Genome extraction device capable of ultrasonic homogenization

Abstract

The present invention provides a genome extraction device comprising: a vibration unit configured to be movable up and down and including an ultrasonic vibrator; a cartridge including a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber communicating with the main chamber, wherein a through hole through which a part of a lower portion of the vibration unit can pass is located in an upper portion of the main chamber; and a piston located inside the main chamber and configured to be movable up and down according to the operation of the vibration unit as the lower portion of the vibration unit passes through the through hole and is coupled thereto.

Description

Genome extraction device capable of ultrasonic homogenization

[0001] The present invention relates to a genome extraction device capable of super-sonic homogenization.

[0002]

[0003] In modern times, advancements in biotechnology have made it possible to interpret the causes of diseases at the genetic level. Consequently, there is a growing demand for the manipulation of biological samples and biochemical analysis to cure or prevent human diseases.

[0004] In addition to disease diagnosis, technology for extracting and analyzing genomes from biological samples or samples containing cells is required in various fields such as new drug development, preliminary testing for viral or bacterial infections, and forensic science.

[0005] Conventional genome extraction devices require a separate device for each processing step, and since they must be moved to another device after one processing step is completed, they require a long time.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a device in which a cartridge receiving a sample and an ultrasonic vibrator applying ultrasonic vibrations inside the cartridge are integrated into a single device.

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, a piston-shaped tip placed in a passage provided inside the cartridge is connected to a plunger rod to raise it so that a sample is introduced into the passage inside the cartridge, and an ultrasonic horn located at the bottom of the cartridge is used to apply ultrasonic vibrations to the sample inside the cartridge from the bottom.

[0008] Patent Document 1 has the advantage of integrating the devices required for the genome extraction process into a single unit, but it has the disadvantage that, although it is a single unit, it is complex and large because multiple components for performing each process must be provided at the top and bottom of the device, respectively.

[0009]

[0010] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2650704 B1

[0011]

[0012] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a genome extraction device capable of miniaturizing and simplifying the device by integrating the device for performing each processing step and additionally integrating each component that was previously provided separately.

[0013]

[0014] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a dielectric extraction device comprising: a vibrating unit configured to be movable up and down and including an ultrasonic vibrator; a cartridge comprising a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber communicating with the main chamber, wherein a through hole is located at the upper part of the main chamber through which a portion of the lower part of the vibrating unit can pass; and a piston located inside the main chamber, wherein the lower part of the vibrating unit is coupled through the through hole and configured to be movable up and down according to the operation of the vibrating unit.

[0015] It is preferable that, with a sample contained in the auxiliary chamber and the piston positioned at the bottom of the main chamber, the vibrating part descends from outside the cartridge and rises while the lower part of the vibrating part passes through the through hole and is coupled with the piston, thereby causing the sample contained in the auxiliary chamber to flow into the main chamber by the piston, and that the ultrasonic vibrator vibrates while the lower end of the piston is in contact with the sample that has flowed into the main chamber.

[0016] Preferably, the piston comprises: a soft portion whose outer surface contacts the inner wall of the main chamber; and a hard portion made of a material having less elasticity than the soft portion, wherein the inner side contacts the lower end of the ultrasonic vibrator, and at least a portion of the outer side contacts a specimen contained in the main chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the above piston comprises: a concave portion located on the inner side of the hard portion in contact with the lower end of the ultrasonic vibrator; and a protrusion located on the outer side in contact with the sample contained in the cartridge.

[0018] It is preferable that the height of the above protrusion be at least 0.1 mm from the flat surface of the piston end.

[0019] The soft part comprises one or more of TPE (ThermoPlastic Elastomer), TPU (ThermoPlastic Polyurethane), TPV (ThermoPlastic Vulcanizate), and non-thermoplastic rubber, and the hard part preferably comprises one or more of TPO (ThermoPlastic polyOlefin), thermoplastic engineering plastic, metal, and a material having less elasticity than the soft part.

[0020] The above-mentioned vibrating part preferably further includes a piston pin that surrounds the ultrasonic vibrator along its longitudinal direction and has an open lower end so that the lower end of the ultrasonic vibrator is exposed.

[0021] It is preferable that the piston pin and the ultrasonic vibrator are spaced apart at a certain distance.

[0022] It is preferable to further include an interference prevention member located between the piston pin and the ultrasonic vibrator.

[0023] It is preferable to further include a driving unit that provides power to move the above-mentioned vibrating unit up and down.

[0024] It is preferable to further include a movable plate capable of vertical movement connecting the above-mentioned vibrating part and the above-mentioned driving part; and a guide rail located on one side of the movable plate.

[0025] It is preferable to further include a fastening member that fixes the above-mentioned vibrating member to the above-mentioned movable plate; and a spring located between the fastening member and the above-mentioned movable plate.

[0026] It is preferable that the above-mentioned drive unit and the above-mentioned movable plate are connected by a screw so that the rotational movement of the drive unit is converted into the up-and-down movement of the movable plate.

[0027]

[0028] As described above, the following effects can be obtained using the genome extraction device according to the present invention.

[0029] First, through a configuration that combines an ultrasonic vibrator and a piston into one, vibration energy transfer can be performed along with the reception of a sample inside the cartridge.

[0030] By configuring the piston coupled to the vibrating part into two parts of different materials, the degree of contact with the inner chamber of the cartridge can be increased while effectively transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to the sample.

[0031] By forming a protrusion at the end of the piston that contacts the sample, the contact area with the sample is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of ultrasonic energy transfer.

[0032] A piston pin is provided on the outside of the ultrasonic transducer to facilitate the connection between the vibrating part and the piston.

[0033] By configuring the piston pin and the ultrasonic vibrator to be spaced apart, interference between the piston pin and the ultrasonic vibrator is prevented.

[0034] An interference prevention member is placed between the piston pin and the ultrasonic transducer to maintain a spaced distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the piston pin, while ensuring the ultrasonic transducer is stably fixed and allowing vibration energy to be effectively transmitted to the sample through the end without being absorbed by the piston pin during ultrasonic vibration.

[0035] A spacer is placed between the vibrating part and the movable plate to prevent the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator from being dispersed throughout the entire device via the movable plate.

[0036]

[0037] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a genome extraction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view excluding the frame portion of a genome extraction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the vibrating part installed on a moving plate.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section of the lower part of the vibrating part and a perspective view of the interference prevention member.

[0041] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the vibration part and piston combined and moving up and down within the main chamber of the cartridge.

[0042] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the piston.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a vibrating part installed on a moving plate located outside the cartridge.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the lower part of the vibrating part and the piston combined inside the main chamber as the vibrating part installed on the moving plate moves downward according to the operation of the driving part.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the lower part of the vibrating part and the piston being coupled inside the main chamber, and the sample being introduced into the main chamber as it moves upward according to the operation of the driving part.

[0046]

[0047] The above-mentioned objectives, features, and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing preferred embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be described based on the content throughout this specification.

[0048] Furthermore, the described embodiments are provided as examples for the purpose of explaining the invention and do not limit the technical scope of the invention.

[0049]

[0050] Hereinafter, a genome extraction device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a genome extraction device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a vibrating part (100), a cartridge (200), a piston (300), a driving part (30), and a moving plate (20).

[0052] The vibration unit (100) includes an ultrasonic vibrator (110). The ultrasonic vibrator (110) is configured to generate high-frequency vibrations.

[0053] The ultrasonic vibrator (110) operates by converting an alternating voltage applied to a piezoelectric material into a fine high-frequency vibration, and an ultrasonic vibrator (110) configured in a different way may also be used. Additionally, the ultrasonic vibrator (110) is configured in the shape of an elongated rod.

[0054] The vibration unit (100) is configured to be able to move up and down. Specifically, the vibration unit (100) may be connected to a driving unit (30) and configured to be able to move up and down by the operation of the driving unit (30), but is not limited thereto.

[0055] Additionally, the vibrating part (100) is fixedly installed on the movable plate (20), and the movable plate (20) is installed to be movable up and down on the frame (10).

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the vibrating member (100) is fixedly installed on the movable plate (20). The vibrating member (100) is installed on the movable plate (20) by a fastening member (21), such as a bolt.

[0057] Specifically, the vibrating member (100) is inserted into the spacer (22), and both sides of the spacer (22) are fixed to the movable plate (20) by means of a fastening member (21). Since the spacer (22) is positioned between the vibrating member (100) and the movable plate (20), the vibration of the vibrating member (100) is absorbed by the spacer (22) and is not directly transmitted to the movable plate (20), thereby preventing the entire device from vibrating.

[0058] Additionally, an elastic body such as a spring (23) is positioned between the fastening member (21) and the spacer (22), so that the vibrating member (100) can be fixed in close contact with the spacer (22).

[0059] A driving unit (30) is connected to one side of the movable plate (20). The driving unit (30) is composed of a motor. The driving shaft (31) of the motor is connected to the movable plate (20).

[0060] By screwing the drive shaft (31) of the motor and the movable plate (20), the rotational movement of the drive shaft (31) caused by the operation of the drive unit (30) can be converted into the up-and-down movement of the movable plate (20).

[0061] A guide rail (40) is located on the other side of the movable plate (20). The guide rail (40) is positioned along the vertical direction and guides the vertical movement of the movable plate (20).

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the vibrating part (100) further includes a piston pin (120). The piston pin (120) is positioned along the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic vibrator (110) to surround at least a portion of the lower circumferential surface of the ultrasonic vibrator (110).

[0063] The piston pin (120) and the ultrasonic vibrator (110) are spaced apart at a certain distance. That is, the piston pin (120) is positioned to surround the ultrasonic vibrator (110) with the inner surface of the piston pin (120) spaced apart at a certain distance from the outer surface of the ultrasonic vibrator (110).

[0064] Thus, mutual interference does not occur between the piston pin (120) and the ultrasonic vibrator (110) during the up and down movement of the vibrating part (100).

[0065] An opening (121) is formed at the lower end of the piston pin (120), and the lower end of the ultrasonic vibrator (110) is exposed through this opening (121), so that vibrations generated from the ultrasonic vibrator (110) can be concentrated at the lower end and transmitted to the sample.

[0066] Additionally, an interference prevention member (130) is located between the piston pin (120) and the ultrasonic vibrator (110).

[0067] The interference prevention member (130) prevents interference between the ultrasonic vibrator (110) and the piston pin (120) during the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator (110).

[0068] When the outer surface of the piston pin (120) comes into contact with the ultrasonic vibrator (110) during vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator (110), the ultrasonic vibrator (110) may be damaged due to interference, but the interference prevention member (130) is positioned between the ultrasonic vibrator (110) and the piston pin (120) to prevent damage to the ultrasonic vibrator (110).

[0069] The shape or material of the interference prevention member (130) is not limited, but as shown in FIG. 4, the interference prevention member (130) is formed in the shape of a rubber ring and is fitted into a groove formed on the inner surface of the piston pin (120) and placed between the piston pin (120) and the ultrasonic vibrator (110).

[0070] The cartridge (200) is located at the bottom of the vibration unit (100). Inside the cartridge (200), a chamber is provided, which is a predetermined space in which a sample to be subjected to genome extraction can be accommodated.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the chamber includes a main chamber (210) and an auxiliary chamber (220).

[0072] The main chamber (210) and the auxiliary chamber (220) are fluidly connected to each other. Thus, a sample contained in the auxiliary chamber (220) can be introduced into the main chamber (210) by the piston (300) described later.

[0073] A through hole (211) is formed in the upper part of the cartridge (200) (see FIG. 7). The through hole (211) is formed through the upper part of the main chamber (210) of the cartridge (200), and when the vibrating part (100) descends, the lower part of the vibrating part (100) can be inserted into the main chamber (210) of the cartridge (200) through the through hole (211).

[0074] Specifically, the vibrating part (100) is positioned outside the cartridge (200), and as it moves downward, the lower part of the vibrating part (100) is inserted into the main chamber (210) through the through hole (211).

[0075] A support (50) of a predetermined height is located at the bottom of the cartridge (200), and the cartridge (200) can be slidably coupled to the support (50).

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, the piston (300) is located inside the main chamber (210) of the cartridge (200). The outer surface of the piston (300) is configured to be in contact with the inner surface of the main chamber (210). Additionally, the piston (300) can move up and down inside the main chamber (210) of the cartridge (200).

[0077] As described above, when the vibration unit (100) descends, the lower part of the vibration unit (100) is inserted into the main chamber (210) of the cartridge (200) through the through hole (211) and coupled with the piston (300), thereby allowing the piston (300) to move up and down within the main chamber (210) in accordance with the up and down movement of the vibration unit (100).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, when the piston (300) rises while the sample is contained in the auxiliary chamber (220) of the cartridge (200), a negative pressure is formed at the lower part of the piston (300) of the main chamber (210), so that the sample in the auxiliary chamber (220) can be sucked into the main chamber (210) and contained.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the piston (300) includes a soft part (310) and a hard part (320).

[0080] The soft part (310) can be configured in a roughly cylindrical shape. A coupling member (311) is formed at the top to which the lower end of the vibrating part (100) is coupled, and a hard part (320) is located at the bottom.

[0081] The soft part (310) is configured so that its outer surface contacts the inner wall of the main chamber (210) of the cartridge (200).

[0082] Thus, the upper and lower parts of the main chamber (210) can be sealed with respect to the piston (300), and the pressure at the lower part of the piston (300) changes as the piston (300) moves up and down.

[0083] The material of the soft part (310) is made of a relatively soft and elastic material, for example, a material including one or more of TPE (ThermoPlastic Elastomer), TPU (ThermoPlastic Polyurethane), and TPV (ThermoPlastic Vulcanizate), and alternatively, a non-thermoplastic rubber material.

[0084] The hard part (320) is located at the bottom of the soft part (310), and when the vibration part (100) and the piston (300) are combined as described above, the upper part of the hard part (320), i.e., the inner side, is in contact with the lower part of the ultrasonic vibrator (110), and at least a portion of the lower part of the hard part (320), i.e., the outer side, is in contact with the sample that is introduced into and contained in the main chamber (210), so that the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator (110) is transmitted to the sample through the hard part (320).

[0085] Specifically, a concave portion (321) is formed in the upper part of the hard portion (320) so that the lower part of the ultrasonic vibrator (110) comes into contact with the concave portion (321), and the lower part of the hard portion (320) protrudes so that it can come into contact with the sample contained in the main chamber (210).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, a protrusion (322) is formed on the outer side of the hard part (320) that contacts the sample, thereby increasing the contact area between the hard part (320) and the sample, and thus increasing the efficiency of ultrasonic energy transmission.

[0087] In addition, it was confirmed that the protruding height (a) of the protrusion (322) is formed such that the height from the flat part of the lower circumference of the piston (300) to the most protruding part of the protrusion is 0.1 mm or more, specifically 0.2 mm or more, so that the efficiency of energy transfer from the ultrasonic vibrator (110) to the sample can be improved compared to when the hard part (320) is flat.

[0088] The material of the hard part (320) is a material that is harder and less elastic than the soft part (310), and may be made of one or more of, for example, TPO (ThermoPlastic polyOlefin), thermoplastic engineering plastic, metal, and a material that is less elastic than the soft part (310).

[0089] As described above, since the piston (300) is composed of two parts, a soft part (310) and a hard part (320), the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator (110) is absorbed on the outer surface side of the piston (300) and is not transmitted to the wall side of the main chamber (210), but can be transmitted intensively only to the sample through the hard part (320).

[0090] Therefore, through the structure of this piston (300), the efficiency of ultrasonic energy transfer from the ultrasonic vibrator (110) to the sample can be increased, and also, the seal between the outer surface of the piston (300) and the inner wall of the main chamber (210) can be maintained well.

[0091] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the operation of a genome extraction device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0092] First, as shown in FIG. 7, a sample is injected and received in the auxiliary chamber (220) of the cartridge (200), and with the piston (300) located at the bottom of the main chamber (210), the cartridge (200) is installed on the upper part of the stand (50) located at the bottom of the vibrating part (100).

[0093] At this time, the vibration unit (100) is located on the upper outer side of the cartridge (200).

[0094] Then, as the drive unit (30) is driven, the drive shaft (31) rotates, and the rotational movement of the drive shaft (31) is converted into an up-and-down movement of the movable plate (20), causing the movable plate (20) to descend along the guide rail (40).

[0095] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the vibrating part (100) descends from the upper part of the cartridge (200), and the lower part of the vibrating part (100) passes through the through hole (211) and enters the main chamber (210), thereby connecting the lower part of the vibrating part (100) with the piston (300) inside the main chamber (210).

[0096] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the vibration unit (100) is coupled with the piston (300) and the vibration unit (100) and the piston (300) rise according to the operation of the driving unit (30), a negative pressure is formed in the main chamber (210) by the piston (300), and accordingly, a sample contained in the auxiliary chamber (220) flows into the main chamber (210).

[0097] Then, as the lower part of the piston (300) is in contact with the sample introduced into the main chamber (210), the ultrasonic vibrator (110) vibrates, and the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator (110) is transmitted to the sample.

[0098]

[0099] As described above, the following effects can be obtained using the genome extraction device according to the present invention.

[0100] First, through a configuration that combines an ultrasonic vibrator and a piston into one, sample reception and vibration energy transfer can be performed simultaneously within the cartridge.

[0101] By configuring the piston coupled to the vibrating part into two parts of different materials, the degree of contact with the inner chamber of the cartridge can be increased while effectively transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to the sample.

[0102] By forming a protrusion at the end of the piston that contacts the sample, the contact area with the sample is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of ultrasonic energy transfer.

[0103] A piston pin is provided on the outside of the ultrasonic transducer to facilitate the connection between the vibrating part and the piston.

[0104] By configuring the piston pin and the ultrasonic vibrator to be spaced apart, interference between the piston pin and the ultrasonic vibrator can be prevented.

[0105] An interference prevention member is placed between the piston pin and the ultrasonic transducer to maintain a spaced distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the piston pin while fixing the ultrasonic transducer, and to ensure that vibration energy is effectively transmitted to the sample at the end without being absorbed by the piston pin during ultrasonic vibration.

[0106] A spacer is placed between the vibrating part and the movable plate to prevent the vibration of the ultrasonic transducer from being dispersed throughout the entire device via the movable plate.

[0107]

[0108] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. That is, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can make numerous changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, and all such appropriate changes and modifications and equivalents should be deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0109]

[0110] (Explanation of drawing symbols)

[0111] 10: Frame

[0112] 20: Moving plate

[0113] 21: Fastening member

[0114] 22: Spacer

[0115] 23: Spring

[0116] 30: Drive unit

[0117] 31: Drive shaft

[0118] 40: Guide rail

[0119] 50: Stand

[0120] 100: Vibration part

[0121] 110: Ultrasonic transducer

[0122] 120: Piston pin

[0123] 121: Frog

[0124] 130: Anti-interference member

[0125] 200: Cartridge

[0126] 210: Main chamber

[0127] 211: Penetrating hole

[0128] 220: Auxiliary Chamber

[0129] 300: Piston

[0130] 310: Soft part

[0131] 311: Joint

[0132] 320: Hard part

[0133] 321: Concave part

[0134] 322: Protrusion

Claims

1. A vibrating part configured to be movable up and down and including an ultrasonic vibrator; A cartridge comprising a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber communicating with the main chamber, wherein a through hole is located at the upper part of the main chamber through which a lower part of the vibrating member can pass; A piston located inside the main chamber, wherein the lower part of the vibrating part is coupled through the through hole and configured to move up and down according to the operation of the vibrating part; device.

2. In Paragraph 1, With the sample contained in the auxiliary chamber and the piston positioned at the bottom of the main chamber, When the above-mentioned vibrating part descends from the outside of the cartridge and the lower part of the vibrating part passes through the through hole and rises while coupled with the piston, the sample contained in the auxiliary chamber is introduced into the main chamber by the piston, and Vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator occurs while the lower end of the piston is in contact with the sample introduced into the main chamber. device.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above piston is, A soft portion whose outer surface contacts the inner wall of the main chamber; and A hard part comprising a material having less elasticity than the soft part, wherein the inner side contacts the lower end of the ultrasonic vibrator, and at least a portion of the outer side contacts a specimen contained in the main chamber. device.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above piston is, A concave portion located on the inner side of the hard portion in contact with the lower portion of the ultrasonic vibrator; and a protrusion located on the outer side in contact with the sample contained in the cartridge; comprising device.

5. In Paragraph 3, The height of the above protrusion is 0.1 mm or more from the flat surface of the piston end, device.

6. In Paragraph 3, The above soft part comprises one or more of TPE (ThermoPlastic Elastomer), TPU (ThermoPlastic Polyurethane), TPV (ThermoPlastic Vulcanizate), and non-thermoplastic rubber, and The hard part comprises one or more of TPO (ThermoPlastic polyolefin), thermoplastic engineering plastic, metal, and a material having less elasticity than the soft part. device.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned vibrating part is, A piston pin that surrounds the ultrasonic vibrator along its longitudinal direction, with its lower end open to expose the lower end of the ultrasonic vibrator; further comprising device.

8. In Paragraph 7, The piston pin and the ultrasonic vibrator are spaced apart at a certain distance. device.

9. In Paragraph 8, Further comprising an interference prevention member positioned between the piston pin and the ultrasonic vibrator, device.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, A driving unit that provides power to move the above-mentioned vibrating unit up and down; further comprising device.

11. In Paragraph 10, A movable plate capable of vertical movement connecting the above-mentioned vibrating part and the above-mentioned driving part; and A guide rail further comprising a guide rail located on one side of the above-mentioned movable plate, device.

12. In Paragraph 11, A fastening member for fixing the above-mentioned vibrating part to the above-mentioned movable plate; and A spring located between the above-mentioned fastening member and the above-mentioned moving plate; further comprising device.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above driving unit and the above moving plate are connected by a screw, so that the rotational movement of the driving unit is converted into the up-and-down movement of the moving plate. device.

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