Container for centrifugal separation and centrifugal separation system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a container for centrifugal separation and a centrifugal separation system that make it possible to efficiently recover a target component. [Solution] A container 10 for centrifugal separation includes: a first end section 101 and a second end section 102 in a rotation axis Ra direction; and a storage section 100 that is provided between the first end section 101 and the second end section 102 and is capable of storing a fluid. The first end section 101 has a protrusion 12P facing the second end section 102, and the protrusion 12P is provided with a fluid inlet / outlet 12M.

Description

Centrifugation vessel and centrifugation system

[0001] The present invention relates to a centrifuge vessel and a centrifuge system.

[0002] One method for separating target components from biological fluids such as blood and bone marrow fluid is gravity centrifugation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In gravity centrifugation, multiple component layers are formed concentrically due to differences in the specific gravities of the components contained in the biological fluid. To separate the target components, for example, a centrifuge vessel containing the biological fluid and a centrifuge device that rotates the centrifuge vessel along its axis are used.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication: JP 2018-519149

[0004] In such a density centrifugation method, it is desirable to be able to efficiently separate and recover the target component.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a centrifugation vessel, a centrifugation kit, and a centrifugation system that can efficiently separate and recover a target component.

[0006] The above-mentioned problems of the present invention are solved by the following means.

[0007] A centrifuge container according to the present invention comprises a first end and a second end in a rotation axis direction, and a storage section provided between the first end and the second end and capable of storing a fluid, the first end having a protrusion directed toward the second end, the protrusion being provided with an inlet and outlet for the fluid. Also, a centrifuge system according to the present invention comprises the centrifuge container according to the above-described present invention, a bag capable of storing the fluid, and a flow path for the fluid between the bag and the centrifuge container.

[0008] That is, the present invention provides the following: (1) A centrifugation container comprising a first end and a second end in a rotation axis direction, and a storage section provided between the first end and the second end and capable of storing a fluid, the first end having a protrusion directed toward the second end, the protrusion being provided with an inlet / outlet for the fluid. (2) A centrifugation container according to (1), further comprising a moving member configured to be movable between the first end and the second end, the storage section being provided between the moving member and the first end. (3) A centrifugation container according to (2), wherein the moving member has a recess toward the second end. (4) A centrifugation container according to (3), wherein the moving member has a shape that allows it to fit into the protrusion. (5) A centrifugation container according to (3), wherein a portion of the recess closest to the second end is provided in a position that overlaps the inlet / outlet in a plan view. (6) The centrifuge container according to (2), further comprising a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, and the inlet / outlet being spaced apart from the sidewall. (7) The centrifuge container according to (6), further comprising a first sealing portion provided between the sidewall and the moving member and sealing the storage portion. (8) The centrifuge container according to (7), further comprising a second sealing portion disposed closer to the second end than the first sealing portion and provided along the sidewall. (9) The centrifuge container according to (2), further comprising a filter and an air passage for allowing gas to flow between the second end and the moving member via the filter. (10) The centrifuge container according to (1), further comprising a protrusion having a position closest to the second end, and the inlet / outlet being provided at a position of the protrusion closest to the second end. (11) The centrifuge container according to (1), further comprising a cone-shaped protrusion. (12) The centrifuge container according to (11), further comprising a first sealing portion provided between the sidewall and the moving member and sealing the storage portion. (13) The centrifuge container according to (11), further comprising a second sealing portion disposed along the sidewall and closer to the second end than the first sealing portion. (14) The centrifuge container according to (13), further comprising a filter and an air passage for allowing gas to flow between the second end and the moving member via the filter. (15) The centrifuge container according to (14), further comprising a filter and an air passage for allowing gas to flow between the second end and the moving member via the filter. (16) The centrifuge container according to (15), further comprising a filter and an air passage for allowing gas to flow between the second end and the moving member via the filter. (17) The centrifuge container according to (16), further comprising a filter and an air passage for allowing gas to flow between the second end and the moving member via the filter. (18) The centrifuge container according to (16), further comprising a filter and an air passage for allowing gas to flow between the second end and the moving member via (13) A centrifugation system comprising the centrifugation vessel according to any one of (1) to (12), a bag capable of storing the fluid, and a flow path for the fluid between the bag and the centrifugation vessel. (14) The centrifugation system according to (13), further comprising a control device that controls the injection of the fluid into the centrifugation vessel and the discharge of the fluid from the centrifugation vessel.(15) The centrifuge system according to (14), wherein the control device controls the injection of the fluid so that the fluid is intermittently injected into the centrifuge container. (16) The centrifuge system according to (14), wherein the control device controls the discharge of the fluid so that the fluid is intermittently discharged from the centrifuge container. (17) The centrifuge system according to (13), further comprising a centrifuge device that rotates the attached centrifuge container along a rotation axis.

[0009] In the centrifuge vessel and centrifuge system according to the present invention, the protrusion toward the second end is provided with a fluid inlet / outlet, which allows fluid such as a biological fluid injected through the inlet / outlet to easily flow directly from the first end to the storage section, thereby enabling efficient separation and recovery of target components.

[0010] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a centrifugation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of the centrifugation container shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of the centrifugation container shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of the centrifugation container according to a comparative example. FIG. 4A is a schematic view illustrating a biological fluid to be injected into the centrifugation container shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B is a schematic view illustrating a state in which a plunger is brought close to the upper wall shown in FIG. 4A.

[0011] Hereinafter, a centrifuge container and a centrifuge system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components throughout the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0012] <Embodiment> (Configuration of Centrifugal Separation System) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a centrifuge system 1 according to one embodiment. The centrifuge system 1 includes, for example, centrifuge containers 10A and 10B, a centrifuge device 20, bags 31, 32, 33, and 34, tubes 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45, solenoid valves 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55, and a control device 60. The centrifuge system 1 separates a target component from a biological fluid, such as blood or bone marrow fluid, using specific gravity centrifugation. The target component is, for example, a cellular component used in cell therapy for a disease.

[0013] The centrifuge containers 10A and 10B are configured to accommodate a fluid such as a biological fluid and to be attachable to a centrifuge device 20. The centrifuge containers 10A and 10B attached to the centrifuge device 20 rotate along a rotation axis (rotation axis Ra in FIG. 3A described below). This separates the fluid, such as a biological fluid, contained in the centrifuge containers 10A and 10B into multiple concentric component layers due to differences in the specific gravities of the components. The centrifuge container 10A accommodates, for example, a biological fluid stored in a bag 31 and a chemical solution stored in a bag 32. The centrifuge container 10B accommodates, for example, a target component separated in the centrifuge container 10A and a cleaning solution stored in a bag 33. The configuration of the centrifuge containers 10A and 10B will be described in detail below.

[0014] The centrifuge device 20 rotates the attached centrifuge containers 10A, 10B along a rotation axis. The centrifuge device 20 is further configured to be able to adjust the internal pressure of the centrifuge containers 10A, 10B. The centrifuge device 20 reduces the pressure inside the centrifuge containers 10A, 10B, thereby injecting a fluid into the centrifuge containers 10A, 10B. The centrifuge device 20 applies pressure inside the centrifuge containers 10A, 10B, thereby sequentially discharging each separated component from the centrifuge containers 10A, 10B.

[0015] Bags 31, 32, 33, and 34 are each configured to store a fluid. Bag 31 stores, for example, an unseparated biological fluid. Bag 32 stores, for example, a chemical solution used in specific gravity centrifugation. The chemical solution is, for example, Ficoll (registered trademark). Bag 33 stores, for example, a cleaning solution for washing the chemical solution and the like adhering to the target component after centrifugation. Bag 34 stores, for example, the target component washed in centrifuge container 10B.

[0016] Tubes 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 form fluid flow paths between bags 31, 32, 33, and 34 and centrifugation containers 10A and 10B. Tube 41 connects bag 31 and centrifugation container 10A. Tube 42 connects bag 32 and centrifugation container 10A. Tube 43 connects bag 33 and centrifugation container 10B. Tube 44 connects bag 34 and centrifugation container 10B. Tubes 41, 42, 43, and 44 may be branched tubes.

[0017] The solenoid valve 51 is provided on the tube 41, the solenoid valve 52 on the tube 42, the solenoid valve 53 on the tube 43, the solenoid valve 54 on the tube 44, and the solenoid valve 55 on the tube 45. The solenoid valves 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 serve to switch between opening and closing the flow paths of the tubes 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control device 60. The control device 60 has, for example, a control unit 61, a communication unit 62, a display unit 63, and an input unit 64, which are connected to each other via a bus. The control device 60 is connected, for example, to the centrifuge device 20 and the solenoid valves 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 via the communication unit 62. The control device 60 controls the operation of the centrifuge device 20 and the solenoid valves 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55. This controls, for example, the injection of fluid into the centrifuge containers 10A and 10B, the discharge of fluid from the centrifuge containers 10A and 10B, and the rotation of the centrifuge containers 10A and 10B.

[0019] The control unit 61 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and controls and performs calculations on the centrifugal separator 20 and the solenoid valves 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 according to a program. The control unit 61 may further include a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as a memory.

[0020] The communication unit 62 is an interface circuit (for example, a LAN card) for communicating with, for example, the centrifugal separator 20 and the solenoid valves 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 via a network.

[0021] The display unit 63 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The input unit 64 includes a keyboard, a numeric keypad, a mouse, etc., and is used to input various information. For example, when a user inputs an instruction via the input unit 64, the control device 60 operates the centrifuge device 20 and the solenoid valves 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55.

[0022] 3A and 3B show an example of the configuration of centrifugation containers 10A and 10B. The centrifugation containers 10A and 10B have, for example, the same configuration. Hereinafter, when the centrifugation containers 10A and 10B are not distinguished from each other, they will be referred to as the centrifugation container 10. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the centrifugation container 10, and FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of the centrifugation container 10.

[0023] The centrifuge vessel 10 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, with a rotation axis Ra extending along the height direction of the cylindrical shape. The centrifuge vessel 10 has a first end 101 and a second end 102 in the direction of the rotation axis Ra, and a storage section 100 between the first end 101 and the second end 102. The first end 101 is provided with a bearing section 11 and an upper wall 12. The second end 102 is provided with a vent 17, a mounting section 18, and a bottom wall 19. A side wall 13, a plunger 14, a sealing section 15, and a mark 16 are provided between the first end 101 and the second end 102. In the centrifuge vessel 10, a fluid injected from the first end 101 side is stored in the storage section 100. The target component centrifuged in the storage section 100 is removed via the first end 101.

[0024] The bearing unit 11 and the mounting unit 18 are mounted, for example, to a centrifuge device 20. The bearing unit 11 and the mounting unit 18 rotatably support the centrifuge container 10. The centrifuge container 10 mounted to the centrifuge device 20 rotates along a rotation axis Ra. The bearing unit 11 is provided, for example, to protrude from the top wall 12 on the side opposite the second end 102. The mounting unit 18 is provided, for example, to protrude from the bottom wall 19 on the side opposite the first end 101.

[0025] The top wall 12, the side wall 13, and the bottom wall 19 form the outer shape of the centrifuge container 10. The top wall 12 and the bottom wall 19 are disposed opposite each other in the direction of the rotation axis Ra and have, for example, a circular planar shape. The side wall 13 extends between the top wall 12 and the bottom wall 19 and connects the top wall 12 and the bottom wall 19. The top wall 12, the side wall 13, and the bottom wall 19 are made of, for example, a resin material with high optical transparency.

[0026] In this embodiment, first end 101 has a protrusion 12P extending toward second end 102. Specifically, protrusion 12P is provided on top wall 12 of first end 101. In centrifuge container 10, protrusion 12P is provided with fluid inlet / outlet 12M. As will be described in detail below, this allows fluid injected from inlet / outlet 12M to flow directly into storage section 100, making it less likely for unseparated biological fluids and the like to adhere to top wall 12 and side wall 13.

[0027] The protrusion 12P has, for example, a shape that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis Ra. The protrusion 12P has, for example, a conical shape such as a cone or a pyramid, with the apex of the cone located on the rotation axis Ra. The protrusion 12P preferably has a conical shape. This makes it difficult for unseparated biological fluids, etc., to adhere to the protrusion 12P. The protrusion 12P may have a warp or a ridge, etc.

[0028] The inlet / outlet 12M functions as an inlet / outlet for the fluid to enter and exit the storage unit 100. For example, a biological fluid that has passed through the tube 41 is stored in the storage unit 100 via the inlet / outlet 12M. Furthermore, the target component that has been centrifuged in the storage unit 100 flows into the tube 45 via the inlet / outlet 12M.

[0029] The inlet / outlet 12M is preferably provided at a position on the protrusion 12P closest to the second end 102. The inlet / outlet 12M is also preferably provided at a position spaced apart from the side wall 13, and is preferably provided at a position farthest from the side wall 13. This makes it more difficult for unseparated biological fluids, etc., injected through the inlet / outlet 12M to adhere to the side wall 13. The inlet / outlet 12M is provided, for example, at the apex of the cone-shaped protrusion 12P. For example, the tip of a pipe 121 that penetrates the bearing portion 11 and the upper wall 12 is provided at this inlet / outlet 12M.

[0030] The plunger 14 is configured to be movable between a first end 101 and a second end 102. A housing portion 100 is formed between the plunger 14 and the first end 101. Air flows into a chamber between the plunger 14 and the second end 102 via a vent 17, causing the plunger 14 to move toward the first end 101. Air flows out of the chamber between the plunger 14 and the second end 102 via the vent 17, causing the plunger 14 to move toward the second end 102. The plunger 14 has, for example, a circular planar shape that is approximately the same size as the top wall 12 and the bottom wall 19. Here, the plunger 14 corresponds to a specific example of a moving member of the present invention.

[0031] The plunger 14 has a recess 14D on the side of the second end 102. It is preferable that the portion of the recess 14D closest to the second end 102 is positioned so as to overlap the inlet / outlet 12M in a plan view. This allows the target component accumulated in the recess 14D to be efficiently discharged from the inlet / outlet 12M.

[0032] The recess 14D corresponds to the shape of, for example, the protrusion 12P. That is, the plunger 14 is configured to be able to fit onto the protrusion 12P. As a result, when the plunger 14 approaches the first end 101, the recess 14D fits into the protrusion 12P, and the plunger 14 is in close contact with the upper wall 12. This makes it possible to reduce loss of the target component due to a gap between the upper wall 12 and the plunger 14. For example, the apex of the recess 14D of the plunger 14 and the inlet / outlet 12M are located on the rotation axis Ra. The plunger 14 may have a warp or ridge corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 12P.

[0033] The sealing portion 15 includes, for example, a first sealing portion 151 and a second sealing portion 152. The first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152 include, for example, O-rings provided along the side wall 13. The first sealing portion 151 is provided between the side wall 13 and the plunger 14 and seals the accommodating portion 100. The second sealing portion 152 is, for example, disposed at a position closer to the second end portion 102 than the first sealing portion 151. The second sealing portion 152 functions as a fail-safe mechanism in case a malfunction occurs in the first sealing portion 151, and prevents leakage of fluid from the accommodating portion 100.

[0034] The mark 16 moves between the first end 101 and the second end 102 in synchronization with the plunger 14, for example. For example, the mark 16 is photographed by a camera, and the control device 60 acquires the photographed data. This enables the control device 60 to detect the position of the plunger 14 and adjust the volume of the storage section 100. The mark 16 has, for example, a circular planar shape that is approximately the same size as the top wall 12 and the bottom wall 19. The mark 16 is made of, for example, a colored material such as black.

[0035] The ventilation section 17 is provided, for example, in the center of the bottom wall 19. The ventilation section 17 is provided, for example, with an air passage 17L and a filter 17F. The air passage 17L is connected, for example, to an air passage 18L provided in the mounting section 18. Gas flows from outside the centrifuge container 10 into the chamber between the plunger 14 and the second end 102 via these air passages 17L and 18L. The air passage 17L is provided, for example, to protrude from the bottom wall 19 toward the first end 101.

[0036] The filter 17F is a so-called air filter that captures dust, dirt, bacteria, mold, and the like contained in the gas passing through it. The filter 17F is provided, for example, between the air passage 18L and the air passage 17L. The filter 17F may also be provided within the air passage 17L. The gas entering the air passage 18L flows through the air passage 17L via the filter 17F. Because the centrifuge vessel 10 includes such a filter 17F, the internal pressure of the centrifuge vessel 10 can be adjusted using gas in a substantially sterile state. This makes it possible to prevent contamination of the target component due to the inclusion of bacteria or mold.

[0037] (Operation of Centrifugation System) When a user inputs an instruction to the control device 60, for example, the control device 60 opens the solenoid valves 51 and 52, and the biological fluid and the medicinal solution are injected into the centrifuge container 10A from the bags 31 and 32, respectively. Here, the biological fluid stored in the bag 31 passes through the tube 41 and the pipe 121 in this order and flows into the storage section 100 from the inlet / outlet 12M. The control device 60, for example, causes the centrifuge device 20 to continuously release air from the chamber between the plunger 14 and the second end 102 through the vent 17, gradually moving the plunger 14 toward the second end 102. This causes the biological fluid and the medicinal solution to be continuously injected into the centrifuge container 10A.

[0038] After the biological fluid and the drug solution are poured into the centrifuge container 10A, the control device 60 causes the centrifuge device 20 to rotate the centrifuge container 10A along the rotation axis Ra, thereby separating the components contained in the biological fluid concentrically.

[0039] After the components contained in the biological fluid have been separated, the control device 60 causes the centrifugal separator 20 to continuously introduce air into the chamber between the plunger 14 and the second end 102 via the ventilation part 17, gradually moving the plunger 14 toward the first end 101. This causes the components to be continuously discharged from the inlet / outlet 12M.

[0040] The control device 60, for example, opens the electromagnetic valve 55 to allow the target component to flow from the centrifuge container 10A into the centrifuge container 10B. The control device 60 further opens the electromagnetic valve 53 to allow the washing solution stored in the bag 33 to flow into the centrifuge container 10B.

[0041] After the control device 60 injects the target component and the cleaning solution into the centrifuge container 10B, the control device 60 rotates the centrifuge container 10B about the rotation axis Ra using the centrifuge device 20. This washes away any chemicals or the like adhering to the target component.

[0042] After washing the target component, the control device 60, for example, opens the solenoid valve 54, and causes the washed target component to flow from the centrifuge container 10B into the bag 34. For example, the specific gravity of the target component is greater than the specific gravity of the washing solution. That is, the target component is disposed on the outside of the concentric circle in the centrifuge container 10B. At this time, the control device 60, for example, discharges the target component while stopping the rotation of the centrifuge container 10B.

[0043] (Effects of the Centrifugal Separation System) In the centrifuge container 10 according to this embodiment, the top wall 12 has a protrusion 12P that extends toward the second end 102, and an inlet / outlet 12M is provided on this protrusion 12P. This makes it easier for fluids, such as unseparated biological fluids, injected through the inlet / outlet 12M to flow directly into the storage section 100. As a result, unseparated biological fluids and the like are less likely to adhere to the top wall 12 and the side wall 13, making it possible to efficiently separate and recover target components. Below, these effects will be explained using a comparative example.

[0044] 4A shows the configuration of a centrifuge container 1000 according to a comparative example. The top wall 12 of this centrifuge container 1000 does not have a protrusion (e.g., protrusion 12P in FIG. 3A). The inlet / outlet 12M of the centrifuge container 1000 is located, for example, farther from the second end 102 than the top wall 12.

[0045] FIG. 4B shows an example of a biological fluid 70 injected into the inlet / outlet 12M of the centrifuge container 1000. Because the centrifuge container 1000 does not have a protrusion at the first end 101, the biological fluid 70 injected through the inlet / outlet 12M easily adheres to the top wall 12 and side wall 13. The biological fluid 70 adhering to the top wall 12 and side wall 13 is difficult to separate into its components even when the centrifuge container 1000 is rotated. Therefore, the unseparated biological fluid 70 adhering to the top wall 12 and side wall 13 may become contaminated with the target component as an unwanted component. For example, if the target component is a cellular component used in cell therapy for a disease, the contamination of such unwanted components may reduce the therapeutic effect on the disease. Alternatively, the unseparated biological fluid adhering to the top wall 12 and side wall 13 may reduce the recovery rate of the target component.

[0046] FIG. 4C shows the state in which the plunger 1400 of the centrifuge container 1000 is brought close to the first end 101. This plunger 1400 does not have a recess (e.g., recess 14D in FIG. 3A). Therefore, when the target component is outside the concentric circle, the target component remains outside the concentric circle and is unlikely to move near the inlet / outlet 12M. This may reduce the recovery rate of the target component. Furthermore, the target component that remains outside the concentric circle may be crushed between the upper wall 12 and the plunger 1400 and may be damaged.

[0047] In contrast, the centrifuge container 10 has a protrusion 12P on the top wall 12, and a fluid inlet / outlet 12M is provided on this protrusion 12P. As a result, unseparated biological fluid injected into the inlet / outlet 12M flows directly into the storage section 100 without adhering to the top wall 12 and the side wall 13. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the purity and recovery rate of the target component due to unseparated biological fluid adhering to the top wall 12 and the side wall 13. This allows the target component to be efficiently separated and recovered.

[0048] Furthermore, in the centrifuge container 10, the plunger 14 has a recess 14D. Therefore, for example, in the centrifuge container 10B, after the cleaning solution is discharged from the inlet / outlet 12M, the target component moves to the recess 14D of the plunger 14 by gravity and accumulates in the recess 14D. When the plunger 14 is moved closer to the top wall 12, the inlet / outlet 12M overlaps with the recess 14D, and the target component is smoothly discharged from the inlet / outlet 12M. Therefore, the target component can be efficiently recovered without being damaged.

[0049] The following describes a modified example of the centrifuge system 1 described in the above embodiment. In order to avoid duplication of explanation, detailed explanations of the same components as those of the centrifuge system 1 described in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0050] <Modifications> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device 60 of the centrifuge system 1 continuously injects a fluid into the centrifuge container 10 and continuously discharges the fluid from the centrifuge container 10. The control device 60 may control the injection of a fluid into the centrifuge container 10 and the discharge of a fluid from the centrifuge container 10 in other ways. Except for this point, the centrifuge system 1 has the same configuration as the centrifuge system 1 described in the above embodiment and provides the same functions and effects.

[0051] For example, the control device 60 may control the operation of the centrifuge device 20 and the plunger 14 so that fluid is intermittently injected into the centrifuge container 10. The control device 60 may control the operation of the centrifuge device 20 and the plunger 14 so that fluid is intermittently discharged from the centrifuge container 10.

[0052] For example, the control device 60 allows air to flow out of the chamber between the plunger 14 and the second end 102 through the vent 17 for a first period of time, and then suspends the flow of air for a second period of time. The control device 60 repeatedly allows and suspends the flow of air from the chamber between the plunger 14 and the second end 102, thereby intermittently injecting fluid into the centrifuge container 10. For example, the second period of time is longer than the first period of time. For example, the first period of time is 2 seconds or less, and the second period of time is 10 seconds or less.

[0053] For example, the control device 60 allows air to flow through the vent 17 into the chamber between the plunger 14 and the second end 102 for a third period of time, and then suspends the flow of air for a fourth period of time. The control device 60 repeatedly allows and suspends the flow of air into the chamber between the plunger 14 and the second end 102, thereby intermittently discharging fluid from the centrifuge container 10. For example, the fourth period of time is longer than the third period of time. For example, the third period of time is 2 seconds or less, and the fourth period of time is 10 seconds or less.

[0054] In the centrifuge system 1 according to the above modification, as in the above embodiment, the first end 101 of the centrifuge container 10 has a protrusion 12P, and an inlet / outlet 12M is provided on this protrusion 12P. This allows fluids such as biological fluids injected through the inlet / outlet 12M to easily flow directly into the storage section 100. This makes it difficult for unseparated biological fluids to adhere to the top wall 12 and the side wall 13, making it possible to efficiently separate and recover target components.

[0055] Furthermore, in this centrifugation system 1, the control device 60, for example, intermittently injects a fluid into the centrifugation container 10. Alternatively, the control device 60 intermittently discharges a fluid from the centrifugation container 10. This makes it possible to more efficiently recover the target component. The effects of this will be described below.

[0056] When fluid is continuously injected into the centrifuge vessel 10, turbulence generated near the inlet / outlet 12M may continue to disturb the interface between the centrifuged components, resulting in insufficient separation of the components.When fluid is continuously discharged from the centrifuge vessel 10, turbulence generated near the inlet / outlet 12M may disturb the layers of the centrifuged components, resulting in unwanted components being mixed into the recovered target component.

[0057] In contrast, when fluid is intermittently injected into the centrifuge vessel 10, the turbulent flow near the inlet / outlet 12M tends to transition to laminar flow due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the centrifuge vessel 10 while the fluid injection is temporarily stopped. This makes it possible to more reliably separate the components contained in the biological fluid, etc., and therefore more efficiently recover the target component.

[0058] Furthermore, when fluid is intermittently discharged from the centrifuge container 10, the layers of components that have become disordered near the inlet / outlet 12M tend to reconstitute while the discharge of the fluid is temporarily stopped. This allows the target component to be recovered with higher purity. This allows the target component to be recovered more efficiently.

[0059] As described above, the centrifuge vessel and centrifuge system of the present invention have been described in the embodiments and modifications. However, it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can make additions, modifications, and omissions as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0060] For example, the centrifuge system 1 may not include some of the components described in the above embodiment. For example, the centrifuge system 1 may not include the solenoid valves 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55, or the control device 60. The centrifuge system 1 may include one centrifuge container 10, or may include three or more centrifuge containers 10.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the protrusions 12P of the centrifuge container 10 have a cone shape, but the protrusions 12P may have other shapes.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a target component is extracted from a biological fluid using the centrifugal separation system 1, but the centrifugal separation system 1 may also extract a target component from a liquid other than a biological fluid.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above-described modified example, an example was described in which the second time is longer than the first time and the fourth time is longer than the third time, but the settings of the first time, second time, third time, and fourth time can be changed depending on the usage status of the centrifuge system 1. For example, the settings of the first time, second time, third time, and fourth time are changed depending on the target component to be recovered, the type of chemical solution, the rotation speed of the centrifuge container 10, etc. The first time may be longer than the second time, and the third time may be longer than the fourth time.

[0064] The means and methods for performing the various processes in the control device 60 described above can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided, for example, by a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may also be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the control device 60 as a function of that device.

[0065] 1 Centrifugal separation system, 10A, 10B, 10 Centrifugal separation container, 11 Bearing portion, 12 Upper wall, 12P Protrusion, 12M Inlet / outlet, 121 Pipe, 13 Side wall, 14 Plunger, 15 Sealing portion, 16 Mark, 17 Vent portion, 18 Mounting portion, 19 Bottom wall, 20 Centrifugal separation device, 31, 32, 33, 34 Bag, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 Tube, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 Solenoid valve, 60 Control device, 61 Control unit, 62 Communication unit, 63 Display unit, 64 Input unit, 70 Biological fluid.

Claims

1. A centrifuge vessel comprising: a first end and a second end in the direction of a rotation axis; and a container portion disposed between the first end and the second end and capable of containing a fluid, wherein the first end has a protrusion directed toward the second end, and an inlet / outlet for the fluid is provided on the protrusion.

2. A centrifugation container as described in claim 1, further comprising a movable member configured to be movable between the first end and the second end, and the storage section being provided between the movable member and the first end.

3. The centrifuge container according to claim 2, wherein the moving member has a recess toward the second end.

4. A centrifuge container according to claim 3, wherein said moving member has a shape that can be fitted onto said protrusion.

5. The centrifuge container according to claim 3, wherein the recess has a portion closest to the second end portion that is positioned to overlap the inlet / outlet in a plan view.

6. The centrifuge container according to claim 2, further comprising a side wall extending between said first end and said second end, and said inlet / outlet being spaced apart from said side wall.

7. The centrifuge container according to claim 6, further comprising a first sealing portion provided between said side wall and said moving member for sealing said storage portion.

8. The centrifuge container according to claim 7, further comprising a second sealing portion disposed along said side wall and located closer to said second end than said first sealing portion.

9. A centrifuge container according to claim 2, wherein the second end is provided with a filter and an air passage for allowing gas to flow between the second end and the moving member via the filter.

10. A centrifuge container according to claim 1, wherein the inlet / outlet is provided at a position on the protrusion closest to the second end.

11. The centrifuge vessel according to claim 1, wherein said protrusion has a cone shape.

12. The centrifuge vessel according to claim 11, wherein the inlet / outlet is provided at the apex of the cone shape.

13. A centrifuge system comprising: a centrifuge vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a bag capable of storing the fluid; and a flow path for the fluid between the bag and the centrifuge vessel.

14. The centrifuge system of claim 13, further comprising a controller for controlling the injection of said fluid into said centrifuge vessel and the discharge of said fluid from said centrifuge vessel.

15. The centrifuge system according to claim 14, wherein the control device controls the injection of the fluid so that the fluid is injected intermittently into the centrifuge container.

16. The centrifuge system according to claim 14, wherein the control device controls the discharge of the fluid so that the fluid is intermittently discharged from the centrifuge container.

17. The centrifuge system of claim 13, further comprising a centrifuge device that rotates the attached centrifuge vessel along a rotation axis.

Images