A cell culture device for nitric oxide with adjustable concentration

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of concentration adjustable nitric oxide cell culture device, including gas mixing module, gas washing module, tail gas processing module and incubator, wherein, the outlet end of gas mixing module is connected with the air inlet of incubator by mixed gas inlet pipe, the gas outlet of incubator is connected with outlet pipeline, the end of outlet pipeline along gas flow direction is provided with three-way valve, the first interface of three-way valve is connected with outlet pipeline end, the second interface is connected with the gas inlet end of gas washing module by gas washing pipe, the third interface is connected with the gas inlet end of tail gas processing module by degassing pipe, the gas outlet end of gas washing module is connected with the gas backflow port of incubator by backflow pipe.Compared with prior art, the utility model not only can accurately adjust and stabilize the concentration of nitric oxide in incubator, but also can efficiently remove toxic byproduct nitrogen dioxide, the overall operation process is convenient and safe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cell culture technology, and in particular to a nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration. Background Technology

[0002] Nitric oxide (NO), as a key gaseous signaling molecule, plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including vasodilation and blood pressure regulation, immune responses, neural regulation, and anti-inflammation. The effects of NO are significantly concentration-dependent. Low concentrations of NO promote cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation by activating the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway and protein S-nitrosylation, which is essential for tissue repair and homeostasis. High concentrations of NO, however, induce cytotoxicity, leading to apoptosis through free radical damage and DNA breaks. This property is used by the immune system to eliminate pathogens and abnormal cells. While the clinical therapeutic effects of NO have been widely validated, its specific molecular mechanisms require further investigation.

[0003] Currently, mainstream methods for providing exogenous NO in in vitro cell models have significant limitations. While chemical donor methods are simple to operate, they cannot precisely control NO release kinetics, and their decomposition products may interfere with normal cell function. On the other hand, attempts to directly introduce NO gas into the culture environment face numerous challenges, such as instantaneous concentration fluctuations and rapid oxidation under aerobic conditions to generate toxic byproducts (such as NO2). These technical limitations severely hinder in-depth analysis of NO signal transduction mechanisms.

[0004] Cell culture refers to a method of simulating the in vivo environment (sterile, suitable temperature, suitable pH, certain nutritional conditions, etc.) in vitro to enable organisms to survive, grow, reproduce, and maintain their main structures and functions. Gas incubators are commonly used to obtain growth data and results of organisms at certain gas concentrations. For example, patent CN115386474A provides a carbon dioxide incubator and its concentration control method. Although it can provide stable temperature (37℃), humidity (95%), and CO2 gas level (5%), it is not designed for handling the reactive gas NO. Directly introducing NO into the incubator carries the risk of generating toxic byproducts. These byproducts can not only damage cultured cells but also contaminate the incubator environment, limiting long-term, precise exposure experiments and even threatening the safety of experimental personnel.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration. In the incubator of the device, the concentration of nitric oxide gas is adjustable and stable, and it can effectively remove the toxic byproduct nitrogen dioxide. The device is simple and safe to operate.

[0007] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions: A nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration, characterized in that it comprises a gas mixing module for mixing nitric oxide and air, a gas scrubbing module for treating the byproduct nitrogen dioxide, a tail gas treatment module for treating the tail gas, and an incubator. The outlet of the gas mixing module is connected to the inlet of the incubator via a mixed gas inlet pipe. The outlet of the incubator is connected to an outlet pipe. A three-way valve is installed at the end of the outlet pipe along the gas flow direction. The first port of the three-way valve is connected to the end of the outlet pipe, the second port is connected to the inlet of the gas scrubbing module via a gas scrubbing pipe, and the third port is connected to the inlet of the tail gas treatment module via a degassing pipe. The outlet of the gas scrubbing module is connected to the gas return port of the incubator via a return pipe.

[0008] More preferably, the air inlet of the incubator is located near the bottom of the incubator.

[0009] More preferably, the air outlet of the incubator is located near the top of the incubator.

[0010] More preferably, the gas reflux port is located above the air inlet of the incubator and below the air outlet of the incubator.

[0011] Preferably, the gas mixing module includes a nitric oxide gas path, an air gas path, and a mixer.

[0012] Preferably, the nitric oxide gas path includes a nitric oxide gas source and a nitric oxide inlet pipe that are sequentially connected along the gas flow direction.

[0013] Preferably, the air path includes an air source and an air inlet pipe that are sequentially connected along the gas flow direction.

[0014] Preferably, the ends of the nitric oxide inlet pipe and the air inlet pipe along the gas flow direction are both connected to the air inlet of the mixer.

[0015] More preferably, both the nitric oxide inlet pipe and the air inlet pipe are equipped with a one-way valve and a flow control valve to prevent gas backflow and precisely regulate the gas flow rate.

[0016] Preferably, the outlet of the mixer is connected to the inlet of the mixed gas inlet pipe, and a nitric oxide gas concentration sensor A, a one-way valve, and a shut-off valve A are sequentially arranged on the mixed gas inlet pipe along its gas flow direction. The outlet of the mixed gas inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the incubator.

[0017] Preferably, the gas outlet pipeline includes an intake pipeline and a recirculation intake pipeline arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction. An air pump is provided between the intake pipeline and the recirculation intake pipeline. The air inlet of the intake pipeline is connected to the air outlet of the incubator, and the air outlet of the intake pipeline is connected to the air inlet of the air pump. A shut-off valve B is provided on the intake pipeline.

[0018] Preferably, the air inlet of the circulating air inlet pipe is connected to the air outlet of the air pump, and the air outlet of the circulating air inlet pipe is connected to the first interface of the three-way valve.

[0019] Preferably, the gas washing module includes a first gas washing bottle containing a gas washing liquid A for absorbing the byproduct nitrogen dioxide. The inlet of the gas washing pipe is connected to the second interface of the three-way valve, and the outlet of the gas washing pipe is configured as a sieve outlet, which is immersed in the gas washing liquid A.

[0020] Preferably, the first gas washing bottle is equipped with a gas washing liquid A concentration sensor, and the reflux tube is equipped with a hydrophobic membrane.

[0021] Preferably, the first gas washing bottle is further provided with a gas washing liquid inlet and a waste liquid outlet, and the waste liquid outlet is provided with a drain valve.

[0022] More preferably, the gas washing liquid A refers to an alkaline solution that can remove NO2 while retaining NO as much as possible.

[0023] More preferably, the alkaline solution is a NaOH solution.

[0024] More preferably, the concentration sensor of the gas washing liquid A is a pH sensor.

[0025] Preferably, the exhaust gas treatment module includes a second gas washing bottle and a third gas washing bottle arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction. The second gas washing bottle contains a gas washing liquid B for oxidizing NO, and the third gas washing bottle contains a gas washing liquid C for absorbing nitrogen oxides. The inlet of the degassing pipe is connected to the third interface of the three-way valve, and the outlet of the degassing pipe is set as a sieve outlet, which is immersed in the gas washing liquid B in the second gas washing bottle.

[0026] Preferably, the second and third gas washing bottles are connected by a degassing connecting pipe. The inlet of the degassing connecting pipe is connected to the outlet of the second gas washing bottle, and its outlet is set as a sieve outlet. The sieve outlet is immersed in the gas washing liquid C of the third gas washing bottle.

[0027] Preferably, the second gas washing bottle is equipped with a gas washing liquid B concentration sensor, the third gas washing bottle is equipped with a gas washing liquid C concentration sensor, the third gas washing bottle is equipped with a gas discharge port, and both the second and third gas washing bottles are also equipped with a gas washing liquid addition port and a waste liquid discharge port, the waste liquid discharge port being equipped with a drain valve.

[0028] More preferably, a hydrophobic membrane is provided on the exhaust port.

[0029] More preferably, the gas washing liquid B refers to a solution capable of oxidizing NO into other nitrogen oxides, including hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0030] More preferably, the concentration sensor of the gas washing liquid B is a hydrogen peroxide sensor.

[0031] More preferably, the gas washing liquid C refers to an alkaline solution capable of reacting with nitrogen oxides.

[0032] More preferably, the alkaline solution is a NaOH solution.

[0033] More preferably, the gas washing liquid C concentration sensor is a pH sensor.

[0034] More preferably, the washing liquid inlets in the first, second, and third washing bottles are all located at the top of each washing bottle.

[0035] More preferably, the gas washing liquid inlet is threadedly connected to an outer cover.

[0036] More preferably, the waste liquid discharge ports of the first, second, and third gas washing bottles are all located at the bottom of the side wall of each gas washing bottle.

[0037] Preferably, the incubator includes an incubator body and a door assembly disposed on the incubator body. The door assembly is hinged to one side of the incubator body. The door assembly includes a glass door and a door disposed outside the glass door. The outside of the door is covered with an insulating shell.

[0038] More preferably, the cabinet door is provided with a cabinet door handle.

[0039] More preferably, the glass door is provided with a glass door handle, the position of which does not obstruct the closing of the door.

[0040] Preferably, a plurality of culture plates are evenly arranged along the height direction inside the incubator body, and a plurality of support plates are evenly arranged along the height direction on both sides of the inner wall of the incubator body, and the support plates are slidably connected to the culture plates.

[0041] Preferably, the culture plate has a number of small holes evenly distributed to ensure the uniform distribution of gas within the incubator body.

[0042] Preferably, a sensor group is also provided at the top of the interior of the incubator body, the sensor group including a nitric oxide concentration sensor B, a nitrogen dioxide concentration sensor, a pH sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0043] More preferably, the bottom outer side of the incubator body is provided with four support feet for support, and the four support feet are symmetrically arranged along the bottom of the incubator body.

[0044] In use, the operator first calculates the mixing ratio of nitric oxide and air based on the preset NO concentration, and then adjusts the opening of the flow control valves on the nitric oxide inlet pipe and the air inlet pipe. After passing through the check valves and flow control valves on their respective pipelines, the gas enters the mixer for initial mixing. The nitric oxide gas concentration sensor on the mixed gas inlet pipe will initially detect the concentration of the mixed gas. When the concentration meets the target value, the shut-off valve A on the pipeline is opened, and the mixed gas is delivered to the incubator.

[0045] The nitric oxide sensor inside the incubator continuously monitors the NO concentration. Based on the monitoring results, the operator can adjust the opening of the flow control valve on the upstream nitric oxide inlet pipe or air inlet pipe to maintain a stable NO concentration inside the incubator. If the concentration is too low, the nitric oxide flow rate will be increased; if the concentration is too high, the air flow rate will be increased.

[0046] During the incubation process, the gas pump intermittently draws some gas from the chamber. The gas flows through the first gas washing bottle of the gas washing module to remove the byproduct nitrogen dioxide. After that, it returns to the incubator through the reflux pipe, thereby maintaining the purity of the gas composition and the stability of the pressure inside the chamber.

[0047] Before opening the chamber door, the operator starts the air pump to continuously draw gas from inside the chamber, allowing it to flow sequentially through the second and third gas washing bottles of the exhaust gas treatment module. Once the nitrogen oxides are completely absorbed, the gas is released into the atmosphere. Simultaneously, the nitric oxide inlet pipe stops supplying gas, while the air inlet pipe continuously injects clean gas into the chamber for rinsing. The process continues until the nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide gas concentration sensors inside the incubator confirm that the concentrations have dropped to safe levels, at which point the door can be safely opened. The operator then opens the chamber door and glass door in sequence.

[0048] In this invention, sensors at the bottom of the three gas washing bottles continuously monitor the concentration of the gas washing liquid. When the concentration of the gas washing liquid is lower than a preset value, the shut-off valve B on the connection pipeline between the incubator and the gas pump is closed, blocking new gas from entering the gas washing module and the exhaust gas treatment module. At this time, the operator can perform the liquid replacement operation: open the drain valve of the gas washing bottle to remove the waste liquid, and add new gas washing liquid through the addition port.

[0049] Preferably, the incubator is also equipped with a controller, a display screen, and an operation panel.

[0050] More preferably, the controller, display screen, and operation panel are all located on the top of the incubator body.

[0051] More preferably, the controller includes a PLC control system.

[0052] More preferably, the PLC control system is electrically connected to each sensor, shut-off valve, flow control valve, display screen, and operation panel.

[0053] More preferably, the PLC control system is able to receive detection signals from each sensor and display the data on the screen in real time.

[0054] More preferably, the PLC control system can receive the detection signal from the nitric oxide gas concentration sensor (i.e., sensor A) on the mixed gas inlet pipe; when the nitric oxide concentration detected by sensor A meets the preset concentration, the PLC control system controls the shut-off valve on the mixed gas inlet pipe to open, so that the mixed gas is delivered to the incubator.

[0055] More preferably, the PLC control system is also connected to an alarm system; when the pH value or temperature in the incubator exceeds the preset alarm value, the alarm system will immediately trigger an alarm; when the concentration of nitric oxide or nitrogen dioxide in the incubator reaches the preset maximum alarm threshold, or remains within the alarm value range for 5 minutes, the alarm system will trigger an alarm.

[0056] More preferably, the PLC control system can receive the detection signal from the nitric oxide sensor (i.e., sensor B) in the incubator and adjust the flow control valve according to the signal: if the nitric oxide concentration in the incubator is too low, the opening of the flow control valve on the nitric oxide inlet pipe is increased; if the concentration is too high, the opening of the flow control valve on the air inlet pipe is increased.

[0057] More preferably, the PLC control system is capable of controlling the start-up of the air pump.

[0058] More preferably, the PLC control system controls the air pump to draw in a portion of the gas inside the chamber every half hour. After being processed by the first gas washing bottle, the gas is returned to the incubator via the reflux pipe to achieve the purpose of removing nitrogen dioxide and maintaining the purity of the gas composition and the stability of the pressure. More preferably, the PLC control system can control the switching of the three ports of the three-way valve. When gas needs to be introduced into the gas washing module, the second port is opened; when gas needs to be introduced into the exhaust gas treatment module, the third port is opened.

[0059] More preferably, the display screen is capable of displaying data information acquired by the sensor and alarm reminders.

[0060] More preferably, the operation panel can be used to set the preset concentration of nitric oxide and the alarm range, control the operation of the exhaust gas treatment module and the liquid replacement, and all operations are realized through the PLC control system.

[0061] More preferably, before the chamber door needs to be opened, the PLC control system can control the air pump to continuously extract gas from the incubator, while simultaneously controlling the flow control valve on the nitric oxide inlet pipe to close and the flow control valve on the air inlet pipe to open, continuously introducing clean air into the incubator to perform the extraction and gas flushing procedures.

[0062] More preferably, the PLC control system can receive the washing liquid concentration sensor in each washing bottle. When the detected washing liquid concentration is lower than the preset value, the alarm system issues an alarm and at the same time closes the shut-off valve B to block new gas from entering the gas washing module and the exhaust gas treatment module. At this time, the operator can perform the liquid replacement operation.

[0063] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) This utility model provides a nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration. By integrating a gas mixing module, a gas washing module and a tail gas treatment module, it can not only accurately adjust and stabilize the nitric oxide concentration in the incubator, but also efficiently remove the toxic byproduct nitrogen dioxide. The overall operation process is convenient and safe.

[0064] (2) In view of the characteristic that nitric oxide is easily oxidized to nitrogen dioxide, this utility model designs a bypass washing structure (i.e., gas washing module) for non-full circulation. This module only washes the gas that is intermittently pumped in by the gas pump. After treatment, the gas is returned to the incubator, which not only effectively removes toxic nitrogen dioxide, but also avoids the pressure fluctuation and gas composition imbalance in the incubator that may be caused by full circulation, while ensuring the stability of the pH environment in the incubator.

[0065] (3) The exhaust gas treatment module of this utility model is deeply linked with the door opening process. Before the operator opens the incubator, he / she can start the gas flushing and evacuation program. The exhaust gas treatment module absorbs residual nitrogen oxides and the sensor confirms in real time that the gas concentration in the chamber has dropped to a safe value before the chamber door is unlocked, providing the operator with proactive and reliable safety protection.

[0066] (4) This utility model integrates and optimizes multiple independent technical links such as gas delivery, mixing, washing, circulation and monitoring to form a set of efficient and stable NO cell culture platform, which effectively solves the practical technical difficulties in traditional solutions such as large fluctuations in NO concentration, difficulty in removing by-products and complicated operation procedures.

[0067] (5) This invention introduces nitric oxide as the core regulating gas into the incubator, which is not only a technological innovation of traditional gas incubators (which mostly use oxygen and carbon dioxide as the regulating objects), but also breaks through the limitations of traditional NO-related research in terms of precise concentration control and operational safety, providing more reliable equipment support for NO cell culture research. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the incubator structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the door structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the culture plate structure of this utility model; In the diagram, 1-Gas mixing module; 11-Mixed gas inlet pipe; 12-Mixer; 13-Nitric oxide gas source; 14-Nitric oxide inlet pipe; 15-Air source; 16-Air inlet pipe; 17-Nitric oxide gas concentration sensor A; 18-Shut-off valve A; 2-Gas scrubbing module; 21-Scrubbing pipe; 22-Return pipe; 23-First scrubbing bottle; 3-Tail gas treatment module; 31-Degassing pipe; 32-Second scrubbing bottle; 33-Third gas washing bottle; 34-Degassing connection pipe; 35-Discharge outlet; 4-Incubator; 41-Incubator body; 411-Cultivation plate; 4111-Small hole; 412-Support plate; 413-Sensor group; 42-Glass door; 43-Box door; 44-Display screen; 45-Operation panel; 5-Outlet pipe; 51-Three-way valve; 52-Intake pipe; 53-Circulating intake pipe; 54-Air pump; 55-Shut-off valve B. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. This embodiment is based on the technical solution of the present invention and provides detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures; however, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0070] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0071] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly 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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0072] Unless otherwise specified, the functional components or structures in the following embodiments or examples are conventional components or structures used in the art to achieve the corresponding functions.

[0073] Example 1 This embodiment provides a nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it specifically includes a gas mixing module 1 for mixing nitric oxide and air, a gas scrubbing module 2 for treating the byproduct nitrogen dioxide, a tail gas treatment module 3 for treating the tail gas, and an incubator 4.

[0074] The outlet of the gas mixing module 1 is connected to the inlet of the incubator 4 via the mixed gas inlet pipe 11. The outlet of the incubator 4 is connected to the outlet pipe 5, and a three-way valve 51 is installed at the end of the outlet pipe 5 along the gas flow direction. The first port of the three-way valve 51 is connected to the end of the outlet pipe 5, the second port is connected to the inlet of the gas washing module 2 via the gas washing pipe 21, and the third port is connected to the inlet of the exhaust gas treatment module 3 via the degassing pipe 31. The outlet of the gas washing module 2 is also connected to the gas return port of the incubator 4 via the return pipe 22.

[0075] Example 2 This embodiment provides a nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration. The specific structure of the gas mixing module 1 is as follows: In this embodiment, the gas mixing module 1 includes a nitric oxide gas path, an air gas path, and a mixer 12 for mixing the two gases. The nitric oxide gas path is sequentially connected to a nitric oxide gas source 13 and a nitric oxide inlet pipe 14 along the gas flow direction; the air gas path is sequentially connected to an air source 15 and an air inlet pipe 16 along the gas flow direction, and both the nitric oxide inlet pipe 14 and the air inlet pipe 16 are located near the end of the mixer 12 and are connected to the air inlet of the mixer 12. To prevent gas backflow and control the air intake, both the nitric oxide inlet pipe 14 and the air inlet pipe 16 are equipped with a one-way valve and a flow control valve.

[0076] In this embodiment, the outlet of the mixer 12 is connected to the inlet of the mixed gas inlet pipe 11, and the mixed gas inlet pipe 11 is also equipped with a nitric oxide gas concentration sensor A17 for detecting the concentration of the mixed gas, a one-way valve to prevent gas backflow, and a shut-off valve A18 for controlling the opening and closing of the pipeline along its own gas flow direction; the outlet of the mixed gas inlet pipe 11 is connected to the inlet of the incubator 4 to ensure that the properly proportioned mixed gas can be stably delivered into the incubator 4.

[0077] In this embodiment, the operator first calculates the mixing ratio of nitric oxide and air based on the preset NO concentration, and then adjusts the opening of the flow control valves on the nitric oxide inlet pipe 14 and the air inlet pipe 16. After passing through the check valves and flow control valves on their respective pipelines, the gas enters the mixer 12 for preliminary mixing. The nitric oxide gas concentration sensor A on the mixed gas inlet pipe 11 will initially detect the concentration of the mixed gas. When the concentration meets the target value, the shut-off valve A18 on the pipeline is opened to deliver the mixed gas into the incubator 4.

[0078] Example 3 This embodiment provides a nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration. In this embodiment, the gas outlet pipe 5 is divided into an intake pipe 52 and a recirculation intake pipe 53 connected sequentially along the gas flow direction. An air pump 54 is installed between the two to provide gas flow power to draw gas from the incubator 4 to achieve bypass circulation. The air inlet of the intake pipe 52 is connected to the air outlet of the incubator 4, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet of the air pump 54. The intake pipe 52 is also equipped with a shut-off valve B55 for controlling the opening and closing of the pipe. The air inlet of the recirculation intake pipe 53 is connected to the air outlet of the air pump 54, and the air outlet is connected to the first interface of the three-way valve 51 to ensure that the gas in the incubator 4 can enter the subsequent gas washing module 2 or the exhaust gas treatment module 3 in an orderly manner.

[0079] In this embodiment, the gas washing module 2 includes a first gas washing bottle 23, which contains a gas washing liquid A for absorbing nitrogen dioxide. The gas washing pipe 21 has its inlet connected to the second interface of the three-way valve 51, and its outlet is designed as a sieve outlet immersed in the gas washing liquid A to increase the gas-liquid contact area and improve the nitrogen dioxide absorption efficiency. The first gas washing bottle 23 is also equipped with a gas washing liquid A concentration sensor for real-time monitoring of absorption capacity. The reflux pipe 22 in embodiment 1 is equipped with a hydrophobic membrane to prevent the gas washing liquid from flowing back into the incubator 4. The first gas washing bottle 23 also has a gas washing liquid addition port and a waste liquid discharge port. A drain valve is installed at the waste liquid discharge port to facilitate subsequent liquid replacement operations.

[0080] In this embodiment, the exhaust gas treatment module 3 uses a second gas washing bottle 32 and a third gas washing bottle 33 connected in series. The second gas washing bottle 32 contains a washing liquid B for oxidizing nitric oxide, and the third gas washing bottle 33 contains a washing liquid C for absorbing nitrogen oxides. The inlet of the degassing pipe 31 is connected to the third interface of the three-way valve 51, and the outlet is a sieve outlet immersed in the washing liquid B of the second gas washing bottle 32. The second gas washing bottle 32 and the third gas washing bottle 33 are connected by a degassing connecting pipe 34. The inlet of this connecting pipe is connected to the outlet of the second gas washing bottle 32, and the outlet is also a sieve outlet immersed in the washing liquid C of the third gas washing bottle 33, thus achieving dual absorption of nitrogen oxides. In addition, the second and third gas washing bottles are equipped with gas washing liquid B and gas washing liquid C concentration sensors, respectively. The third gas washing bottle 33 has a gas outlet 35 to discharge the treated clean gas into the atmosphere. Both gas washing bottles are equipped with gas washing liquid addition port, waste liquid outlet and drain valve for easy maintenance.

[0081] In this embodiment, during the cultivation process, the air pump 54 intermittently draws some gas from the incubator 4. The gas flows through the first gas washing bottle 23 of the gas washing module 2, and after being absorbed and treated by the gas washing liquid A to remove the byproduct nitrogen dioxide, it returns to the incubator 4 through the return pipe 22, thereby maintaining the purity of the gas composition and the stability of the pressure inside the chamber.

[0082] In this embodiment, the exhaust gas treatment module 3 is used to treat the exhaust gas before the operator opens the incubator 4. Before the operator opens the incubator, the air pump 54 is started to continuously draw the gas in the chamber, so that it flows through the second gas washing bottle 32 and the third gas washing bottle 33 of the exhaust gas treatment module 3 in sequence. After the nitrogen oxides are completely absorbed, the gas is discharged into the atmosphere. At the same time, the nitric oxide inlet pipe 14 stops intake, and the air inlet pipe 16 continuously injects clean air into the chamber to flush it until the concentration in the incubator 4 drops to a safe level, at which point the door can be safely opened and the operator can then open the incubator.

[0083] In this embodiment, sensors at the bottom of the three gas washing bottles continuously monitor the concentration of the gas washing liquid. When the concentration of the gas washing liquid is lower than a preset value, the incubator 4 and the shut-off valve B55 are closed to prevent new gas from entering the gas washing module 2 and the exhaust gas treatment module 3. At this time, the operator can perform a liquid replacement operation: open the drain valve of the gas washing bottle to remove the waste liquid and add new gas washing liquid through the addition port.

[0084] Example 4 This embodiment provides a nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration. In this embodiment, for example... Figure 2-3 As shown, the incubator 4 mainly includes an incubator body 41 and a door assembly mounted on the incubator body 41. The door assembly is hinged to one side of the incubator body 41 and can be opened and closed flexibly. The door assembly adopts a double-layer design, with an inner glass door 42 and an outer door 43 covering the outside of the glass door 42. The outer side of the door 43 is also covered with an insulating shell, which can reduce temperature fluctuations inside the incubator and maintain a stable culture environment.

[0085] In this embodiment, a plurality of support plates 412 are evenly installed along the height direction inside the incubator body 41. Culture plates 411 for placing cell culture containers are slidably connected to these support plates 412. The sliding design facilitates the placement and removal of the culture plates 411. Meanwhile, as... Figure 4 As shown, the culture plate 411 has several evenly distributed small holes 4111, which allow for uniform gas circulation inside the chamber, ensuring a consistent gas environment for cells at all locations. Furthermore, a sensor group 413 is integrated at the top of the incubator body 41. This sensor group 413 specifically includes a nitric oxide concentration sensor B and a nitrogen dioxide concentration sensor for monitoring the concentration of the core gas inside the chamber, as well as a pH sensor and a temperature sensor for monitoring the culture environment, enabling real-time capture of environmental parameters within the chamber.

[0086] In this embodiment, four support feet are provided on the outer side of the bottom of the incubator body 41 for support, and the four support feet are symmetrically arranged along the bottom of the incubator body 41.

[0087] In this embodiment, when treating the exhaust gas before opening the incubator, the nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide gas concentration sensors can help confirm whether the concentration has dropped to a safe level.

[0088] Example 5 This embodiment provides a nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration. In this embodiment, the incubator is also equipped with a controller, a display screen 44, and an operation panel 45.

[0089] In this embodiment, the controller includes a PLC control system, which is electrically connected to each sensor, shut-off valve, flow control valve, air pump, display screen 44, and operation panel 45 respectively; it can receive the detection signals from each sensor and reflect the data on the display screen 44 in real time; the PLC control system is also connected to an alarm system.

[0090] In this embodiment, the operation panel 45 can be used to set the preset concentration of nitric oxide and the alarm range, control the operation of the exhaust gas treatment module and the liquid replacement, and all operations are realized through the controller (PLC control system).

[0091] In this embodiment, the operator first sets the desired NO concentration on the control panel 45. The controller automatically calculates the proportions of each component gas and adjusts the opening of the NO and air flow control valves accordingly. After passing through the check valve and flow control valve, the gas is initially mixed in the mixer 12. The nitric oxide gas concentration sensor A on the mixed gas inlet pipe initially detects the NO concentration. Only when the concentration meets the target concentration will the shut-off valve A18 open, delivering the gas into the incubator 4.

[0092] Nitric oxide gas concentration sensor B inside incubator 4 continuously monitors the NO concentration and feeds the data back to the controller, forming a closed-loop feedback system. This system dynamically adjusts the opening of the upstream flow control valve to maintain a stable concentration: if the concentration is too low, the NO flow rate is increased; if the concentration is too high, the air flow rate is increased.

[0093] Meanwhile, the nitrogen monoxide gas concentration sensor B, NO2 sensor, pH sensor, and temperature sensor inside the chamber continuously monitor environmental parameters and display the data on the monitor in real time. An alarm will be triggered immediately if the pH or temperature exceeds the preset alarm value, and an alarm will be triggered when the NO / NO2 ratio reaches the preset maximum alarm threshold or remains within the alarm range for at least 5 minutes.

[0094] During the cultivation process, the gas pump 54 intermittently draws some gas from the chamber. This gas is then processed by the first gas washing bottle 23 and returned to the incubator 4 to achieve the purpose of NO2 removal and maintain the purity of gas composition and stable pressure.

[0095] Before the operator opens the chamber door, the controller starts the air pump 54, continuously drawing gas from the chamber and passing it through the second and third washing bottles 32 and 33. After removing all nitrogen oxides, the gas is discharged into the atmosphere. Simultaneously, the air flow control valve opens, injecting clean air into the chamber for rinsing until the NO / NO2 sensor confirms that the concentration has dropped to a safe level. The display screen 44 will then indicate that it is safe to open the door. At this point, the operator must open the chamber door 43 and the glass door 42 in sequence. The sensors at the bottom of the three washing bottles will continuously monitor the washing liquid concentration, and the concentration information will be transmitted to the controller and displayed. When the washing liquid concentration is lower than the preset alarm value, the controller receives the signal, and the alarm system will sound an alarm. At this time, the operator can click the "Replace Liquid" button on the operation panel 45. The controller will close the shut-off valve B55 on the incubator 4 and the outlet pipe 5, blocking new gas from entering the gas washing module and the exhaust gas treatment module. Then, the operator can manually open the drain valve of the washing bottle to drain the waste liquid and add new washing liquid through the addition port.

[0096] The above description of the embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be easily made to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and any improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present utility model without departing from its scope should be within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration, characterized in that, The system includes a gas mixing module (1) for mixing nitric oxide and air, a gas scrubbing module (2) for treating the byproduct nitrogen dioxide, a tail gas treatment module (3) for treating the tail gas, and an incubator (4). The outlet of the gas mixing module (1) is connected to the inlet of the incubator (4) through a mixed gas inlet pipe (11). The outlet of the incubator (4) is connected to an outlet pipe (5). A three-way valve (51) is provided at the end of the outlet pipe (5) along the gas flow direction. The first port of the three-way valve (51) is connected to the end of the outlet pipe (5), the second port is connected to the inlet of the gas scrubbing module (2) through a gas scrubbing pipe (21), and the third port is connected to the inlet of the tail gas treatment module (3) through a degassing pipe (31). The outlet of the gas scrubbing module (2) is connected to the gas return port of the incubator (4) through a return pipe (22).

2. The nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas mixing module (1) includes a nitric oxide gas path, an air gas path, and a mixer (12); the nitric oxide gas path includes a nitric oxide gas source (13) and a nitric oxide inlet pipe (14) connected sequentially along the gas flow direction; the air gas path includes an air source (15) and an air inlet pipe (16) connected sequentially along the gas flow direction, and the ends of the nitric oxide inlet pipe (14) and the air inlet pipe (16) along the gas flow direction are both connected to the air inlet of the mixer (12); a one-way valve and a flow control valve are provided on the nitric oxide inlet pipe (14) and the air inlet pipe (16).

3. The nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet of the mixer (12) is connected to the inlet of the mixed gas inlet pipe (11). The mixed gas inlet pipe (11) is provided with a nitrogen oxide gas concentration sensor A (17), a one-way valve, and a shut-off valve A (18) in sequence along its gas flow direction. The outlet of the mixed gas inlet pipe (11) is connected to the inlet of the incubator (4).

4. The nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe (5) includes an intake pipe (52) and a circulating intake pipe (53) arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction. An air pump (54) is provided between the intake pipe (52) and the circulating intake pipe (53). The air inlet of the intake pipe (52) is connected to the air outlet of the incubator (4), and the air outlet of the intake pipe (52) is connected to the air inlet of the air pump (54). A shut-off valve B (55) is provided on the intake pipe (52). The air inlet of the circulating intake pipe (53) is connected to the air outlet of the air pump (54), and the air outlet of the circulating intake pipe (53) is connected to the first interface of the three-way valve (51).

5. The nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas washing module (2) includes a first gas washing bottle (23), which contains a gas washing liquid A for absorbing the byproduct nitrogen dioxide. The inlet of the gas washing pipe (21) is connected to the second interface of the three-way valve (51). The outlet of the gas washing pipe (21) is set as a sieve outlet. A gas washing liquid A concentration sensor is installed in the first gas washing bottle (23). A hydrophobic membrane is installed on the reflux pipe (22). The first gas washing bottle (23) is also provided with a gas washing liquid addition port and a waste liquid discharge port. A drain valve is installed at the waste liquid discharge port.

6. The nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust gas treatment module (3) includes a second gas washing bottle (32) and a third gas washing bottle (33) arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction. The second gas washing bottle (32) contains a gas washing liquid B for oxidizing NO into other nitrogen oxides. The third gas washing bottle (33) contains a gas washing liquid C for absorbing nitrogen oxides. The inlet of the degassing pipe (31) is connected to the third interface of the three-way valve (51). The outlet of the degassing pipe (31) is set as a sieve outlet.

7. The nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second gas washing bottle (32) and the third gas washing bottle (33) are connected by a degassing connecting pipe (34). The inlet of the degassing connecting pipe (34) is connected to the outlet of the second gas washing bottle (32), and its outlet is set as a sieve outlet. The second gas washing bottle (32) is equipped with a gas washing liquid B concentration sensor, and the third gas washing bottle (33) is equipped with a gas washing liquid C concentration sensor. The third gas washing bottle (33) is equipped with a discharge outlet (35). The second gas washing bottle (32) and the third gas washing bottle (33) are also equipped with a gas washing liquid addition port and a waste liquid discharge port. The waste liquid discharge port is equipped with a drain valve.

8. The nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The incubator (4) includes an incubator body (41) and a door assembly disposed on the incubator body (41). The door assembly is hinged to one side of the incubator body (41). The door assembly includes a glass door (42) and a door (43) disposed outside the glass door (42). The outside of the door (43) is covered with an insulating shell.

9. The nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration according to claim 8, characterized in that, The incubator body (41) is provided with a number of culture plates (411) evenly arranged along the height direction. The inner walls of both sides of the incubator body (41) are provided with a number of support plates (412) evenly arranged along the height direction. The support plates (412) are slidably connected to the culture plates (411). The culture plates (411) are provided with a number of small holes (4111) evenly distributed. The top of the incubator body (41) is also provided with a sensor group (413). The sensor group includes a nitric oxide concentration sensor B, a nitrogen dioxide concentration sensor, a pH sensor and a temperature sensor.

10. The nitric oxide cell culture device with adjustable concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The incubator (4) is also equipped with a controller, a display screen (44) and an operation panel (45).

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