WO2022141778A1

WO2022141778A1 - Automated virus test pretreatment system

Info

Publication number: WO2022141778A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/077499
Authority: WO
Inventors: 吴晨龙; 王安敏; 李小娟; 刘家朋
Original assignee: 倍仪昇智能科技(苏州)有限公司
Priority date: 2020-12-30
Filing date: 2021-02-23
Publication date: 2022-07-07
Also published as: CN112526149A

Abstract

An automated virus test pretreatment system, comprising a sample input unit (1), a sampling unit (2), a turntable unit (4), a cryopreservation vial unit (5), a metal bath unit (6), a pretreatment output unit (7) and a robotic arm unit (8). The sample input unit (1) is used for arranging sampling vials (9); the cryopreservation vial unit (5) conveys cryopreservation vials to the turntable unit (4) by means of the robotic arm unit (8); after reagents are extracted from the sampling vials (9) by the sampling unit (2), the reagents are sub-packaged in three cryopreservation vials by means of the turntable unit (4); one cryopreservation vial is conveyed to the metal bath unit (6) by the robotic arm unit (8), and the remaining two cryopreservation vials are conveyed back to the cryopreservation vial unit (5); after the metal bath unit (6) inactivates the reagents in the cryopreservation vials, the reagents are conveyed to the pretreatment output unit (7) and are output to a subsequent system construction system; and the sub-packaged cryopreservation vials of the cryopreservation vial unit (5) are conveyed to a cryopreservation apparatus. By means of the system, pretreatment steps of mixing, liquid separation, sub-packaging, inactivation, etc. can be completed after virus sampling.

Description

Virus automatic detection pre-processing system

technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of automation equipment, in particular to a preprocessing system for automatic virus detection.

Background technique

It is a general trend to replace manual detection with automated virus detection. Virus detection includes multiple processes, from virus sampling to culture amplification detection, which are all implemented manually, which is not only inefficient, but also cannot be effectively monitored during the detection process, and the detection results vary from person to person. . In addition, the virus poses a safety hazard to the human body. Although it is carried out in a biological safety cabinet, safety accidents cannot be avoided.

The detection operation process, including liquid sampling, container opening and closing, precise liquid injection, etc., also involves the operation control of each equipment, which not only tests the operator's work intensity, but also tests the operator's patience.

To free operators from tedious repetitive work, and to improve detection accuracy and traceability of detection data, detection automation is imperative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide a pretreatment system for automatic virus detection, which can complete the pretreatment processes such as mixing, liquid separation, subpackaging, and inactivation after sampling from the virus through the rational design of automated equipment.

The technical scheme adopted by the present invention is:

A pretreatment system for automated virus detection, characterized in that it includes a sample input unit, a sampling unit, a turntable unit, a cryopreservation tube unit, a metal bath unit, a pretreatment output unit and a robotic arm unit, and the sample input unit is used to The sampling tube is arranged, the cryogenic tube unit sends the cryogenic tube to the turntable unit through the robotic arm unit, and after the sampling unit extracts the reagent from the mentioned sampling tube, the reagent is divided into three cryogenic tubes through the turntable unit. , the robotic arm unit sends one cryovial to the metal bath unit, and two cryovials are sent back to the cryogenic tube unit, and the metal bath unit inactivates the reagents in the cryovials and sends them to the pre-processing output unit, which is output to the subsequent system construction system, and the subpackaged cryovials of the cryopreservation tube unit are sent to cryopreservation equipment.

Further, the sample input unit also includes a vibration module, a sample rack is provided on the vibration module, a sampling tube is arranged on the sample rack, a reset mechanism is provided on the vibration module, and the reset mechanism makes the sample rack vibrate to complete Then return to the original position.

Further, the robotic arm unit is provided with a gripping device, a liquid taking device, and a lid opening and closing device, and the gripping device carries out a transport operation for the containers of each unit.

Further, the sampling unit is located between the sample input unit and the turntable unit, the sampling unit includes a sampling tube fixing part, and the gripping device of the robotic arm unit sends the sampling tube on the sample holder to the sample fixing part for fixing. , the cap opening and closing device opens the cap of the sampling tube, the liquid sampling device absorbs the quantitative test solution from the sampling tube, the cap opening and closing device closes the cap of the sampling tube, and is returned to the original position of the sample holder by the clamping device.

Further, a plurality of freezing tube stations are arranged on the turntable unit, each station is provided with a freezing tube clamping tool, and one side of the turntable unit is also provided with a freezing tube opening and closing cover part, and the liquid sampling device will take samples. The test solution in the tube is sent to the cryogenic tube on the turntable unit.

Further, the cryogenic tube unit includes a cryogenic tube array, the gripping device of the robotic arm unit takes out three cryogenic tubes from the cryogenic tube array and sends them to the turntable unit, and the liquid taking device takes the test solution in the sampling tube. The liquid is dispensed into three cryovials, and the gripping device returns two cryovials to the cryovial array and one cryotube to the metal bath unit.

Further, the cryogenic tube unit further includes a rotary transfer rack, and the rotary transfer rack sends three cryogenic tubes to the turntable unit at a time, and after the cryogenic tubes are filled with liquid, they are returned by the rotary transfer rack.

Further, the metal bath unit is located between the turntable unit and the freezing tube unit, and the metal bath unit heats and inactivates one of the freezing tubes.

Further, the pre-processing output unit includes an orifice plate and an output rotating arm, the orifice plate is arranged on the output rotating arm, and the liquid taking device separates the inactivated cryo-tubes into the orifice plate.

Further, a suction head unit is further included between the sample input unit and the turntable unit, and the suction head unit includes a suction head box and a suction tip discarding box. tip, and when finished dispensing, discard the tip in the tip disposal box.

The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

(1) Automatically realize the process of sample shaking and mixing, liquid separation and packaging, inactivation and packaging, etc.;

(2) Through reasonable layout, use the robotic arm unit to complete various pre-processing operations;

(3) The data can be traced back, and the generated well plate samples have good consistency, which provides a strong guarantee for the accuracy of subsequent virus detection.

Description of drawings

Accompanying drawing 1 is the three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the present invention (after removing the biological safety cabinet);

Accompanying drawing 2 is the partial enlarged view of the sample input unit of the present invention;

Accompanying drawing 3 is the partial enlarged view of sampling unit;

4 is a partial enlarged view of the suction head unit and the pretreatment output unit;

5 is a partial enlarged view of the turntable unit;

Figure 6 is a partial enlarged view of the cryovial unit and the metal bath unit.

The symbols in the attached drawings are:

1. Sample input unit; 2. Sampling unit;

3. Suction head unit; 4. Turntable unit;

5. Cryopreservation tube unit; 6. Metal bath unit;

7. Pre-processing output unit; 8. Robot arm unit;

9. Sampling tube; 10. Clamping device;

11. Liquid taking device; 12. Opening and closing lid device;

13. Sample holder; 14. Tip box;

15. Tip disposal box; 16. Cryogenic tube clamping tool;

17. Rotary conveyor; 18. Orifice plate;

19. Output arm; 20. Cryogenic tube opening and closing cover parts.

Detailed ways

The specific embodiments of the preprocessing system for automatic virus detection of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1, the virus automated detection pre-processing system is installed in a biological safety cabinet, standardized in strict accordance with the national virus safety detection requirements, and necessary parameter optimization is performed for different types of virus samples to meet the needs of virus detection.

The virus detection pretreatment system is arranged in an L-shaped arrangement, including a sample input unit 1, a sampling unit 2, a tip unit 3, a turntable unit 4, a cryogenic tube unit 5, a metal bath unit 6, a pretreatment output unit 7 and a robotic arm unit 8. Sample input unit 1, sampling unit 2, tip unit 3, turntable unit 4, metal bath unit 6, pretreatment output unit 7 are located in one row, cryogenic tube unit 5 is located on one side of the L-shape, robotic arm unit 8 The rails are set in multiple positions above the system, and are reasonably arranged according to the needs of the movement.

The sample input unit 1 is used for arranging the sampling tubes 9, the cryogenic tube unit 5 sends the cryogenic tubes to the turntable unit 4 through the robotic arm unit 8, the sampling unit 2 extracts the reagents from the mentioned sampling tubes 9, and passes through the turntable unit 4. The reagents are divided into three cryovials, the robotic arm unit 8 sends one cryovial to the metal bath unit 6, and the two cryotubes are returned to the cryogenic tube unit 5, and the metal bath unit 6 sends the After the reagent is inactivated, it is sent to the pre-processing output unit 7, and is output to the subsequent system construction system, and the subpackaged cryovials of the cryopreservation tube unit 5 are sent to the cryopreservation equipment.

The mechanical arm unit 8 includes a beam in the XYZ direction arranged on the side of each working unit. Each beam is provided with a clamping device 10, a liquid sampling device 11, a lid opening and closing device 12 and other functional mechanical arms to achieve clamping movement, extraction and The functions of injecting quantitative solution, clamping and rotating, etc., realize the handling, opening and closing of the container such as sampling tube 9 and cryopreservation tube, as well as the action of taking and injecting liquid, and realizing the orderly development of the pre-treatment work for virus detection.

Referring to accompanying drawing 2, the sample input unit 1 also includes a vibration module, a sample rack 13 is provided on the vibration module, a sampling tube 9 is arranged on the sample rack 13, a reset mechanism is provided on the vibration module, and the reset mechanism makes the sample rack 13 return to the initial stage after the vibration is completed Location. The vibration module is realized by the motor-driven eccentric link, and the reset is realized by the motor encoder or the tapered hole positioning method. Two rows of sample racks 13 are arranged within the controllable range of the robotic arm, and can be positioned by a positioning mechanism, so that the robotic arm can be precisely positioned and manipulated.

Referring to accompanying drawing 3, the sampling unit 2 is located between the sample input unit 1 and the turntable unit 4, the sampling unit 2 includes a sampling tube 9 fixing part, and the gripping device of the robotic arm unit 8 sends the sampling tube 9 on the sample rack 13 to the sample After the fixing parts are fixed, the cap opening and closing device 12 opens the cap of the sampling tube 9, the liquid taking device 11 absorbs the quantitative test solution from the sampling tube 9, and the cap opening and closing device 12 closes the cap of the sampling tube 9, and is sent by the clamping device. Return to the original position of the sample holder 13 . The fixed part of the sampling tube 9 defines the sampling tube 9 in a fixed position through the elastic clip and the positioning plate, so as to facilitate the direct operation of the robotic arm unit 8 .

Referring to FIG. 4, the tip unit 3 is located between the sample input unit 1 and the turntable unit 4. The tip unit 3 includes a tip box 14 and a tip discard box 15. When the liquid taking device 11 takes liquid from the tip box 14 After attaching the tips, discard the tips in the tip disposal box 15 after the liquid dispensing is completed. In the process of liquid handling of different kinds of test solutions, it is necessary to replace the tips under the necessary requirements in the process. For example, when changing the type of liquid, when changing reagents at different stages, the tips must be replaced. During the replacement process, the tips are pressed into the tip box 14 through the liquid taking device 11 on the robotic arm, and when discarded, the tips are directly placed in the tip discard box 15. Can be removed from the top.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a plurality of cryopreservation tube stations are arranged on the turntable unit 4, and a cryopreservation tube clamping tool 16 is arranged on each station, and a cryopreservation tube opening and closing cover part is also provided on one side of the turntable unit 4, and a liquid sampling device is provided. 11 Send the test solution in the sampling tube 9 to the freezing tube on the turntable unit 4. The freezing tube clamping tool 16 on each station is a double-spring device, a clamping block is arranged between the two springs, and the freezing tube is placed between the clamping blocks. Tighten the cryopreservation tube, and after the cryopreservation tube is clamped by the cryopreservation tube clamping tool 16, the cryopreservation tube opening and closing cover part 20 completes the opening and closing of the cryopreservation tube.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the cryotube unit 5 includes a cryotube array, and one side is a part of a robotic arm unit 8 for grabbing cryotubes from the cryotube array to the turntable unit 4. The general process is a robotic arm unit. The clipping device in 8 takes out three cryovials from the cryotube array and sends them to the turntable unit 4. The liquid taking device 11 divides the test solution in the sampling tube 9 into the three cryotubes, and the clipping device freezes two tubes. The tubes are sent back to the cryovial array and one cryovial is sent to the metal bath unit 6 .

The cryogenic tube unit 5 further includes a rotary transfer rack 17 , which sends three cryogenic tubes to the turntable unit 4 at a time. After the cryogenic tubes are filled with liquid, they are returned by the rotary transfer rack 17 . By rotating the transfer rack 17, the transition from the cryogenic tube on one side to the turntable unit 4 is realized, the size of the equipment is greatly reduced, and the miniaturization and compactness of the equipment is realized.

The metal bath unit 6 is located between the turntable unit 4 and the cryogenic tube unit 5, and the metal bath unit 6 heats and inactivates one of the cryogenic tubes. The metal bath unit 6 is inactivated at a constant temperature by electric heating and temperature control components, and the temperature is maintained at 56°C.

Continue to refer to FIG. 4 , the pretreatment output unit 7 includes an orifice plate 18 and an output rotating arm 19, the orifice plate 18 is arranged on the output rotating arm 19, and the liquid taking device 11 dispenses the inactivated cryotubes on the orifice plate 18 Inside. The orifice plates 18 are generally two standard 96-well orifice plates 18 arranged side by side. After completion, the output rotating arm 19 rotates to output, and the orifice plates 18 are extended from the biological safety cabinet, so as to facilitate the subsequent removal operation by the robot. The inactivated cryopreservation tube is also transported through the turntable unit 4 , and then subjected to liquid manipulation through the liquid sampling device 11 of the robotic arm unit 8 .

The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, without departing from the principles of the present invention, several improvements and modifications can also be made, and these improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the present invention. the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

A pretreatment system for automated virus detection, characterized in that it includes a sample input unit, a sampling unit, a turntable unit, a cryotube unit, a metal bath unit, a pretreatment output unit and a robotic arm unit, and the sample input unit is used to The sampling tube is arranged, and the cryogenic tube unit sends the cryogenic tube to the turntable unit through the robotic arm unit. After the sampling unit extracts the reagent from the mentioned sampling tube, the reagent is divided into three cryogenic tubes through the turntable unit. , the robotic arm unit sends one cryovial to the metal bath unit, and two cryotubes are sent back to the cryotube unit, and the metal bath unit inactivates the reagents in the cryovials and sends them to the pre-processing output The unit is output to the subsequent system construction system, and the subpackaged cryovials of the cryopreservation tube unit are sent to the cryopreservation equipment.
The pre-processing system for automatic virus detection according to claim 1, wherein the sample input unit further comprises a vibration module, a sample rack is arranged on the vibration module, a sampling tube is arranged on the sample rack, and the vibration module A reset mechanism is provided on the upper part, and the reset mechanism makes the sample holder return to the initial position after the vibration is completed.
The pre-processing system for automatic virus detection according to claim 1, wherein a gripping device, a liquid sampling device, and a lid opening and closing device are provided on the robotic arm unit, and the gripping device transports the containers of each unit. operate.
The pre-processing system for automated virus detection according to claim 2, wherein the sampling unit is located between the sample input unit and the turntable unit, the sampling unit includes a sampling tube fixing part, and the gripping unit of the robotic arm unit After the device sends the sampling tube on the sample holder to the sample fixing part for fixing, the cap opening and closing device opens the cap of the sampling tube, the liquid taking device absorbs the quantitative test solution from the sampling tube, and the cap opening and closing device closes the cap of the sampling tube. The gripping device returns to the original position of the sample holder.
The pre-processing system for automatic virus detection according to claim 4, characterized in that: a plurality of cryopreservation tube stations are arranged on the turntable unit, and a cryopreservation tube clamping tool is arranged on each station, and a side of the turntable unit is also A freezing tube opening and closing cover part is provided, and the liquid taking device sends the test solution in the sampling tube to the freezing tube on the turntable unit.
The pre-processing system for automated virus detection according to claim 5, wherein the cryogenic tube unit comprises a cryogenic tube array, and the gripping device of the robotic arm unit takes out three cryogenic tubes from the cryogenic tube array Sent to the turntable unit, the liquid sampling device dispenses the test solution in the sampling tube into three cryovials, the gripping device returns two cryotubes to the cryotube array, and one cryotube is sent to the metal bath unit.
The pre-processing system for automatic virus detection according to claim 6, characterized in that: the cryogenic tube unit further comprises a rotating conveying rack, and the rotating conveying rack sends three cryogenic tubes to the turntable unit at a time, and the cryogenic tubes complete the filling process. After the liquid is removed, it is sent back by the rotating conveyor.
The pre-processing system for automatic virus detection according to claim 6, wherein the metal bath unit is located between the turntable unit and the cryogenic tube unit, and the metal bath unit heats and inactivates one of the cryogenic tubes.
The pre-processing system for automatic virus detection according to claim 6, wherein the pre-processing output unit comprises an orifice plate and an output rotating arm, the orifice plate is arranged on the output rotating arm, and the liquid sampling device will extinguish the The live cryopreservation tubes were dispensed into the well plate.
The pre-processing system for automatic virus detection according to claim 3, characterized in that: a tip unit is further included between the sample input unit and the turntable unit, and the tip unit comprises a tip box and a tip discard box, When the liquid taking device takes liquid, the suction tip is installed in the tip box, and after the liquid discharge is completed, the suction tip is discarded into the tip discarding box.