Standardized device for motion counting in the study of the intervention of baijiu on the life span of nematodes

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of motion counting standardization auxiliary devices for liquor intervention nematode life span research in biological detection technical field.The motion counting standardization auxiliary devices for liquor intervention nematode life span research, containing main body frame and counting module, be equipped with multiple counting holes with opening upwards on counting module, and counting hole bottom is equipped with hydrophobic coating;Upper opening containing cavity is equipped in main body frame, counting module can be fixed into the containing cavity of main body frame, the area for bearing counting module of main body frame bottom and counting module are made of transparent material.In the present application, by setting hydrophobic coating in counting hole bottom, reduce the natural movement restriction of liquid drop surface tension to nematode;By the modular design of counting module, it is convenient for operator to carry out continuous observation in a batch, experimental efficiency is improved and experimental result comparability is enhanced;And different specifications of counting module can be adaptively adjusted according to demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological detection technology, specifically to a standardized auxiliary device for motion counting in research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor. Background Technology

[0002] Research on "healthy aging" is a hot interdisciplinary topic in food science and the biology of aging. It not only responds to the strategic needs of "Healthy China" but is also a key research focus for the "silver economy" under my country's aging population. Strong-aroma baijiu, represented by Wuliangye, is rich in active substances such as esters, polyphenols, and terpenes, the mechanisms of which are currently under investigation in aging control research. Taking this as an opportunity, the applicant, based on the principle of "grand vision, small entry point," aims to explore the key to healthy aging and focus on the quality of life through research on the activity of the abundant functional substances in Wuliangye.

[0003] Nematodes (such as Caenorhabditis elegans) are ideal model organisms for studying the lifespan effects of baijiu intervention due to their short lifespan (about 2-3 weeks), clear genetic background, and strong correlation between locomotor ability and lifespan and health status (the core characteristics of nematode aging are decreased locomotor frequency and deterioration of trajectory integrity). In this type of study, it is necessary to accurately count the nematode locomotor state (such as the number of body swings and crawling distance), quantify the effects of different baijiu concentrations (such as low-dose ethanol group and baijiu active ingredient extraction group) and different treatment times (such as intervention for 1 day / 3 days / 7 days) on their lifespan and health span, and thus clarify the regulatory role of key active substances in baijiu.

[0004] However, studies on nematode motility behavior generally employ the traditional slide method, which involves placing nematodes in a droplet on a slide for observation. This method has significant drawbacks: first, the surface tension of the droplet severely restricts the natural movement of the nematodes, affecting the reliability of the data; second, the lack of a standardized observation environment leads to poor comparability of experimental data obtained from different batches or even by different operators; third, strong light exposure under a microscope generates a thermal effect and stimulates the nematodes, altering their movement patterns; and finally, traditional methods have low throughput, making simultaneous observation of multiple samples impossible and resulting in low experimental efficiency. Therefore, in the specific research area of ​​"Baijiu (Chinese liquor) intervention in nematode lifespan," there is an urgent need for a standardized nematode motility counting auxiliary device that can adapt to Baijiu processing scenarios, precisely control experimental variables (such as Baijiu concentration stability, light or temperature interference), eliminate environmental and operational errors, and support high-throughput observation. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a standardized auxiliary device for motion counting in research on the intervention of nematode lifespan using baijiu (Chinese liquor), thereby improving the authenticity of data in nematode motility studies.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: The standardized auxiliary device for motion counting in the study of nematode lifespan intervention with liquor includes a main frame and a counting module. The counting module has multiple upward-facing counting holes with a hydrophobic coating on the bottom. The main frame has a receiving cavity with an upper opening, and the counting module can be fixed into the receiving cavity of the main frame. The area at the bottom of the main frame for supporting the counting module and the counting module itself are both made of transparent material.

[0007] In this application, a hydrophobic coating is applied to the bottom of the counting orifice to reduce the restriction of the natural movement of nematodes by the surface tension of the droplets; the modular design of the counting module makes it easy for the operator to conduct continuous observation within a batch, improving experimental efficiency and enhancing the comparability of experimental results; and different specifications of the counting module can be adaptively adjusted according to needs.

[0008] In some embodiments, a translucent scattering plate is also included, which is openable or detachable and is disposed at the upper opening of the main frame.

[0009] In some embodiments, a light-shielding plate is also included, which is openable or detachable and disposed above the translucent diffuser plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the light shield is configured as a plurality of independent covers corresponding to the locations of the plurality of counting holes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the counting hole has a double-layer structure, including an upper hole and a lower hole that are interconnected. The cross-section of both the upper hole and the lower hole is circular, and a hydrophobic coating is disposed at the bottom of the lower hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the depth of the upper hole is 1.5-3 mm, and the depth of the lower hole is 0.5-1.5 mm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the upper hole is a frustum structure and the lower hole is a cylinder structure. The upper end face dimension of the upper hole is larger than the lower end face dimension, and the lower end face dimension of the upper hole is the same as the upper end face dimension of the lower hole.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multiple counting holes on the counting module are arranged in an array.

[0015] In some embodiments, a guide rail extending from top to bottom is provided on the inner wall of the main frame, and a corresponding groove is provided on the counting module. The groove and the guide rail cooperate to allow the counting module to move into the receiving cavity of the main frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, a first magnetic attraction unit is provided at the bottom of the main frame, and a second magnetic attraction unit is provided at the bottom of the counting module. When the counting module moves along the guide rail to the end of its travel, the first magnetic attraction unit and the second magnetic attraction unit work to provide vertical attraction force to the main frame and the counting module.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: By applying a hydrophobic coating to the bottom of the counting orifice, the surface tension of the droplets reduces the restriction on the natural movement of nematodes. The modular design of the counting module facilitates continuous observation within a batch, improving experimental efficiency and enhancing the comparability of experimental results. Furthermore, different specifications of the counting module can be adaptively adjusted according to needs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the motion counting standardization auxiliary device for the study of nematode lifespan intervention using liquor provided by this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top-view diagram of the three components of the motion counting standardization auxiliary device used in the study of nematode lifespan intervention with baijiu (Chinese liquor). Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction.

[0019] The following are marked in the diagram: 10. Main frame; 11. Guide rail; 12. First magnetic suction unit; 13. Transparent optical bottom surface; 20. Counting module; 21. Counting hole; 22. Slide groove; 23. Second magnetic suction unit; 24. Upper hole; 25. Lower hole; 30. Light shield; 31. Independent cover. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0022] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this utility model provides a standardized auxiliary device for motion counting in research on the lifespan of nematodes using baijiu (Chinese liquor).

[0023] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the motion counting standardization auxiliary device for the study of nematode lifespan intervention by liquor includes a main frame 10 and a counting module 20. The counting module 20 has multiple upward-facing counting holes 21, and the bottom of the counting holes 21 is coated with a hydrophobic coating. The main frame 10 has a receiving cavity with an upper opening. The counting module 20 can be fixed into the receiving cavity of the main frame 10. The area at the bottom of the main frame 10 for supporting the counting module 20 and the counting module 20 are both made of transparent material.

[0024] In this application, a hydrophobic coating is provided at the bottom of the counting hole 21 to reduce the restriction of the natural movement of nematodes by the surface tension of the droplets; the modular design of the counting module 20 makes it easy for the operator to conduct continuous observation within a batch, improving experimental efficiency and enhancing the comparability of experimental results; and the counting module 20 of different specifications can be adaptively adjusted according to needs.

[0025] In practice, a microscope is used to observe the nematodes inside the counting well 21 from top to bottom. The bottom of the main frame 10 here is the same area that supports the counting module 20, namely the transparent optical bottom surface 13 in the figure.

[0026] In this embodiment, the sidewalls of the main frame 10 are made of black ABS engineering plastic, and the bottom is a transparent optical bottom surface 13 made of high-transmittance glass. The counting module 20 is made of transparent PMMA material.

[0027] Furthermore, a light-shielding cover 30 is provided, which is closable and positioned at the upper opening of the main frame 10. In practice, it can also be configured as a detachable connection. In this embodiment, the rear side of the light-shielding cover 30 is hinged to the main frame 10. Figure 1 This illustrates the open state of the light-shielding cover 30 relative to the main frame 10.

[0028] In this embodiment, the light-shielding cover 30 has a double-layer structure, with the outer layer being a completely light-shielding black plate and the inner layer being a semi-transparent scattering plate.

[0029] When in use, only the outer light-shielding plate is lifted, and the inner semi-transparent scattering plate still functions, so that the microscope light source is scattered and evenly and softly illuminates the sample in the counting hole 21, avoiding the thermal effect of strong light direct radiation and interference with the movement behavior of nematodes, and further improving the experimental accuracy.

[0030] In practice, the translucent diffuser is detachably or openably installed at the upper opening of the main frame 10; the light shield is detachably or openably installed above the translucent diffuser.

[0031] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the light shield is configured as multiple independent covers 31 corresponding to the positions of the multiple counting holes 21.

[0032] In practice, by opening the independent cover 31, the corresponding counting hole 21 can be observed.

[0033] Reference Figure 3 In this embodiment, the counting hole 21 has a double-layer structure, including an upper hole 24 and a lower hole 25 that are interconnected. The cross-sections of the upper hole 24 and the lower hole 25 are both circular, and a hydrophobic coating (such as Cytop®) is applied to the bottom of the lower hole 25.

[0034] By setting an upper pore 24 and a lower pore 25, the lower layer is shallower and treated with a hydrophobic coating. This allows it to accommodate nematodes and buffer solution, and also prevents nematodes from adhering to the pore walls by reducing liquid-solid interface interactions. This effectively alleviates the limitation on the natural movement of nematodes caused by surface tension in the traditional droplet method.

[0035] Furthermore, the depth of the upper pore 24 is preferably 1.5-3 mm to accommodate sufficient buffer solution to form a stable liquid layer. In this embodiment, the depth of the upper pore 24 is 2 mm. The depth of the lower pore 25 is 0.5-1.5 mm. It is treated with a hydrophobic coating to provide suitable movement space for nematodes, while restricting the activity range of nematodes to the vicinity of the microscope focal plane, which is convenient for observation and counting, and prevents nematodes from adhering to the pore wall. In this embodiment, the depth of the lower pore 25 is 1.5 mm.

[0036] Regarding the diameter of the counting hole 21, it can be selected according to the instar of the nematodes used in the experiment. The preferred range is 1-5 mm. The diameter range mentioned here can ensure that the nematodes have enough space to bend and crawl naturally, avoiding behavioral restrictions caused by the small space. It can also effectively limit the nematodes' activity trajectory to a single field of view and near the focal plane of the microscope, which is convenient for accurate observation, photography and movement trajectory analysis.

[0037] In this embodiment, the upper hole 24 is a frustum structure, and the lower hole 25 is a cylindrical structure. The upper end face size of the upper hole 24 is larger than the lower end face size, and the lower end face size of the upper hole 24 is the same as the upper end face size of the lower hole 25.

[0038] With this design, the counting well 21 transitions at an angle from top to bottom, facilitating the entry of nematodes and the addition of liquid samples.

[0039] When the counting holes 21 are the upper hole 24 and the lower hole 25 in this embodiment, the preferred diameter of the lower hole 25 is 1-5 mm. As for the upper end face size of the upper hole 24, it can be designed based on the lower end face size and the bevel transition specification. In this embodiment, for observing adult Caenorhabditis elegans worms, the diameter of the lower hole 25 is 2 mm.

[0040] In this embodiment, the multiple counting holes 21 on the counting module 20 are arranged in an array.

[0041] The array distribution here refers to a multi-row, multi-column layout, such as the 2*3 layout in this embodiment. In practice, through the modular design of the counting module 20, the specifications of the counting hole 21 array can be changed according to experimental requirements, including but not limited to 2*2, 3*2, 4*4, 5*5, and other specifications.

[0042] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the main frame 10 is provided with a guide rail 11 extending from top to bottom, and the counting module 20 is provided with a corresponding sliding groove 22. The sliding groove 22 and the guide rail 11 cooperate to allow the counting module 20 to move into the receiving cavity of the main frame 10.

[0043] The sliding groove 22 and guide rail 11, as described above, cooperate to allow the counting module 20 to be inserted into and fixed within the main frame 10.

[0044] Furthermore, the bottom of the main frame 10 is provided with a first magnetic attraction unit 12, and the bottom of the counting module 20 is provided with a second magnetic attraction unit 23. When the counting module 20 moves along the guide rail 11 to the end of its stroke, the first magnetic attraction unit 12 and the second magnetic attraction unit 23 work to provide vertical attraction force to the main frame 10 and the counting module 20.

[0045] As shown above, the counting module 20 is precisely positioned between the guide rail 11 and the main frame 10. Magnetic attraction is used to ensure that the counting module 20 and the transparent optical bottom surface 13 of the main frame 10 are tightly attached to each other, ensuring the flatness and stability of the observation plane.

[0046] In practice, commonly used magnetic components can be selected, such as neodymium magnets embedded in the main frame 10 as the first magnetic unit 12, and iron sheets embedded in the corresponding counting module 20 as the second magnetic unit 23. In this embodiment, the second magnetic units 23 are arranged around the counting module 20 to balance the attraction force.

[0047] This device employs a dual fixing mechanism to ensure the stability of the module: the precise fit between the guide rail 11 and the slide groove 22 provides horizontal positioning, preventing displacement of the counting module 20; the magnetic attraction of the magnetic unit provides vertical clamping force, ensuring a seamless connection between the bottom of the counting module 20 and the transparent optical base 13, thus guaranteeing the stability of the focal plane during microscopic observation. In this embodiment, the neodymium magnet used has a magnetic attraction force of approximately 5-8 N, which is sufficient to ensure the stability of the counting module 20 during operation and observation.

[0048] In use, the selected counting module 20 is slid into the main frame 10 along the guide rail 11. The guide rail 11 provides precise positioning guidance. The first magnetic suction unit 12 and the second magnetic suction unit 23 automatically attract each other to generate a strong adsorption force, firmly fixing the counting module 20 and tightly adhering it to the transparent optical bottom surface 13, ensuring a flat and stable observation plane. Buffer solution and nematodes are added to each counting well 21, and the light-proof cover is closed. It can then be placed under a microscope for observation. When observing a particular counting well 21, the corresponding independent cover 31 is opened.

[0049] In summary, compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following significant advantages: 1. Modularity and flexibility: With the design of replaceable counting modules 20, a single main frame 10 can support various experimental scenarios. Users can flexibly select modules according to the experimental sample size, which greatly improves the utilization rate of the equipment and the flexibility of experiments.

[0050] 2. Standardization and comparability: All counting modules 20 operate based on the same main frame 10, ensuring a high degree of consistency in imaging plane, light-proof environment and operation procedures, fundamentally guaranteeing the reliability and comparability of experimental data from different batches.

[0051] 3. High throughput and high efficiency: High-density modules (such as 5×5) can process 25 samples simultaneously, which improves experimental efficiency by an order of magnitude compared to the traditional slide method.

[0052] 4. Low cost and easy maintenance: The counting module 20 is a replaceable consumable component, which effectively reduces the overall device scrapping cost due to scratches, contamination or coating failure. It is simple to maintain and has a long service life.

[0053] 5. Stable and reliable: The dual positioning system of precision guide rail 11 and magnetic fixation ensures that the counting module 20 fits tightly with the main frame 10, and the observation plane is flat and stable; each counting hole 21 is independently isolated, effectively preventing cross-contamination between samples, and ensuring the purity of the experiment and the accuracy of the results.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A standardized auxiliary device for motion counting in research on the lifespan of nematodes using baijiu (Chinese liquor), characterized by: It includes a main frame (10) and a counting module (20). The counting module (20) is provided with multiple upward-facing counting holes (21), and the bottom of the counting holes (21) is provided with a hydrophobic coating. The main frame (10) has an opening at the top, and the counting module (20) can be fixed into the receiving cavity of the main frame (10). The area at the bottom of the main frame (10) used to support the counting module (20) and the counting module (20) are both made of transparent material.

2. The motion counting standardization auxiliary device for research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor intervention as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a translucent diffuser plate, which is openable or detachable and is located at the upper opening of the main frame (10).

3. The motion counting standardization auxiliary device for research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor intervention as described in claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a light-shielding plate, which can be opened, closed, or detached and is positioned above the translucent diffuser plate.

4. The motion counting standardization auxiliary device for research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor intervention as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Corresponding to the positions of the multiple counting holes (21), the light shield is configured as multiple independent covers (31).

5. The motion counting standardization auxiliary device for research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor intervention as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The counting hole (21) has a double-layer structure, including an upper hole (24) and a lower hole (25) that are interconnected. The cross-sections of the upper hole (24) and the lower hole (25) are both circular, and a hydrophobic coating is applied to the bottom of the lower hole (25).

6. The motion counting standardization auxiliary device for research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor intervention as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The depth of the upper hole (24) is 1.5-3mm, and the depth of the lower hole (25) is 0.5-1.5mm.

7. The motion counting standardization auxiliary device for research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor intervention as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The upper hole (24) is a frustum structure, and the lower hole (25) is a cylinder structure. The upper end face size of the upper hole (24) is larger than the lower end face size, and the lower end face size of the upper hole (24) is the same as the upper end face size of the lower hole (25).

8. The motion counting standardization auxiliary device for research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor intervention as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple counting holes (21) on the counting module (20) are arranged in an array.

9. The motion counting standardization auxiliary device for research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor intervention, as described in any one of claims 1-8, is characterized in that: The inner wall of the main frame (10) is provided with a guide rail (11) extending from top to bottom, and the counting module (20) is provided with a corresponding slide groove (22). The slide groove (22) and the guide rail (11) cooperate to allow the counting module (20) to move into the receiving cavity of the main frame (10).

10. The motion counting standardization auxiliary device for research on the lifespan of nematodes using liquor intervention as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The bottom of the main frame (10) is provided with a first magnetic attraction unit (12) and the bottom of the counting module (20) is provided with a second magnetic attraction unit (23). When the counting module (20) moves along the guide rail (11) to the end of the stroke, the first magnetic attraction unit (12) and the second magnetic attraction unit (23) work to provide vertical attraction force to the main frame (10) and the counting module (20).

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