Container, mixing apparatus, and method for using the mixing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container 2 having an internal space 3 for receiving contents 31, 32, and comprising an opening 4 and a closing element 100 positioned in the opening 4 to close the opening 4, and a mixing device 1 comprising a moving device 5 connected to the container 2 so that the container 2 can be moved by the moving device 5 along a moving path S. In this case, the closing element 100 comprises a first sealing element 10 having a first sealing surface 11 and a second sealing element 20 having a second sealing surface 21 facing the first sealing surface 11, wherein the first sealing surface 11 and the second sealing surface 21 extend along the moving path S, and the first sealing element 10 and / or the second sealing element 20 can be moved so that the opening 4 can be opened and closed by the relative movement of the sealing surfaces 10, 20 relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present 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.

Background Art

[0002] Many methods for purifying and processing cells, DNA, and other biomolecules are known in the prior art. One type of purification is DNA extraction, in which DNA is precipitated in a nonpolar environment. DNA can also be purified, for example, by centrifugation or by electrophoresis methods after cell disruption.

[0003] Biomolecules can also be synthesized and purified by immobilization on an insoluble support. Common substrates for immobilizing biomolecules are glass and other less common substrates such as gold, platinum, oxides, semiconductors, and various polymer substrates.

[0004] Since manual purification and processing require a great deal of time in many operations, the process is now carried out in a fully automated manner. Thus, so-called "magnetic beads" (magnetic particles / magnetite particles) play a major role in the automation of laboratory methods.

[0005] "Magnetic bead-based cleanup" and "magnetic bead-based normalization" are popular methods for the immobilization, purification, and concentration adaptation of nucleic acids. A typical field of application of these methods is the preparation of samples in the context of DNA sequencing or DNA detection (e.g., by PCR, English: polymerase chain reaction, German: Polymerase-Kettenreaktion).

[0006] Magnetic particles were developed at the Whitehead Institute in 1995 for the purification of PCR products. These particles are typically paramagnetic and can consist of polystyrene coated with iron, for example. Various molecules containing carboxyl groups can then be attached to the iron. These carboxyl groups can reversibly bind to DNA molecules, resulting in the immobilization of the DNA molecules.

[0007] A method using magnetic particles typically involves the following steps: First, the PCR product is bound to the magnetic particles. In this case, mixing of the liquid with the magnetic particles contained within is generally performed. Next, the magnetic particles with the attached PCR product are separated from impurities (this step is achieved, for example, by pipetting the solution from the solid / container). Subsequently, the magnetic particles are washed together with the attached PCR product. After washing, the PCR product is eluted from the magnetic particles and transferred to a new plate.

[0008] In a fully automated process, necessary reagents are automatically pipetted to the sample and removed again after the introduction of the starting material in the isolation process. Nucleic acids bound to magnetic particles are collected at the bottom and edges of the container by optimized pipetting and removal, and then added back to the solution according to the routine. Finally, the DNA or RNA is eluted into a separate, lidded container for direct storage or further application.

[0009] Therefore, one of the most important methods for the synthesis, normalization, and purification of biomolecules is the method using magnetic particles. In this case, biomolecules are bound to the surface of magnetic particles. The magnetic particles are then fixed by a magnet, and the solution containing by-products and impurities can be easily separated and removed. Thus, biomolecules can be easily and rapidly purified and isolated. An advantage of magnetic beads is that the beads can move freely in the experimental batch, which is important for the binding step. Here, for example, if it is desired to remove liquid from the container in the washing step, the magnet can be easily held in the container, and the liquid can then be separated and removed.

[0010] Magnetic particles are small paramagnetic or ferromagnetic beads coated with various materials that impart the desired properties. Nickel particles coated with plastic are often used.

[0011] In the prior art, the steps described above are generally carried out in a bioreactor, where the mixing of magnetic particles and a liquid containing biomolecules is performed to ensure the most complete binding of biomolecules to the magnetic particles possible. However, such bioreactors or mixing devices may also be used for the processing and mixing of other biological or chemical substances, such as cells.

[0012] A corresponding mixing apparatus is known from U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0135924. The mixing apparatus of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0135924 is intended to provide optimal conditions for mixing reaction liquids. In this case, mixing is based on a change in the internal volume of the reaction vessel, which in turn induces fluid movement. The change in internal volume is based, in particular, on a change in the shape of the reaction vessel, and for this purpose, the reaction vessel has at least one flexible region / one flexible area. In this case, the flexible region is a flexible bottom, which is moved by a magnetic drive element connected to the bottom. As a result, mixing motion is generated. However, such a mixing apparatus does not guarantee efficient or complete mixing. In addition, the vessel of the mixing apparatus needs to be firmly fixed to the base and cannot prevent leakage of liquid during mixing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0135924 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a container, a mixing apparatus, and a method for using the mixing apparatus that avoid the undesirable effects known from the prior art and, in particular, enable rapid, complete, and efficient mixing. In particular, it should be possible to ensure that a reproducible concentration / amount, in particular cells, magnetic particles, molecules, or other particles or components, are always present in the removed volume of the fluid / liquid, and that leakage of the fluid / liquid during mixing and removal is prevented. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] This objective is achieved by a container having the features of an independent claim, by a mixing device, and by a method for using the mixing device.

[0016] According to the present invention, a mixing apparatus is proposed comprising a container having an internal space for receiving contents. In this case, the container comprises an opening and a closing element positioned in the opening to close the opening. The mixing apparatus further comprises a moving device, which is connected to the container so that the container can be moved by the moving device along a moving path.

[0017] In this case, the closing element comprises a first sealing element having a first sealing surface, and a second sealing element having a second sealing surface facing the first sealing surface. The first and second sealing surfaces extend along a movement path, and the first and / or second sealing elements are movable such that the opening can be opened and closed by the relative movement of the sealing surfaces toward each other.

[0018] Because the first and second sealing surfaces extend along the movement path (or axis), the internal space of the container can be handled through the opening while the container is being moved by the moving device, without risking uncontrolled leakage of the contents. For this purpose, corresponding devices, such as pipettes or syringes, can be sequentially guided between the sealing surfaces and thus handle the contents. Because the sealing surfaces extend along the movement path, the corresponding devices can remain stationary while the container is moving. The sealing elements can function as a type of splash guard.

[0019] As a result of the movement of the container by the moving device, movement of the contents, particularly fluid / liquid, occurs, and as a result, mixing motion / flow is induced in the fluid / liquid, thereby resulting in mixing. Thus, by moving back and forth, flow occurs in the container in particular, and as a result, homogeneous mixing of the contents occurs. In this case, the movement path may be a linear path / straight line. Alternatively or additionally, the movement path may be curved, i.e., form a curve (or include parts of different shapes). In this case, the movement occurs particularly in at least one direction of the movement path, particularly preferably in both directions, and as a result, the container is moved back and forth along the movement path, preferably shaken along the movement path. In this case, the movement path may have a length that matches the length of the sealing surface. In particular, the movement path may have a length of up to 50 cm, particularly preferably 1 to 25 cm, and especially 5 to 15 cm. In this case, the length of the sealing surface may be 0.5 to 4 times the length of the movement path, particularly 1 to 3 times, and particularly preferably 1.5 to 2.5 times.

[0020] The fact that the first and / or second sealing elements are movable such that the opening can be opened and closed by the relative movement of the sealing surfaces toward each other means, in particular, that the opening can be closed by moving the sealing surfaces toward each other and opened by moving the sealing surfaces toward each other. The opening can be opened / closed by moving only one of the two sealing surfaces (e.g., the first sealing surface) while the other sealing surface (e.g., the second sealing surface) remains stationary. In this case, when open, the moving sealing surface can move toward the container wall to which it is fixed and away from the opposing sealing surface (and vice versa when closed). Alternatively and preferably, however, both sealing surfaces can be movable.

[0021] In this case, the sealing surfaces can be moved by a drive device. Particularly preferably, however, the sealing surfaces are moved away from each other by applying force to the sealing elements / sealing surfaces.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, “closed / sealed” with respect to an opening may be understood to mean, in particular: An opening is closed when the sealing surfaces are positioned relative to each other such that the contents do not leak or leak very little from the internal space, or when no corresponding device for pressing the sealing surfaces apart is introduced between the sealing surfaces. For this purpose, the sealing surfaces can be in contact with each other (the opening can therefore be closed by positioning the first sealing surface relative to the second sealing surface), but the sealing surfaces can also have a small gap to prevent leakage. A small gap may mean, in particular, 0 to 10 mm, and more specifically, 1 to 5 mm.

[0023] According to the present invention, there is also proposed a storage container for a container, particularly for a mixing device (i.e., particularly for introduction into and / or for use with the same), the container comprising an internal space for receiving a content such as a fluid, particularly a liquid. The container also comprises an opening through which the content can be supplied and discharged, and a closing element arranged at the opening for closing the opening. In this case, the closing element comprises a first sealing element having a first sealing surface and a second sealing element having a second sealing surface facing the first sealing surface. The first sealing surface and the second sealing surface extend opposite to each other (particularly parallel to each other), and the first and / or second sealing element can be moved such that the opening can be opened and closed by a relative movement of the sealing surfaces with respect to each other.

[0024] As a result of the movement of the container, the content of the container can be mixed flexibly and efficiently, and access to the internal space of the container during the movement of the container is made possible through the opening having the sealing surface.

[0025] As described above, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface can extend parallel to the movement path, and in particular, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface can extend parallel to each other along the movement path. In this case, the term "extending parallel" can relate to the open and / or closed state of the opening, preferably at least the closed state.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening can form a slot in the closed state of the closing element, and the slot extends parallel to the movement path. In addition, the closing element can be a valve, particularly a lip-type check valve. When the closing element is configured as a lip-type check valve, the first and second sealing elements act as check flaps in the form of lips that taper (preferably into the internal space of the container) like a beak. In this case, the lip prevents the content from leaking from the container while allowing a corresponding device such as a pipette to easily enter the internal space.

[0027] The first sealing element can be configured as a first closing wall, the second sealing element can be configured as a second closing wall, and the first closing wall and / or the second closing wall can be movable. In this case, the first and second closing walls can each have first and second ends, and each can be fixed to the container wall of the container (preferably to the opposing container wall) by its first end, and can have a first sealing surface or a second sealing surface at their second ends. In this case, the closing walls can converge from their first ends (preferably into the interior space of the container), such that the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface taper towards each other and are in contact with each other / have a small gap. In practice, the thickness of the closing wall can decrease from the first end towards the second end. Furthermore, the sealing surface can have a substantially rectangular surface.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are in contact with each other, i.e., in particular the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are in contact (or have only a small gap), such that the opening is closed, and the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element are elastic and / or can be bent such that the opening can be opened by bending the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element. By bending the sealing element from the rest position (in particular by applying the force of a corresponding device such as a pipette), the sealing surfaces can thus be moved away from each other, and as a result, the opening is opened. As a result of the bending, the sealing element is under tension, and as a result, the sealing element moves back towards each other (after the corresponding device such as a pipette has been removed from between the sealing surfaces), and as a result, the sealing surfaces are in contact with each other again / have a small gap.

[0029] The deformation / bending of the sealing element is therefore preferably carried out by a force applied by the corresponding device. As a result of the deformation / bending of the sealing element, the shape of the sealing element is changed so that the opening is opened. Deformable or deformable means, in particular, that the shape of at least one sealing element (at least a portion of it) can be changed. For this purpose, one or all of the sealing elements may be elastic so that their shape can be reversibly changed by the applied force.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mixing apparatus may include an instrument / device (i.e., a corresponding device) for supplying and / or discharging contents, the instrument being able to be opened (by pressing and separating the sealing surfaces) and moved between first and second sealing surfaces so that contents can be supplied and / or discharged. In this case, the instrument may be a pipette or syringe, i.e., an instrument for removing liquid, and it may be configured in particular as a robot and may comprise a plurality of pipettes and / or syringes.

[0031] A container or mixing device may be equipped with a holding element, thereby enabling the container to be connected to a moving device, and as a result, the container may be moved by the moving device. For this purpose, the moving device may be equipped with a drive device, in particular a motor (an electric motor, especially a servo motor, etc.), connected to the container. In this case, the mixing device may be equipped with rails on which the container is placed, and as a result, the movement of the container (and therefore the path of movement as well) is predetermined by the rails. Alternatively, the container may be placed in an element / support / holding that is moved by a drive device.

[0032] In practice, the container may be configured specifically as a “consumable item,” that is, as a consumable material that is introduced into the mixing apparatus and discarded after the corresponding process or method has been carried out. Subsequently, a new container may be introduced into the mixing apparatus. The container is therefore preferably replaceable.

[0033] The container according to the present invention is particularly preferably chemical resistant, pH resistant, and heat resistant. In addition, the container may be designed to hold at least 10 ml of liquid / contents, preferably 10 ml to 500 ml or 20 ml to 100 ml, particularly preferably 20 ml to 50 ml of liquid / contents. In this case, the container may particularly include a polymer, and particularly preferably consist of a polymer. Examples of polymers in this case are polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and / or polyether ether ketone.

[0034] In addition, a liquid and multiple magnetic particles / cells / molecules, other particles, or components that settle in the liquid may be placed as contents in the internal space of the container. In this case, the liquid and multiple magnetic particles / cells / molecules, other particles, or settled components may be mixed by moving the container. Such pre-filled containers may be supplied and sold, in particular, as "consumables." Mixability ensures, in particular, that the concentration of magnetic particles / cells / molecules, other particles, or settled components is the same for each volume of liquid / contents removed, and that it can then be used in further steps or methods for processing, for example, biomolecules. In this case, the mixing device / container may, in particular, be a mixing device / container for adding magnetic particles / cells / molecules, other particles, or settled components to a liquid.

[0035] In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus may further include a magnet, which may be positioned in the container such that magnetic particles, which can be introduced into the internal space, can be fixed to the container. This allows the liquid to be removed and a new liquid to be supplied without removing the magnetic particles from the internal space. In this case, the magnet may be a permanent magnet and / or an electromagnet. To remove (or supply) the liquid, an instrument for removing the liquid, such as a pipette, is used, and as a result, the liquid can be removed from the container after the molecules have been fixed to the surface of the magnetic particles. This may be done through an opening in the container. The instrument for removing the liquid may further be a syringe or another suitable instrument.

[0036] In practice, the container and mixing apparatus according to the present invention are preferably used to provide a liquid containing magnetic particles for other methods, such as methods for processing biomolecules (in which case, the same / reproducible concentration of magnetic particles can be obtained for each removed volume of the liquid). Alternatively, the container according to the present invention may be a reaction vessel, and the mixing apparatus may be a bioreactor, in which biomolecules containing magnetic particles are processed.

[0037] When used as a reaction vessel, the magnet may be movably positioned in the vessel / mixing apparatus such that magnetic particles are freely movable within the vessel during the reaction steps and fixed to the vessel during the washing steps by changing the position of the magnet. In particular, the magnet may be movably positioned in the vessel such that it is in a first position to fix the magnetic particles, and the magnetic particles become movable by moving the magnet to a second position. Naturally, in automated equipment, for example, the vessel can also be moved relative to the magnet to achieve the same effect.

[0038] According to the present invention, a method for using a mixing device is also proposed. In this case, the method includes the following steps: The container is moved along a transport path by a transport device, and a portion of the contents is removed from the container as the container moves along the transport path.

[0039] To remove a portion of the contents, the device / apparatus for supplying and / or discharging the contents is movable between the first and second sealing surfaces, thereby opening the opening. Furthermore, the first and second sealing elements can be in contact with each other (with a small gap between them), thereby closing the opening, and the first and / or second sealing elements are bent by the supplying and / or discharging device so that the opening is opened.

[0040] In the method according to the present invention, the contents may also be optionally introduced first into the internal space of the container. The contents include, for example, magnetic particles and a liquid, and the magnetic particles and the liquid can be mixed in the internal space by moving the container, thereby preventing the sedimentation of the magnetic particles.

[0041] In particular, the method may be a method for supplying a liquid having magnetic particles / cells / molecules, other particles or sedimentary components, in which magnetic particles / cells / molecules, other particles or sedimentary components and liquid (as contents) are introduced into the internal space of a mixing device and mixed in the internal space. In this case, a predetermined volume of liquid / contents can be removed from the container, particularly preferably while mixing / container movement occurs.

[0042] Alternatively, the method may be a method for processing biomolecules in a mixing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein a liquid (as contents) containing magnetic particles and biomolecules is introduced into the internal space of the mixing apparatus, and the liquid and magnetic particles are mixed in the internal space. Furthermore, the method may include fixing the magnetic particles to the container by placing a magnet in the container, and / or removing the liquid containing the magnetic particles from the internal space by an apparatus for removing the liquid.

[0043] In the method according to the present invention, mixing of magnetic particles (or magnet particles) / cells / molecules, other particles or sedimentary components with a liquid is performed, in particular, by interaction between a container and a transfer device, to obtain a liquid having magnetic particles / cells / molecules, other particles or sedimentary components (the liquid having a uniform concentration of magnetic particles / cells / molecules, other particles or sedimentary components).

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the movement of the container is designed to keep particles, cells, molecules, or sedimentary components contained in the internal space suspended so that sedimentation at the bottom of the container can be prevented. Furthermore, the mixing or stirring process is improved by keeping particles suspended freely in the container and / or by preventing or reducing the clumping of beads. Advantageously, the biochemical reaction in the mixing apparatus, i.e., the immobilization of biomolecules, is improved by allowing magnetic particles to suspend freely and / or avoiding the sedimentation of magnetic particles.

[0045] In the context of the present invention, the term biomolecule may be understood to mean DNA, RNA, nucleic acids, proteins, start sequences, monomers, or other biologically active molecules. Such biomolecules may be processed in a mixing apparatus according to the present invention and introduced (preferably into a liquid) into a container according to the present invention. The processing may, among other things, have a washing step and / or a reaction step, and may be carried out using magnetic particles. In the context of the present invention, the washing step is a step of the method in which the liquid is removed from the container after mixing, in particular, impurities are separated and removed from the magnetic particles having attached biomolecules. The washing step may also include rinsing with a rinsing fluid. In the context of the present invention, the reaction step is a step of the method in which the biomolecules bound to the magnetic particles are transformed, bound to the particles, or extended (chain extension, e.g., PCR: polymerase chain reaction). Impurities are understood here to be substances that have not fully reacted with or bound to the magnetic particles, solvents, by-products, and contaminants, as well as mixtures of two or more of the above.

[0046] In the context of the present invention, the liquid or contents may be a solution or suspension, in particular a mixture of a liquid and magnetic particles, or a reaction mixture of biomolecules and / or reagents and / or impurities.

[0047] In the context of this invention, “magnetic beads” may be understood to mean particles in the range of micrometers or millimeters. Furthermore, magnetic particles may be porous. Biomolecules may be bonded to the surface of 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 may also be coated nickel particles or any other ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles. Magnetic particles typically have a diameter of about 1 micrometer. In the context of this invention, about 1 micrometer is understood to mean 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers, particularly 0.7 to 1.3 micrometers, and especially preferably 0.9 to 1.1 micrometers.

[0048] The magnetic particles described above may therefore be functionalized magnetic particles that bind to biomolecules such as DNA in the sample material. Subsequently, they can be immobilized by magnetic force and thus separated from the reagent solution. This is removed, and then the biomolecules can be detached from the particles. The magnetic particles should preferably be added in precise amounts. This is made possible by the apparatus and method according to the present invention. This mixing apparatus can be used for preparation or in any enzymatic method containing 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 used further.

[0049] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the container according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the closing element according to the present invention. [Figure 2B]This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the closing element according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the mixing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a container according to the present invention having a lip-type check valve. [Figure 5] This is a side view of an embodiment of the container according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a side view of an embodiment of a container according to the present invention having a bulge. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the pipetting process according to the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the mixing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mixing apparatus according to the present invention, which has a device for removing liquid and a magnet. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] A mixing apparatus is, in particular, an apparatus having a container from which a liquid containing magnetic particles can be supplied under conditions that can be set and therefore as optimal as possible. The operation of a mixing apparatus is, therefore, an application of chemistry, biochemistry, or biotechnology, in particular, which enables chemical and biological processes or provides starting materials for them.

[0052] Factors that can be controlled or monitored in a mixing apparatus include the composition of the contents, gas supply, temperature, pH value, and sterility. A mixing apparatus may be useful for providing liquids containing magnetic particles / cells / molecules / other particles and / or sedimentary components at predetermined concentrations, or for obtaining and processing biomolecules. The processing and decomposition of compounds can also occur in a mixing apparatus.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a container 2 according to the present invention for a mixing device. The container 2 comprises an internal space 3 suitable for receiving contents such as a fluid 31. In this case, the container 2 also comprises an opening 4 and a closure element positioned in the opening 4 to close the opening 4.

[0054] In this case, the closing element comprises a first sealing element 10 having a first sealing surface 11, and a second sealing element 20 having a second sealing surface 21 facing the first sealing surface 11. The first sealing surface 11 and the second sealing surface 21 extend parallel to each other and face each other. The first sealing element 10 and the second sealing element 20 are movable, and as a result, the opening 4 can be opened or closed by the movement of the sealing surfaces 11 and 21.

[0055] In the right side of Figure 1, the opening 4 is closed, forming a slot 4, as the sealing surfaces 11 and 21 are in contact with each other or have a small gap between them. In the left side of Figure 1, the sealing surfaces 11 and 21 are further apart, and therefore the opening 4 is open.

[0056] Figure 2A shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the closing element 100 according to the present invention. The closing element 100 comprises a first sealing element 10 having a first sealing surface 11, and a second sealing element 20 having a second sealing surface 21 facing the first sealing surface 11. The first sealing surface 11 and the second sealing surface 21 face each other and extend parallel to each other and parallel to the linear / straight-line movement path S on the left side of Figure 2, i.e., when the opening 4 is closed.

[0057] Since the first sealing surface 11 and the second sealing surface 21 extend along the movement path S, the internal space of the container can be accessed through the opening 4 while the container is moved back and forth along the movement path S by a moving device (not shown here).

[0058] On the right side of Figure 2A, the opening 4 is opened so that a corresponding device 8, such as a pipette or syringe, is positioned between the sealing surfaces 11 and 21. By applying force to the sealing elements 10 and 20 with the corresponding device 8, the sealing elements 10 and 20 are bent apart, and as a result, the sealing surfaces 11 and 21 are moved apart. Since the sealing surfaces 11 and 21 extend along the movement path S, the corresponding device 8 can remain stationary while the container is moving, and the corresponding device 8 slides along the sealing surfaces 11 and 21, pushing them apart. In this case, the sealing elements 10 and 20 are elastic so that the sealing surfaces 11 and 21 are pushed apart completely only in the region where the corresponding device 8 is positioned linearly.

[0059] Figure 2B shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the closing element 100 according to the present invention. The closing element 100 comprises a first sealing element 10 having a first sealing surface 11, and a second sealing element 20 having a second sealing surface 21 facing the first sealing surface 11. The first sealing surface 11 and the second sealing surface 21 extend opposite and parallel to each other and parallel to the bent / curved movement path S when the opening 4 is closed (left side of Figure 2B) and open (right side of Figure 2B).

[0060] Since the first sealing surface 11 and the second sealing surface 21 extend along the movement path S, the internal space of the container can be accessed through the opening 4 while the container is moved back and forth along the movement path S by a moving device (not shown here).

[0061] On the right side of Figure 2B, the opening 4 is opened so that a corresponding device 8, such as a pipette or syringe, is positioned between the sealing surfaces 11 and 21. By applying force to the sealing elements 10 and 20 with the corresponding device 8, the sealing elements 10 and 20 are bent apart, and as a result, the sealing surfaces 11 and 21 are moved apart. Since the sealing surfaces 11 and 21 extend along the movement path S, the corresponding device 8 can remain stationary while the container is moving, and the corresponding device 8 slides along the sealing surfaces 11 and 21, pushing them apart. In this case, the sealing surfaces 11 and 21 are pushed apart completely along their entire length as long as the corresponding device 8 is positioned between the sealing surfaces 11 and 21.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the mixing apparatus 1 according to the present invention, comprising a container 2, the container 2 is illustrated here without a closing element. The mixing apparatus 1 further comprises a moving device 5, which is fixed to the container 2 by a fixing element 6 so that the container 2 can be moved by the moving device 5 along a movement path S.

[0063] In this case, the moving device 5 is configured as a roller 5 that rolls on the surface 51, and therefore moves the container 2 back and forth on the rail 50.

[0064] The liquid and multiple magnetic particles can be placed as contents in the internal space 3, for example, and the liquid and multiple magnetic particles can be mixed by moving the container 2 back and forth. In this case, a closure element, not shown here, works to prevent the contents from leaking out as the container 2 moves along the movement path S.

[0065] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a container 2 according to the present invention, which has a closing element 100 configured as a lip-type check valve 100.

[0066] In this case, the first sealing element 10 and the second sealing element 20 act as check flaps in the form of lips that taper like beaks into the internal space 3 of the container 2. In this case, the lips 10 and 20 are in contact with the sealing surfaces 11 and 21.

[0067] Figure 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of the container 2 according to the present invention. In this case, the liquid 31 is placed in the internal space 3 of the container 2, and the liquid is mixed by the movement of the container 2 indicated by arrows F1 and F2 in the left and right views of Figure 5.

[0068] The sealing element 100 prevents the liquid 31 from leaking out of the container 2 while the liquid 31 is being mixed by the movement of the container 2. In this case, the sealing element 100 is an element separate from the container 2, and it is attached to the container 2 and therefore positioned on the container wall of the container 2.

[0069] Figure 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of a container 2 according to the present invention having bulges 30. These bulges 30 reduce the undulation of the liquid 31 during movement indicated by arrow F1, as the bulges 30 act as a kind of wave breaker, and their curved edges bounce the liquid 31 back towards the center.

[0070] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the pipetting process according to the present invention and the method for using the mixing apparatus.

[0071] In the three examples in Figure 7, the container is moved. As the container 2 is moved, the pipette 8 is pushed into the lip-type check valve 100, and as a result, the sealing surfaces 11 and 21 are moved apart as the sealing elements 10 and 20 bend outward. In this way, the opening 4 is opened, and the pipette 8 enters the internal space 3 and can handle the liquid 31.

[0072] The pipette 8 receives a portion of the liquid 31 from the container 2, which can then be discharged from the internal space 3.

[0073] In this case, the introduction of pipette 8 is timed to coincide with the movement of container 2 so that pipette 8 is not introduced into the closure element 100 at the point marked with an "X" (also shown on the left side in Figure 7 and on the right side in Figure 5).

[0074] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the mixing apparatus 1 according to the present invention, which includes a container 2 having a closing element 100. The mixing apparatus 1 further includes a moving device 5, which is connected to the container 2 by a fixing element in the form of a container holder 52, so that the container 2 can be moved back and forth by the moving device 5.

[0075] In this case, the moving device 5 is a motor 5 that moves the container holder 52 using a gear 53.

[0076] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the mixing apparatus 1 according to the present invention, which has a pipette 8 and a magnet 7.

[0077] The mixing device 1 is equipped with a magnet 7, which is positioned in the container 2 such that magnetic particles 32 are fixed to the container 2. This allows the liquid 31 to be removed by the pipette 8 without the magnetic particles 22 after the pipette 8 has been introduced into the internal space 3 of the container 2 via the closure element 100. If the magnet 7 is not used, the liquid 31 can be removed along with magnetic particles 32 at a predetermined concentration.

[0078] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the above description, such illustrations and descriptions should be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and practiced by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by examining the drawings, this disclosure, and the dependent claims. In the claims, the word “equipped with” does not exclude any other element or step, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude the plural. The mere repetition of certain measurements in different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these measurements cannot be used advantageously. No reference numeral in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A container (2) having an internal space (3) for receiving contents (31, 32), comprising an opening (4) and a closing element (100) disposed in the opening (4) to close the opening (4), and A moving device (5), which is connected to the container (2) so that the container (2) can be moved by the moving device (5) along a moving path (S). A mixing apparatus comprising, The closing element (100) comprises a first sealing element (10) having a first sealing surface (11), and a second sealing element (20) having a second sealing surface (21) facing the first sealing surface (11). The first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (21) extend along the movement path (S), and the first sealing element (10) and / or the second sealing element (20) are movable such that the opening (4) can be opened and closed by the relative movement of the sealing surfaces (10, 20) to each other. Mixing equipment.

2. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (21) extend parallel to the movement path (S), and in particular, the first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (21) extend parallel to each other along the movement path (S).

3. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening (4) forms a slot when the closing element (100) is closed, and the slot extends parallel to the movement path (S).

4. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the closing element (100) is a valve (100), in particular a lip-type check valve (100).

5. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first sealing element (10) is configured as a first closing wall, and the second sealing element (20) is configured as a second closing wall.

6. The mixing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first and second closing walls each have first and second ends, each fixed to the container wall of the container (2) by the first end, and the second ends have a first sealing surface (11) or a second sealing surface (21), and the closing walls converge from their first ends, so that the first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (21) are in contact with each other.

7. The mixing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of the closing wall decreases from the first end to the second end.

8. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sealing surfaces (11, 21) have substantially rectangular surfaces.

9. A mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first sealing element (10) and the second sealing element (20) are in contact with each other, thereby closing the opening (4), and the first sealing element (10) and / or the second sealing element (20) are bendable such that the opening (4) can be opened by bending the first sealing element (10) and / or the second sealing element (20).

10. A mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a device (8) for supplying and / or discharging the contents, wherein the device is movable between the first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (21) so that the opening (4) can be opened and the contents (31, 32) can be supplied and / or discharged.

11. A mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a magnet (7), wherein the magnet (7) can be positioned in the container (2) such that magnetic particles (32) that can be introduced into the internal space (3) can be fixed to the container (2).

12. The mixing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the magnet (7) is a permanent magnet and / or an electromagnet.

13. A container for a mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Internal space (3) for receiving contents (31, 32), Opening (4), and Closing element (100) to be placed in the opening (4) in order to close the opening (4) Equipped with, The closing element (100) comprises a first sealing element (10) having a first sealing surface (11), and a second sealing element (20) having a second sealing surface (20) facing the first sealing surface (11), The first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (21) extend opposite to each other, and the first sealing element (10) and / or the second sealing element (20) are movable such that the opening (4) can be opened and closed by the relative movement of the sealing surfaces (10, 20) to each other. container.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein the first sealing element (10) and / or the second sealing element (20) can be bent such that the opening (4) can be opened by bending the first sealing element (10) and / or the second sealing element (20).

15. The container according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the closing element (100) is a valve (100), particularly a lip-type check valve (100).

16. The container according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising retaining elements (6, 52), wherein the container (2) can be connected to a mobile device (5) by the retaining elements (6, 52).

17. The container according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein a liquid (31) and a plurality of magnetic particles (32) or cells are arranged in the internal space (3).

18. A method for using the mixing apparatus (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 12, a) The step of moving the container (2) along the movement path (S) using the moving device (5), b) The step of removing a portion of the contents (31, 32) while the container (2) is moving along the transport path (S) Methods that include...

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, in order to remove a portion of the contents (31, 32), a device for supplying and / or discharging the contents (31, 32) is moved between the first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (21), and as a result, the opening (4) is opened.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the first sealing element (10) and the second sealing element (20) are in contact with each other, thereby closing the opening (4), and the first sealing element (10) and / or the second sealing element (20) are bent by a supply and / or discharge device (8) so as to open the opening (4).

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the contents (31, 32) include magnetic particles (32) and liquid (31), and the magnetic particles (32) and liquid (31) are mixed in the internal space (3).

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