of the annular plate 303.

[0021] A filter box 2 for the intake of depressurized gas is installed on the outer periphery of the fermenter 1. An annular pipe 3 is set inside the filter box 2. Two filter plate holders 204 are symmetrically installed on the vertical inner wall of the filter box 2. Filter plates 205 for contact with fermentation gas are slidably installed inside the two filter plate holders 204. Gas outlets 206 for the exhaust of treated gas are provided on both sides of the filter box 2. A door 207 is installed on the side of the filter box 2 to facilitate the replacement of filter plates 205. Gas flows to filter plates 205 through the groove at the end of the annular pipe 3. The filter plate holders 204 support the filter plates 205 to filter the gas. The treated gas is discharged from the gas outlets 206. The door 207 facilitates the replacement of filter plates 205. When the pressure inside fermenter 1 decreases, spring 302 resets and pulls annular plate 303. Connecting column 304 drives movable frame 306 to make conical sealing block 307 fit tightly with conical exhaust port 202. Under the action of magnetic ring 203, a seal is achieved, preventing external gas from flowing back into pressure relief pipe 201 and ensuring the sterility of fermentation environment.

[0022] The fermenter 1 is equipped with support legs 103 at the bottom. A buffer hopper 101 is connected to the bottom of the fermenter 1, and a discharge pipe 102 is installed at the bottom of the buffer hopper 101. A top cover 105 for sealing is installed on the top of the fermenter 1. An inlet pipe 104 is connected to the top of the top cover 105, and a motor 106 for providing power is installed on the top of the top cover 105. The output shaft of the motor 106 is connected to a stirring shaft 107 via a coupling. The outer circumference of the stirring shaft 107 has stirring blades 108 to prevent the sedimentation of fermented products in biopharmaceutical molecular experiments. During fermentation, the motor 106 drives the stirring shaft 107 to rotate, and the stirring blades 108 rotate accordingly to prevent the sedimentation of fermented products in the fermenter 1. The material enters the fermenter 1 through the inlet pipe 104, is temporarily stored in the buffer hopper 101 after fermentation, and is finally discharged from the discharge pipe 102. The support legs 103 provide support for the entire device, and the top cover 105 ensures the airtightness of the fermenter 1.

[0023] To ensure the stable operation of this biomedical molecular fermentation apparatus, a systematic approach is needed, encompassing six aspects: environmental control, maintenance, material compatibility, component fit, sealing, and personnel operation. For instance, in environmental control, the apparatus must be placed in a Class 10,000 cleanroom, maintaining a room temperature of 20-25°C and a relative humidity of 40%-60% to prevent drastic temperature and humidity fluctuations from affecting fermentation parameters and component stability. Simultaneously, the laboratory must be equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and the concentration of airborne particles must be regularly monitored to prevent external microorganisms from entering through equipment gaps. Equipment that easily generates dust or volatile pollutants must not be placed around the apparatus to prevent pollutants from adhering to the surfaces of filter box 2 and pressure relief pipe 201, affecting gas filtration and exhaust efficiency. Maintenance requires a regular inspection and specialized maintenance mechanism. Before daily use, check the operating sound and temperature of the motor 106 to ensure that the stirring shaft 107 rotates smoothly without jamming. Weekly, disassemble the door 207 of the filter box 2, remove the filter plate 205 to check the filtration effect; if the filter media is found to be clogged or contaminated, immediately replace it with a new sterile filter plate. Monthly, clean the inside of the annular groove 301, apply food-grade grease to reduce sliding friction of the annular plate 303, and check the elasticity of the spring 302; replace it promptly if deformation or decreased tension occurs. Quarterly, perform non-destructive testing on the surface of the conical exhaust port 202 and the conical sealing block 307 to ensure that the sealing surface is free of scratches or wear, guaranteeing sealing performance. Material selection must match the sterility and corrosion resistance requirements of biopharmaceutical experiments. Fermentation tank 1, buffer hopper 101, and discharge pipe 102 are preferably made of 316L stainless steel, which has strong resistance to acid and alkali corrosion and is easy to clean and disinfect. The conical sealing block 307 is made of food-grade silicone rubber to ensure no leaching occurs upon contact with the fermentation system, while also possessing good elasticity and wear resistance. The spring 302 is made of stainless steel and passivated to prevent rust contamination of the internal environment of the annular tank 301. The filter plate 205 uses a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter membrane, which combines high-efficiency filtration with temperature resistance, and can be used for 121℃ moist heat sterilization, preventing the filter material itself from becoming a source of contamination. The components must be fitted together with precision and coordination. During installation, ensure the coaxiality error of the through hole between the connecting column 304 and the limiting plate 305 is ≤0.1mm to prevent the annular plate 303 from sliding and getting stuck, affecting the movement of the sealing block. The distance between the stirring blade 108 and the inner wall of the fermenter 1 should be controlled at 5-8mm to avoid friction noise caused by too small a distance or sedimentation of bottom material caused by too large a distance. The fit gap between the filter plate frame 204 and the filter plate 205 should be ≤0.2mm to prevent unfiltered gas from leaking through the gap, while ensuring that the filter plate can slide smoothly for easy replacement. The magnetic attraction strength between the magnetic ring 203 and the conical sealing block 307 needs to be tested in advance to ensure that it can enhance the sealing effect without making it difficult for the conical sealing block to separate during exhaust due to excessive magnetic force. A multi-layer protection system needs to be constructed to ensure sealing.The connection between the top cover 105 and the fermenter 1 uses a double silicone sealing ring. The elasticity of the sealing ring should be checked regularly, and it should be replaced immediately if it shows signs of aging or deformation. Before the conical sealing block 307 is attached to the conical exhaust port 202, the sealing surface should be cleaned with a sterile wiping cloth soaked in 75% ethanol to remove any residual impurities. The weld between the pressure relief pipe 201 and the annular pipe 3 should be tested for air tightness using helium mass spectrometry to ensure that the leakage rate is ≤1×10⁻. 9 Pa・m³ / s; Sterile quick-connect fittings must be installed at the ends of the feed pipe 104 and discharge pipe 102. When not in use, seal caps should be placed to prevent external gases or contaminants from entering. Personnel must strictly follow standardized procedures. Before using the device, fermenter 1, feed pipe 104, and discharge pipe 102 must be sterilized at 121℃ for 30 minutes using moist heat. After sterilization, wait until the temperature inside the tank drops to the set fermentation temperature before adding the culture medium. When sampling or adding materials, operations must be performed in a clean bench. Before opening feed pipe 104, scorch the pipe opening with a flame to avoid introducing contaminants during the operation. During fermentation, if parameters need to be adjusted, they must be gradually fine-tuned through the central control system (if equipped) to avoid sudden changes in stirring speed or exhaust pressure that could cause drastic fluctuations in the tank environment. After the experiment, motor 106 must be turned off first. After the stirring shaft 107 stops rotating, disassemble the detachable parts for thorough cleaning and disinfection, dry them, and store them properly for future use. The device is equipped with an online monitoring system that tracks the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and pressure data inside fermenter 1 in real time. The monitoring data is transmitted to the central control screen via sensors. An automatic alarm is triggered when parameters deviate from the set range (e.g., temperature fluctuation ±1℃, pH deviation ±0.2). Pressure monitoring should focus on changes in the pressure relief pipe 201. If sustained high or low pressure occurs, the system can adjust the speed of motor 106 or the auxiliary ventilation device (which can be added) to balance the environment inside the tank. Furthermore, a clear emergency response procedure is established: if the conical sealing block 307 and the conical exhaust port 202 fail to seal, the feed pipe 104 should be immediately closed and the backup sterile nitrogen device should be activated to maintain positive pressure inside the tank; if the filter plate 205 becomes clogged, causing poor venting, a backup filter plate can be quickly replaced through the door 207, while recording the clogging time and fermentation stage to assess the impact on experimental data. This supplementary part forms a "prevention-monitoring-response" closed loop, further ensuring experimental continuity and the reliability of results.

[0024] Working principle This fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments operates as follows: First, the material enters the fermenter 1 through the feed pipe 104, and the top cover 105 ensures a sealed environment inside the tank. The motor 106 drives the stirring shaft 107 to rotate, which in turn rotates the stirring blades 108 to prevent sedimentation of the fermented product. Support legs 103 provide stable support for the entire apparatus. After fermentation, the product is temporarily stored in the buffer hopper 101 and discharged through the discharge pipe 102. The gas generated during fermentation flows along the pressure relief pipe 201, pushing the conical sealing block 307. This causes the connecting column 304 to slide the annular plate 303 within the annular groove 301, simultaneously stretching the spring 302. At this point, the conical sealing block 307 separates from the conical exhaust port 202, and the gas enters the filter box 2 through the groove at the end of the annular pipe 3. The filter plate 205 supported by the filter plate holder 204 filters the gas. After processing, the gas is discharged from the vent 206. The door 207 facilitates the replacement of the filter plate 205. The limiting plate 305 restricts the excessive displacement of the annular plate 303. When the pressure inside the fermenter 1 decreases, the spring 302 returns to its original position and pulls the annular plate 303. The connecting column 304 drives the movable frame 306 to make the conical sealing block 307 fit with the conical exhaust port 202. The magnetic ring 203 enhances the sealing performance, prevents backflow of external gas, ensures a sterile fermentation environment, and ensures the accuracy of biomedical molecular experiments.

[0025] It should be noted that in this article, relational terms such as one and two are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0026] 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 fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments, comprising a fermenter (1) for preventing splashing of fermentation products from biomedical molecular experiments, characterized in that: The fermenter (1) is connected to a pressure relief pipe (201) for gas leakage during fermentation. A conical exhaust port (202) is installed inside the pressure relief pipe (201). An annular pipe (3) for adjustment is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the pressure relief pipe (201). The annular tube (3) has an annular groove (301) inside for limiting the movement displacement. A spring (302) for providing tension is connected inside the annular groove (301). An annular plate (303) is connected to the end of the spring (302). The annular plate (303) is slidably disposed inside the annular groove (301). A limiting plate (305) for limiting the displacement of the annular plate (303) is installed at the end of the annular groove (301). A plurality of connecting posts (304) for support are connected to the side of the annular plate (303) away from the spring (302). The connecting posts (304) completely penetrate the interior of the limiting plate (305).

2. The fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ends of the multiple connecting posts (304) away from the annular plate (303) are connected to a movable frame (306), and the movable frame (306) near the connecting post (304) is equipped with a conical sealing block (307) for combining with the conical exhaust port (202) to prevent external gas from entering the pressure relief pipe (201).

3. The fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments according to claim 2, characterized in that: A magnetic ring (203) for increasing the sealing between the conical sealing block (307) and the conical exhaust port (202) is installed on the side of the conical exhaust port (202) away from the conical sealing block (307). The end of the annular tube (3) is provided with a plurality of grooves for gas discharge between the conical exhaust port (202) and the conical sealing block (307).

4. The fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fermenter (1) is equipped with a filter box (2) for the entry of depressurized gas. The annular pipe (3) is located inside the filter box (2). Two filter plate holders (204) are symmetrically installed on the vertical inner wall of the filter box (2).

5. A fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments according to claim 4, characterized in that: The two filter plate holders (204) are slidably installed with filter plates (205) for contact with fermentation gas. The filter box (2) is provided with air outlets (206) on both sides for the gas to be discharged after treatment. The filter box (2) is provided with a door (207) on the side for easy replacement of filter plates (205).

6. A fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fermenter (1) is equipped with support legs (103) at the bottom, and a buffer hopper (101) is connected to the bottom of the fermenter (1). A discharge pipe (102) is installed at the bottom of the buffer hopper (101), and a top cover (105) is installed on the top of the fermenter (1) for sealing.

7. A fermentation apparatus for biomedical molecular experiments according to claim 6, characterized in that: The top of the top cover (105) is connected to a feed pipe (104), and a motor (106) for providing power is installed on the top of the top cover (105). The output shaft of the motor (106) is connected to a stirring shaft (107) via a coupling. The outer periphery of the stirring shaft (107) has stirring blades (108) for preventing the precipitation of fermentation products in biopharmaceutical molecular experiments.

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