Filtering device and filtering method for filtering, by means of forward flow and reverse flow, fluid passing through multi-stage filters

Abstract

The device for filtering, by means of forward flow and reverse flow, a fluid passing through multi-stage filters comprises: first and second filters; a first accommodation space, between the first and second filters, in which a sample passing through the first filter and not passing through the second filter is collected; a second accommodation space connected to the first accommodation space through the first filter; a third accommodation space connected to the first accommodation space through the second filter; and a flow control means for controlling, to be alternately generated, the first flow in which a first liquid sequentially passes through the second accommodation space, the first filter, the first accommodation space, the second filter and the third accommodation space, and the second flow in which a second liquid passes therethrough in the reverse order of the first liquid, wherein the amount of the first liquid flowing into the second accommodation space is greater than the amount of the second liquid flowing into the third accommodation space, and thus the sample is continuously introduced into the first accommodation space as time passes, the sample that passes through the first filter and does not pass through the second filter is accumulated in the first accommodation space, and the sample accumulated in the first accommodation space is diluted with a cleaning solution included in the second liquid.

Description

Filtering device and filtering method for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and countercurrent

[0001] The present invention relates to a filtering device and a filtering method for filtering a fluid, and more specifically, to a filtering device and a filtering method for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow.

[0002] There are many cases where it is necessary to separate ultrafine particles, such as exosomes, from cell culture media or pulverized biological tissue, or to separate cells from pulverized biological tissue.

[0003] To separate ultrafine particles such as exosomes from cell culture media or pulverized biological tissues, ultracentrifugation, multi-stage tangential flow filtering, and multi-stage micropore filtering were used. Among these, multi-stage micropore filtering had the advantage of being the fastest and possible with low-cost equipment.

[0004] However, conventional multi-stage micro-processing filtering has the problem that the filtering function gradually declines as the micropores of the filter become clogged by particles, or the yield decreases as particles get caught in the filter.

[0005] In addition, conventional methods that filter particles of a specific size by having them pass through a multi-stage filter sequentially have a limitation in that they only take in fine particles that have passed through the pores of all designated filters and cannot perform other functions.

[0006] One problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a filtering apparatus and a filtering method for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow, wherein a liquid containing a sample to be filtered is passed sequentially from a filter with large pores to a filter with small pores, and then a liquid containing a washing solution is passed in the reverse direction from a filter with small pores to a filter with large pores, thereby taking only particles in a designated section between specific filters and preventing the pores of the filters from being clogged by the sample contained in the liquid, so as to improve filtering efficiency.

[0007] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] A filtering device for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of filters including a first filter having a first pore and a second filter having a second pore having a pore size smaller than that of the first pore; a plurality of receiving spaces formed between the first filter and the second filter, including a first receiving space in which a sample that has passed through the first filter but has not passed through the second filter is collected, a second receiving space connected to the first receiving space with the first filter in between, and a third receiving space connected to the first receiving space with the second filter in between; a plurality of inlet / outlet valves including a first inlet / outlet valve connected to the first receiving space and through which a sample collected in the first receiving space passes to be discharged to the outside, a second inlet / outlet valve connected to the second receiving space, a third inlet / outlet valve connected to the third receiving space, and a fourth inlet / outlet valve connected to the third receiving space; and a first liquid inlet means for causing a first liquid containing a sample to be filtered to be introduced from the outside into the second receiving space through the second inlet / outlet valve. A first liquid outflow means for causing a first liquid, which has passed through a first filter, a first receiving space, and a second filter and moved to a third receiving space, to flow out from the third receiving space to the outside through a third inlet / outlet valve; a second liquid inflow means for causing a second liquid, including a cleaning liquid, to flow from the outside into the third receiving space through a fourth inlet / outlet valve; and a flow control means for generating a first flow in which the first liquid sequentially passes through the second receiving space, a first filter, a first receiving space, a second filter, and a third receiving space, and a second flow in which the second liquid sequentially passes through the third receiving space, a second filter, a first receiving space, a first filter, and a second receiving space, and for controlling the flow so that the first flow and the second flow are generated alternately.In this embodiment, the amount of the first liquid introduced from the outside into the second receiving space by the first liquid inflow means is greater than the amount of the second liquid introduced from the outside into the third receiving space by the second liquid inflow means, so that the sample is continuously introduced into the first receiving space over time. In this embodiment, the sample that passes through the first filter but does not pass through the second filter accumulates in the first receiving space. In this embodiment, the sample accumulated in the first receiving space is diluted by the washing solution contained in the second liquid.

[0009] A filtering method for filtering a fluid passing through multistage filters by rectification and counter-flow according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step in which a first liquid containing a sample to be filtered is introduced from the outside into a second receiving space through a second inlet / outlet valve; a step in which the first liquid introduced into the second receiving space passes through a first filter having a first pore and moves to the first receiving space; a step in which the first liquid moved to the first receiving space passes through a second filter having a second pore having a pore size smaller than the first pore and moves to a third receiving space; a step in which the first liquid moved to the third receiving space is discharged from the third receiving space to the outside through a third inlet / outlet valve; a step in which a second liquid containing a cleaning solution is introduced from the outside into the third receiving space through a fourth inlet / outlet valve; a step in which the second liquid introduced into the third receiving space passes through a second filter and moves to the first receiving space; a step in which the second liquid moved to the first receiving space passes through a first filter and moves to the second receiving space; and a step in which the second liquid moved to the second receiving space is discharged from the second receiving space to the outside. The present embodiment generates a first flow in which a first liquid sequentially passes through a second receiving space, a first filter, a first receiving space, a second filter, and a third receiving space, and a second flow in which a second liquid sequentially passes through a third receiving space, a second filter, a first receiving space, a first filter, and a second receiving space, and controls the flow so that the first flow and the second flow are generated alternately, and the amount of the first liquid flowing into the second receiving space from the outside becomes greater than the amount of the second liquid flowing into the third receiving space from the outside, so that a sample is continuously introduced into the first receiving space over time, and a sample that has passed through the first filter but has not passed through the second filter accumulates in the first receiving space, and the sample accumulated in the first receiving space is diluted by the washing solution contained in the second liquid.

[0010] One effect of the present invention is to provide a filtering apparatus and a filtering method for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow, wherein a liquid containing a sample to be filtered is passed sequentially from a filter with large pores to a filter with small pores, and then a liquid containing a washing solution is passed in the reverse direction from a filter with small pores to a filter with large pores, thereby taking only particles in a designated section between specific filters and preventing the pores of the filters from being clogged by the sample contained in the liquid, thereby improving filtering efficiency.

[0011] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a filtering device for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a filtering device that filters fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow of FIG. 1, with a fifth inlet / outlet valve further provided.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a filtering device that filters fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow of FIG. 2, further equipped with a vibration generating device and a geological component.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a filtering device that filters fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow of FIG. 2, further equipped with a third filter, a fourth filter, a sixth inlet / outlet valve, and a seventh inlet / outlet valve.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a filtering device for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a filtering method for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Specific details for implementing the invention are explained based on examples. These examples are provided as illustrative examples to enable a person skilled in the art to understand specific details for implementing the invention and may be modified in various other forms; therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited by the following examples.

[0019] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0021] (Example 1)

[0022] A filtering device (101) for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first filter (111), a second filter (112), a first receiving space (121), a second receiving space (122), and a third receiving space (123), as exemplarily shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0023] In addition, the filtering device (100) for filtering fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow according to the present embodiment may further include a first inlet / outlet valve (131), a second inlet / outlet valve (132), a third inlet / outlet valve (133), a fourth inlet / outlet valve (134), and a fifth inlet / outlet valve (135).

[0024] The first filter (111) is a filter having a first pore. The first pore may have various sizes depending on the size of the sample to be filtered. For example, if the sample to be filtered is an ultrafine particle such as an exosome from a cell culture medium or a biological tissue pulverizer, the first pore may have a size of 80 nm to 200 nm.

[0025] The second filter (112) is a filter having a second pore that is smaller in size than the first pore. The second pore may have various sizes depending on the size of the sample to be filtered within a range where the pore size is smaller than the first pore. For example, if the sample to be filtered is an ultrafine particle such as an exosome from a cell culture medium or a pulverized biological tissue medium, the first pore may have a size of 10 nm to 60 nm.

[0026] Samples that pass through the first pore but do not pass through the second pore can be filtered by the first filter (111) and the second filter (112).

[0027] The first receiving space (121) is formed between the first filter (111) and the second filter (112) and is a space where samples that have passed through the first filter (111) but have not passed through the second filter (112) are collected. The first receiving space (121) is a space into which a first liquid (L1) containing a sample to be filtered flows from the second receiving space (122) through the first filter (111), and a second liquid (L2) containing a washing solution such as distilled water flows from the third receiving space (123) through the second filter (112). The first receiving space (121) is formed as a sealed space so that the first flow (F1) and the second flow (F2), which will be described later, can be easily generated alternately.

[0028] In the first receiving space (121), samples that have passed through the first filter (111) but have not passed through the second filter (112) are collected, so over time, samples that have passed through the first filter (111) but have not passed through the second filter (112) accumulate in the first receiving space (121).

[0029] Since a second liquid (L2) containing a washing solution is introduced into the first receiving space (121), the sample collected and accumulated in the first receiving space (121) is diluted by the washing solution contained in the second liquid (L2).

[0030] The second receiving space (122) is a space connected to the first receiving space (121) with the first filter (111) in between. The second receiving space (122) is a space into which the first liquid (L1) containing the sample to be filtered is received from the outside, and the second liquid (L2) containing the washing liquid is received from the first receiving space (121) through the first filter (111). The second receiving space (122), like the first receiving space (121), is formed as a sealed space so that the first flow (F1) and the second flow (F2), which will be described later, can be easily generated alternately.

[0031] The third receiving space (123) is a space connected to the first receiving space (121) with the second filter (112) in between. The third receiving space (123) is a space in which the first liquid (L1) that has passed through the second filter (112) from the first receiving space (121) is received, and the second liquid (L2) containing a cleaning solution is received from the outside. The third receiving space (123), like the first and second receiving spaces (121) (122), is made of a sealed space so that the first flow (F1) and the second flow (F2), which will be described later, can be easily generated alternately.

[0032] The first inlet / outlet valve (131) is connected to the first receiving space (121) and is a valve through which a sample collected and accumulated in the first receiving space (121) passes to be discharged to the outside. Over time, the sample accumulated in the first receiving space (121) is discharged to the outside through the first inlet / outlet valve (131).

[0033] The second inlet / outlet valve (132) is connected to the second receiving space (122) and is a valve through which the first liquid (L1) containing the sample to be filtered is passed to be introduced into the second receiving space (122) from the outside.

[0034] The second inlet / outlet valve (132) can allow the first liquid (L1) containing the sample to be filtered to flow into the second receiving space (122) from the outside and prevent the second liquid (L2) from flowing out of the second receiving space (122). To this end, the second inlet / outlet valve (132) may be configured as a one-way valve that allows the first liquid (L1) to flow in and prevents the second liquid (L2) from flowing out, or it may be configured to operate in such a way that the inflow of the first liquid (L1) is allowed and the outflow of the second liquid (L2) is prohibited.

[0035] The third inlet / outlet valve (133) is connected to the third receiving space (123) and is a valve through which the first liquid (L1) contained in the third receiving space (123) passes through the first and second filters (111) (112) to flow out of the third receiving space (123).

[0036] The third inlet / outlet valve (133) can allow the first liquid (L1) contained in the third receiving space (123) to flow out from the third receiving space (123) to the outside, and prevent the second liquid (L2), which includes a cleaning solution, from flowing into the third receiving space (123) from the outside. To this end, the third inlet / outlet valve (133) may be configured as a one-way valve that allows the first liquid (L1) to flow out and prevents the second liquid (L2) from flowing in, or it may be configured to operate so as to allow the outflow of the first liquid (L1) and prohibit the inflow of the second liquid (L2).

[0037] The fourth inlet / outlet valve (134) is connected to the third receiving space (123) and is a valve through which the second liquid (L2), containing a cleaning solution, passes to be introduced into the third receiving space (123) from the outside.

[0038] The fourth inlet / outlet valve (134) can allow the second liquid (L2), which contains a cleaning solution, to flow into the third receiving space (123) from the outside and prevent the first liquid (L1) contained in the third receiving space (123) from flowing out of the third receiving space (123). To this end, the fourth inlet / outlet valve (134) may be configured as a one-way valve that allows the second liquid (L2) to flow in and prevents the first liquid (L1) from flowing out, or it may be configured to operate in such a way that the inflow of the second liquid (L2) is allowed and the outflow of the first liquid (L1) is prohibited.

[0039] The filtering device (102) for filtering fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow of the present embodiment may be equipped with a fifth inlet / outlet valve (135), as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2.

[0040] The fifth inlet / outlet valve (135) is connected to the second receiving space (122) and is a valve through which the second liquid (L2), which has passed through the first and second filters (111) (112) and moved to the second receiving space (122), passes to be discharged from the second receiving space (122) to the outside.

[0041] The fifth inlet / outlet valve (135) can allow the second liquid (L2) moved into the second receiving space (122) to flow out from the second receiving space (122) to the outside, and prevent the first liquid (L1) from flowing into the second receiving space (122) from the outside. To this end, the fifth inlet / outlet valve (135) may be configured as a one-way valve that allows the second liquid (L2) to flow out and prevents the first liquid (L1) from flowing in, or it may be configured to operate so as to allow the outflow of the second liquid (L2) and prohibit the inflow of the first liquid (L1).

[0042] The filtering device (101) for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow according to the present embodiment may further include a first liquid inlet means, a first liquid outlet means, a second liquid inlet means, and a flow control means, although not shown in the drawing.

[0043] The first liquid inflow means is a means for allowing a first liquid (L1) containing a sample to be filtered to be introduced from the outside into a second receiving space (122) through a second inlet / outlet valve (132). For example, the first liquid inflow means may be a storage container connected to the second inlet / outlet valve (132) and containing the first liquid (L1) containing the sample to be filtered.

[0044] The first liquid outflow means is a means for allowing the first liquid (L1), which has passed through the first filter (111), the first receiving space (121), and the second filter (112) to be moved to the third receiving space (123), to be discharged from the third receiving space (123) to the outside through the third inlet / outlet valve (133). For example, the first liquid outflow means may be a waste container connected to the third inlet / outlet valve (133) and into which the first liquid (L1), which has passed through the first filter (111), the first receiving space (121), and the second filter (112) to be moved to the third receiving space (123), is disposed of.

[0045] The second liquid inflow means is a means for allowing a second liquid (L2) containing a cleaning solution to flow from the outside into a third receiving space (123) through a fourth inlet / outlet valve (134). For example, the second liquid inflow means may be a cleaning solution container connected to the fourth inlet / outlet valve (134) and receiving the second liquid (L2) containing the cleaning solution.

[0046] The amount of the first liquid (L1) flowing into the second receiving space (122) from the outside by the first liquid inflow means can be controlled to be greater than the amount of the second liquid (L2) flowing into the third receiving space (123) from the outside by the second liquid inflow means, thereby allowing the sample to be continuously introduced into the first receiving space (121) over time.

[0047] The flow control means is a means for generating a first flow (F1) in which a first liquid (L1) sequentially passes through a second receiving space (122), a first filter (111), a first receiving space (121), a second filter (112), and a third receiving space (123), and a second flow (F2) in which a second liquid (L2) sequentially passes through a third receiving space (123), a second filter (1120), a first receiving space (121), a first filter (111), and a second receiving space (122), and for controlling the flow so that the first flow (F1) and the second flow (F2) are generated alternately.

[0048] The flow control means may be composed of various configurations that generate first and second flows (F1) (F2) and control them to occur alternately. For example, the flow control means may be at least one selected from the group consisting of a tubing pump, a diaphragm pump, a gear pump, and a piston pump.

[0049] The flow control means can be operated in various ways to generate first and second flows (F1) (F2) and to control them so that they are generated alternately.

[0050] For example, the flow control means is connected to the second inlet / outlet valve (132) and the fifth inlet / outlet valve (135) so that the first liquid (L1) is pressurized through the second inlet / outlet valve (132) to generate the first flow (F1) and the second liquid (L2) is sucked through the fifth inlet / outlet valve (135) to generate the second flow (F2). When generating the first flow (F1), the fourth and fifth inlet / outlet valves (134) and (135) block the movement of the liquid so that the first flow (F1) is not mixed with the second flow (F2), and when generating the second flow (F2), the second and third inlet / outlet valves (132) and (133) block the flow so that the second flow (F2) is not mixed with the first flow (F1).

[0051] Similarly, the flow control means is connected to the third inlet / outlet valve (133) and the fourth inlet / outlet valve (134) so ​​that the first liquid (L1) is sucked in through the third inlet / outlet valve (133) to generate the first flow (F1) and the second liquid (L2) is pressurized through the fourth inlet / outlet valve (134) to generate the second flow (F2). When generating the first flow (F1), the fourth and fifth inlet / outlet valves (134) (135) block the movement of the liquid so that the first flow (F1) is not mixed with the second flow (F2), and when generating the second flow (F2), the second and third inlet / outlet valves (132) (133) block the flow so that the second flow (F2) is not mixed with the first flow (F1).

[0052] Additionally, the flow control means may be provided with a first flow control means connected to the second inlet / outlet valve (132) and the fifth inlet / outlet valve (135), and a second flow control means connected to the third inlet / outlet valve (133) and the fourth inlet / outlet valve (134), so that when the first flow control means pressurizes the first liquid (L1) to generate the first flow (F1), the second flow control means sucks in the first liquid (L1) to allow the first flow (F1) to move smoothly, and conversely, when the second flow control means pressurizes the second liquid (L2) to generate the second flow (F2), the first flow control means sucks in the second liquid (L2) to allow the second flow (F2) to move smoothly.

[0053] The flow control means can control the first flow (F1) and the second flow (F2) as described above to alternately repeat.

[0054] By means of such flow control means, a first flow (F1) is formed in which a first liquid (L1) containing a sample to be filtered passes sequentially from a first filter (111) with large pores to a second filter (112) with small pores, and then a second flow (F2) is formed in which a second liquid (L2) containing a washing liquid passes sequentially in the reverse direction from a second filter (112) with small pores to a first filter (111) with large pores, thereby preventing the first pores of the first filter (111) or the second pores of the second filter (112) from being clogged by the sample contained in the first liquid (L1), so as to improve filtering efficiency and thereby increase the yield of the sample.

[0055] Additionally, by means of such flow control means, when the second liquid (L2) containing the washing solution forms the second flow (F2), the first flow (F1) of the first liquid (L1) containing the sample is stopped, thereby blocking the inclusion of small particles that have passed through the second filter (122) contained in the first liquid (L1) in the second flow (F2), and the first and second filters (111) (112) can be washed using the washing solution, such as distilled water, contained in the second liquid (L2), and desalting can be performed to dilute and remove salts and ions present in the first, second, and third receiving spaces (121) (122) (123).

[0056] The filtering device (103) for filtering fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow of the present embodiment may further include a vibration generating device and a geological component, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 3.

[0057] The vibration generating device is a device that generates vibration in a filtering device (103) that filters a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow. The vibration generating device may be a device that generates vibration in at least one selected from the group consisting of a first filter (111), a second filter (112), a wall of a first receiving space (121), a wall of a second receiving space (122), and a wall of a third receiving space (123).

[0058] The vibration generating device can be composed of various configurations that generate vibrations in a filtering device (103) that filters fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow.

[0059] For example, the vibration generating device may include a vibration generating member (141) installed on the outer surface of the second receiving space (122) and generating vibrations transmitted to the first filter (111), the second filter (112), the wall of the first receiving space (121), the wall of the second receiving space (122), and the wall of the third receiving space (123), and a passive vibration block (142) located inside the second receiving space (122) and receiving vibrations generated by the vibration generating member (141) to directly generate vibrations in particles arranged inside the second receiving space (122).

[0060] In addition, the vibration generating device may be at least one selected from the group consisting of an eccentric rotating plate, an eccentric rotor vibration motor, an ultrasonic vibrator, and a high-frequency vibrator.

[0061] By means of such a vibration generating device, particles such as the sample contained in the first liquid (L1) are prevented from adhering to the walls of the first filter (111), the second filter (112), the first receiving space (121), the second receiving space (122), or the third receiving space (123), and the particles attached thereto are easily separated from them, thereby improving the yield of the sample.

[0062] The lipid component is a component contained within at least one selected from the group consisting of a first receiving space (121), a second receiving space (122), and a third receiving space (123). By inducing emulsification of lipids and water through vibration by a vibration generating device and the resulting shock, the component that was broken out of the lipid membrane vesicle and the component not yet contained in the vesicle can form the lipid membrane vesicle, thereby improving the yield.

[0063] The filtering device (104) for filtering fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow of the present embodiment may further include a third filter (113), a fourth filter (114), a fourth receiving space (124), a fifth receiving space (125), a sixth inlet / outlet valve (136), and a seventh inlet / outlet valve (137), as exemplarily shown in FIG. 4.

[0064] The third filter (113) is a filter having a third pore that is larger than the first pore, and the fourth filter (114) is a filter having a fourth pore that is larger than the third pore.

[0065] The fourth receiving space (124) is the space between the third filter (113) and the fourth filter (114), and the fifth receiving space (125) is a space that communicates with the fourth receiving space (124) with the fourth filter (114) in between.

[0066] The sixth inlet / outlet valve (136) is a valve through which particles smaller than the size of the third pore and larger than the size of the first pore, which are collected in the second receiving space (122) between the third filter (113) and the first filter (111), pass to be discharged to the outside.

[0067] The seventh inlet / outlet valve (136) is a valve through which particles smaller than the size of the fourth pore and larger than the size of the third pore, which are collected in the fourth receiving space (124) between the fourth filter (114) and the third filter (113), pass to be discharged to the outside.

[0068] By means of such a third filter (113), fourth filter (114), fourth receiving space (124), fifth receiving space (125), sixth inlet / outlet valve (136), and seventh inlet / outlet valve (137), particles larger than the sample contained in the first liquid (L1) are sequentially filtered before the first liquid (L1) containing the sample to be filtered passes through the first filter (111), thereby preventing the first filter (111) from being clogged by particles larger than the sample, and thereby significantly improving the yield of the sample.

[0069] The filtering device (101)(102)(103)(104) for filtering fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow according to the present embodiment may further include an air intake control device and a liquid level detection sensor, although not shown in the drawing.

[0070] The air intake control device is a device that allows air to enter the first receiving space (121) so that liquid is discharged from the first receiving space (121) to the outside, and blocks air from entering the first receiving space (121) so that the liquid in the first receiving space (121) is maintained within a specific amount range.

[0071] By means of such an air intake control device, when the liquid containing the filtered sample is discharged from the first receiving space (121) to the outside, air is introduced into the first receiving space (121) in advance, thereby pushing the liquid in the first receiving space (121) outward and concentrating the liquid containing the filtered sample. Furthermore, by blocking the air intake into the first receiving space (121) so that the liquid containing the filtered sample is maintained within a specific required amount range, the liquid can be removed to a range smaller than the specific amount range, thereby preventing damage to the sample.

[0072] The liquid level detection sensor is a sensor that detects the liquid level of the first receiving space (121) so that the air intake control device can operate.

[0073] By detecting the liquid level of the first receiving space (121) with such a liquid level detection sensor, it is easy to determine whether the liquid containing the filtered sample is within a specific amount range required, so the air intake control device can easily control whether to allow or block air intake according to the detection result of the liquid level detection sensor.

[0074] In this embodiment, the sample to be filtered may be various samples. For example, the sample may include one or more of cellular components, cell secretions, and liposomes.

[0075] (Example 2)

[0076] A filtering device (200) for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow according to another embodiment of the present invention includes, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 5, first to seventh filters (211-217), first to seventh receiving spaces (221-227), first to fifth inlet / outlet valves (231-235), a vibration generating device (not shown), a geological component (not shown), a flow control means (261), and a liquid level detection sensor (271).

[0077] A filtering device (200) for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow according to the present embodiment further includes a sample receiving device (231'), a first liquid inlet means (232'), a first liquid outlet means (233'), a second liquid inlet means (234'), and a second liquid inlet means (235') during rectification.

[0078] In this embodiment, the description of parts that overlap with Example 1 is omitted, and the description of parts that differ from Example 1 is provided.

[0079] The sample to be filtered may contain proteolytic enzymes.

[0080] The first to seventh filters (211-217) are filters in which the pore size decreases sequentially. For example, the pore sizes of the first to seventh filters (211-217) are sequentially 2 mm, 1 mm, 500 µm, 250 µm, 100 µm, 40 µm, and 2 µm.

[0081] The first to seventh receiving spaces (221-227) are, respectively, the space between the sixth and seventh filters (216)(217), the space between the fifth and sixth filters (215)(216), the space between the seventh filter (217) and the third inlet / outlet valve (233), the space between the fourth and fifth filters (214)(215), the space between the third and fourth filters (213)(214), the space between the second and third filters (212)(213), and the space between the first and second filters (211)(212).

[0082] The first to fifth inlet valves (231-235) are each a valve through which a first liquid containing a sample to be filtered is collected and accumulated to flow out from a first receiving space (221) to a sample receiving device (231'), a valve through which a first liquid containing a sample to be filtered is moved from a first liquid inlet means (232') to a first filter (211), a valve through which a first liquid that has passed through the filters is moved from a third receiving space (223) to a first liquid outlet means (233'), a valve through which a second liquid containing a cleaning solution in case of backflow is moved from a second liquid inlet means (234') to a third receiving space (223), and a valve through which a second liquid containing a cleaning solution in case of rectification is moved from a second liquid inlet means (235') to a first filter (211).

[0083] The flow control means (261) is a means for controlling the second liquid containing the cleaning liquid to flow in a straight or reverse direction, and may be, for example, a tubing pump.

[0084] The liquid level detection sensor (271) is a sensor that detects the level of a liquid containing a filtered sample contained in a first receiving space (221) between the sixth filter (216) and the seventh filter (217), and may be, for example, a photo-sensing liquid level detection sensor.

[0085] In this embodiment, a liquid containing a filtered sample contained in a first receiving space (221) between the sixth filter (216) and the seventh filter (217) can be controlled to be maintained within a specific amount range by manually or automatically raising or lowering the filters and receiving spaces arranged in a vertical direction.

[0086] (Example 3)

[0087] A filtering method (S300) for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a step (S310) in which a first liquid containing a sample to be filtered is introduced from the outside into a second receiving space through a second inlet / outlet valve, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 6.

[0088] Additionally, the filtering method (S300) for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow according to the present embodiment comprises: a step (S320) in which a first liquid introduced into a second receiving space passes through a first filter having a first pore and moves to a first receiving space; a step (S330) in which the first liquid introduced into the first receiving space passes through a second filter having a second pore having a pore size smaller than the first pore and moves to a third receiving space; a step (S340) in which the first liquid introduced into the third receiving space flows out from the third receiving space to the outside through a third inlet / outlet valve; a step (S350) in which a second liquid containing a cleaning solution is introduced from the outside into the third receiving space through a fourth inlet / outlet valve; a step (S360) in which the second liquid introduced into the third receiving space passes through a second filter and moves to a first receiving space; a step (S370) in which the second liquid introduced into the first receiving space passes through a first filter and moves to a second receiving space; and a step in which the second liquid introduced into the second receiving space flows from the second receiving space It includes a step (S380) of external leakage.

[0089] The step (S380) of the second liquid being moved to the second receiving space being discharged to the outside can be carried out through the fifth access valve connected to the second receiving space.

[0090] The fifth inlet / outlet valve can be blocked while the first liquid containing the sample to be filtered flows from the outside into the second receiving space through the second inlet / outlet valve.

[0091] In the filtering method (S300) for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow according to the present embodiment, a first flow in which a first liquid sequentially passes through a second receiving space, a first filter, a first receiving space, a second filter, and a third receiving space, and a second flow in which a second liquid sequentially passes through a third receiving space, a second filter, a first receiving space, a first filter, and a second receiving space, can be generated, and the flow can be controlled so that the first flow and the second flow are generated alternately.

[0092] As the amount of the first liquid flowing into the second receiving space from the outside becomes greater than the amount of the second liquid flowing into the third receiving space from the outside, the sample can be continuously introduced into the first receiving space over time.

[0093] In the first receiving space, samples that have passed through the first filter but have not passed through the second filter may accumulate.

[0094] The sample accumulated in the first receiving space can be diluted by the washing solution contained in the second liquid.

[0095] By a filtering method (S300) that filters a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by such rectification and reverse flow, a first flow is formed in which a first liquid containing a sample to be filtered passes sequentially from a first filter with large pores to a second filter with small pores, and then a second flow is formed in which a second liquid containing a washing liquid passes sequentially in the reverse direction from a second filter with small pores to a first filter with large pores, thereby preventing the first pores of the first filter or the second pores of the second filter from being clogged by the sample contained in the first liquid, so as to improve the filtering efficiency and thereby increase the yield of the sample.

[0096] The present invention can be used in a filtering device and a filtering method for filtering fluids.

Claims

1. A plurality of filters including a first filter having a first pore and a second filter having a second pore with a pore size smaller than that of the first pore; A plurality of receiving spaces including a first receiving space formed between a first filter and a second filter, in which a sample that has passed through the first filter but has not passed through the second filter is collected, a second receiving space connected to the first receiving space with the first filter in between, and a third receiving space connected to the first receiving space with the second filter in between; A plurality of access valves including a first access valve connected to a first receiving space and through which a sample collected in the first receiving space passes to flow out to the outside, a second access valve connected to a second receiving space, a third access valve connected to a third receiving space, and a fourth access valve connected to a third receiving space; A first liquid inflow means for allowing a first liquid containing a sample to be filtered to flow from the outside into a second receiving space through a second inflow / outflow valve; A first liquid outflow means for causing a first liquid, which has passed through a first filter, a first receiving space, and a second filter and moved to a third receiving space, to flow out from the third receiving space to the outside through a third inlet / outlet valve; A second liquid inflow means for allowing a second liquid containing a cleaning solution to flow from the outside into a third receiving space through a fourth inflow / outflow valve; and A flow control means for generating a first flow in which a first liquid sequentially passes through a second receiving space, a first filter, a first receiving space, a second filter, and a third receiving space, and a second flow in which a second liquid sequentially passes through a third receiving space, a second filter, a first receiving space, a first filter, and a second receiving space, and controlling the flow so that the first flow and the second flow are generated alternately; Equipped with, The amount of the first liquid flowing from the outside into the second receiving space by the first liquid inflow means becomes greater than the amount of the second liquid flowing from the outside into the third receiving space by the second liquid inflow means, so that the sample is continuously introduced into the first receiving space over time, and In the first receiving space, samples that pass through the first filter but do not pass through the second filter accumulate, and The sample accumulated in the first receiving space is diluted by the washing solution contained in the second liquid, A filtering device that filters fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow.

2. In Claim 1, A filtering device for filtering fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow, wherein the flow control means is at least one selected from the group consisting of a tubing pump, a diaphragm pump, a gear pump, and a piston pump.

3. In Claim 1, A fifth access valve connected to the second receiving space, and A second liquid discharge means comprising a second filter, a first receiving space, and a second liquid discharge means for causing a second liquid, which has passed through the first filter and moved to the second receiving space, to be discharged from the second receiving space to the outside through a fifth inlet / outlet valve. A filtering device that filters fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow.

4. In Claim 1, A filtering device for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow, comprising a vibration generating device that generates vibration in at least one selected from the group consisting of a first filter, a second filter, a wall of a first receiving space, a wall of a second receiving space, and a wall of a third receiving space.

5. In Claim 3, A filtering device that filters a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow, wherein the vibration generating device is equipped with a passive vibration block.

6. In Claim 3, A filtering device for filtering fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow, wherein the vibration generating device is at least one selected from the group consisting of an eccentric rotating plate, an eccentric rotor vibration motor, an ultrasonic vibrator, and a high-frequency vibrator.

7. In Claim 1, A filtering device for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow, having a lipid component inside at least one selected from the group consisting of a first receiving space, a second receiving space, and a third receiving space.

8. In Claim 1, A third filter having a third pore that is equal to or larger than the first pore, and A first liquid containing a sample to be filtered moves to a second receiving space after passing through a third filter. A filtering device that filters fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow.

9. In Claim 1, A filtering device for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counter-flow, comprising an air inflow control device that allows air to flow into a first receiving space so that the liquid is discharged from the first receiving space to the outside, and blocks air from flowing into the first receiving space so that the liquid in the first receiving space is maintained within a specific amount range.

10. In Claim 9, A filtering device for filtering fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and counterflow, equipped with a liquid level detection sensor that detects the liquid level of a first receiving space so that an air intake control device can operate.

11. In Claim 1, A filtering device for filtering a fluid that passes through multistage filters by rectification and countercurrent, wherein the sample contains one or more of cellular components, cellular secretions, and liposomes.

12. In Claim 1, A filtering device that filters a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and countercurrent, the sample containing a proteolytic enzyme.

13. A step in which a first liquid containing a sample to be filtered is introduced from the outside into a second receiving space through a second inlet / outlet valve; A step in which a first liquid introduced into a second receiving space passes through a first filter having a first pore and moves to a first receiving space; A step in which a first liquid transferred to a first receiving space passes through a second filter having a second pore with a pore size smaller than the first pore and moves to a third receiving space; A step in which the first liquid transferred to the third receiving space flows out from the third receiving space to the outside through the third access valve; A step in which a second liquid containing a cleaning solution is introduced from the outside into a third receiving space through a fourth inlet / outlet valve; A step in which the second liquid introduced into the third receiving space passes through the second filter and moves to the first receiving space; A step in which a second liquid transferred to a first receiving space passes through a first filter and moves to a second receiving space; and A step in which the second liquid transferred to the second receiving space flows out of the second receiving space to the outside; Includes, A first flow in which a first liquid sequentially passes through a second receiving space, a first filter, a first receiving space, a second filter, and a third receiving space, and a second flow in which a second liquid sequentially passes through a third receiving space, a second filter, a first receiving space, a first filter, and a second receiving space, are generated, and the flow is controlled so that the first flow and the second flow are generated alternately. As the amount of the first liquid flowing into the second receiving space from the outside becomes greater than the amount of the second liquid flowing into the third receiving space from the outside, the sample is continuously introduced into the first receiving space over time, and In the first receiving space, samples that pass through the first filter but do not pass through the second filter accumulate, and The sample accumulated in the first receiving space is diluted by the washing solution contained in the second liquid, A filtering method for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow.

14. In Claim 13, The step of the second liquid transferred to the second receiving space being discharged to the outside is carried out through the fifth access valve connected to the second receiving space, and The fifth inlet / outlet valve is blocked while the first liquid containing the sample to be filtered flows from the outside into the second receiving space through the second inlet / outlet valve. A filtering method for filtering a fluid passing through multi-stage filters by rectification and reverse flow.

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