MICROTUBE ASSEMBLY AND MICROTUBE OPERATING SYSTEM THEREOF

A microtube assembly includes a column container, a sealing cap and a collecting tube. The column container includes a column body having a first protruding structure, and the one end of the column body has an opening and a first outer thread. The sealing cap has an inner thread matching up with the first outer thread, and the sealing cap is sealed the opening of the column container by the inner thread screwed on the first outer thread of the column body. The collecting tube includes a collecting tube body having a containing space and a matching structure corresponding to the first protruding structure. The containing space is configured for containing the column container. The matching structure leans against the first protruding structure when the sealing cap seals the column container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a microtube assembly and a microtube operating system including the microtube assembly, more specifically, relates to a microtube assembly and a microtube operating system including the microtube assembly for automated biological sample preparation, analysis and inspection.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Nucleic acid is one of the most basic substances of life. Nucleic acid plays an important decisive role in the growth, inheritance, mutation and other phenomena of organisms. Therefore, the current society continues to research on the structure, function and use of nucleic acid molecules such as DNA and RNA, especially the application of nucleic acid molecules in diagnosis and treatment of diseases and genetic engineering.

The magnetic bead method and the column method are the common methods for extracting and purifying nucleic acids among the extracting and purifying methods. Because the column method has the characteristics of simple operation, high recovery rate, and stable performance, the column method is mostly used to purify nucleic acids with the less sample amount situation. The column method uses a filter membrane as a specific adsorption material for nucleic acids. The filter membrane contains silica, which can adjust the adsorption capacity of nucleic acids through salt concentration and pH value of buffer solutions, and does not adsorb other substances (such as proteins, ions, salts), so the column method can effectively recover and purify the DNA/RNA of the sample.

In the process of purifying nucleic acid by the column method, the biological sample is firstly placed in a column tube of the micro container, and then the micro container is placed in a centrifuge for centrifugation to make the column tube retain nucleic acid and the collecting tube collect waste liquids. However, the micro container includes the collecting tube and the column tube, and the column tube is assembled on the collecting tube in a nested manner. Therefore, when the extraction and purification are completed, the operator cannot directly perform the follow-up operations on the micro container, but must manually extract column tube and the collecting tube. Moreover, the sealing cap is mostly assembled on the column tube by crimping in the existing microtube structure. Therefore, the sealing cap of the microtube is still manually sealed or detached, which not only reduces efficiency but also increases labor costs. In addition, in the existing microtube transfer equipment, the microtube transfer equipment can only move one column tube to the centrifuge for centrifugation at a time. Furthermore, when the extraction and purification are completed, the microtube transfer equipment also can only extract one column tube from the centrifuge at a time, which not only reduces the total extraction volume and extraction efficiency, but also increases the overall extraction time.

Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new micro container and its operating system to solve the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one category of the present invention is to provide a microtube assembly to solve the problems of the prior art.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the microtube assembly includes a column container, a sealing cap and a collecting tube. The column container includes a column body. The column body has a first protruding structure, and the one end of the column body has an opening and a first outer thread. The sealing cap has an inner thread matching up with the first outer thread, and the sealing cap is sealed the opening of the column container by the inner thread screwed on the first outer thread of the column body. The collecting tube includes a collecting tube body. The collecting tube body has a containing space and a matching structure corresponding to the first protruding structure. The containing space is configured for containing the column container. The matching structure leans against the first protruding structure when the column container is rotated.

Wherein, the microtube assembly further includes a base. The base includes a hole configured for containing the collecting tube. The base forming a hollow structure communicated with the hole. The collecting tube further includes a second protruding structure matching up with the hollow structure, and the second protruding structure is disposed in the hollow structure when the collecting tube is contained in the hole.

Wherein, the shapes of the first protruding structure and the second protruding structure are those respectively selected from a bump, a semicircle, a square and a rectangle.

Wherein, the material of the sealing cap is an optically transparent material.

Another one category of the present invention is to provide a microtube operating system to solve the problems of the prior art.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the microtube operating system is configured for sealing or detaching the microtube assembly. The microtube operating system includes a column container, a sealing cap, a collecting tube and an operating component. The column container includes a column body. The column body has a first protruding structure, and the one end of the column body has an opening and a first outer thread. The sealing cap has an inner thread matching up with the first outer thread. The collecting tube includes a collecting tube body. The collecting tube body has a containing space and a matching structure corresponding to the first protruding structure. The containing space is configured for containing the column container. The matching structure leans against the first protruding structure when the column container is rotated. The operating component selectively fixes the sealing cap, and the operating component screws the sealing cap on the end of the column container to seal the opening or detaching the sealing cap from the column container in a rotating manner.

Wherein, the operating component drives the sealing cap and the column container to move after screwing the sealing cap on the end of the column container.

Wherein, the collecting tube includes a second outer thread matching up with the inner thread of the sealing cap. The operating component drives the sealing cap and the collecting tube to move after screwing the sealing cap on the collecting tube.

In one embodiment, the operating component is a robot arm. The robot arm fixes the sealing cap by clamping and rotates the sealing cap to screw the sealing cap on the end of the column container to seal the opening or detaching the sealing cap from the column container.

In one embodiment, the operating component is a revolving rod, and the sealing cap further includes a fixing groove. The revolving rod is engaged with the fixing groove and rotates the sealing cap to screw the sealing cap on the end of the column container to seal the opening or to detach the sealing cap from the column container.

Wherein, the shape of the fixing groove is one selected from a linear shape, a cross shape, a star shape, an explosive shape and polygon.

Wherein, the microtube operating system further includes a base. The base includes a hole configured for containing the collecting tube. The base forming a hollow structure communicated with the hole. The collecting tube further includes a second protruding structure matching up with the hollow structure, and the second protruding structure is disposed in the hollow structure when the collecting tube is contained in the hole.

In summary, the microtube operating system of the present invention automatically drives the column container and the collecting tube to move through the sealing cap with thread automatically. The system not only improves the efficiency but also reduces the labor costs of manual extraction or movement. In addition, the microtube assembly of the present invention leans against and interferes with the protruding structure and groove structure of the column container, the collecting tube and the base, so that the sealing cap can prevent rotation between the column container and the collecting tube when sealing or detaching, thereby improving convenience and installation efficiency.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the sake of the advantages, spirits and features of the present invention can be understood more easily and clearly, the detailed descriptions and discussions will be made later by way of the embodiments and with reference of the diagrams. It is worth noting that these embodiments are merely representative embodiments of the present invention, wherein the specific methods, devices, conditions, materials and the like are not limited to the embodiments of the present invention or corresponding embodiments. Moreover, the devices in the figures are only used to express their corresponding positions and are not drawing according to their actual proportion.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the orientations or positional relationships of the terms “longitudinal, lateral, upper, lower, front, rear, left, right, top, bottom, inner, outer” and the like are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is merely for the convenience of the description of the present invention and the description of the present invention, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to has a specific orientation, is constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limitations of the invention.

In the description of this specification, descriptions with reference to terms “one embodiment”, “another one embodiment” or “parts of specific embodiments” etc. mean the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, the described specific features, structures, materials or characteristics can be combined in any one or more embodiments in a suitable manner.

Please refer toFIG. 1,FIG. 2andFIG. 3.FIG. 1is an exploded diagram illustrating a microtube assembly10according to one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a sectional view diagram illustrating the microtube assembly10in FIG. EFIG. 3is an assembly diagram illustrating the microtube10assembly inFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 3, in this embodiment, the microtube assembly10includes a column container110, a sealing cap120and a collecting tube130. The column container110includes a column body111, one end of the column body111has an opening112and a first outer thread113. The sealing cap120has an inner thread121matching up with the first outer thread113, and the sealing cap120seals the opening112of the column container110by the inner thread121screwed on the first outer thread113of the column body111. The collecting tube130includes a collecting tube body131, and the collecting tube body131has a containing space132configured for containing the column container110.

In practice, the microtube assembly10can be applied to a centrifuge to extract and purify nucleic acids or any extraction and purification target. Each of components of the microtube assembly10can be transparent or translucent, and the materials of the components can be included plastic, glass or steel, but it is not limit thereto. One end of the collecting tube body131is closed, and the other end of that has an opening to form the containing space132. The column container110is contained in the containing space132. In the nucleic acids extraction process, the column container110is configured in the collecting tube130, and the biological sample is placed in the column container110. Furthermore, the other side corresponding to the opening112of the column container110has an opening hole115, and the column container110includes a gasket and a filter membrane116configured at the opening hole115. The end including the filter membrane116of the column container110is disposed in the containing space132of the collecting tube130, and the sealing cap120is configured to seal the opening112of the column container110. That is to say, the column container110is located between the sealing cap120and the collecting tube130(as shown inFIG. 3). The filter membrane116of the column container110can absorb biological sample that need to be extracted or purified. In the nucleic acids extraction process, the nucleic acids are absorbed on the filter membrane116of the column container110, and the waste liquid and other matters pass through the filter membrane116and the opening hole115to the collecting tube130. The inner thread121of the sealing cap120and the first outer thread113of the column container110can be directly formed on the sealing cap120and the column body111respectively. The sealing cap120seals the opening112of the column container110by the inner thread121and the first outer thread113of the column body111in a rotating manner.

In this embodiment, the column body111further includes a first protruding structure114, and the collecting tube body131further includes a matching structure133. As shown inFIG. 2, the matching structure133is a grooved structure, and the matching structure133is corresponding to the first protruding structure114. Therefore, the first protruding structure114can be inserted into the matching structure133from top to bottom direction when the column body111is configured in the containing space132of the collecting tube body131. In practice, the first protruding structure114and the matching structure133can be directly formed on the column body111and the collecting tube body131respectively. When the inner thread121of the sealing cap120contacts and screws on the first outer thread113of the column container110, the side wall of the first protruding structure114of the column container110leans against the matching structure133of the collecting tube130. Therefore, the column container110is attached in the collecting tube130and cannot be rotated.

Furthermore, the number of the first protruding structure114is corresponding to that of the matching structure133, the size and shape of the first protruding structure114are corresponding to those of the matching structure133, and the position of the first protruding structure114is corresponding to that of the matching structure133. In this embodiment, the numbers of the first protruding structure114and the matching structure133are two respectively, and the shapes of the first protruding structure114and the matching structure133are rectangles. It is not limited in practice, the numbers of the first protruding structure114and the matching structure133can be one or more than three, and the shapes of the first protruding structure114and the matching structure133can be bumps, semicircles, squares or other shapes that can be matched with each other. Furthermore, the first protruding structure114can be located near the opening112of the column body111, and the matching structure133can be located at the opening of the collecting tube body131.

Please refer toFIG. 1andFIG. 4A.FIG. 4Ais a schematic diagram illustrating the microtube assembly10inFIG. 1and a base140. In this embodiment, the microtube assembly10further includes a base140, and the base140includes a hole141configured for containing the collecting tube130. In practice, the base140may include a plurality of holes141, and the holes141can be arranged in an array. Furthermore, each of holes141of the base140includes a hollow structure142communicated with the hole141, and the collecting tube130includes a second protruding structure134. The number and shape of the second protruding structure134are corresponding to those of the hollow structure142. When the sealing cap120, column container110and collecting tube130are assembled and configured in the base140, the second protruding structure134is inserted in the hollow structure142from top to bottom direction, and the collecting tube130is configured in the hole141of the base140. At this time, the side wall of the second protruding structure134of the collecting tube130leans against the side wall of the hollow structure142of the base140, so that the collecting tube130is attached in the base140and cannot be rotated. Moreover, the numbers and the sizes of the second protruding structure134and the hollow structure142are the same as those of the first protruding structure114and the matching structure133, it will not described herein.

In addition to the aforementioned embodiment, the holes of the base may also be other kind of state. Please refer toFIG. 4B.FIG. 4Bis a schematic diagram illustrating the microtube assembly10′ and the base140′ according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 4B, the difference between this embodiment and the aforementioned embodiment is that the hollow structures142′ of two adjacent holes141′ of the base140′ are connected to each other. That is to say, the holes141′ of each row of the base140′ are connected by the hollow structures142′. Furthermore, the second protruding structure134′ of the collecting tube130′ can also be connected to other second protruding structure134′ of the collecting tube130′. In practice, the operator can place multiple microtube assemblies10′ on the base140′ at a time for subsequent centrifugation, or extract multiple collecting tubes130′ from the base140′ at a time to clean up the waste liquid in the collecting tubes130′, hence improving operation efficiency and reducing time costs. It should be noted that the numbers of holes141′ of each row of the base140′ and the microtube assembly10′ are not limited to four inFIG. 4B, the numbers of the holes and the microtube assembly can also be two, three or more than four.

Please refer toFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a schematic diagram illustrating a microtube operating system1according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the microtube operating system1also includes an operating component150in addition to the column container110, the sealing cap120, and the collecting tube130of the microtube assembly10described above. The operating component150is configured to fix the sealing cap120, and the operating component150screws the sealing cap120on the end of the column container110to seal the opening112or detaching the sealing cap120from the column container110in a rotating manner. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5, the operating component150is a robot arm151. In practice, the robot arm151may be multi-axis, rotatable and include a clamping structure (such as a 2-finger or 3-finger gripper). The clamping structure of the robot arm151can be designed according to the shape of the sealing cap120.

Please refer toFIG. 2andFIG. 5. When the robot arm151screws the sealing cap120to seal the column container110, the clamping structure of the robot arm151clamps the outer edge of the sealing cap120, then the robot arm151rotates the clamping structure to drive the sealing cap to rotate. When the inner thread121of the sealing cap120contacts and screws on the first outer thread113of the column container110, the sealing cap120can be screwed and assembled on the column container110since the column container110and the collecting tube130cannot be rotated. Therefore, the microtube assembly10of the present invention can prevent the rotation of the column container110and the collecting tube130by engagement between the first protruding structure114of the column container110, the matching structure133and the second protruding structure134of the collecting tube130, and the hollow structure142of the base140to the sealing cap120on the column container110.

Similarly, when the robot arm151detaches the sealing cap120from the column container110, the first protruding structure114of the column container110leans against the matching structure133of the collecting tube130and the second protruding structure134of the collecting tube130leans against the hollow structure142of the base140, so that the column container110and the collecting tube130cannot be rotated. Therefore, the inner thread121of the sealing cap120can be screwed out of the first outer thread113of the column container110, and then the sealing cap120can be detached from the column container110.

The robot arm151can separate the first protruding structure114of the column container110from the matching structure133of the collecting tube130from bottom to top direction after the sealing cap120is assembled on the column container110. Then the robot arm151can drive the sealing cap120and the column container110to move at the same time. In practice, when the microtube assembly is completed the nucleic acids extraction process by the centrifuge, the robot arm151can clamp the sealing cap120and move the sealing cap120and the column container110containing the nucleic acid to perform subsequent operations. Therefore, the microtube operating system1of the present invention can automatically move the column container110by the sealing cap120, which not only improves efficiency and reduces labor costs.

The microtube operating system of the present invention not only can move the column container by sealing cap, but also can move the collecting tube by sealing cap. Please refer toFIG. 1,FIG. 4AandFIG. 6.FIG. 6is an assembly diagram illustrating the sealing cap120and the collecting tube130according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1, the collecting tube130further includes a second outer thread135disposed at the opening, and the second outer thread135matches up with the inner thread121of the sealing cap120. When the robot arm moves the sealing cap120and the column container110and detaches the sealing cap120from the column container110, the robot arm further can screw the inner thread121of the sealing cap120on the second outer thread135of the collecting tube130. When the inner thread121of the sealing cap120contacts and screws on the second outer thread135of the collecting tube130, the collecting tube130and the base140cannot rotate mutually since the second protruding structure134of the collecting tube130is attached in the hollow structure142of the base140. Therefore, the sealing cap120can be screwed and assembled on the collecting tube130. In practice, when the microtube assembly has completed the centrifugation process and the column container is taken from the collecting tube, the robot arm further can take the collecting tube from the centrifuge automatically by the sealing cap, which not only improves efficiency and reduces labor costs.

Furthermore, the material of the sealing cap120is an optically transparent material. In practice, the material of the sealing cap120can be a transparent polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other transparent materials. When the extracted nucleic acid is moved into the collecting tube including reaction reagent for Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time PCR), the robot arm can clamp the sealing cap120to seal the collecting tube130, and then move the collecting tube130including the nucleic acid and reaction reagent to the measuring position. Then, the laser light or LED light emitted from the detecting equipment can penetrate the sealing cap120directly and irradiate the nucleic acid in the collecting tube130to measure the number of the reaction products of the nucleic acid. Therefore, the operator can directly perform Real-Time PCR detection without opening the sealing cover120, which not only improves work efficiency but also reduces time costs.

The matching structure of collecting tube not only can be a grooved structure of aforementioned embodiment, the matching structure also can be in other forms. Please refer toFIG. 7.FIG. 7is an exploded diagram illustrating the microtube assembly20according to the embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 7, the difference between this embodiment and the aforementioned embodiment is that the matching structure233of the collecting tube230is a bulged structure. The matching structure233of the collecting tube230leans against the first protruding structure214of the column container210when the column container is rotated. In practice, when the robot arm screws and seals the sealing cap220to the column container210, the sealing cap220drives the column container210to move. Then, the first protruding structure214of the column container210contacts the matching structure233of the collecting tube230when the column container210moves for a distance. Furthermore, when the robot arm continuous rotates the sealing cap220, the matching structure233of the collecting tube230will lean against the first protruding structure214of the column container210, so that the column container210cannot be rotated. At this time, the second protruding structure234of the collecting tube230is also attached in the hollow structure of the base, so that the collecting tube230cannot be rotated. Therefore, the sealing cap220can be sealed on the column container210.

In addition to the robot arm, the operating component can also be in other forms. Please refer toFIG. 8,FIG. 9AandFIG. 9B.FIG. 8is a schematic diagram illustrating the microtube operating system3according to one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9AandFIG. 9Bare schematic diagrams illustrating the sealing cap320of the microtube operating system3inFIG. 8. In this embodiment, the operating component350is a revolving rod351, and the sealing cap320has a fixing groove322. In practice, the operating component350can be configured on a moving device. The revolving rod351can be driven to rotate in combination with motor, screw rod, gear etc., and can be configured on a sliding rail to move in multiple directions. The fixing groove322of the sealing cap320is disposed on the other side relative to the opening of the sealing cap320. That is to say, the fixing groove322is located on the top side of the microtube assembly30when the microtube assembly30is assembled. Furthermore, the shape of the end of the revolving rod351is corresponding to that of the fixing groove322. In this embodiment, the shapes of the fixing groove322and the end of the revolving rod351are linear shape. In practice, when the revolving rod351moves and attach to the fixing groove322of the sealing cap320, the end of the revolving rod351and the fixing groove322of the sealing cap320are tightly connected. Therefore, the sealing cap320can be fixed on the revolving rod351. Furthermore, when the revolving rod351rotates in the direction of the axis, the revolving rod351drive the sealing cap320to rotate, thereby sealing the sealing cap320to the opening of the column container310or detaching the sealing cap320from the column container310. It should be noted that the functions of the column container310and the collecting tube330are the same as the corresponding components of the aforementioned embodiments, and it will not described herein.

Moreover, the shape of the fixing groove is not limited to linear shape, the shape of the fixing groove can also be other types. Please refer toFIG. 10AtoFIG. 10D.FIG. 10AtoFIG. 10Dare schematic diagrams illustrating the sealing cap320′,320″,320′″ and320″″ according to embodiments of the present invention. In practice, the fixing groove can also be a cross-shaped fixing groove322′, a hexagonal fixing groove322″, a star-shaped fixing groove322′″, a explosive-shaped fixing groove322′, or other polygon-shaped fixing groove.

The operating component not only includes the revolving rod that can be engaged with the sealing cap for rotation or movement, but also includes a mechanism for separating the rotating rod from the sealing cap. Please refer toFIG. 11AandFIG. 11B.FIG. 11AandFIG. 11Bare schematic diagrams illustrating the operating component450according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 11A, the operating component450includes a revolving rod451and a telescopic rod452, and the revolving rod451is sleeved outside of the telescopic rod452. The telescopic rod452can be extended from the revolving rod451by pushing (as shown inFIG. 11B). Furthermore, the area of the telescopic rod452is smaller than that of the fixing groove of the sealing cap. The telescopic rod452extends from the axis of the revolving rod451and moves away from the fixing groove after the revolving rod451is attached in the fixing groove of the sealing cap, so that the revolving rod451is separated from the sealing cap. In practice, when the operating component450has completed the transfer operation and needs to be removed from the sealing cap, the telescopic rod452can extend from revolving rod451and press against the fixing groove of the sealing cap by a pushing force, and the revolving rod451move in opposite directions of the sealing cap. Therefore, the revolving rod451is separated from the sealing cap.

In one embodiment, please refer toFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B.FIG. 12AandFIG. 12Bare schematic diagrams illustrating the operating component550according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 12A, the operating component550includes a revolving rod551and a socket552, and the socket552is sleeved outside of the revolving rod551. The socket552further can be connected to a telescopic and moving component553, and the telescopic and moving component553pushes the socket552to extend from the revolving rod551(as shown inFIG. 12B). Furthermore, the area of the socket552can be greater than that of the top surface of the sealing cap. The socket552extends from the axis of the revolving rod551and moves away from the fixing groove after the revolving rod551is attached in the fixing groove of the sealing cap, so that the revolving rod551is separated from the sealing cap. In practice, when the operating component550has completed the transfer operation and needs to be removed from the sealing cap, the socket552can extend from revolving rod551and press against the top side of the sealing cap by a pushing force, and the revolving rod551move in opposite directions of the sealing cap. Therefore, the revolving rod551is separated from the sealing cap.

In another one embodiment, the operating component includes a revolving rod and a clamping cylinder configured on the end of the revolving rod. The clamping cylinder is clamped on the outer surface of the sealing cap, and then the revolving rod rotates in axis direction. At this time, the revolving rod drives the clamping cylinder to rotate, and the clamping cylinder drives the sealing cover to rotate, thereby sealing the sealing cap to the opening of the column container or detach from the column container.

Please refer toFIG. 13.FIG. 13is an exploded diagram illustrating the microtube operating system6according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the microtube operating system6includes a plurality of revolving rods651, and the revolving rods651are arranged in a raw. Furthermore, the revolving rods651can be configured on one moving device, and the revolving rods651can be rotated simultaneously or separately. Therefore, the microtube operating system6can seal, disassemble and move the microtube assembly60simultaneously, thereby improving efficiency and reducing time cost. It should be noted that the numbers of the revolving rods of the microtube operating system are not limited to six in the figure, and the number of the revolving rod can be one, two, three, four, five or more than six.

In conclusion, the microtube operating system of the present invention automatically drives the column container and the collecting tube to move through the sealing cap with thread automatically. The system not only improves the efficiency but also reduces the labor costs of manual extraction or movement. In addition, the microtube assembly of the present invention leans against and interferes with the protruding structure and groove structure of the column container, the collecting tube and the base, so that the sealing cap can prevent rotation between the column container and the collecting tube when sealing or detaching, thereby improving convenience and installation efficiency.

With the examples and explanations mentioned above, the features and spirits of the invention are hopefully well described. More importantly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.