Soaking treatment method, soaking treatment apparatus, and container support

Abstract

To provide a soaking treatment method and device with excellent workability.SOLUTION: A soaking treatment method comprises: a unification step of attaching a tray 1 containing a medium S on which a plant P is planted to a container support 10 and unifying it as a plant unit U such that the plant P is vertically above tray 1; a soaking step of containing the plant unit U in a decompression container with the plant P vertically below the tray 1 and soaking only the plant P without soaking the tray 1 in a suspension containing a microorganism or fine particle stored in the decompression container; a depressurization step of sealing the decompression container containing the plant unit U and reducing the pressure inside the decompression container; a decompression release step of releasing decompression of the decompression container; and a removal step of removing the plant unit U from the decompression container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment for infiltrating a plant with a genetically modified microorganism or microparticles or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a kind of transient expression method for producing a target substance in a plant or the like using genetic recombination technology, a method called vacuum infiltration method is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a system for infiltrating a macromolecule or a microorganism into a plant tissue, which includes a chamber for accommodating the plant tissue, a pressure reducing means for reducing the pressure in the chamber, a discharge valve in fluid communication with the chamber, and a control device for cooperatively operating the discharge valve and the pressure reducing means. According to this system, the pressure in the chamber is reduced from the starting pressure to the target pressure, maintained at the target pressure for a predetermined time, and rapidly restored from the target pressure to the atmospheric pressure within a predetermined period, so that the macromolecule or the microorganism is infiltrated into the plant tissue.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the infiltration treatment of plants by the vacuum infiltration method, usually, only the plant body planted in the medium on the planting container is immersed in the suspension. As the procedure, for example, the plant body together with the planting container is turned upside down so that the plant body is in a posture positioned vertically downward with respect to the planting container, and only the plant body is immersed in the suspension in this posture. For such work, work efficiency is required.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a immersion treatment method and apparatus with excellent workability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a method for impregnating a plant body with genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules, or other fine particles, comprising: an integration step of unitizing a plant unit by attaching a planting container containing a culture medium in which the plant body is planted to a container support in a position where the plant body is positioned vertically upward relative to the planting container; and a step of housing the plant unit in a vacuum container in a position where the plant body is positioned vertically downward relative to the planting container, and storing in the vacuum container , genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules or other The process includes: an immersion step in which only the plant body is immersed in a suspension containing fine particles, without immersing the planting container; a depressurization step in which a vacuum container containing the plant unit is sealed and the pressure inside the vacuum container is reduced; a depressurization release step in which the pressure inside the vacuum container is released; and a removal step in which the plant unit is removed from inside the vacuum container. The container support has a support section that supports the plant container in a position where the plant body is positioned vertically upward relative to the plant container, and a plurality of side sections that are rotatably provided on the support section between a box shape and an unfolded shape, and which have communication holes formed therein that allow the passage of a suspension. In the integration process, the plant container is supported on the support section with the plurality of side sections in the unfolded shape, and the plurality of side sections are rotated to form a box shape, and the plant container is sandwiched between the side sections and the support section, thereby attaching the plant container to the container support and forming a unit. .

[0007] The present invention is an infiltration apparatus for infiltrating a plant body with genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules, or other fine particles, comprising a container support unit to which a planting container containing a culture medium in which the plant body is planted is attached, Genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules or other The system comprises a vacuum container that stores a suspension containing fine particles, and houses a container support so that the plant body is positioned vertically downward relative to the planting container, with a portion of the container support immersed in the suspension along with the plant body; a vacuum unit that reduces the pressure inside the vacuum container; a lifting mechanism that pulls the container support out of the suspension; and a transport mechanism that moves the container support, which has been lifted by the lifting mechanism, to a position horizontally away from the vertically above the vacuum container. picture , The container support has a support part that supports the plant container in a position where the plant body is positioned vertically upward relative to the plant container, and a plurality of side parts provided on the support part that are rotatable between a box shape and an unfolded shape. The container support is transformable between a box state in which the plant container is attached to the container support and formed into a unit by rotating the side parts into a box shape while the plant container is supported on the support part, thereby clamping the plant container between the side parts and the support part, and an unfolded state in which the plurality of side parts rotate from a box shape to an unfolded shape, allowing the plant container to be attached to and detached from the container support. .

[0008] The present invention Contains in the suspensionA container support unit attached to a planting container containing a culture medium in which a plant body impregnated with genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules, or other fine particles is planted, comprising a support part that supports the planting container in a position where the plant body is positioned vertically upward relative to the planting container, and a part provided on the support part that can rotate between a box shape and an unfolded shape. be The container support is equipped with multiple sides, and is transformable into a box state in which the planting container is attached to the container support and unitized by rotating the sides into a box shape while the planting container is supported by the support and clamping the planting container between the sides and the support, and an unfolded state in which the multiple sides rotate from a box shape to an unfolded shape and the planting container can be attached to and detached from the container support. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the workability of impregnation treatment of plant bodies with genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules, or other fine particles is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a plant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the configuration of an infiltration treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a container support according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a vacuum vessel and vacuum unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a side view of a lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a transport mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the procedure of an infiltration treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the case where the container support is in an unfolded state. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the procedure of an immersion treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the container support in a state where it is housed in the immersion container. [Figure 9]It is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the infiltration treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining the step of lifting the plant unit. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the infiltration treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing the state where the plant unit is lifted. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the infiltration treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining the step of transferring the plant unit to the transport mechanism.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an infiltration treatment method, an infiltration treatment apparatus 100, and a container support 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, the scale and shape of each component are appropriately changed or omitted, and are not necessarily strictly illustrated.

[0012] The infiltration treatment according to the present embodiment is a vacuum infiltration treatment (hereinafter, also referred to as "VAI treatment") known as a technique of a transient expression method for temporarily expressing a target substance in a plant body P using genetic recombination technology. In the VAI treatment, a target recombinant microorganism, macromolecule or other fine particles (hereinafter, collectively simply referred to as "microorganisms, etc.") are infiltrated into the plant body P, thereby infecting the cells in the plant body P with the microorganisms, etc. By acclimating and cultivating the plant body P infected with the microorganisms, etc. under a predetermined environment for a predetermined period after the VAI treatment, the target substance is expressed in the plant body P. By harvesting, extracting and purifying the transient expression-treated plant thus produced, the target substance serving as a raw material for biopharmaceuticals and the like is obtained.

[0013] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an infiltration treatment is performed on the plant body P planted in the culture medium S accommodated in the tray 1 (planting container).

[0014] The tray 1 is a cell tray with an outer shape formed in a substantially rectangular shape and provided with a plurality of pots 2 for accommodating the culture medium S. Each pot 2 opens to the planting surface 1a which is the upper surface of the cell tray. The culture medium S is accommodated in each pot 2, and the plant body P is planted in the culture medium S. Note that the planting container is not limited to the tray 1 which is a cell tray, and can have any configuration as long as it can accommodate the culture medium S and plant the plant body P in the culture medium S. For example, the planting container may be an independent single pot 2 or a hydroponic container (planter). Also, the infiltration treatment of the present embodiment may be performed using a plurality of planting containers.

[0015] Any plant can be used as the plant body P, for example, tobacco is used. Also, the culture medium S can use planting soil, artificial culture medium, resin, etc. Also, the culture medium S is not limited to a solid culture medium, and may be liquid, for example, in hydroponics.

[0016] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the container support 10 and the infiltration treatment apparatus 100 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the infiltration treatment apparatus 100 includes a container support 10 to which the tray 1 is attached and unitized, a decompression container 20 in which a suspension L (see FIG. 4) containing microorganisms and the like that express a target substance in the plant body P by infiltrating the plant body P is stored, a decompression unit 30 for decompressing the inside of the decompression container 20, a lifting mechanism 40 for lifting the container support 10 immersed in the suspension L from the suspension L, and a transport mechanism 50 for moving the container support 10 lifted by the lifting mechanism 40 to a position horizontally away from directly above the decompression container 20 in the vertical direction.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the container support 10 includes a support portion 11 that supports the tray 1 in a position where the plant body P is positioned vertically upward relative to the tray 1, a plurality of side portions 12 that are rotatably provided on the support portion 11 between a box shape and an unfolded shape and have communication holes 12a formed therein that allow the suspension L to pass through, a lid portion 13 that is attached to the side portions 12 on the opposite side of the support portion 11, and a locking portion 14 provided on the support portion 11 to which the lifting mechanism 40 is locked.

[0019] The support portion 11 is a rectangular frame formed to correspond to the rectangular outer shape of the tray 1. The support portion 11 has an opening 11a through which multiple pots 2 of the tray 1 pass.

[0020] The side sections 12 are provided in four positions, corresponding to the sides of the rectangular (square) shape of the tray 1 and the support section 11 of the container support 10, so as to surround the tray 1 from all four sides. The side sections 12 are grid-like (mesh-like) metal plates with multiple communication holes 12a formed therein, and the ends corresponding to one side of the square shape are rotatably and detachably attached to the support section 11 via hinge sections 15. As described later, when the plant unit U, which integrates the tray 1 and the container support 10, is immersed in the suspension L, the suspension L penetrates into the inside of the four side sections 12 through the communication holes 12a, and as a result the plant body P surrounded by the side sections 12 is also immersed in the suspension L.

[0021] The four side sections 12 rotate between a box shape and an unfolded shape. The box shape is a state in which each side section 12 rises up relative to the tray 1 so as to be perpendicular to the planting surface 1a, and pairs of side sections 12 face each other parallel to one another (as shown in Figures 1 and 3). In other words, the box shape is a state in which the four side sections 12 form a square cylindrical shape. The box shape is maintained when adjacent side sections 12 are connected by connectors 16 while the box shape is formed.

[0022] The unfolded shape is a state in which each side portion 12 has rotated from the box shape, and the four side portions 12 extend horizontally in all four directions from the support portion 11.

[0023] The container support 10 is configured such that the tray 1 is attached to the container support 10 and the tray 1 is attached to the container support 10 by forming the side portion 12 into a box shape (see Figure 1). Furthermore, the container support 10 can be configured such that the tray 1 can be attached to the container support 10 and removed by rotating the multiple side portions 12 from the box shape to an unfolded shape (see Figure 7). The method of attaching the tray 1 to the container support 10 will be described later.

[0024] The lid portion 13, like the side portion 12, is a grid-like (mesh-like) metal plate with multiple communication holes 13a formed therein, and is provided at the end of the side portion 12 opposite to the support portion 11 when the side portion 12 is in a box shape. The lid portion 13 is connected to at least one of the four side portions 12 that make up the box shape via a connector 17, and is provided at the box-shaped (cylindrical) opening of the side portion 12 opposite to the support portion 11.

[0025] The support portion 11 is provided with a pair of locking portions 14. The locking portions 14 are formed in a substantially U-shape, and both ends are connected to two opposing sides of the rectangular support portion 11. The locking portions 14 protrude from the support portion 11 in a direction perpendicular to the planting surface 1a of the support portion 11, in the opposite direction to the side portion 12.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the vacuum container 20 comprises an outer container 21 in which a containment space 21a is formed, and an immersion container 23 housed in the containment space 21a of the outer container 21 for storing a suspension L containing microorganisms, etc. The outer container 21 is constructed to have sufficient durability to withstand the vacuum process described later, and is made of, for example, metal such as stainless steel, reinforced plastic, acrylic, etc.

[0027] The outer container 21 has an openable and closable container lid 22, and the container lid 22 is provided with a sealing material (not shown) that seals the space between it and the container portion of the outer container 21. As a result, when the container lid 22 is closed, the sealing material is pressed against the container portion of the outer container 21 by the weight of the container lid 22, and the containment space 21a is sealed. The container lid 22 is configured to be held open by, for example, a support mechanism (not shown). The container lid 22 may be opened and closed manually by a person, or it may be configured to be opened and closed automatically by an opening and closing mechanism (not shown). The vacuum container 20 may also be provided with a clamp (not shown) that holds the container lid 22 in a closed position by sandwiching it between the container lid 22 and the outer container 21.

[0028] Thus, by configuring the vacuum container 20 so that an immersion container 23 is provided inside the outer container 21, the amount of suspension L can be reduced compared to the case where the immersion container 23 is not provided and the suspension L is directly stored in the outer container 21. Alternatively, the vacuum container 20 may consist only of the outer container 21, with the outer container 21 also serving the function of the immersion container 23.

[0029] The depressurization unit 30 includes a vacuum pump 31 for sucking gas from inside the depressurization container 20, a depressurization line 32 connected to the vacuum pump 31 and connected to the containment space 21a inside the outer container 21 of the depressurization container 20, a vacuum release line 33 connected to the containment space 21a inside the outer container 21 of the depressurization container 20 and opening the containment space 21a to the atmosphere, a pressure gauge 36 for measuring the pressure inside the containment space 21a of the depressurization container 20, and a control device 37 for controlling the operation of the depressurization unit 30.

[0030] The vacuum pump 31 sucks gas from the containment space 21a inside the outer container 21 of the vacuum container 20 through the vacuum line 32, thereby reducing the pressure in the containment space 21a.

[0031] The pressure reduction line 32 and the vacuum breaking line 33 are constructed from steel pipes, flexible pipes, or pressure-resistant hoses. The pressure reduction line 32 is provided with a first on-off valve 34 for opening and closing the pressure reduction line 32. The vacuum breaking line 33 is also provided with a second on-off valve 35 for opening and closing the vacuum breaking line 33. The first on-off valve 34 and the second on-off valve 35 are both manually operated on-off valves. Note that the first on-off valve 34 and the second on-off valve 35 may also be control valves whose operation is controlled by a control device 37. A known vacuum pump 31 can be used, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0032] It is desirable that the depressurization line 32 and the vacuum breaking line 33 open into the containment space 21a vertically above the liquid level of the suspension L in the immersion container 23 of the depressurization container 20. This prevents the suspension L that spills out of the immersion container 23 from entering the depressurization line 32 and the vacuum breaking line 33.

[0033] The pressure gauge 36 is installed on the pressure reduction line 32 on the side of the housing space 21a of the pressure reduction container 20, relative to the first on-off valve 34.

[0034] The control device 37 is composed of a computer equipped with a CPU or other arithmetic processing unit, a memory device, etc. The memory device pre-stores programs, applications, etc., and the CPU executes these to perform the various functions of the control device 37 described herein. The control device 37 may be configured as a single device, or it may be divided into multiple devices, with each control being distributed among these multiple devices.

[0035] The control device 37 has an input unit 37a that receives operation input from the operator. The control device 37 controls the operation of the vacuum pump 31 in accordance with the operation input received through the input unit 37a.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the lifting mechanism 40 includes a winch 41 for winding up a rope (or chain) 41a, which has a locking portion 42 at its tip that locks onto a locking portion 14 of the container support 10, and a support frame 45 for supporting the winch 41. The winch 41 is configured to raise and lower the container support 10, which is locked to the locking portion 42 at the tip of the rope 41a, vertically by paying out and winding up the rope 41a.

[0037] The locking portion 42 at the end of the rope 41a has a connecting bar 43 connected to the rope 41a and a hook portion 44 provided on the connecting bar 43 that can be locked onto the locking portion 14 of the container support 10. In this embodiment, two sets of a pair of hook portions 44 corresponding to a pair of locking portions 14 are provided (see Figures 2 and 5). As shown in Figure 5, the hook portion 44 is rotatably attached to the connecting bar 43 and can be switched between a state in which it can be locked onto the locking portion 14 of the container support 10 (solid line in the figure) and a state in which it is released (dashed line in the figure) by rotating it.

[0038] The winch 41 is a manual type in which the rope 41a is extended and retracted by operating the handle 41b. Alternatively, the winch 41 may be an automatic type driven by a motor or other drive source controlled by a control device. Furthermore, the winch 41 is configured to stop the extension and retraction of the rope 41a, thereby holding the container support 10 in a predetermined position.

[0039] The support frame 45 is formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped, and is configured to be movable by, for example, attaching casters (wheels) 45a.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the transport mechanism 50 includes a support base 51 on which the container support 10 is placed, a support frame 52 that supports the support base 51, and a slide rail 55 that guides the movement of the support base 51 relative to the support frame 52.

[0041] The slide rail 55 has a fixed rail 56 attached to the top of the support frame 52 and a movable rail 57 attached to the base 51 and slidably engaged with the fixed rail 56. The slide rail 55 extends and retracts as the movable rail 57 slides relative to the fixed rail 56. As a result, the base 51 can move horizontally relative to the support frame 52 by the slide rail 55. The base 51 can move from a state where it is positioned on top of the support frame 52 to a state where the entire base 51 protrudes horizontally from the support frame 52 (as shown in Figure 6).

[0042] The support frame 52, like the support frame 52 of the lifting mechanism 40, is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is configured to be movable by, for example, attaching casters (wheels) 52a.

[0043] Furthermore, the support frame 52 is provided with an anti-tipping section 58 to prevent the support frame 52 from tipping over due to the support base 51 protruding horizontally from the support frame 52 (extending the slide rail 55). The anti-tipping section 58 is provided on each of the two legs on the side from which the support base 51 protrudes, and is a U-shaped member that protrudes in the direction from which the support base 51 protrudes. As a result, even if a rotational moment acts on the support frame 52 due to the support base 51 protruding from the support frame 52, the anti-tipping section 58 contacts the ground, preventing the support frame 52 from tipping over.

[0044] Next, the infiltration treatment method of this embodiment will be described, mainly with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Note that in Figures 8 to 11, the plant bodies P in the plant unit U are not shown.

[0045] The immersion treatment method of this embodiment includes an integration step of attaching a tray 1 to a container support 10 to unitize it as a plant unit U; an immersion step of placing the plant unit U in a vacuum container 20 and immersing the plant body P planted in the tray 1 in a suspension L; a depressurization step of sealing the vacuum container 20 containing the plant unit U and reducing the pressure inside the vacuum container 20; a depressurization release step of releasing the pressure inside the vacuum container 20; and a removal step of removing the plant unit U from inside the vacuum container 20.

[0046] [Integration process] In the integration process, first, as shown in Figure 7, the container support 10 is placed on the ground so that the locking portion 14 (see Figure 3) is on the ground side (relatively vertically downward), and the four side portions 12 are unfolded to put the container support 10 in the unfolded state. Then, with the plant body P in an upward position relative to the tray 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "upright position"), the outer edge 1b of the tray 1 is placed on the support portion 11, and the tray 1 is supported by the support portion 11.

[0047] Next, with the tray 1 supported by the support portion 11, the unfolded side portions 12 are rotated to form a box shape, and adjacent side portions 12 are connected with connectors 16. By rotating the side portions 12 from the unfolded shape to the box shape, the outer edge portion 1b of the tray 1, which is supported by the support portion 11, is sandwiched between the support portion 11 and the end of the side portion 12 (see Figure 1). In this way, the tray 1 is attached to the container support 10, and the tray 1 and the container support 10 are integrated as a plant unit U. In the integrated state as a plant unit U, even if the upright position is reversed and the plant body P is positioned vertically below the tray 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "inverted position"), the container support 10 remains attached to the tray 1 without being separated.

[0048] Once the container support 10 is attached to the tray 1 in this manner, the lid 13 is attached to the opening at the top of the container support 10 (see Figure 1).

[0049] As described above, the container support 10 transforms between a box state in which the tray 1 is attached to the container support 10 and unitized by rotating the side portion 12 into a box shape with the tray 1 supported by the support portion 11 and clamping the tray 1 between the side portion 12 and the support portion 11, and an unfolded state in which the multiple side portions 12 rotate from a box shape to an unfolded shape, and the tray 1 can be attached to and detached from the container support 10.

[0050] [Soaking process] In the integration process, when the tray 1 is attached to the container support 10 to form the plant unit U, the tray 1 is in an upright position (as shown in Figure 1). In the immersion process, first, the container support 10 (for example, the locking part 14) is grasped and the orientation of the plant unit U is inverted so that the tray 1 is in an inverted position. This operation may be performed manually by an operator or automated by an inversion device or the like.

[0051] Next, the container lid 22 of the outer container 21 of the vacuum container 20 is opened, and the plant unit U is placed inside the immersion container 23 of the vacuum container 20 with the tray 1 in an inverted position. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the plant unit U is placed inside the immersion container 23 so that the lid 13 of the container support 10 is placed on the bottom of the immersion container 23. In this state, the plant body P of the plant unit U and a part of the container support 10 (specifically, the lid 13 and a part of each side 12) are immersed in the suspension L inside the immersion container 23, while the tray 1, a part of the side 12 of the container support 10, the support part 11 and the locking part 14 of the container support 10 are not immersed in the suspension L and are exposed to the outside.

[0052] The process of placing the plant unit U into the depressurized container 20 may be performed manually by an operator or automated by equipment. For example, the plant unit U can be easily moved by gripping the locking portion 42. Alternatively, if the process is performed manually, the lifting mechanism 40 may be used.

[0053] Once the plant unit U is placed inside the vacuum container 20, the container lid 22 of the vacuum container 20 is closed. By closing the container lid 22, the weight of the container lid 22 seals the containment space 21a of the vacuum container 20.

[0054] [Decompression process] Once the immersion process is complete, the depressurization unit 30 is activated to rapidly reduce the pressure in the containment space 21a of the depressurization container 20 to a predetermined target pressure. Specifically, the first on-off valve 34 of the depressurization line 32 of the depressurization unit 30 is opened to open the depressurization line 32, and the vacuum pump 31 is activated via the control device 37 to suck gas from the containment space 21a through the depressurization line 32. At this time, the second on-off valve 35 is closed. As a result, the pressure inside the containment space 21a is reduced.

[0055] When the pressure gauge 36 confirms that the pressure in the containment space 21a has been reduced to the target pressure, the first on-off valve 34 is closed to stop the operation of the vacuum pump 31, and the reduced pressure state at the target pressure is maintained for a predetermined time.

[0056] [Depressurization release process] After a predetermined time has elapsed with the containment space 21a under reduced pressure, the second on-off valve 35 is opened, rapidly restoring the pressure inside the containment space 21a to atmospheric pressure (vacuum breaking). As a result, microorganisms in the suspension L infiltrate the voids within the plant body P, and the plant body P becomes infected with microorganisms.

[0057] [Removal process] Once the depressurization release process is complete, the container lid 22 of the depressurization container 20 is opened and the plant unit U is removed from the depressurization container 20. Specifically, first, as shown in Figure 9, the lifting mechanism 40 is positioned around the depressurization container 20 so that the locking portion 42 of the lifting mechanism 40 is positioned above the locked portion 14 of the container support 10 (dashed line in the figure). Then, the rope 41a is paid out to lower the locking portion 42 to a position where the hook portion 44 of the locking portion 42 can be locked to the locked portion 14 of the container support 10, and the hook portion 44 is rotated to lock it to the locked portion 14 of the container support 10 (solid line in the figure). In this state, the rope 41a is wound up by the winch 41, and as shown in Figure 10, the plant unit U is pulled upward and removed from the suspension L.

[0058] Next, the plant unit U is removed from the suspension L and held above the suspension L (as shown in Figure 10) for a predetermined time. This allows the suspension L attached to the plant body P to fall downward towards the immersion container 23, enabling the suspension L to be drained from the plant body P (drainage process).

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 11, the transport mechanism 50 is moved to a predetermined position, and the slide rail 55 of the transport mechanism 50 is extended to move the support base 51 below the plant unit U held by the lifting mechanism 40. In this state, the winch 41 of the lifting mechanism 40 slightly pays out the rope 41a, the plant unit U (container support 10) is placed on the support base 51, and the hook portion 44 of the rope 41a is rotated to detach it from the locking portion 42 of the container support 10. The plant unit U may be placed directly on the support base 51, or it may be placed and housed in another container 59 such as a food container placed on the support base 51, as shown in Figure 6.

[0060] Then, the slide rail 55 of the transport mechanism 50 is retracted to move the support base 51 above the support frame 52. In this way, the plant unit U is transferred from the depressurized container 20 to the transport mechanism 50.

[0061] The plant unit U, once transferred to the transport mechanism 50, is covered with a surrounding cover (not shown), and the entire unit, along with the support frame 52 of the transport mechanism 50, is moved to the environment for acclimatization cultivation.

[0062] The container support 10 can be attached to and detached from tray 1 by following the reverse procedure of the installation (mounting) process. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0063] This completes the immersion treatment in this embodiment.

[0064] According to the above embodiments, the following effects and advantages are achieved.

[0065] In this embodiment, a unitized plant unit U is formed by attaching the tray 1 to the container support 10. Therefore, by gripping the container support 10, tasks such as gripping, inverting, and moving the tray 1 become easier. This improves the work efficiency of the immersion treatment.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container support 10 forms a box shape with four side portions 12 having communication holes 12a that surround the plant body P from all sides. By providing such side portions 12, the height to which the plant body P is immersed in the suspension L can be easily determined by placing the container support 10 inside the immersion container 23. In addition, the side portions 12 can prevent the plant body P from coming into contact with the immersion container 23 when it is being placed in or removed from the immersion container 23. Furthermore, by providing the lid portion 13, even if the plant body P falls out of the culture medium S on the tray 1 when the plant unit U is being placed in or removed from the immersion container 23, the lid portion 13 can catch on it, preventing the plant body P from falling into the immersion container 23.

[0067] Furthermore, generally, equipment that comes into contact with a suspension L containing microorganisms, etc., needs to be inactivated by a predetermined method afterward. For this reason, it is necessary to avoid as much as possible the scattering of the suspension L and its adhesion to surrounding equipment, tools, workers' clothing, etc. In contrast, in this embodiment, a lifting mechanism 40 is used to lift (remove) the plant unit U from the immersion container 23, and a transport mechanism 50 is used for subsequent transport. This allows the plant unit U to be moved more stably compared to when the removal of the plant body P from the immersion container 23 (suspension L) and subsequent transport are performed manually, thereby reducing the risk of scattering of the suspension L. In addition, since the plant unit U is relatively heavy, using the lifting mechanism 40 and the transport mechanism 50 can reduce labor compared to when workers perform the work directly by hand.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hook portion 14 of the container support 10 to which the hook portion 44 of the rope 41a of the lifting mechanism 40 is locked remains exposed and is not immersed in the suspension L even when the plant unit U is placed in the immersion container 23. Therefore, when placing the plant unit U into and removing it from the immersion container 23, the hook portion 44 of the rope 41a does not need to be immersed in the suspension L, thereby reducing the risk of the suspension L scattering.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plant unit U is lifted from the suspension L by the lifting mechanism 40 and held for a predetermined time to perform deliquency. This allows for deliquency with less effort compared to holding heavy objects manually. In addition, since the deliqued suspension L falls towards the immersion container 23 for collection, splashing of the suspension L during deliquency can also be suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the scattering of the suspension L is suppressed during the removal and transport of the plant body P from the immersion container 23, and the scattering of the suspension L is also suppressed during the draining process. Therefore, the loss of the suspension L, and consequently the microorganisms contained therein, can be reduced, and utilization efficiency can be increased. Generally, the preparation of the suspension L requires many steps and can be expensive. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the loss of the suspension L (microorganisms, etc.) is reduced, and the number of steps and costs can be reduced.

[0071] Although this embodiment has been described above, the following modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the configurations shown in the modifications with the configurations described in the above embodiment, or to combine the configurations described in the following different modifications.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the process from immersion to removal includes manual work by an operator as appropriate. In contrast, the process from immersion to removal may be automated by a device. When these processes are automated, although not shown in the figures, the immersion treatment device 100 further includes, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, an inversion device for inverting the plant unit U between an upright and inverted position, a moving mechanism for moving the support frames 52 of the lifting mechanism 40 and the conveying mechanism 50, respectively, and a lid opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the container lid 22 of the pressure reducing container 20. In the pressure reducing unit 30, the result of the pressure gauge 36 is input to the control device, and control valves controlled by the control device are used for the first on-off valve 34 and the second on-off valve 35. The control device referred to here may be the control device 37 of the pressure reducing unit 30, or it may be a different control device. The operation of each component of the immersion treatment device 100 is controlled by the control device.

[0073] With this configuration, the immersion process can be automated by using an inversion device to invert the plant unit U, using a lid opening / closing mechanism to open the container lid 22 of the depressurization container 20, using a lifting mechanism 40 to house the plant unit U in the immersion container 23, and using the lid opening / closing mechanism to close the container lid 22.

[0074] Furthermore, during the depressurization process, the first on-off valve 34 is opened to drive the vacuum pump 31, and when the pressure gauge 36 detects the target pressure, the first on-off valve 34 is closed and the depressurized state is maintained for a predetermined time by a timer inside the control device. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the second on-off valve 35 is opened to release the depressurized state.

[0075] Furthermore, in the removal process, the container lid 22 of the vacuum container 20 is opened by the lid opening / closing mechanism, the lifting mechanism 40 is activated to lift the plant unit U and drain the liquid, and the conveying mechanism 50 and the lifting mechanism 40 are activated to transfer the plant unit U to the conveying mechanism 50.

[0076] By doing so, the entire process from immersion to removal can be automated.

[0077] Furthermore, when the container lid 22 of the outer container 21 of the decompression container 20 is opened and closed manually, a damper or ratchet stay is provided to support the container lid 22, which is a heavy object, making it easier to open and close the container lid 22 and preventing it from falling suddenly due to its weight.

[0078] Furthermore, although the container support 10 is equipped with a lid 13, the lid 13 is not essential. Also, the configuration of the container support 10 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, as long as it is configured so that it does not separate from the tray 1 when the tray 1 is in an upright position or an inverted position.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support portion 11 of the container support 10 is formed in a rectangular shape to correspond to the rectangular outer shape of the tray 1. However, the outer shape of the tray 1 is not limited to a rectangle, and may be any shape such as a polygon or a circle. In this case, the support portion 11 should be formed to correspond to the outer shape of the tray 1. For example, the support portion 11 may be formed in a circular shape, and the container support 10 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the side portion 12 and the lid portion 13 are metal plate members formed in a grid (mesh) pattern. However, the side portion 12 and the lid portion 13 are not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, as long as they are configured to allow the suspension to pass through. For example, the side portion 12 and the lid portion 13 may not be grid-patterned, but rather plate members with one or more communication holes 12a formed therein. Alternatively, the side portion 12 and the lid portion 13 may not have communication holes 12a, and may be configured to have gaps between the side portions 12 and / or between the side portions 12 and the lid portion 13, allowing the suspension L to pass through. In other words, when the container support 10 is placed inside the suspension L in a box state, it is sufficient that the inside and outside of the container support 10 are connected so that the suspension L is guided into the inside. Moreover, the side portion 12 and the lid portion 13 are not limited to metal, but may be made of resin, for example, and their material is not limited.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vacuum container 20 has a so-called top-opening configuration, where the top plate portion of the rectangular parallelepiped shape is configured as the container lid portion 22. However, the configuration of the vacuum container 20 is not limited to this, and it may also have a so-called side-opening configuration, where a part of the side other than the top plate and bottom plate portions is opened and closed. When the vacuum container 20 has a side-opening configuration, it is desirable to provide a sliding mechanism that slides the immersion container 23 along one horizontal direction and moves it both inside and outside the vacuum container 20. In this case, the immersion container 23 is moved to the outside of the vacuum container 20 by the sliding mechanism, and the container support 10 is to be accommodated and lifted up by the lifting mechanism 40 relative to the immersion container 23, similar to the above embodiment.

[0082] Furthermore, the decompression line 32 may be equipped with a filter to capture aerosolized suspension L (microorganisms, etc.). Additionally, pressure gauges 36 may be installed before and after the filter to monitor the pressure difference and confirm the filter's blockage status.

[0083] Furthermore, during the liquid removal process, vibration or airflow may be applied to the plant unit U to improve the efficiency of liquid removal.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments only represent a part of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100 Immersion treatment device P plant body S culture medium U Plant Unit 1 Tray (planting container) 10 Container support 11 Support part 12 Side 12a Communication hole 14 Locked part 20 Vacuum container 30 Pressure Reducing Units 40 Lifting mechanism 50 Conveying mechanism

Claims

1. A treatment method for impregnating a plant body with genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules, or other fine particles, The process of integrating the planting container containing the culture medium in which the plant bodies are planted, by attaching the plant bodies to a container support in a position where the plant bodies are positioned vertically upward relative to the planting container, thereby unitizing them as a plant unit, The plant unit is placed in a vacuum container with the plant body positioned vertically downward relative to the planting container, and the plant body is immersed only in a suspension stored in the vacuum container, which contains genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules, or other fine particles, without immersing the planting container. A depressurization step involves sealing the vacuum container housing the plant unit and reducing the pressure inside the vacuum container, A depressurization release step for releasing the depressurization inside the depressurized container, The process includes removing the plant unit from the vacuum container, The container support has a support portion that supports the planting container in a position where the plant body is positioned vertically upward relative to the planting container, and a plurality of side portions that are rotatably provided on the support portion between a box shape and an unfolded shape, and which have communication holes formed therein that allow the suspension to pass through. In the integration process, the planting container is supported by the support while the plurality of sides are in the unfolded shape, the plurality of sides are rotated to form the box shape, and the planting container is sandwiched between the sides and the support, thereby attaching the planting container to the container support and forming a unit. Infiltration treatment method.

2. The infiltration treatment method according to claim 1, The removal step includes a liquid draining step in which the plant body is removed from the suspension by a lifting mechanism that engages with the container support and pulls the plant unit vertically upward, and the plant body is held in the removed state. Infiltration treatment method.

3. An infiltration apparatus for infiltrating a plant body with genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules, or other fine particles, A container support unit to which a planting container containing a growing medium in which the plant bodies are planted is attached, A vacuum container is provided for storing a suspension containing genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules, or other fine particles, and for housing a container support such that the plant body is positioned vertically downward relative to the planting container, and a portion of the container support is immersed in the suspension along with the plant body. A vacuum unit for reducing the pressure inside the vacuum container, A lifting mechanism for lifting the container support from the suspension, The system includes a transport mechanism that moves the container support, which has been lifted by the lifting mechanism, to a position horizontally separated from the vertically above the vacuum container, The container support has a support portion that supports the planting container in a position where the plant body is positioned vertically upward relative to the planting container, and a plurality of side portions that are rotatably provided on the support portion between a box shape and an unfolded shape. The aforementioned container support is With the planting container supported by the support portion, the side portion is rotated to form the box shape, and the planting container is clamped between the side portion and the support portion, thereby attaching the planting container to the container support and forming a unitized box state. The plurality of sides rotate from the box shape to the unfolded shape, and the planting container is in an unfolded state that can be attached to and detached from the container support. It is deformable, Immune treatment device.

4. The infiltration apparatus according to claim 3, The support portion of the container support is provided with a locking portion into which the lifting mechanism engages. The locking portion is exposed to the outside of the suspension without being immersed in the suspension when the container support is immersed in the suspension. Immune treatment device.

5. A container support that is attached to and unitized with a planting container containing a culture medium in which plant bodies that impregnate a suspension of genetically modified microorganisms, macromolecules, or other fine particles are planted, A support portion that supports the plant container in a position where the plant body is positioned vertically upward relative to the plant container, It comprises a plurality of side parts that are rotatably provided on the support part between a box shape and an unfolded shape, With the planting container supported by the support portion, the side portion is rotated to form the box shape, and the planting container is clamped between the side portion and the support portion, thereby attaching the planting container to the container support and forming a unitized box state. The plurality of sides rotate from the box shape to the unfolded shape, and the planting container is in an unfolded state that can be attached to and detached from the container support. It is deformable, Container support.

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