A simple cooling device suitable for a semi-dry transfer film instrument

Abstract

The utility model relates to biological experiment instrument technical field especially suitable for simple cooling device of semi -dry membrane transfer appearance, including semi -dry membrane transfer appearance, control button, display screen and membrane transfer drawer, be provided with control button and display screen on semi -dry membrane transfer appearance, membrane transfer drawer slide sets up in semi -dry membrane transfer appearance, still include cooling assembly, cooling assembly includes cooling barrel, water pipe and power unit, cooling barrel places in semi -dry membrane transfer appearance is close to one side of membrane transfer drawer, cooling barrel is used for cooling, water pipe connects power unit with cooling barrel, and inserts membrane transfer drawer, the utility model discloses through cooling assembly construction closed -loop cooling cycle, and the heat of membrane transfer drawer is continuously taken away in the whole process of membrane transfer, and after the experiment verifies, the temperature of the outer wall of membrane transfer drawer only maintains at 15 20 DEG C after 30 minutes of macromolecular weight protein membrane transfer of using the device processing, and hand feels cool and refreshing no scalding hand feeling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological experimental instrument technology, and in particular to a simple cooling device suitable for a semi-dry transfer membrane apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In Western blotting experiments, membrane transfer is a crucial step, with wet transfer being the traditional method. While widely used, wet transfer has significant drawbacks, typically taking 1-3 hours, resulting in low efficiency and failing to meet the demands of high-efficiency experiments. To address the time-consuming nature of wet transfer, semi-dry transfer apparatuses have emerged, significantly reducing transfer time; for example, transferring a 10kd protein requires only 1 minute, dramatically improving experimental efficiency and gaining widespread application in biological experiments. However, semi-dry transfer apparatuses have a prominent technical limitation when transferring high molecular weight proteins (greater than 180kd): the transfer time for these proteins exceeds 18 minutes, and prolonged operation can lead to overheating of the transfer tank. On one hand, overheating can melt the transfer tank drawer, and imported transfer tank drawers cost approximately 10,000 yuan each, making replacement expensive. On the other hand, excessively high temperatures can burn the membrane used for transfer and cause protein band distortion, affecting the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, severely limiting the application of semi-dry transfer apparatuses in high molecular weight protein transfer scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a simple cooling device suitable for semi-dry transfer film apparatus, so as to improve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] A simple cooling device for a semi-dry film transfer apparatus includes a semi-dry film transfer apparatus, control buttons, a display screen, and a film transfer drawer. The control buttons and the display screen are provided on the semi-dry film transfer apparatus. The film transfer drawer is slidably disposed inside the semi-dry film transfer apparatus. The device also includes a cooling assembly, which includes a cooling tank, a water pipe, and a power unit. The cooling tank is placed on the side of the semi-dry film transfer apparatus near the film transfer drawer and is used for cooling. The power unit is used to provide power. The water pipe connects the power unit and the cooling tank and is inserted into the film transfer drawer.

[0005] More preferably, the cooling container includes a large beaker, a small beaker, an ice box, a semi-dry transfer liquid, and a lid. The large beaker is placed on the side of the semi-dry transfer apparatus near the transfer drawer. The ice box is placed inside the large beaker. The small beaker is placed in the center of the large beaker and surrounded by the ice box. The semi-dry transfer liquid is placed inside the small beaker. The lid covers the large beaker and the small beaker to seal them.

[0006] More preferably, the ice box is a hollow frustum shape, enclosing the small beaker in the middle, and the distance between the inner wall of the ice box and the small beaker is 1-2 cm.

[0007] More preferably, the cover has a through hole.

[0008] More preferably, the power unit includes a dual-head pump, a speed control button, and a connecting pump head. The dual-head pump is placed on the side of the semi-dry film transfer machine near the film transfer drawer. The speed control button is located on the dual-head pump, and the connecting pump head is installed on the dual-head pump.

[0009] More preferably, the water pipe includes a first inlet pipe, a first outlet pipe, a second inlet pipe, a second outlet pipe, and a pipette tip. The first inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe are connected at one end to the connecting pump head, and the other end passes through the through hole on the cover and is inserted into the small beaker to contact the cooled semi-dry liquid. The second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are connected at one end to the connecting pump head, and the other end is inserted into the transfer film drawer. The pipette tip is located on the side of the second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe near the transfer film drawer.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. This utility model constructs a closed-loop cooling cycle through a cooling component, continuously removing the heat generated by the transfer drawer throughout the entire transfer process. Experimental verification shows that after processing high molecular weight proteins for 30 minutes using this device, the outer wall temperature of the transfer drawer is maintained at only 15-20℃, which is cool to the touch and not hot to the touch, completely avoiding the drawer melting and deformation. It eliminates the need for frequent replacement of expensive parts, significantly reducing the maintenance and replacement costs of laboratory equipment and extending the service life of the core components of the semi-dry transfer apparatus.

[0011] 2. The design of the ice box surrounding the small beaker keeps the semi-dry transfer solution at a low temperature of 0-4℃. Then, a dual-head pump drives the low-temperature transfer solution to be precisely delivered to the transfer drawer through water pipes and pipette tips. The design of the pipette tips avoids direct impact of liquid on the protein sample and membrane, while allowing the low-temperature liquid to fully contact the transfer area for heat exchange, effectively controlling the temperature of the transfer environment. Experimental data show that after using this device, the membrane surface after transfer is intact without scorch marks or wrinkles, and the protein bands have clear edges, are not distorted, and have uniform grayscale. Quantitative grayscale analysis can be performed using ImageJ software, providing accurate and usable data support for scientific research experiments.

[0012] 3. The components of this device are all common laboratory equipment, such as large beakers, small beakers, and pipette tips. The assembly process does not require complicated professional skills. Simply connect the water pipes and fix the components according to the conventional steps to put it into use. At the same time, the placement of the device and the water pipe insertion method have been optimized so as not to obstruct the control buttons and display screen of the semi-dry transfer apparatus, and not to affect the normal operation of the instrument. The water pipe position is stable when the transfer drawer is opened and closed, without the need for additional adjustment. In addition, the speed adjustment button on the dual-head pump can flexibly adjust the circulation rate of the semi-dry transfer solution when it is cooled (set to 50-100mL / min) according to different transfer requirements, adapting to transfer experiments of proteins with different molecular weights, reducing the operation threshold for experimental personnel, and making it suitable for widespread application in various biological laboratories.

[0013] 4. This device constructs a closed-loop circulation path through the first inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe, the second inlet pipe, and the second outlet pipe. The semi-dry liquid that has absorbed heat can flow back to the small beaker in the cooling barrel, where it is cooled again by the ice box in the large beaker and returns to a low temperature state to continue participating in the cyclic cooling process. There is no need to frequently replace the semi-dry liquid that has been cooled, which not only reduces the consumption of experimental consumables and lowers experimental costs, but also avoids the generation of a large amount of waste liquid, which is in line with the green and environmentally friendly operation concept of the laboratory. At the same time, the lid design reduces the heat exchange between the pre-cooled semi-dry liquid in the small beaker and the outside environment, further improving the utilization efficiency of the cooling medium and ensuring the continuity and stability of the cooling effect. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the cooling barrel of this utility model.

[0016] Figure reference numerals: 1. Semi-dry transfer apparatus; 11. Control button; 12. Display screen; 13. Transfer drawer; 2. Dual-head pump; 21. Speed ​​control button; 22. Pump head connection; 3. Cooling tank; 31. Large beaker; 32. Small beaker; 33. Ice box; 34. Cooling semi-dry transfer solution; 35. Lid; 4. Water pipe assembly; 411. First water inlet pipe; 412. First water outlet pipe; 421. Second water inlet pipe; 422. Second water outlet pipe; 423. Pipette tip. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "comprising" and similar expressions used herein mean that the element or object preceding the word covers the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, but does not exclude other elements or objects.

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] This embodiment provides a simple cooling device suitable for semi-dry transfer film apparatus, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, the device includes a semi-dry transfer apparatus 1, a control button 11, a display screen 12, and a transfer drawer 13. The semi-dry transfer apparatus 1 is a Bio-Rad semi-dry transfer apparatus, which provides basic instrument support for the transfer operation. The semi-dry transfer apparatus 1 is equipped with the control button 11 for adjusting parameters such as transfer current, voltage, and time, and the display screen 12 for displaying transfer parameters and operating status. The transfer drawer 13 is slidably disposed inside the semi-dry transfer apparatus 1 for placing the sample to be transferred, the membrane, and the filter paper. The device also includes a cooling assembly, which includes a cooling tank 3, a water pipe, and a power unit. The cooling tank 3 is placed on the side of the semi-dry transfer apparatus 1 near the transfer drawer 13 and is used for cooling. The power unit is used to provide power. The water pipe connects the power unit and the cooling tank 3 and is inserted into the transfer drawer 13.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cooling tank 3 includes a large beaker 31, a small beaker 32, an ice box 33, a semi-dry transfer liquid 34, and a lid 35. The large beaker 31 is placed on the side of the semi-dry transfer apparatus 1 near the transfer drawer 13. The ice box 33 is placed inside the large beaker 31. The small beaker 32 is placed in the center of the large beaker 31 and surrounded by the ice box 33. The semi-dry transfer liquid 34 is placed inside the small beaker 32 and is a cooling medium used to cool the liquid during the transfer process. The lid 35 covers the large beaker 31 and the small beaker 32 to seal them. The lid 35 has a through hole for connecting to the water pipe assembly 4.

[0021] In some embodiments, the ice box 33 is a hollow frustum shape, enclosing the small beaker 32 in the middle, and the distance between the inner wall of the ice box 33 and the small beaker 32 is 1-2 cm to ensure sufficient heat exchange.

[0022] In some embodiments, the power unit includes a dual-head pump 2, a speed control button 21, and a connecting pump head 22. The dual-head pump 2 serves as the power source for liquid circulation, responsible for the delivery and return of the cooling medium. It is placed on the side of the semi-dry transfer film device 1 near the transfer drawer 13. The speed control button 21 is located on the dual-head pump 2 and is used to control the circulation rate of the cooled semi-dry transfer liquid 34. The connecting pump head 22 is installed on the dual-head pump 2 and is used to fix and connect pipelines to realize liquid transmission.

[0023] In some embodiments, the water pipe includes a first inlet pipe 411, a first outlet pipe 412, a second inlet pipe 421, a second outlet pipe 422, and a pipette tip 423. Both the first inlet pipe 411 and the first outlet pipe 412 have one end connected to the connecting pump head 22, and the other end passes through a through hole on the cover 35 and is inserted into the small beaker 32 to contact the cooled semi-dry liquid 34. Both pipe ends are completely submerged in the cooled semi-dry liquid 34 (to a depth of 2-3 cm to avoid air intake). Both the second inlet pipe 421 and the second outlet pipe 422 are connected at one end to the connecting pump head 22 and the other end is inserted into the transfer drawer 13. The pipette tip 423 is located on the side of the second inlet pipe 421 and the second outlet pipe 422 near the transfer drawer 13. In fact, the pipette tip 423 is inserted into the outer gap of the transfer groove of the transfer drawer to avoid obstructing the transfer area, and the outlet of the pipette tip 423 faces the inner wall of the transfer drawer 13 (the distance between the outlet of the pipette tip 423 and the contact area of ​​the sample and the membrane is ≥2cm).

[0024] In some embodiments, the diameter of the through hole on the cover 35 is larger than the diameter of the first water inlet pipe 411 and the first water outlet pipe 412, which facilitates pipe insertion and reduces heat exchange.

[0025] Working principle: Take two 1ml pipette tips 423 and attach them to the ends of the second inlet pipe 421 and the second outlet pipe 422 respectively (cut off 0.5cm from the tip of the pipette tip to increase the liquid outlet area and avoid excessive flow rate). Gently pinch the connection between the pipette tip and the water pipe to ensure a tight fit without leakage. Then, insert the second inlet pipe 421 and the second outlet pipe 422, with the pipette tips 423 assembled, into the outer gaps on both sides of the transfer drawer 13 of the semi-dry transfer membrane apparatus 1 (avoiding obstruction of the transfer area). Adjust the angle of the water pipe and the pipette tip so that the pipette tip outlet faces the inner wall of the transfer drawer 13 (the distance between the pipette tip outlet and the contact area with the sample and membrane is ≥2cm). At the same time, fix the position of the water pipe to prevent the water pipe from being damaged when the transfer drawer 13 is opened or closed. If the pipette tip has shifted or detached, place the dual-head pump 2 (with all water pipes connected) and the assembled cooling tank 3 next to the semi-dry transfer film apparatus 1 (30-50cm spacing recommended), ensuring they do not obstruct the control buttons 11 and display screen 12 of the semi-dry transfer film apparatus 1 and do not affect the operation of the instrument. Finally, thoroughly check all connections: ① At the connection point between the water pipe and the pump head 22 of the dual-head pump 2, reinforce with pipe clamps and confirm there is no looseness; ② At the connection between the cover 35 of the cooling tank 3 and the water pipe, ensure there is no liquid leakage; ③ At the connection between the water pipe at the outlet and the pipette tip 423, wipe with absorbent paper to ensure there are no wet marks; ④ The water pipe in the gap of the transfer film drawer 13 is not stuck and the water pipe position is stable when opening and closing the drawer; After confirming that there is no risk of leakage in the entire circulation system, complete the connection.

[0026] Pre-cooling maintenance stage: Before the experiment begins, the ice box 33 in the large beaker 31 of the cooling barrel 3 absorbs the heat around the small beaker 32 through heat conduction. The matching lid 35 reduces the heat exchange between the pre-cooled semi-dry liquid 34 in the small beaker 32 and the outside world, so that the pre-cooled semi-dry liquid 34 is continuously maintained at a low temperature of 0-4℃, providing a qualified low temperature medium for subsequent cooling. Cyclic Start-up and Rate Adjustment Stage: After completing the pre-transfer preparation, place the high molecular weight protein sample to be transferred and the membrane into the transfer drawer 13. Set the transfer parameters such as current, voltage, and time through the control button 11 of the semi-dry transfer instrument 1, and confirm that the parameters are correct on the display screen 12. Start the dual-head pump 2, and set the circulation rate to 50-100 mL / min by adjusting the speed adjustment button 21. Under the power of the pump head 22, the first water inlet pipe 411 and the second water inlet pipe 421 simultaneously draw the pre-cooled semi-dry transfer solution 34 from the small beaker 32 of the cooling tank 3. During the cooling stage, the pipette tip assists: the pre-cooled semi-dry transfer liquid 34 is delivered to the end pipette tip 423 through the second water inlet pipe 421. The pipette tip 423 splits the liquid and guides it to the inner wall of the transfer drawer 13, avoiding direct impact of the liquid on the protein sample and membrane. Subsequently, the low-temperature liquid comes into contact with the inner wall of the transfer drawer 13, the sample, and the membrane, which generate heat due to the current during the transfer process. Through heat exchange, a large amount of heat is absorbed, rapidly reducing the internal temperature of the transfer drawer 13 and preventing the temperature from rising. Medium reflux and recooling stage: After absorbing heat, the semi-dry liquid is continuously suctioned by the dual-head pump 2 and flows back to the small beaker 32 of the cooling tank 3 through the reflux path formed by the first outlet pipe 412, the second outlet pipe 422 and the first inlet pipe 411, the second inlet pipe 421. At this time, the ice box 33 in the large beaker 31 cools the refluxed semi-dry liquid again to restore it to a low temperature so that it can re-enter the circulation. 5. Continuous circulating cooling: The entire film transfer process can last up to 30 minutes. The film transfer time is monitored in real time through the display screen 12. The pre-cooled semi-dry transfer liquid 34 is in closed-loop circulation to continuously remove the heat generated by the film transfer drawer 13, and always maintain a low temperature environment in the film transfer area to ensure stable film transfer.

[0027] Experimental data: 1. Without using this simple cooling device: When transferring high molecular weight proteins (greater than 180 kDa), the transfer time was set to 20 minutes using the control button 11 of the semi-dry transfer instrument 1. After the transfer time exceeded 18 minutes, although the display screen 12 did not show any abnormal prompts, the temperature of the transfer drawer 13 rapidly increased to a hot temperature (approximately 55-60℃), and signs of melting and deformation appeared on the edge of the drawer. Burnt spots (burnt) appeared on the surface of the membrane used for transfer. Finally, the protein bands showed obvious distortion and blurring, and the band resolution was insufficient, making them unusable for subsequent Western blotting. 1. Blot incubation and detection analysis; 2. When using this simple cooling device: for transferring high molecular weight proteins (greater than 180 kDa), the transfer time is set to 30 minutes via the control button 11 of the semi-dry transfer instrument 1, and the display screen 12 shows the running status in real time; after the transfer is completed, the temperature of the outer wall of the transfer drawer 13 is measured to be approximately 15-20℃ using an infrared thermometer. It is cool to the touch, not hot to the touch, and the drawer shows no melting or deformation; after the transfer, the membrane is intact with no scorching marks or wrinkles; after blocking with 5% skim milk, incubation with primary antibody, incubation with secondary antibody, and development, the protein bands on the membrane have clear edges, no distortion, and uniform grayscale. The grayscale values ​​can be quantitatively analyzed using ImageJ software, and the experimental results meet the requirements of scientific research data.

[0028] Although the embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to these embodiments. However, it should be understood that such modifications and variations fall within the scope and spirit of this utility model as described in the claims. Moreover, the utility model described herein may have other embodiments and can be implemented or realized in various ways.

Claims

1. A simple cooling device for a semi-dry transfer film apparatus, comprising a semi-dry transfer film apparatus (1), a control button (11), a display screen (12), and a transfer drawer (13), wherein the control button (11) and the display screen (12) are provided on the semi-dry transfer film apparatus (1), and the transfer drawer (13) is slidably disposed within the semi-dry transfer film apparatus (1), characterized in that, It also includes a cooling component, which includes a cooling barrel (3), a water pipe and a power unit. The cooling barrel (3) is placed on the side of the semi-dry film transfer device (1) near the film transfer drawer (13). The cooling barrel (3) is used for cooling. The power unit is used to provide power. The water pipe connects the power unit and the cooling barrel (3) and is inserted into the film transfer drawer (13).

2. The simple cooling device for a semi-dry transfer film apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling container (3) includes a large beaker (31), a small beaker (32), an ice box (33), a semi-dry transfer liquid (34), and a lid (35). The large beaker (31) is placed on the side of the semi-dry transfer apparatus (1) near the transfer drawer (13). The ice box (33) is placed inside the large beaker (31). The small beaker (32) is placed in the center of the large beaker (31) and surrounded by the ice box (33). The semi-dry transfer liquid (34) is placed inside the small beaker (32). The lid (35) covers the large beaker (31) and the small beaker (32) to seal them.

3. A simple cooling device for a semi-dry transfer film apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice box (33) is a hollow frustum shape, which encloses the small beaker (32) in the middle, and the distance between the inner wall of the ice box (33) and the small beaker (32) is 1-2cm.

4. A simple cooling device for a semi-dry transfer film apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover (35) has a through hole.

5. A simple cooling device for a semi-dry transfer film apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The power unit includes a dual-head pump (2), a speed control button (21), and a connecting pump head (22). The dual-head pump (2) is placed on the side of the semi-dry film transfer machine (1) near the film transfer drawer (13). The speed control button (21) is located on the dual-head pump (2), and the connecting pump head (22) is installed on the dual-head pump (2).

6. A simple cooling device for a semi-dry transfer film apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water pipes include a first inlet pipe (411), a first outlet pipe (412), a second inlet pipe (421), a second outlet pipe (422), and a pipette tip (423). The first inlet pipe (411) and the first outlet pipe (412) are connected at one end to the connecting pump head (22), and the other end passes through the through hole on the cover (35) and is inserted into the small beaker (32) to contact the cooled semi-dry liquid transfer (34). The second inlet pipe (421) and the second outlet pipe (422) are connected at one end to the connecting pump head (22), and the other end is inserted into the transfer drawer (13). The pipette tip (423) is located on the side of the second inlet pipe (421) and the second outlet pipe (422) close to the transfer drawer (13).

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