Container, mixing device and method of using a mixing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a mixing device (1) with a container (10), wherein the mixing device comprises a first (30) and a second (40) pressing surface, and the container (10) can be arranged between the first (30) and the second (40) pressing surface in such a way that the container (10) can be deformed by the first (30) and / or the second (40) pressing surface, so that a content can be mixed in the interior (11).

Description

[0001] Container, mixing device and method for using a mixing device

[0002] The invention relates to a container for a mixing device, a mixing device, and a method for using a mixing device according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0003] Many methods for purifying and processing cells, DNA, and other biomolecules are known in the art. One type of purification is DNA extraction, in which the DNA is precipitated in a nonpolar environment. DNA can also be purified by centrifugation, e.g., after cell disruption, or by electrophoretic methods.

[0004] Biomolecules can also be synthesized and purified by immobilizing them on an insoluble support. Common substrates for immobilizing biomolecules include glass, as well as other, less common substrates such as gold, platinum, oxides, semiconductors, and various polymer substrates.

[0005] Since manual purification and processing in numerous steps is too time-consuming, these processes are now fully automated. Magnetic beads (magnetic particles) play a key role in the automation of laboratory methods.

[0006] Magnetic bead-based cleanup and magnetic bead-based normalization are widely used methods for the immobilization, purification, and concentration adjustment of nucleic acids. Typical applications of these methods include sample preparation in the context of DNA sequencing or DNA detection (e.g., using PCR, or polymerase chain reaction). The magnetic particles were developed in 1995 at the Whitehead Institute for the purification of PCR products. The magnetic particles are usually paramagnetic and can consist, for example, of polystyrene coated with iron. Various molecules with carboxyl groups can then be attached to the iron. These carboxyl groups can reversibly bind the DNA molecules, thus immobilizing the DNA molecules.

[0007] Methods using magnetic particles typically involve the following steps. First, the PCR products are bound to the magnetic particles. This typically involves mixing the liquid and the magnetic particles contained therein. The magnetic particles with the attached PCR products are then separated from impurities (this step can be achieved, for example, by pipetting the solution from the solid / container). The magnetic particles with the attached PCR products are then washed. After washing, the PCR products are eluted from the magnetic particles and transferred to a new plate.

[0008] In fully automated processes, the necessary reagents are automatically pipetted into the sample after the starting material has been introduced in an isolation process and then removed again using a pipette tip. The magnetic particle-bound nucleic acids are collected at the bottom and edges of the containers and, depending on the routine, are redissolved by optimized pipetting. Finally, the DNA or RNA is eluted into separate, capped containers for immediate storage or further use.

[0009] One of the most important methods for synthesizing, normalizing, and purifying biomolecules is the magnetic particle method. In this method, the biomolecules are bound to the surface of the magnetic particles. The magnetic particles are then immobilized using a magnet, and the solution, which contains byproducts and impurities, can be easily separated. This allows the biomolecules to be purified and isolated quickly and easily. The advantage of magnetic beads is that the beads can move freely within the experimental setup, which is important for the binding steps. If you want to remove the liquid from the container, e.g., in a washing step, you simply hold a magnet to the container and the liquid can then be separated.

[0010] The magnetic particles are small paramagnetic or ferromagnetic spheres coated with various materials that impart the required properties. Nickel particles coated with a plastic are often used.

[0011] This approach allows the isolation of highly pure biomolecules with excellent yields. The underlying magnetic particle separation process can be carried out fully automatically in the cavities of the extraction vessels used.

[0012] In the current state of the art, the aforementioned steps are usually carried out in bioreactors, in which the magnetic particles and the liquid are mixed with biomolecules to ensure the most complete binding of the biomolecules to the magnetic particles. However, such bioreactors or mixing devices can also be used for the processing and mixing of other biological or chemical substances, such as cells.

[0013] A corresponding mixing device is known from US 2022 / 0135924 A1. The mixing device of US 2022 / 0135924 A1 is intended to provide optimal conditions for mixing a reaction liquid. The mixing is based on a change in the internal volume of the reaction vessel, which triggers movement of the liquid. The change in the internal volume is based in particular on a change in the shape of the reaction vessel, for which the reaction vessel has at least one flexible area / region. The flexible area is a flexible base, which is moved by a magnetic drive element connected to the base. This creates a mixing movement. However, such mixing devices do not guarantee efficient or complete mixing. Furthermore, the container of the mixing device must be attached to a base.

[0014] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a container, a mixing device, and a method for using a mixing device that avoid the adverse effects known from the prior art, in particular enabling rapid, complete, and efficient mixing. Specifically, it should be possible to ensure that a reproducible concentration / amount of, in particular, cells, magnetic particles, molecules, or other particles is always present in a withdrawn volume of fluid / liquid.

[0015] The object is achieved by a container, by a mixing device and by a method for using a mixing device having the features of the independent claims.

[0016] According to the invention, a mixing device is proposed which can accommodate a container with an interior space for receiving a content or which comprises the container and comprises a first and a second pressing surface. The container of the mixing device according to the invention can be arranged between the first and the second pressing surface in such a way that the container is deformable by the first and / or the second pressing surface, in particular by a relative movement to the first and / or the second pressing surface, so that the content in the interior can be thoroughly mixed (or moved and / or agitated).

[0017] According to the invention, a container, in particular a storage container for a mixing device (i.e., in particular for introduction into and / or use with), is also proposed, wherein the container comprises the interior for receiving the contents, such as a fluid, in particular a liquid, and the container is deformable such that a content of the container (which can be introduced into the interior) (such as the fluid / liquid and other components) can be thoroughly mixed in the interior. Furthermore, the container comprises a holding element with which the container can be suspended, in particular freely suspended and / or suspended in the mixing device. By suspending the container, the container can be flexibly and efficiently deformed by the pressing surface.

[0018] It has been found that "pressing" (i.e., deforming) the container with the pressing surfaces enables particularly fast and efficient mixing of the contents. In particular, the use of at least two pressing surfaces, between which the container is placed, can achieve significantly more efficient mixing than using just a single pressing surface. Furthermore, the presence of a headspace is not necessary for mixing. The container can therefore be completely filled.

[0019] The deformation of the container is preferably achieved by the force exerted by the pressing surfaces. The deformation of the container changes the shape of the container or the interior in such a way that the contents located in the interior or that can be introduced into the interior are influenced. A wall of the container surrounding the interior exerts pressure on the contents, in particular the fluid, such that a mixing movement or flow is induced in the fluid, which leads to mixing. The shape of the wall surrounding the interior can therefore preferably be changed or deformed accordingly by the action of the pressing surfaces.

[0020] In this case, the container can be designed, in particular, as a consumable, i.e., as a consumable material that is introduced into the mixing device and can be disposed of after a corresponding process or procedure has been carried out. A new container can then be introduced into the mixing device.

[0021] The fact that the container can be arranged between the first and the second pressing surface means in particular that at least one section of the container can be arranged between at least two pressing surfaces. In practice, the mixing device can comprise a plurality of pressing surfaces, wherein the container can be arranged between at least two of the plurality of pressing surfaces, but also between several or all of the pressing surfaces. Deformable or deformable means in particular that a shape (of at least a section) of the container can be changed. For this purpose, the container can be elastic in such a way that the shape of the container can be reversibly changed by a force exerted by the pressing surfaces. For example, the container can be compressed by the force exerted by the pressing surfaces, whereby the shape of the container is not irreversibly changed.

[0022] The fact that the container is deformable by a relative movement of the first and / or the second pressing surface can, within the scope of the invention, mean in particular the following:

[0023] • The container can be deformed after being arranged between the pressing surfaces by moving only one of the two pressing surfaces (e.g., the first) and keeping the other pressing surface (e.g., the second) and the container stationary. The moving pressing surface can move toward the container and / or toward the other pressing surface. Alternatively or additionally, the moving pressing surface can move along (a wall) of the container or along a container axis, respectively, to achieve further mixing; and / or

[0024] • The container can be deformed after being arranged between the pressing surfaces by both (or all / several) pressing surfaces moving while the container remains stationary. The pressing surfaces can move towards the container and / or towards the other pressing surface. Alternatively or additionally, the pressing surfaces can move along (a wall) of the container or along a container axis, respectively, to achieve further mixing; and / or

[0025] • The container can be deformed after being arranged between the pressing surfaces by the container moving between the pressing surfaces, with both (or all) pressing surfaces remaining stationary or one or both (or a plurality of pressing surfaces) moving.

[0026] In the implementation of the invention, the above-mentioned points for relative movement can be used alone or in any combination (ie both the pressing surfaces and the container can move).

[0027] The stationary pressing surface can be realized, for example, by a wall in the mixing device acting as the pressing surface. Furthermore, the container (as described above) can also be arranged so as to be relatively movable between the first and second pressing surfaces, such that the container can be deformed by the movement between the first and second pressing surfaces.

[0028] Particularly preferably, a distance between the first and second pressing surfaces is adjustable and / or variable, such that the distance between the pressing surfaces is smaller than a first dimension of the container such that the container is deformable (by this relative movement to / by at least one of the pressing surfaces). The force from the pressing surfaces can then act on the container. In this way, the container is compressed or squeezed, in particular.

[0029] The container according to the invention is particularly preferably chemically resistant, pH-resistant, and temperature-resistant. Furthermore, the container can be designed to hold at least 10 ml of liquid / content, preferably 10 ml to 500 ml or 20 ml to 100 ml, especially 20 ml to 50 ml of liquid / content.

[0030] In an embodiment of the invention, the container can further comprise a shell surrounding the interior (in particular as the aforementioned wall). The shell is deformable such that at least one dimension of the interior can be changed. For this purpose, the shell can be elastic, and the container can be formed by a bag. To ensure particularly preferred deformability of the container, the container can be designed as a bag, which in particular comprises a polymer, specifically consists of a polymer. Examples of usable polymers are polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and / or polyetheretherketone.

[0031] In particular, the cover / wall can be a separate element from the support element, which is attached to the support element. The support element can be designed, for example, as an eyelet or include an eyelet. Furthermore, the support element can be designed as a plate from which the cover / wall hangs.

[0032] In an embodiment of the invention, the container can comprise a plurality of walls surrounding separate interior spaces. The support element can be configured as a plate, which plate comprises a plurality of openings or fastening elements. A shell / wall is attached to each of these openings / fastening elements, forming separate cavities. The plate can, in particular, be supported in the mixing device, so that the individual cavities hang within the mixing device. In this case, the container could be configured as a type of deep-well plate.

[0033] In addition, the liquid and a large number of magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles can be arranged in the interior of the container. The liquid and the large number of magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles can be mixed by deforming the container. Such a pre-filled container can in particular be provided and sold as a consumable. The mixability ensures in particular that the concentration of magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles is the same for each volume of liquid withdrawn, which can then be used in methods for processing, for example, biomolecules. The mixing device / container can in particular be a mixing device / container for providing a liquid with magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles.

[0034] The mixing device may comprise a first pressing element and / or a second pressing element, wherein the first pressing element comprises the first pressing surface and / or the second pressing element comprises the second pressing surface.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first pressing element can be a first pressing element arranged so as to be rotatable about a first axis. The first pressing element comprises the first pressing surface in such a way that the first pressing surface can be moved by rotation of the pressing element about the first axis. In addition, the second pressing element can be a second pressing element arranged so as to be rotatable about a second axis, wherein the second pressing element comprises the second pressing surface in such a way that the second pressing surface can be moved by rotation of the pressing element about the second axis. Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressing surfaces can be moved not only by rotation about the corresponding axis, but also by movement with the corresponding pressing element.

[0036] The pressing elements can have various shapes, such as the shape of a cuboid. However, the first and / or second pressing element are particularly preferably designed as a roller (i.e. a cylinder), wherein the outer surface corresponds to the pressing surface. The outer surface therefore rotates around the corresponding axis or the roller in the circumferential direction. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mixing device comprises at least one first roller as the first pressing element. In addition, a second roller can be used as the second pressing element. In practice, the first axis can be arranged parallel to the second axis. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to provide the further (second) pressing surface by a wall (as the second pressing element) in the mixing device, which wall can in particular have an incline or can be inclined.If the container comprises the first and / or second rotatably arranged pressing element, the container and / or at least one of the pressing surfaces can be set in motion by rotation and / or by movement of the first and / or second pressing element in such a way that the container is moved relative to the first and / or second pressing surface. During the movement relative to the pressing surfaces, the container is deformed so that the deformation causes the contents that can be introduced into the interior to be mixed. The pressing element (or the pressing elements) can be moved to rotate along the container, or the pressing surface / the pressing surfaces can be rolled along a surface of the container. In addition, the container can be moved between the first and the second pressing surface by setting the container in motion by the rotation or by triggering the rotation by moving the container.

[0037] Furthermore, the mixing device can comprise a container movement device, by which the container can be moved relative to the first and / or second pressing surface or between the first and second pressing surfaces. For this purpose, the container preferably comprises the support element with which the container is / can be attached to the container movement device. The container movement device can comprise a drive such as an electric motor, in particular a servo motor, by which the container can be set in motion.

[0038] Furthermore, the mixing device can comprise a movement device by which the first and / or second pressing surface (or pressing element) can be moved such that the container can be moved relative to the first and / or second pressing surface. The movement device can, for example, set the pressing surfaces (or pressing elements) in motion along a predeterminable path and / or generate a rotation of the pressing surfaces about the first and / or second axis. The movement device can comprise a drive such as an electric motor, in particular a servo motor, by which the pressing surfaces (or at least one pressing surface) can be set in motion.

[0039] In an embodiment of the invention, the container may comprise an opening for supplying and / or discharging the contents.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing device can further comprise a magnet, wherein the magnet can be arranged on the container in such a way that magnetic particles that can be introduced into the interior can be fixed in the container. This allows the liquid to be drained off and new liquid to be added without removing the magnetic particles from the interior. The magnet can be a permanent magnet and / or an electromagnet. An instrument for removing the liquid, such as a pipette, can be used to drain (or add) the liquid, so that the liquid can be removed from the container after biomolecules have been immobilized on the surface of the magnetic particles. This can be done via the opening of the container. The instrument for removing the liquid can also be a valve or another suitable instrument.

[0041] The opening (or openings) can thus function as an outlet port and / or inlet port. Advantageously, the opening can be configured so that it can be used as an outlet port and / or inlet port, or as a combined inlet / outlet port, by closing and opening. Suitably, the opening can be configured as a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a control valve, a diaphragm valve, a gate valve, a needle valve, or a pinch valve, or combinations thereof.

[0042] In practice, the container and mixing device according to the invention are preferably used to provide liquid containing magnetic particles for other processes, such as biomolecule processing (whereby a consistent / reproducible concentration of magnetic particles can be provided for each withdrawn volume of liquid). Alternatively, the container according to the invention can be a reaction vessel and the mixing device a bioreactor in which biomolecules are processed with magnetic particles.

[0043] When used as a reaction container, the magnet can be movably mounted on the container / in the mixing device such that the magnetic particles are freely movable within the container during a reaction step and are fixed in place in the container during a washing step by changing the magnet position. In particular, the magnet can be movable such that the magnet is arranged in a first position on the container, fixing the magnetic particles, and the magnetic particles become movable by moving the magnet to a second position on or around the container. Of course, the container can also be moved relative to the magnet, for example, in an automated device, to achieve the same effect.

[0044] According to the invention, a method for using the mixing device is further proposed. The method comprises the following steps. First, the contents are optionally introduced into the interior of the container. Then, the container with the contents in the interior is placed between the first and second pressing surfaces, and the first and / or second pressing surfaces are moved relative to the container, so that the container is deformed by the relative movement of the first and second pressing surfaces, and the contents in the interior are thoroughly mixed.

[0045] Moving the first and / or second pressing surface relative to the container may comprise moving the container and / or the first and / or second pressing surface.

[0046] In particular, the method can be a method for providing a liquid with magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles, in which magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles and the liquid (as contents) are introduced into the interior of the mixing device and the liquid and magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles are mixed in the interior. A predeterminable volume of liquid can be withdrawn from the container, particularly preferably while the mixing is taking place. Alternatively, the method can be a method for processing biomolecules in a mixing device according to the invention, in which magnetic particles and a liquid with biomolecules (as contents) are introduced into the interior of the mixing device and the liquid and magnetic particles are mixed in the interior.

[0047] Furthermore, the method may comprise fixing the magnetic particles in the container by arranging a magnet on the container and / or removing the liquid with magnetic particles from the interior using an instrument for removing the liquid.

[0048] In the method according to the invention, in particular, the magnetic particles (also magnetic particles) / cells / molecules or other particles and the liquid are mixed by interaction of the container and the pressing surfaces of the mixing device in order to obtain a liquid with magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles which has a uniform concentration of magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the relative movement of the container to the pressing surfaces is designed to keep the particles, cells, or molecules contained in the interior suspended in such a way that sedimentation at the bottom of the container can be prevented. Furthermore, a mixing or swirling process is improved by keeping the particles freely suspended in the vessel and / or by preventing or reducing coagulation of beads. Advantageously, allowing the magnetic particles to float freely and / or avoiding sedimentation of the magnetic particles improves biochemical reactions in the mixing device, namely biomolecule immobilization. In the context of the present invention, the term biomolecule can be understood to mean DNA, RNA, nucleic acids, proteins, start sequences, monomers, or other biologically active molecules.Such biomolecules can be processed in the mixing device according to the invention and introduced into the container according to the invention (preferably in a liquid). The processing can include, among other things, washing steps and / or reaction steps and can be carried out with magnetic particles. A washing step within the scope of the invention is a process step in which the liquid is removed from the container after thorough mixing, and in particular the impurities are separated from the magnetic particles with the attached biomolecules. A washing step can also include rinsing with a rinsing fluid. A reaction step within the scope of the invention is a process step in which the biomolecules bound to the magnetic particles are converted, bound to the particles, or extended (chain extension, e.g., PCR "polymerase chain reaction").An impurity is to be understood in particular as a substance which has not fully reacted or is not bound to the magnetic particles, the solvent, by-products and contaminants, as well as a mixture of two or more of the above-described substances.

[0050] In the context of the invention, a liquid can be a solution or suspension, in particular a mixture of liquid and magnetic particles or a reaction mixture of biomolecules and / or reagents and / or impurities.

[0051] For the purposes of the invention, “magnetic particle” (also “magnetic bead”) can be understood to mean a particle in the micrometer or millimeter range. Furthermore, the magnetic particles can be porous. A biomolecule can be bound to the surface of the magnetic particles in particular via thiol groups and / or amino groups and / or hydroxyl groups and / or carboxyl groups and / or carbonyl groups and / or ester groups and / or nitrile groups and / or amine groups and / or any other functional groups or other interactions. Magnetic particles can also be coated nickel particles or any other ferro- or paramagnetic particles. Magnetic particles typically have a diameter of approximately 1 micrometer. For the purposes of the invention, approximately 1 micrometer is understood to mean 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers, in particular 0.7 to 1.3 micrometers, specifically 0.9 to 1.1 micrometers.

[0052] The aforementioned magnetic particles can be functionalized magnetic particles that bind biomolecules such as DNA in a sample material. They can then be immobilized using magnetic force and thus separated from a reagent liquid. This liquid is removed, and the biomolecules can then be detached from the particles. The magnetic particles should preferably be added in a precise amount. The mixing device can be used for the preparation of, or in, any enzymatic process involving nucleic acids (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR), isothermal DNA amplification, reverse transcription). The biomolecules bound to the magnetic particles can be detached from the surface of the magnetic particles and subsequently reused.

[0053] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0054] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention;

[0055] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention;

[0056] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention with two pressing elements;

[0057] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention with a pressing surface and a pressing element;

[0058] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention with an inclined pressing surface;

[0059] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention with an inclined pressing surface;

[0060] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention with an instrument for removing the liquid and a magnet.

[0061] A mixing device is, in particular, a device with a container in which liquids containing magnetic particles can be provided under adjustable and thus optimal conditions. The operation of a mixing device is therefore, in particular, an application in chemistry, biochemistry, or biotechnology, which enables chemical and biological processes or provides reactants for them.

[0062] Factors that can be controlled or regulated in mixing devices include the composition of the contents, the gas supply, temperature, pH, sterility, and others. The mixing device can be used to provide a liquid with a predefined concentration of magnetic particles / cells / molecules or other particles, or to extract and process biomolecules. The processing and degradation of chemical compounds can also take place in mixing devices.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a container 10 according to the invention for a mixing device. The container

[0064] 10 comprises an interior space 11 suitable for accommodating a content such as a fluid. The container 10 is deformable such that the contents within the interior can be mixed by deformation. Pressing elements 3, 4 with pressing surfaces 30, 40 are provided for deformation.

[0065] The deformation of the container 10 is effected by a force exerted by the pressing surfaces 30, 40 of the pressing elements 3, 4. During the deformation, a shape of the container 10 or the interior

[0066] 11 is changed because the container 10 is compressed by the pressing elements 3, 4.

[0067] The compression occurs because a distance a2 between the first 30 and the second 40 pressing surface is changed, so that the distance a2 between the pressing surfaces 30, 40 is smaller than a first extension a1 of the container 10, such that the container 10 is deformed by this movement of at least one of the pressing surfaces 30, 40.

[0068] By compressing, a wall 100 of the container 10 surrounding the interior 11 exerts pressure on the contents, so that the contents can be mixed.

[0069] The container 10 can be deformed after being positioned between the pressing surfaces 30, 40 by moving one or both pressing elements 3, 4 toward each other. Alternatively or additionally, the pressing surfaces 30, 40 can move along the wall 100 of the container 10 to shift the pressure point on the container 10 and thus lead to further mixing. The same effect is created when the container 10 is moved (up and down) between the pressing surfaces 30, 40.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a mixing device 1 according to the invention.

[0071] The mixing device 1 comprises the container 10 with the support element 12, as well as the first 30 and second 40 pressing surfaces. The container 10 is arranged between the first 30 and second 40 pressing surfaces in such a way that the container 10 can be deformed by a relative movement to the first 30 and / or second 40 pressing surfaces, thus mixing the contents.

[0072] The first pressing surface 30 is designed in the form of a wall, whereas the second pressing surface 40 is part of the first pressing element 4, which is rotatable and thus movable about the axis 41.

[0073] The container 10 can be deformed after being arranged between the pressing surfaces 30, 40 by the moving pressing surface 40 moving toward the container 10 and toward the other pressing surface 30. The pressing element 4 can rotate about the axis 41 when it is moved along the wall 100, i.e., it can roll along the wall 100.

[0074] In the interior space 11, a liquid 21 and a plurality of magnetic particles 22 are arranged as contents, wherein the liquid 21 and the plurality of magnetic particles 22 can be mixed by the deformation of the container 10.

[0075] It should be noted that the mixing created by squeezing the container is particularly efficient, allowing an adjustable and reproducible concentration / amount of magnetic particles to be extracted from the container. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a mixing device 1 according to the invention.

[0076] The mixing device according to Fig. 3 essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 2. However, instead of the wall, a pressing element 3 rotatable about an axis 31 is used.

[0077] Both pressing surfaces 30, 40 can be moved in the direction of the container 10 and rolled along the wall 100 of the container 10.

[0078] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mixing device 1 according to the invention with two pressing elements 3, 4.

[0079] Fundamentally, the structure shown in Fig. 4 corresponds to the design shown in Fig. 3. The two pressing elements 3, 4 are designed as rotatable rollers 3, 4. The pressing surfaces 30, 40 correspond to the outer surfaces 30, 40 of the rollers 3, 4.

[0080] The mixing device 1 further comprises the movement devices 5, by means of which the rollers 3, 4 can be moved up and down in the mixing device 1, so that the rollers 3, 4 can be moved relative to a container (not shown here). The movement devices 5 are moved along rails 51.

[0081] Furthermore, the mixing device 1 includes an opening 6 through which the container (not shown here) can be inserted from above into the mixing device 1 and between the rollers 3, 4. After the container has been positioned, mixing is achieved by deforming the container, with the rollers 3, 4 moving toward each other and in opposite directions (i.e., one roller upwards and one roller downwards) until the rollers 3, 4 have moved past each other. The direction of movement can then be reversed.

[0082] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mixing device 1 according to the invention with a pressing surface 30 and a pressing element 4.

[0083] Fundamentally, the structure shown in Fig. 5 corresponds to the design shown in Fig. 2. However, one pressing element 4 is designed as a rotatable roller 4 with a movement device 5. The other pressing element 3 is a wall 3 of the mixing device 1.

[0084] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a mixing device 1 according to the invention with an inclined pressing surface 30.

[0085] The pressing surface 30 is a surface of the wall 3. An inclination of the wall 3 can be adjusted via a spacer element 7, so that after the introduction of the container (not shown here), the inclination of the wall 100 is reduced, i.e. the wall 3 is moved in the direction of the roller 4, so that a force can be exerted by the wall 3 and the roller 4 on the container.

[0086] The roller 4 can be moved up and down along the guide rods 51 in the mixing device 1.

[0087] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a mixing device 1 according to the invention with an inclined pressing surface 30.

[0088] However, the inclination of the pressing surface 30 of the wall 3 cannot be changed.

[0089] However, the wall 3 is inclined such that the distance between roller 4 and wall 3 is greatest in the area of ​​the opening 6 for feeding the container. Thus, the roller 4 for inserting the container can be arranged on a side of the guide rods 52 facing the opening 6. If the roller 4 is subsequently moved away from the opening 6, a force is exerted on the container due to the decreasing distance between the roller 4 and wall 3, resulting in a corresponding deformation.

[0090] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mixing device according to the invention with an instrument for removing the liquid 8 and an optional magnet 7.

[0091] The mixing device comprises the magnet 7, wherein the magnet 7 is arranged on the container 10 such that magnetic particles 22 are fixed in the container 10. This allows the liquid 21 to be discharged by means of a pipette 8 via the opening 101 without magnetic particles 22. If no magnet 7 is used, liquid with a predeterminable concentration of magnetic particles 22 can be withdrawn via the opening 101.

[0092] While the invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be regarded as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive.

[0093] The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing a claimed invention from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are repeated in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Furthermore, in particular, the measures described above for the first and second pressing surfaces (or pressing elements) can be applied to any plurality of pressing surfaces.

Claims

Mixing device for receiving a container (10) with an interior space (11) for receiving a content, comprising a first (30) and a second (40) pressing surface; wherein the container (10) can be arranged between the first (30) and the second (40) pressing surface in such a way that the container (10) can be deformed by the first (30) and / or the second (40) pressing surface, so that the content in the interior space (11) can be mixed. Mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the first (30) and / or the second (40) pressing surface can be moved in such a way that the container (10) can be deformed by the movement of the first (30) and / or the second (40) pressing surface. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) can be moved in such a way that the container (10) can be deformed by the movement between the first (30) and the second (40) pressing surface.Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first pressing element (3) arranged to be rotatable about a first axis (31), wherein the first pressing element (3) comprises the first pressing surface (30) in such a way that the first pressing surface (30) is movable by rotation of the pressing element (3) about the first axis (31). Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second pressing element (4) arranged to be rotatable about a second axis (41), wherein the second pressing element (4) comprises the second. Pressing surface (40) such that the second pressing surface (40) is movable by rotation of the pressing element (4) about the second axis (41). Mixing device according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the first axis (31) is arranged parallel to the second axis (41). Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims comprising a container moving device by which the container (10) is movable between the first (30) and the second (40) pressing surface. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims comprising a moving device (5) by which the first (30) and / or second (40) pressing surface are movable. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) comprises an opening (101) for supplying and / or discharging the contents.Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance between the first (30) and the second (40) pressing surface is adjustable and / or changeable such that the distance between the pressing surfaces (30, 40) is smaller than a first extension (a1) of the container such that the container (10) is deformable. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of the containers (10) can be arranged between the first (30) and the second (40) pressing surface such that the plurality of containers (10) is deformable by the first (30) and / or the second (40) pressing surface. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a magnet (7), wherein the magnet (7) is attached to the container in such a way. (10) can be arranged such that magnetic particles (22) that can be introduced into the interior (11) can be fixed in the container (10). Mixing device according to claim 12, wherein the magnet (7) is a permanent magnet and / or an electromagnet. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an instrument (8) for removing the contents. Container for a mixing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) comprises an interior (11) for receiving a content and the container (10) is deformable such that a content in the interior (11) can be mixed, characterized in that the container (10) comprises a holding element (12) with which the container (10) can be suspended. Container according to claim 15, wherein the container (10) can be fastened to a suspension device or a container moving device using the holding element (12).Container according to claim 15 or 16, comprising a wall (100) surrounding the interior (11), which wall (100) is deformable such that at least one dimension (a1) of the interior (11) is variable. Container according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein a liquid (21) and a plurality of magnetic particles (22) or cells are arranged in the interior (11), wherein the liquid (21) and the plurality of. magnetic particles (22) or cells can be mixed by the deformation of the container (10). Container according to one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the container (10) is a bag and in particular comprises a polymer, specifically consists of a polymer. Container according to one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the container (10) comprises a plurality of walls (100) surrounding separate interior spaces (11). Method for using a mixing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) arranging the container (10) with the contents in the interior space (11) between the first (30) and the second (40) pressing surface; b) moving the first (30) and / or the second (40) pressing surface relative to the container, so that the container (10) is deformed by the relative movement of the first (30) and / or the second (40) pressing surface and the contents in the interior (11) are mixed.Method according to claim 21, wherein moving the first (30) and / or the second (40) pressing surface relative to the container (10) comprises moving the container (10) and / or the first (30) and / or the second (40) pressing surface. Method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the contents comprise magnetic particles (22) and a liquid (21), and the magnetic particles (22) and the liquid (21) are mixed in the interior (11). Method according to claim 23, comprising c) fixing the magnetic particles (22) in the container (10) by arranging a magnet (7) on the container (10). Method according to claim 23 or 24 comprising d) removing the liquid (21) with an instrument (8) for removing the liquid (21).

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