Composite centrifuge

Abstract

A composite centrifuge is disclosed. The composite centrifuge according to one aspect of the present invention may comprise: a housing having an inlet / outlet opening and an accommodation space communicating with the inlet / outlet opening; a door for opening / closing the inlet / outlet opening; a rotor which is provided in the accommodation space, and in which centrifugal separation tubes each containing a sample are accommodated while mounted at a set angle; a driving part for rotating the rotor at a set rotational speed; a bucket in which the centrifugal separation tubes are inserted and supported, and which is detachably coupled to the rotor; and a magnetic field application part, which applies a magnetic field to the centrifugal separation tube so as to induce cell activation of the sample.

Description

Compound centrifuge

[0001] The present invention relates to a centrifuge, and more particularly, to a composite centrifuge capable of inducing complex cell activation by applying optical energy of various wavelengths and a magnetic field.

[0002] In general, blood carries oxygen taken in from the lungs to tissue cells, carries carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs and excretes it, carries nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract to organs and tissue cells, carries substances unnecessary to the body as tissue breakdown products to the kidneys and excretes them from the body, carries hormones secreted from endocrine glands to functioning organs and tissues, evenly distributes body heat to maintain a constant body temperature, and performs various functions such as destroying and detoxifying bacteria and foreign substances that have invaded the body.

[0003] Although this blood is used as a major indicator for assessing various diseases and health conditions, platelets, which are rich in growth factors, are used for therapeutic purposes.

[0004] Blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Among these, platelets are mainly present in plasma, and plasma is divided into PRP (Plate Rich Plasma) and PPP (Platelet Poor Plasma).

[0005] Among these, PRP has been used for therapeutic purposes because it stimulates stem cells and helps generate cells by being transplanted into painful areas, especially knees, ligaments, and muscles.

[0006] PRP contains 2 to 7 times more platelets and 3 to 5 times more white blood cells or monocytes than normal blood, and growth factors produced and secreted from platelets are known to promote cell regeneration in the wound area, thereby helping with wound healing and cell or tissue regeneration.

[0007] To further enhance the effectiveness of this PRP, a method is used clinically in Korea to activate platelets in advance by adding calcium, and in foreign countries, collagen, thrombin chemicals, or platelet activating proteins, and then injecting the platelets to secrete growth factors.

[0008] However, calcium is neutralized and meaningless when injected into cartilage, and when injected into subcutaneous fat, it causes side effects such as redness, skin rash, and pain. In addition, thrombin and collagen are substances that directly affect blood clotting, so there is concern that they cannot be completely separated and could act as potential risk factors when injected into patients. Therefore, the method of adding them needed to be improved.

[0009] Accordingly, there was a report on a method of activating platelets, etc. by applying physical stress rather than adding chemical activators, and based on this, Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0129779 was proposed.

[0010] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0129779 proposes a platelet activation device comprising a passage having an inner diameter of 2 mm or less for applying capillary stress to a biological fluid containing platelets, a receiving portion of the passage, and one or more entrances formed at both ends of the receiving portion and capable of injecting or discharging the biological fluid, thereby obtaining activated platelets by repeatedly passing the platelets through the capillary passage.

[0011] However, in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0129779, the passage is formed in a structure in which narrow areas and wide areas are alternately formed to activate platelets. In this structure, since multiple patterns must be formed alternately inside the microscopic passage, not only is manufacturing difficult, but also, since the passage is formed as a single channel, the number of times blood must go back and forth increases according to the amount of blood in order to activate the desired platelets, which causes a problem in that it takes a lot of time to activate the platelets.

[0012] To solve these problems, a platelet activation device equipped with a multi-channel blood passage is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1429253, but a syringe is mounted on each of the inlet and outlet ports provided at both ends of the long platelet activation device, and the pistons of both syringes must be reciprocated several times with strong force so that the blood moves back and forth while passing through the platelet activation device, which increases the problem of increasing the worker's work stress, and the centrifuged blood must be collected and mounted on a separate device to apply physical stress.

[0013] Meanwhile, to extract useful components from blood as described above, blood is centrifuged. Blood is placed as a sample in a centrifuge tube and separated through rotor rotation. To concentrate and extract these useful components, an appropriate centrifuge must be used.

[0014] When separating blood using a centrifuge, various methods are being studied to further increase the activation of blood cells, and there is a need for the development of technology to induce complex cell activation, including physical stress.

[0015] The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a composite centrifuge capable of performing complex cell activation while simultaneously separating cell substances by gravity by centrifuging the sample while applying a magnetic field to the sample and selectively applying light energy of various wavelengths that induces cell activation to the sample.

[0016] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, a composite centrifuge is provided.

[0018] A composite centrifuge comprises: a housing having a discharge port and a receiving space communicating with the discharge port; a door for opening and closing the discharge port; a rotor provided in the receiving space and receiving a centrifuge tube containing a sample while being placed at a set angle; a driving unit for rotating the rotor at a set rotational speed; a bucket into which the centrifuge tube is inserted and supported and which is detachably coupled to the rotor; and a magnetic field applying unit for applying a magnetic field to the centrifuge tube to induce cell activation of the sample.

[0019] At this time, the magnetic field applying unit is provided at at least one of the bucket, the rotor, the receiving space, or the door.

[0020] At this time, the magnetic field applying unit includes a first magnetic field applying unit that generates a magnetic field of a first polarity set in one direction of the centrifuge tube, and a second magnetic field applying unit that generates a magnetic field of a second polarity set opposite to the first polarity in the other direction of the centrifuge tube.

[0021] At this time, the magnetic field applying unit may be composed of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

[0022] At this time, the magnetic field applying unit includes a case and at least one solenoid provided in the case.

[0023] And, the rotor includes a shaft coupling portion that is rotatably coupled to a driving shaft to which the driving force of the driving portion is transmitted, and a tube holder that extends from the circumference of the shaft coupling portion and has a bucket hole formed therein so that the centrifugal separation tube is mounted with an outer radial downward inclination with respect to the driving shaft or horizontally.

[0024] For example, the magnetic field applying unit includes a first magnetic field applying unit that is provided on the lower surface of a magnetic field applying plate fixedly arranged on the upper side of the centrifuge tube at one side of the receiving space and generates a magnetic field of a first polarity set from above to below the centrifuge tube; and a second magnetic field applying unit that is provided on the lower side of the tube holder of the rotor at one side of the receiving space and generates a magnetic field of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity from below to above the centrifuge tube while rotating.

[0025] As another example, the magnetic field applying unit includes a first magnetic field applying unit provided on the upper side of the tube holder of the rotor on one side of the receiving space and configured to generate a magnetic field of a first polarity set from above to below the centrifugal separation tube while rotating; and a second magnetic field applying unit provided on the upper surface of a magnetic field applying plate fixedly arranged on the lower side of the tube holder of the rotor on one side of the receiving space and configured to generate a magnetic field of a second polarity set opposite to the first polarity from below to above the centrifugal separation tube.

[0026] As another example, the magnetic field applying unit includes a first magnetic field applying unit that is fixedly arranged at the bottom of the door and generates a magnetic field of a first polarity set from above to below the centrifugal separation tube; and a second magnetic field applying unit that is provided at the bottom of the bucket and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotor and generates a magnetic field of a second polarity set opposite to the first polarity from below to above the centrifugal separation tube.

[0027] Meanwhile, the composite centrifuge further includes a lighting unit provided in at least one of the rotor, the receiving space, and the door, and irradiating light energy to the centrifugal separation tube mounted on the rotor.

[0028] At this time, the lighting unit includes an LED and a substrate and is provided at the bottom of the door to irradiate light energy from top to bottom.

[0029] In addition, the housing further includes an auxiliary lighting unit that includes an LED and a substrate on one side of the receiving space and is placed at the bottom of the rotor to irradiate light energy from below to above.

[0030] Meanwhile, the lighting unit and the auxiliary lighting unit include any one of blue, green, red, yellow visible light, near-infrared light, and laser.

[0031] In addition, the lighting unit further includes a contamination prevention plate that is large enough to cover the LED from below to prevent contamination.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the composite centrifuge according to the present invention has the effect of performing complex cell activation while simultaneously separating cell substances by specific gravity by selectively irradiating a sample with a magnetic field that induces cell activation and light energy of various wavelengths.

[0033] In addition, it has the effect of eliminating work stress for medical personnel by omitting the process of applying a magnetic field or light energy from a separate magnetic field applying device or light irradiating device, and also preventing cell contamination from occurring during the process of transferring to a separate magnetic field applying device or light irradiating device.

[0034] In addition, by controlling the strength and direction of the magnetic field through the magnetic field application unit, the polarity of the applied magnetic field is changed while rotating 2 to 3,000 times per minute, thereby finely breaking up the clusters of moisture in the blood and facilitating the movement of moisture into cells, thereby promoting cell activity (cell activation).

[0035] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a composite centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing an example of a magnetic field applying unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing another example of a magnetic field applying unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing another example of a magnetic field applying unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing an example of a bucket applied to a composite centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing showing the configuration of a magnetic field applying unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 7 to 9 are schematic drawings showing various examples of a lighting unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The present invention, in its best form, provides a composite centrifuge comprising: a housing having a withdrawal inlet and a receiving space communicating with the withdrawal inlet; a door for opening and closing the withdrawal inlet; a rotor provided in the receiving space and receiving a centrifuge tube containing a sample while being placed at a set angle; a driving unit for rotating the rotor at a set rotational speed; a bucket in which the centrifuge tube is inserted and supported and is detachably coupled to the rotor; and a magnetic field applying unit for applying a magnetic field to the centrifuge tube to induce cell activation of the sample.

[0044] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly explain the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings, and the same reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0045] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principles by which the inventor can define terms and concepts in order to best explain his or her invention.

[0046] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, so there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace the configuration at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0047] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to describe the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0048] When a component is said to be "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" another component, this includes not only being placed "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" the other component in direct contact with it, but also if there is another component intervening therebetween. Furthermore, when a component is said to be "connected" to another component, this includes not only being directly connected to one another, but also being indirectly connected to one another, unless there are special circumstances.

[0049] In addition, in explaining the present invention, specific descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted in order to avoid obscuring the gist of the present invention.

[0050]

[0051] Hereinafter, a composite centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a composite centrifuge according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a magnetic field applying unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a magnetic field applying unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a magnetic field applying unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a bucket applied to a composite centrifuge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a magnetic field applying unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As illustrated, a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to perform centrifugation by rotating a centrifuge tube (2) containing a sample (e.g., blood), while applying a magnetic field to the sample, and selectively applying light energy of various wavelengths to the sample, thereby simultaneously inducing complex cell activation and separation of cell material by specific gravity.

[0054] Hereinafter, the sample to be centrifuged in the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is described as blood, but is not limited thereto. It should be noted in advance that such a sample may be a liquid containing fat cells, bone marrow blood, or any type of somatic cell.

[0055] Meanwhile, the centrifuge tube (2) applied to the centrifuge (1) of the present invention has a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto, and various shapes that accommodate a sample inside can be applied.

[0056] In addition, the centrifuge tube (2) is designed to have a structure that can induce cell activation by applying physical stress to the sample received during centrifugation.

[0057] For example, a cell activation section is provided inside the centrifuge tube (2) to activate cells by physically colliding with the sample during centrifugation.

[0058] On at least one of the inner walls of the upper region and the lower region, excluding the middle region of the centrifuge tube (2), a plurality of micro-concave walls having a certain height and length along the circumferential direction, or a plurality of micro-embossed protrusions having a certain diameter, may be formed protruding as cell activation parts.

[0059] In addition, in the cell activation section, a protruding partition wall with a height higher than the micro-roughness walls is provided between the micro-roughness walls, so that the centrifuged blood can be mixed more evenly and physical stress can be applied evenly to the blood cells.

[0060] In addition, in the lower area inside the centrifuge tube (2), an active pillar is provided in which a plurality of micro-concave walls having a certain height and length along the outer circumference, or a plurality of micro-embossed protrusions having a certain diameter, are protruded as a cell activation part.

[0061] In the city, it is shown that the centrifuge tube (2) includes an active column (2a), and a micro-roughened wall is also formed on the active column (2a).

[0062] Additionally, the outer surface of the centrifuge tube (2) is provided with a vibration-preventing plate to prevent vibration and a stopper to open and close the interior.

[0063] For example, the centrifugal separation tube (2) may be applied to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2490576 entitled “Blood separation tube having a cell activation section” to which the applicant of the present invention holds the rights, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted in order to avoid obscuring the gist of the present invention.

[0064] However, the centrifuge tube (2) applied to the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell activation section that activates cells by physically colliding with the sample inside, so that the cell membrane or cell wall of the sample is activated by receiving a physical impact from the cell activation section, and at the same time, heavy red blood cells are easily induced to move to the lower region instead of staying in the upper region of the centrifuge tube (2), thereby obtaining clean buffy coat and plasma with activated cells.

[0065] Meanwhile, such centrifugal separation tube (2) may be manufactured by including a partially or entirely transparent synthetic resin material to facilitate the transmission of light energy irradiated from the lighting unit (60) and auxiliary lighting unit (80) described below.

[0066]

[0067] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 6, a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to achieve the above-described purpose, largely includes a housing (10), a door (20), a rotor (30), a driving unit (40), a bucket (50), and a magnetic field applying unit (100). In addition, it includes a lighting unit (60) and an auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") that irradiate light energy.

[0068] First, the housing (10) serves as the main body of the composite centrifuge (1) and has a body shape with an open upper portion.

[0069] This housing (10) forms an opening (11) at the top and has a receiving space (12) that is connected to the opening (11).

[0070] At least one centrifugal separation tube (2) may be mounted in the receiving space (12) of the housing (10) and a rotor (30) for rotating the same may be provided.

[0071] Meanwhile, the housing (10) is preferably made of a metal material or a synthetic resin material coated with a metal material so as to enable reflection of light energy (light) generated from the lighting unit (60) and auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") described later within the receiving space (12).

[0072] In addition, the housing (10) may include an operation panel (14) equipped with an operation switch (13) for user operation and a display unit (15) for indicating the operating status. Since this is a known function, a detailed description thereof will be omitted in order to avoid obscuring the gist of the present invention.

[0073] Meanwhile, the door (20) is rotatably hinged to the upper part of the housing (10), and opens and closes the entrance (11) of the housing (10) according to control.

[0074] And, the rotor (30) is placed in the receiving space (12) of the housing (10), supports the centrifugal separation tube (2) containing the sample, and performs the role of centrifuging the sample by rotating the centrifugal separation tube (2) at a set rpm using the driving force generated from the driving unit (40).

[0075] For this purpose, a rotor (30) is provided in a receiving space (12), and a centrifugal tube (2) containing a sample is received while being placed at a set angle.

[0076] For example, the rotor (30) includes a shaft coupling portion (31) that is rotatably coupled to a drive shaft (42) to which the driving force of the drive unit (40) is transmitted, and a tube holder (32) that extends from the circumference of the shaft coupling portion (31) and has a bucket hole (33) formed therein so that a centrifugal separation tube (2) is mounted with an outer radial downward inclination with respect to the drive shaft (42) or horizontally.

[0077] These rotors (30) may be of the swing type, as shown in FIG. 4, which is rotated by spreading out at an angle of 180° from the initial position by the centrifugal force of rotation, and may be of the angle type, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which is positioned with an initially set angle and whose angle does not change.

[0078] The swing rotor type or angle rotor type structure of the rotor (30) may have a structure and function that are already known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted in order to avoid obscuring the gist of the present invention.

[0079] Meanwhile, the rotor (30) applied to the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a rotor cover (34), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0080] The rotor cover (34) extends along the edge of the tube holder (32) in a conical shape to a certain length, and covers the centrifuge tube (2) placed in the bucket hole (33).

[0081] This rotor cover (34) has a longer length than the centrifuge tube (2) and bucket (50) mounted on the tube holder (32). Here, the rotor cover (34) may have the same length as the centrifuge tube (2) and bucket (50) mounted on the tube holder (32).

[0082] In this way, by forming the rotor cover (34) to have the same length as the centrifuge tube (2) and bucket (50) mounted on the tube holder (32) or to have a length longer than the centrifuge tube (2) and bucket (50), the noise generated when the outside air of the rotor (30) collides with the bucket (50) when the rotor (30) rotates is reduced.

[0083] Meanwhile, the driving unit (40) is provided in the receiving space (12) of the housing (10) and generates a driving force that rotates the above-described rotor (30) at a set rotation speed.

[0084] For example, the driving unit (40) may include a driving motor (41) and a driving shaft (42) that transmits driving force.

[0085] Meanwhile, the shaft coupling portion (31) of the rotor (30) has, for example, a disk shape with a set diameter, and the drive shaft (42) of the drive portion (40) is coupled to the center of the shaft coupling portion (31).

[0086] The driving shaft (42) is coupled to the driving motor (41) by a power transmission means (not shown) such as a coupling, and transmits the driving force generated from the driving motor (41) to the shaft coupling portion (31) of the rotor (30).

[0087] Meanwhile, as described above, a plurality of bucket holes (33) are formed in the tube holder (32) of the rotor (30) to hold a centrifugal separation tube (2) containing a sample (e.g., blood) for centrifugation at a certain angle.

[0088] These multiple bucket holes (33) are arranged so that, for example, the centrifuge tube (2) is placed with an outer radial downward inclination with respect to the drive shaft (42).

[0089] And, a bucket (50) including a centrifuge tube (2) is detachably connected to the bucket hole (33).

[0090] The bucket (50) is intended to stably support the rotating centrifuge tube (2). The centrifuge tube (2) is inserted into the tube hole (51a) and supported, and is detachably connected to the bucket hole (33) of the tube holder (32) described above.

[0091] Meanwhile, the bucket (50) applied to the centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a cylindrical shape ((a) of FIG. 5) in which the body (51) has a tube hole (51a) so that a centrifuge tube (20) can be inserted, and of course, may have a polygonal cylindrical shape ((b) of FIG. 5) as needed.

[0092] And, a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic field applying unit (100) that applies a magnetic field to a centrifuge tube (2) to induce cell activation of a sample.

[0093] This magnetic field applying unit (100) can be provided on one side of the space formed by the housing (10) and the door (20) if it can apply a magnetic field to a sample contained in a centrifugal separation tube (2) in which centrifugal separation is performed.

[0094] In other words, the magnetic field applying unit (100) is provided at at least one of the bucket (50), rotor (30), receiving space (12), and door (20).

[0095] Meanwhile, at least one magnetic field applying unit (100) may be provided on the upper or lower side of the centrifuge tube (2), and applies a magnetic field having a set polarity to the centrifuge tube (2).

[0096] Preferably, a magnetic field applying unit (100) applied to a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in multiple units, and is provided respectively on the upper and lower sides of the centrifuge tube (2) so as to apply magnetic fields of different polarities to the centrifuge tube (2) to provide a magnetic field impact to the sample.

[0097] To this end, the magnetic field applying unit (100) may include a first magnetic field applying unit (110) that generates a magnetic field of a first polarity set in one direction (e.g., from top to bottom) of the centrifuge tube (2), and a second magnetic field applying unit (120) that generates a magnetic field of a second polarity set opposite to the first polarity in the other direction (e.g., from bottom to top) of the centrifuge tube (2).

[0098] It goes without saying that this magnetic field applying unit (100) may be composed of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

[0099] For example, referring to FIG. 6, the magnetic field applying unit (100) may have a structure including at least one solenoid (150) inside the case (140).

[0100] At this time, the case (140) may be a body having an opening (141) formed at the top, but is not limited thereto, and may of course be a sealed form on all sides. In addition, the solenoid (150) generates a magnetic field according to the number of coils wound by power applied through the wire (160).

[0101] Meanwhile, the magnetic field applying unit (100) has at least one solenoid (150) corresponding to the length of the centrifuge tube (2), and can selectively apply a magnetic field impact of a specific intensity to a location where desired cells gather by applying a magnetic field of different intensity depending on the location of the sample contained in the centrifuge tube (2).

[0102] In other words, solenoids (150) that are wound with different numbers of turns in the longitudinal direction of the case (140) can be arranged. The strength of the magnetic field varies depending on the number of turns and the amount of current of the solenoid (150).

[0103] Meanwhile, as described above, for example, the magnetic field applying unit (100) is provided with a first magnetic field applying unit (110) and a second magnetic field applying unit (120) having different polarities, and since the polarities of the applied magnetic fields are different, an instantaneous polarity change is induced in the cell membrane material of the sample contained in the centrifuge tube (2) that rotates at a speed of 2 to 3,000 times per minute, thereby finely splitting the clusters of moisture in the sample (blood) and facilitating the movement of moisture into the cells, thereby promoting cell activity (cell activation).

[0104] In addition, as the light energy applied from the lighting unit (60) and auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") described below is irradiated to the centrifuge tube (2), the sample in the centrifuge tube (2) is activated by receiving a physical shock from the cell activation unit of the centrifuge tube (2) itself, and at the same time, the cell wall or cell membrane of the sample being centrifuged is made flexible by the light energy, so that the cells of the sample are further activated.

[0105]

[0106] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 2, an example of a magnetic field applying unit (100) applied to a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0107] For example, the first magnetic field applying unit (110) constituting the magnetic field applying unit (100) is provided on the lower surface of the magnetic field applying plate (130) fixedly arranged on the upper side of the centrifugal separation tube (2) on one side of the receiving space (12) of the housing (10), and generates a magnetic field of the first polarity set from the upper side to the lower side of the centrifugal separation tube (2).

[0108] And, the second magnetic field applying unit (120) constituting the magnetic field applying unit (100) is provided on one side of the receiving space (12) of the housing (10) and at the lower part of the tube holder (32) of the rotor (30) and generates a magnetic field of a second polarity set opposite to the first polarity from the bottom to the top of the centrifugal separation tube (2) while rotating.

[0109] At this time, the magnetic field applying plate (130) serves as a support for fixing and supporting the first magnetic field applying unit (110) within the receiving space (12), and may be a cone-shaped plate structure arranged with a gap outside the rotor cover (34) of the rotor (30), as shown in FIG. 1.

[0110] At this time, the rotor (30) may be of the angle rotor type.

[0111] Meanwhile, this magnetic field applying plate (130) can serve as a reflector (70) that reflects light energy, which will be described later. In other words, it allows the light energy irradiated from the lighting unit (70) and auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80"), which will be described later, to be concentrated into the centrifuge tube (2).

[0112] For this purpose, the magnetic field application plate (130) includes a reflective coating on the surface facing the centrifuge tube (2).

[0113]

[0114] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 3, another example of a magnetic field applying unit (100) applied to a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0115] As another example, the first magnetic field applying unit (110') constituting the magnetic field applying unit (100) is provided on one side of the receiving space (12) of the housing (10) and on the upper side of the tube holder (32) of the rotor (30) and generates a magnetic field of the first polarity set from the upper side to the lower side of the centrifugal separation tube (2) while rotating.

[0116] And, the second magnetic field applying unit (120') constituting the magnetic field applying unit (100) is provided on the upper surface of the magnetic field applying plate (130') fixedly arranged on the lower side of the tube holder (32) of the rotor (30) on one side of the receiving space (12) of the housing (10), and generates a magnetic field of a second polarity set opposite to the first polarity from the lower side to the upper side of the centrifuge tube (2).

[0117] At this time, the magnetic field application plate (130') serves as a support for fixing and supporting the second magnetic field application unit (120') within the receiving space (12), and may have a cone-shaped plate structure.

[0118] Meanwhile, the magnetic field application plate (130') may be formed on the upper part of the auxiliary lighting unit (80), as in FIG. 7.

[0119] At this time, the rotor (30) may be of the angle rotor type.

[0120] Meanwhile, the magnetic field applying plate (130') can serve as a reflector (70) to be described later that reflects light energy. In other words, it allows the light energy irradiated from the lighting unit (70) and auxiliary lighting units (80, 80', 80") to be described later to be concentrated into the centrifuge tube (2).

[0121] For this purpose, the magnetic field application plate (130') includes a reflective coating on the surface facing the centrifuge tube (2).

[0122]

[0123] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 4, another example of a magnetic field applying unit (100) applied to a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0124] As another example, the first magnetic field applying unit (110") constituting the magnetic field applying unit (100) is fixedly placed at the bottom of the door (20) that opens and closes the inlet / outlet (11), and generates a magnetic field of the first polarity set from the top to the bottom of the centrifuge tube (2).

[0125] And, the second magnetic field applying unit (120") constituting the magnetic field applying unit (100) is provided at the lower portion of the bucket (50) and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotor (30) to generate a magnetic field of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity from the bottom to the top of the centrifuge tube (2).

[0126] At this time, the rotor (30) may be of the swing rotor type.

[0127] As the rotor (30) is a swing rotor type, the centrifuge tube (2) rotates while being spread out upward at an angle of 180°, and the first magnetic field applying unit (110") provided in the door (20) and the second magnetic field applying unit (120") provided in the bucket (50) face each other and apply magnetic fields of different polarities to the centrifuge tube (2).

[0128] In this way, the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, through the magnetic field applying unit (100) - the first magnetic field applying unit (110, 110', 110") and the second magnetic field applying unit (120, 120', 120") - induces a polarity change of 4 to 6,000 times per minute while the direction of the applied magnetic field is reversed when the sample is rotated at 2 to 3,000 rpm per minute in the centrifuge tube (2), thereby applying a temporary magnetic field shock to the cell membrane by the number of times.

[0129]

[0130] Next, FIGS. 7 to 9 are schematic drawings showing various examples of a lighting unit applied to a composite centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] As described above, the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can selectively apply light energy of various wavelengths that induces cell activation to a sample, in addition to applying a magnetic field by the magnetic field applying unit (100).

[0132] For this purpose, a lighting unit (60) is included, and the lighting unit (60) is provided in at least one of the rotor (30), the receiving space (12), and the door (20), and further includes a lighting unit (60) that irradiates light energy to a centrifugal separation tube (2) mounted on the rotor (30).

[0133] Meanwhile, in the illustrations of FIGS. 7 to 9, the structure and configuration of the magnetic field applying unit (100) of FIGS. 1 to 6 are not illustrated for the purpose of explaining the lighting unit (60) and auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") applied to the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. However, this is only to facilitate the explanation of the lighting unit (60) and auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") of the present invention, and it should be recognized that the composite centrifuge (1) of FIGS. 7 to 9 includes the magnetic field applying unit (100).

[0134] Referring again to FIGS. 7 to 9, the lighting unit (60) applied to the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided at the lower portion of the door (20) and irradiates light energy from the upper side to the lower side.

[0135] In addition, the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes an auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") in addition to the lighting unit (60).

[0136] At this time, the auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") is placed on the lower side of the rotor (30) on one side of the receiving space (12) of the housing (10) and irradiates light energy from the bottom to the top.

[0137] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the shaft coupling part (31), tube holder (32), and rotor cover (34) constituting the rotor (30) be made of transparent synthetic resin material to facilitate the transmission of light energy.

[0138] The lighting unit (60) includes an LED (61) and a substrate (62), and the auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") includes an LED (81) and a substrate (82).

[0139] And, the lighting unit (60) and the auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") irradiate any one of the light energy of visible light, near-infrared light, and laser of blue, green, red, and yellow.

[0140] In this way, the light energy irradiated into the centrifuge tube (2) is received in the centrifuge tube (2) and makes the cell wall or cell membrane of the sample (blood) being centrifuged flexible, and makes the physical shock generated during centrifugation of the sample (blood) work more efficiently.

[0141] In particular, the lighting unit (60) and auxiliary lighting units (80, 80', 80") selectively apply light energy of various wavelengths to the sample being centrifuged, thereby promoting cell activation.

[0142] Meanwhile, the door (20) further includes a contamination prevention plate (63) to prevent contamination of the lighting unit (60).

[0143] The contamination prevention plate (63) can be connected to the lighting unit (60) by a fastening bolt (B) as shown in Fig. 1, has a plate shape that can cover the LED (61), and can be made of a transparent synthetic resin material or glass to facilitate the transmission of light energy.

[0144] In this way, by providing a contamination prevention plate (63), it prevents the LED (61) of the lighting unit (60) from being contaminated by blood, etc. contained in the centrifugation tube (2) splashing during centrifugation, and makes it easy to clean and manage the dirty surface, thereby easily maintaining the function of light energy. In case of an accident, it primarily plays a role in preventing the LED (61) of the lighting unit (60) from being damaged by foreign substances splashing in the receiving space (12) of the composite centrifuge (1).

[0145]

[0146] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2, a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a reflector (70) that reflects light energy (light) of a lighting unit (60).

[0147] At this time, the reflector (70) includes a reflector (71) and a reflective film (72) laminated on one side of the reflector (71).

[0148] The reflector (71) is made of a transparent material and reflects the light energy irradiated from the lighting unit (60) to the centrifuge tube (2), thereby reducing the loss of the light energy irradiated to the centrifuge tube (2).

[0149] The reflective film (72) is manufactured from a metal-coated material and is laminated on the surface of the reflective plate (71) facing the driving shaft (42).

[0150] This reflective membrane (72) serves to reflect the light energy of the lighting unit (60) to the sample (blood) of the centrifuge tube (2) located in the area opposite to the lighting unit (60).

[0151] In addition, the reflector (71) and the reflector (72) have a longer length than the centrifuge tube (2) and the bucket (39) mounted on the tube holder (32). Here, the reflector (71) and the reflector (72) may have the same length as the centrifuge tube (2) and the bucket (50) mounted on the tube holder (32).

[0152] In this way, by forming the reflector (71) and the reflector (72) to be the same length as or longer than the centrifuge tube (2) and bucket (50) mounted on the tube holder (32), there is an advantage in that the noise generated when the outside air of the rotor (30) collides with the bucket (50) when the rotor (30) rotates is significantly reduced.

[0153] And, the rotor (30) of the present invention may include a rotor lower cover (35).

[0154] The rotor lower cover (34) blocks the open space below the rotor cover (34) and the reflector (71). Accordingly, noise generated when the lower part of the bucket (50) rubs against the air during centrifugation is fundamentally blocked, thereby further reducing noise generation from the centrifuge (1).

[0155] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7, for example, an auxiliary lighting unit (80) provided in a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving space (12) of the housing (10). At this time, the auxiliary lighting unit (80) includes an LED (81) arranged along the outer circumference of the driving shaft (42) so as to face the centrifuge tube (2) mounted on the rotor (30) and an LED substrate (82).

[0156] Referring to Fig. 8, as another example, an auxiliary lighting unit (80') provided in a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a rotor (30). At this time, the auxiliary lighting unit (80') includes an LED (81) arranged between a rotor cover (34) and a reflector (71) so as to face a centrifugal tube (2) mounted on the rotor (30) along the surface of the reflector (71), and an LED substrate (82).

[0157] Referring to FIG. 9, as another example, when a composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is not equipped with a reflector (70), the auxiliary lighting unit (80") has an LED substrate (82) in which an LED (81) is arranged so as to face a centrifuge tube (2) mounted on a rotor (30).

[0158] At this time, the LED substrate (82) may be provided in a cone shape at the bottom of the rotor (30).

[0159] In this way, the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a lighting unit (60) and an auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80") that irradiate light energy toward a centrifuge tube (2), thereby making the cell wall or cell membrane of a sample (blood) accommodated in the centrifuge tube (2) and centrifuged flexible, and in particular, allowing the physical shock generated during centrifugation to work more efficiently.

[0160]

[0161] As described above, the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention centrifuges a sample while applying a magnetic field to the sample through the magnetic field applying unit (100).

[0162] And, light energy of various wavelengths is selectively applied to the sample through the lighting unit (60) and auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80").

[0163] Through this, the composite centrifuge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform complex cell activation while simultaneously separating cell material by specific gravity.

[0164] In other words, the polarity of the magnetic field applied to the centrifuge tube (2) through the magnetic field applying unit (100) is applied differently, inducing an instantaneous polarity change in the cell membrane material while rotating 2 to 3,000 times per minute, and finely breaking up the clusters of water in the blood to facilitate the movement of water into the cells, thereby promoting cell activity.

[0165] In addition, during the centrifugation process, as light energy is irradiated to the centrifugation tube (2) mounted on the rotor (30) through the lighting unit (60) and the auxiliary lighting unit (80, 80', 80"), the light energy makes the cell wall or cell membrane of the sample (blood) being centrifuged flexible, and in particular, allows the physical shock generated during centrifugation of the sample (blood) to work more efficiently.

[0166] In this way, the sample (blood) cells are further activated by an electromagnetic complex shock including a physical shock by the cell activation section within the centrifuge tube (2), a magnetic field shock through the magnetic field application section (100), and a light energy shock through the lighting section (60) and auxiliary lighting sections (80, 80', 80").

[0167] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented in this specification, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components within the scope of the same spirit, but this will also be considered to fall within the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A housing having an inlet and an accommodation space connected to the inlet; A door for opening and closing the above withdrawal entrance; A rotor provided in the above-mentioned receiving space, in which a centrifuge tube containing a sample is received while being placed at a set angle; A driving unit that rotates the rotor at a set rotation speed; A bucket in which the centrifuge tube is inserted and supported and which is detachably connected to the rotor; and A composite centrifuge, comprising a magnetic field applying unit that applies a magnetic field to the centrifuge tube to induce cell activation of the sample.

2. In paragraph 1, The above magnetic field applying unit is, A composite centrifuge, wherein at least one of the bucket, the rotor, the receiving space, or the door is provided.

3. In paragraph 1, The above magnetic field applying unit is, A first magnetic field applying unit that generates a first polarity magnetic field set in one direction of the centrifuge tube, A composite centrifuge comprising a second magnetic field applying unit that generates a magnetic field of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity in the other direction of the centrifuge tube.

4. In paragraph 1, The above magnetic field applying unit is, A composite centrifuge consisting of permanent magnets or electromagnets.

5. In paragraph 4, The above magnetic field applying unit is, A composite centrifuge comprising a case and at least one solenoid provided in the case.

6. In paragraph 1, The above rotor, A shaft coupling part rotatably coupled to a driving shaft to which the driving force of the above driving part is transmitted, A composite centrifuge, comprising a tube holder having a bucket hole formed therein so that the centrifuge tube is mounted with a downward radial slope or horizontally with respect to the drive shaft, extending from the circumference of the shaft coupling portion.

7. In paragraph 6, The above magnetic field applying unit is, A first magnetic field applying unit provided on the lower surface of a magnetic field applying plate fixedly arranged on the upper side of the centrifuge tube on one side of the above-mentioned receiving space, and generating a magnetic field of a first polarity set from the upper side to the lower side of the centrifuge tube; A composite centrifuge, comprising a second magnetic field applying unit provided at the lower portion of the tube holder of the rotor on one side of the receiving space and rotating to generate a magnetic field of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity from the bottom to the top of the centrifugal separation tube.

8. In paragraph 6, The above magnetic field applying unit is, On one side of the above-mentioned receiving space, a first magnetic field applying unit is provided on the upper part of the tube holder of the above-mentioned rotor and generates a magnetic field of the first polarity set from the top to the bottom of the above-mentioned centrifugal separation tube while rotating; A composite centrifuge, comprising a second magnetic field applying unit provided on the upper surface of a magnetic field applying plate fixedly arranged on the lower portion of the tube holder of the rotor on one side of the receiving space, and generating a magnetic field of a second polarity set opposite to the first polarity from the bottom to the top of the centrifuge tube.

9. In paragraph 6, The above magnetic field applying unit is, A first magnetic field applying unit fixedly arranged at the lower portion of the door, which generates a magnetic field of a first polarity set from the upper portion of the centrifuge tube downward; A composite centrifuge, comprising a second magnetic field applying unit provided at the lower portion of the bucket and rotating in accordance with the rotation of the rotor, to generate a magnetic field of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity from the bottom to the top of the centrifuge tube.

10. In paragraph 1, A composite centrifuge, further comprising a lighting unit provided in at least one of the rotor, the receiving space, and the door, and irradiating light energy to the centrifugal separation tube mounted on the rotor.

11. In paragraph 10, The above lighting unit includes an LED and a substrate and is provided at the bottom of the door to irradiate light energy from top to bottom. A composite centrifuge comprising an LED and a substrate on one side of the receiving space of the housing and further comprising an auxiliary lighting unit arranged at the lower portion of the rotor to irradiate light energy from below to above.

12. In paragraph 11, The above lighting unit and the above auxiliary lighting unit are, A composite centrifuge comprising any one of blue, green, red, yellow visible light and near infrared light, and a laser.

13. In paragraph 11, A composite centrifuge, wherein the above lighting unit further includes a contamination prevention plate that is large enough to cover the LED from below to prevent contamination.

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