WO2021211080A1

WO2021211080A1 - Functional multichannel micropipette (high volume range)

Info

Publication number: WO2021211080A1
Application number: PCT/TR2021/050327
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mehmet Ali ÖZARGUN; Toprak İzgi GÜVEN; Sümer Erkan KAYA
Original assignee: Oezargun Mehmet Ali
Priority date: 2020-04-14
Filing date: 2021-04-08
Publication date: 2021-10-21

Abstract

This micropipette, which is produced in order to use the solutions required in many experiments and to be taken in different volumes in a single device, has 3 different non-contact compartments with different volume ranges for different pipette outputs and different solutions. The desired solutions are withdrawn in the desired order and in an appropriate volume. The user controls each compartment with a single plunger containing a magnet and can discharge it to the appropriate test tube at any time. In addition, the operating principle of the invention is the same as the micropipettes currently used and the comfort for its use is maintained. The new parts of the invention are designed to be cost-effective.

Description

Functional multichannel micropipette (high volume range)

Technical Field

The invention belongs to a micropipette device commonly used in medical, chemistry, biology and biochemistry laboratories for precise liquid measurement. Certain experiments, ranging from university laboratories to clinical research laboratories, require different micropipettes. For example, <250m1> chloroform and <15-25m1> TE buffer should be used in RNA isolation experiments. If reference is made to commercially available micropipettes, the use of two different pipettes is mandatory. The invention combines these two pipettes while offering a wider volume range.

Prior Art

There are currently pipettes on the market that provide some of this desired range, but they are costly and maintenance is not as comprehensive as manual pipettes because they contain electronic parts.

In cases where different groups work in the same laboratory (for educational purposes, clinical research, etc.), pipettes capable of handling different volume ranges are required during the stages of the experiments. As two groups in the same stage need the same pipette, time is often lost in the studies. Thanks to the invention, instead of a minimum of three pipettes per group, one pipette according to the invention will be sufficient for these operations.

In the course of the experiment, we cannot change the time of some stages. For example, there are centrifugal steps in the RNA isolation test process (5 minutes and 20 minutes centrifuges can be given as reference). These stages must be performed at certain speeds and times. The invention allows for faster preparation of the solutions to be used for these processes.

The multichannel micropipette is produced from the idea of a micropipette device, which is a sensitive measuring device in origin and used for liquid measurement. Micropipettes are widely used in biology, chemistry indexed laboratories. It is used in many experiments to make precise and spot measurements. Over the years, micropipettes have been developed to provide ease of experimentation and to extend their functions.

A multichannel micropipette is an advanced micropipette that offers the same volume draw to multiple outlets with the same plunger. This model is frequently used for experiments requiring more samples of the same volume. The operating principle is the same as for single chamber micropipettes.

In regard to US 2018318824, a multichannel pipette which is recognised with its optionally tuned and managed to increase the availability of the multichannel pipette and improve productivity, quality control and sustainability in a research area. The pipette comprises of a pipette main body, a lower section connected to the lower end of the pipettes main body, a plural chip holding units disposed within the lower part; and removable by any of a plurality of connectable sections located in a unit casing within the lower section where each of the chip holder units may be attached and removed from it.

However, the pipette known in US 2018318824 differs from the pipette of the present invention in the following aspects. The multichannel micropipette draws the same volume from different outlets in its model, while the multichannel micropipette according to the invention (100) is capable of withdrawing the desired volume of solution independently from the compartment of that particular volume. Since the pipette of the present invention has a total chamber of <3>, it is called multichannel.

Single channel electronic pipettes are known from CN 108031501. Electronic pipettes are high- tech smart micropipettes. An electronic pipette comprising an electronic pipette with a battery- powered system therein, a piston actuated in a cylinder located within an engine, a control system for performing pipette operations and a user interface for operating the pipette; which includes at least one touch or press area of the touch screen to perform pipetting operations. The electronic pipette also relates to the use of a touch screen as part of the user interface of an electronic pipette to run pipetting operations.

Although these pipettes have a range of 50-1200 m1>, the costs are very high and difficult to maintain.

The invention (100), provides more than the volume range offered by the electronic pipette in addition to its cheap cost and allows the use of a single pipette for each experiment. This reduces the time the researchers spent in the laboratory because of the limited number of pipettes, allowing researchers to complete the entire experiment with a single model.

From JP 2016182600, a handheld electronic pipette is known to increase ease of use. The invention relates to a hand-held electronic pipette, the contents of which comprise a linear actuator comprising a motor for driving a piston to aspirate and dispense a fluid into and out of a pipette tip; a control circuit for the pipette comprising a user-controllable microprocessor and memory; a screen electrically connected to the microprocessor; and a user operable controller connected to the microprocessor. The controller can be operated by the user along at least one axis to navigate and select at least one option in the user interface.

Aim of the Invention

The present invention (100) adds diversity to the prior art, combining the different volume subsets of the model that are required for the experiments. The model thus facilitates the purchase of laboratory equipment economically and ergonomically. In terms of use, the comfort of the existing model is preserved. It is compatible with polypropylene pipette tips, which are available in the market and are currently used for single use.

Model allows <3> different interchangeable compartments. Another feature of the manual micropipettes is that they can be easily disassembled and reassembled for maintenance. These pipettes should be cleaned and maintained at regular intervals, and if necessary, the volume calibration setting should be corrected. A problem with the new technology electronic pipettes is that maintenance cannot be carried out easily. The invention is designed to be easily disassembled and cleaned in each <3> chamber. The invention mentioned above is a product to be produced like any other micropipette, except for its external design.

Description of Figures

<Figure 1 > refers to perspective view of the present invention;

<Figure 2a> refers to the top view of the present invention;

<Figure 2b> refers to front view of the present invention;

<Figure 3 > refers to right side of the present invention;

<Figure 4> and <Figure 5> refer to inner parts of the invention from the cross-section view; <Figure 6> and <Figure 7> refer to detailed exploding view of the upper parts and lower parts, alongside with the main body.

Description of the References Included in Figures

Main parts of the invention, micropipette

1. Finger support

2. A,B,C - Multichannel body compartments

3. Volume indicator

4. Plunger cap 5. Key piece- Magnetic plunger (1/2)

6. Volume adjustment slider

7. Magnet

8. Magnetic plunger (1/2)

9. Transition roller

10. Ejector button and main body

11. Upper body spring

12. Ejector spring

13. Top Stabilizer

14. Main Piston

15. Piston slide for friction

16. Middle stabilizer

17. Volume indicator wheels

18. Bottom stabilizer

19. A - buffer spring

20. B - Main spring

21. A- Main spring

22. C- Main spring

23. A - lower inner piston

24. A - bumper spring

25. A- buffer cylinder

26. B - lower inner piston

27. C - lower inner piston

28. C - buffer cylinder

29. B - buffer cylinder

30. B - lower outer piston

31. C - lower outer piston

32. A - lower outer piston

33. A - Ejector connecting rods

34. B - Ejector connecting rods

35. C - Ejector connecting rods

36. C - Shaft

37. B - Shaft

38. A - Shaft Description of the Invention

The operating principle of the invention (100) is the same as the single channel micropipettes if the chamber is handled independently. The plunger (5) is placed in the desired chamber and locked.

The model is used by holding the multichannel body (2) with the thumb on the key part (5) of the plunger. The cap (4) of the plunger is provided for the comfort of the thumb and can be in different colours according to the user's request. The finger support (1) has been added for user comfort. The key (5) is placed by connecting to the magnet plunger (7; 8) to the desired chamber. The desired volume adjustment is made on the volume indicator (3) by turning the key piece (5). For this process, the plunger (5; 8) is connected to the main piston with the help of the transition cylinder (9). The rotation process changes the numbers on the volume indicator wheels (17) where the main piston (14) is clamped, and the desired volume can be attained. If the device needs to be adjusted for the correct volume, the calibration cycle (6) can be turned and the adjustment can be made again. Inside the multi-channel body, there are three chambers (2) with reference to A B C. Although the upper mechanical parts of these chambers are common, they are divided into their own chamber-specific parts starting from the volume indicator wheels. The plunger (5; 8) is connected to the main piston (14) through the transition cylinder. During the use of the device, the up and down movement of the plunger (5; 8) provides air flow with the aid of the first (upper) body spring (11). The piston slide (15), which is located around the main piston (14) for the friction, protects the mechanism and provides linear movement during these operations. The upper, middle and lower stabilizers (13; 16; 18), on the other hand, are maintaining these common parts and protect the integrity. As stated earlier, the peculiar mechanisms of each chamber start from their sub-stabilizers.

When the chamber <A> is taken as reference, the lower inner piston (23) passes through the volume wheels (17) and contacts with the main piston (14). The air flow created by the plunger (5; 8) is transmitted through the buffer spring and the main spring (19; 21). The buffer spring and the buffer cylinder (24; 25) are included to maintain the integrity of the mechanisms. These mechanisms stay clamped inside the lower outer piston (32). They are located inside the outer shaft (38) to protect it from both physical damage and chemicals intended for use in experiments. The outer shaft (38) is also located in the other two chambers for the same reason and includes the opening suitable for attaching the pipette tip. When the chamber <B> is taken as reference, similar to chamber <A>, the lower inner piston (26) passes through the volume wheels (17) and contacts with the main piston (14). Created by the plunger (5; 8), the air flow is transmitted only by the main spring (20) for this mechanism. The integrity of the mechanisms is maintained by the single buffer cylinder (29). These mechanisms remain clamped in the lower outer piston (30). This mechanism is, again, located inside the outer shaft (37) to protect it from both physical damage and chemicals intended for use in experiments. The outer shaft (37) is located in the other two chambers for the same reason, and has a suitable opening for attaching the pipette tip.

When chamber <C> is taken as reference, similar to chamber <A> and <B>, the lower inner piston (27) passes through the volume wheels (17) and contacts with the main piston. The air flow created by the plunger (5; 8) is transmitted only to the inner spring (22) for this mechanism, such as the chamber <B>. Likewise, the single buffer cylinder (28) is sufficient for the mechanism of this chamber. These mechanisms remain clamped in the lower outer piston (31). It is located inside the outer shaft (36) to protect it from chemicals intended for use in experiments. The outer shaft (36) is also located in the other two chambers for the same reason and has a suitable opening for attaching the pipette tip.

For maintenance of the device (100), these outer shafts (36;37;38) can be removed by rotating manually. It is recommended to wear laboratory gloves for this process.

The pipette tips used in the experiments are for single use only and must be changed with each new solution. These pipette tips work integrated with ejector systems since they pose a risk of contamination as a result of a direct user contact. In addition to the plunger (5; 8) three ejector buttons can be found on the upper surface, connecting to their rods (10) inside the multichannel body(2A;2B;2C).

This main body is clamped with ejector connecting rods (33; 34; 35) and with its downward linear movement, it can push the pipette tip out without direct user contact.

When the user releases the ejector button (10), the ejector returns to its original position with the spring (12) and is ready for use again. During maintenance, ejector connecting rods (33; 34; 35) can be removed by the user in the pressed position of the ejector button (10) and can be re attached the same way.

When we consider each chamber independently, the operating mechanism of these pipettes is provided by piston-based air flow. Depending on the type, vacuum power is obtained by providing vertical movement of a metal or ceramic piston (5; 8) in a compressed environment. The movement of the piston due to the pressure change in the plunger (5; 8) creates a vacuum in the air gap opened by the piston. The air in the plastic end used rises into the space and the liquid intake is provided. This liquid can be carried inside the pipette tip to be discharged to another location.

During this process, no part other than the tip of the pipette comes into contact with the liquid (sterile technique). By pressing the ejector button (10), these plastic pipette tips are discarded. In this way, the ejection process does not require direct contact by the user and is discharged into the appropriate chemical waste compartment. In the invention (100), each chamber (2A;2B;2C) has its own ejection button (10), eliminating the possibility of errors with its chamber-specific colour. This process also prevents the user from being exposed to contamination as well as damaging the sensitive measuring mechanism from the solution.

The plunger (5;8) is used for both draining and discharging liquid. In the invention, by bringing a single plunger (5;8) into the desired chamber (2A;2B;2C), the fluid in that volume range (3) can be taken and released. The basic procedure is to hold the plunger (5;8) to the first stop by holding the piston in the air. Thus, when immersed in the liquid to be sampled, a defined volume of liquid enters. Fluid intake is achieved by releasing the button slowly and evenly. The micropipette (100) is taken with the liquid to the place where the liquid is to be discharged. The plunger (5;8) is pressed again to the first stop, then continued to the last point (second stop). This will release all the liquid from the pipette tip.

In volume adjustable pipettes, the volume at the tip of the pipette can be brought to the desired microliter. This is the volume adjustment slider, etc., which is included in the model provided by a mechanism and may vary for each model. Most models have volume indicators (digital etc.) which shows the volume that pipette tip draws. The most common models range from 0.5- 10 mΐ, 10-100m1, 100-1000m1. The invention has these ranges in its 3 chambers. Thus, the invention (100) provides the function of the 3 micropipettes. If desired, 0.1-2m1, 0.1-10m1, 20- 200m1, 1000-5000m1 models can be produced and replaced with each chamber (2A;2B;2C) of the invention mentioned above. For user ergonomics, the invention can be manufactured by lighter material. The angle of the finger support (1) can be adjusted and produced accordingly for user comfort.

Additional note: The plastic pipette tips used are designed for aqueous (liquid) solutions and are not recommended for use with organic components (can melt pipette tips or damage the pipette mechanism)

Claims

1.) The invention is a micropipette (100) to be used in laboratories; combining different volume ranges commonly used in experiments; having separate outlets (36;37;38) to prevent contamination for the solutions to be taken with said volumes; having a single magnet plunger (5) apparatus and allowing easy passage between said volume ranges and having separate volume compartments (2) while maintaining grip (1) and ease of use.

2.) The multichannel multipipette (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the micropipette has a total of 3 chambers (2).

3.) The multichannel multipipette (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pipette is provided with individual mechanisms

(9;11;13;14;15;16;17;18;19;20;21;22;23;24;25;26;27;28;29;30;31;32) corresponding to its own chamber having a range of 0.5-10 mΐ, 10-100m1, 100-1000m1 in its 3 chambers

4.) The multichannel multipipette (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each chamber has its own ejection button, eliminating the possibility of a user error with the chamber specific colour.

5.) The multichannel multipipette (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the liquid contained in the micropipette can be carried in the pipette tip to be discharged to another location, during which none of parts of the pipette excluding the pipette tip comes into contact with the liquid (sterile technique).

6.) The multi-channel multipipette (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the desired chamber can be replaced by different volume-spaced chambers, and can be customized to the user and maintained in the same way.

7.) The multi-channel multipipette (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is designed to be produced using lighter materials for the convenience of the user.