Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical science, and more particularly, the present invention relates to the centrifuge tube for sample extraction.
BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION:
[0002]
The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the priority date of the application. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[0003]
Removing samples from conventional centrifuge tubes often involves pipetting, which can result in loss of or contamination of the sample. The process of removing liquid from the tube can distort the separated layers, especially when dealing with small volumes or delicate samples. This may result in inaccurate experimental results, which may require repeated experiments and increase the consumption of both time and resources.
[0004]
In many applications, especially in molecular biology and biochemistry,
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the pellet formed at the bottom of the tube is the target of extraction. Conventional
tubes require careful pipetting or even cutting the tube to reach the pellet, which is cumbersome and risky. This difficulty can lead to incomplete extraction of the pellet or damage to the pellet, affecting applications such as PCR, sequencing, or protein analysis.
[0005]
The extraction process from conventional tubes is often time-consuming, requiring precise handling to avoid mixing of different layers. This inefficiency can be a bottleneck in high-throughput laboratories where time is a critical factor.
[0006]
Conventional tubes are typically rigid and do not offer flexibility in design to meet varying extraction requirements. This lack of adaptability can limit their use in particular applications, requiring researchers to seek alternative solutions.
[0007]
In many laboratory procedures, the pellet formed at the bottom of the centrifuge tube is the primary target for extraction. This pellet may contain cells, organelles, nucleic acids, proteins, or other particulates of interest. Accessing this pellet in conventional tubes is often a cumbersome process.
[0008]
Typically, researchers must either carefully pipette the supernatant without disturbing the pellet or, in some cases, cut the tube to access the pellet directly. Both methods are less than ideal. Pipetting the supernatant requires a steady hand and a high degree of precision, and even then, there is a risk of disturbing the pellet. Cutting the tube, on the other hand, is a crude method that can lead to sample loss or contamination from plastic shards, further this approach will lead to loss of centrifuge tube.
4
[0009]
Time is a critical factor in many laboratory settings, particularly in high-throughput environments where large numbers of samples need to be processed quickly and efficiently. The traditional method of sample extraction from centrifuge tubes is inherently time-consuming. Each step, from carefully pipetting the supernatant to ensuring that the pellet is not disturbed, adds to the overall processing time.
[0010]
In high-throughput laboratories, such as those involved in genomic research or clinical diagnostics, these delays can accumulate, leading to significant bottlenecks. Researchers are often under pressure to deliver results quickly, and any inefficiency in the sample extraction process can hinder their ability to meet deadlines.
[0011]
Conventional centrifuge tubes are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, which can be limiting in specialized applications. The rigid design of these tubes does not allow for customization to meet specific experimental needs. For example, in some applications, it may be beneficial to have a tube with a wider opening or a specific shape to facilitate easier extraction.
[0012]
This lack of flexibility can be a significant drawback, particularly in research areas that require unique or specialized equipment. Researchers may need to modify existing tubes or seek alternative solutions, which can be time-consuming and may not always yield the desired results.
[0013]
In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a centrifuge tube with a detachable bottom circumvents these issues entirely. By allowing direct access to
5
the separated components, the need for pipetting is eliminated. Researchers can
simply detach the bottom of the tube to retrieve the pellet or the desired layer, ensuring that the integrity of the sample is maintained. This direct access not only reduces the risk of contamination but also minimizes sample loss, leading to more reliable and reproducible results.
[0014]
The detachable bottom design provides a seamless solution. After centrifugation, the bottom of the tube can be easily detached, providing direct access to the pellet. This method ensures that the pellet remains intact and undisturbed, allowing for complete and accurate recovery. This is particularly beneficial in applications such as protein purification, where the integrity of the pellet is crucial for subsequent analysis.
[0015]
The centrifuge tube with a detachable bottom streamlines the extraction process. By eliminating the need for pipetting and providing direct access to the sample, the time required for extraction is significantly reduced. This efficiency is particularly valuable in high-throughput settings, where even small-time savings can lead to substantial increases in productivity.
[0016]
The detachable bottom design offers a high degree of versatility. The bottom section can be customized to fit various centrifuge models and accommodate different sample volumes. This adaptability makes the tube suitable for a wide range of applications, from basic research to advanced clinical diagnostics. Additionally, the design can be further modified to include features such as graduated markings for precise measurements or specialized coatings to
6
reduce sample adhesion.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0017]
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
[0018] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing the Centrifuge tube for sample extraction.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide the Centrifuge tube for sample extraction, wherein by allowing direct access to the separated components, the need for pipetting is eliminated. Researchers can simply detach the bottom of the tube to retrieve the pellet or the desired layer, ensuring that the integrity of the sample is maintained. This direct access not only reduces the risk of contamination but also minimizes sample loss, leading to more reliable and reproducible results.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide the Centrifuge tube for sample extraction, wherein after centrifugation, the bottom of the tube can be easily detached, providing direct access to the pellet. This method ensures that the pellet remains intact and undisturbed, allowing for complete and accurate recovery. This is particularly beneficial in applications such as protein purification, where the integrity of the pellet is crucial for subsequent analysis.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide the Centrifuge tube
7
for sample extraction
, wherein by eliminating the need for pipetting and providing direct access to the sample, the time required for extraction is significantly reduced. This efficiency is particularly valuable in high-throughput settings, where even small-time savings can lead to substantial increases in productivity.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide the Centrifuge tube for sample extraction, wherein the detachable bottom design offers a high degree of versatility. The bottom section can be customized to fit various centrifuge models and accommodate different sample volumes. This adaptability makes the tube suitable for a wide range of applications, from basic research to advanced clinical diagnostics. Additionally, the design can be further modified to include features such as graduated markings for precise measurements or specialized coatings to reduce sample adhesion.
[0023]
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0024]
The present invention provides Centrifuge tube for sample extraction, which allows the user to extract pellets, cell debris easily without sample loss and tediousness. Further the novel centrifuge tube with detachable bottom also saves time of user. The centrifuge tube with a detachable bottom has the potential to revolutionize sample handling across a wide range of scientific disciplines. Below are some specific applications where this innovative design can provide
8
significant benefits:
-
Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA Extraction: Simplifies the process of extracting nucleic acids from cell lysates, reducing the risk of contamination and improving yield.
-
Protein Purification: Ensures complete recovery of protein pellets, enhancing the accuracy of downstream analyses such as Western blotting or mass spectrometry.
-
Clinical Diagnostics: Blood Sample Processing: Facilitates the separation and extraction of plasma or serum from blood samples, improving the efficiency of diagnostic tests.
-
Pathogen Detection: Enhances the recovery of microbial pellets, leading to more accurate detection and identification of pathogens.
-
Pharmaceutical Research: Drug Development: Improves the reliability of sample preparation in drug screening assays, ensuring accurate results in high-throughput settings.
-
Toxicology Studies: Enhances the recovery of cellular or subcellular components, leading to more precise assessments of drug toxicity.
-
Environmental Science: Water Quality Analysis: Simplifies the extraction of particulate matter from water samples, improving the accuracy of environmental monitoring.
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-
Soil Analysis: Facilitates the recovery of microbial or chemical components from soil extracts, enhancing the reliability of environmental assessments.
[0025]
The conventional centrifuge tube, while a staple in laboratories worldwide, presents significant challenges in sample extraction that can hinder efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. Our innovative centrifuge tube with a detachable bottom offers a practical and effective solution to these challenges. By simplifying the extraction process, reducing the risk of contamination, and enhancing sample recovery, this new design has the potential to transform sample handling in a wide range of scientific disciplines.
[0026]
In one aspect of the present invention, a centrifuge tube includes a tubular body with a top open end and a bottom end; a removable bottom part that is configured to removably fit at the bottom end of the tubular body; wherein said removable bottom section is configured to provide for direct removal of pelletized or settled material after centrifugation, minimizing sample loss and post-centrifugation processing.
[0027]
In another aspect of the present invention, the removable bottom section includes a lock mechanism, selected from the group consisting of threaded screw-lock, bayonet fit, or snap-fit coupling, which is configured to provide a positive, leak-free seal during centrifugation.
[0028]
In another aspect of the present invention, the closure between the tubular body and the disposable bottom portion is a sealing ring or O-ring to ensure fluid-
10
tight integrity upon high
-speed spinning.
[0029]
In another aspect of the present invention, the tube and the disposable bottom portion are fabricated from biocompatible and chemically resistant polymeric material for biological sample applications.
[0030]
In another aspect of the present invention, the tube further includes graduated volume markings and a clear or transparent body so that sample volume and pellet position are visible to be seen visually.
[0031]
In another aspect of the present invention, the disposable bottom portion is designed for use with standard laboratory centrifuge rotors so that adapters or holders are unnecessary.
[0032]
In another aspect of the present invention, the construction enables the non-invasive removal of pellets without pipettes or suction devices.
[0033]
In another aspect of the present invention, the lower portion has an integral pellet guide or recess, which holds and protects the pellet when being moved and taken out.
[0034]
In another aspect of the present invention, the centrifuge tube is used in molecular biology protocols, for example, DNA, RNA, or protein extraction, where more pellet recovery enhances sample yield.
[0035]
In another aspect of the present invention, the centrifuge tube is used in clinical diagnostics or pharmaceutical research, where time is critical and minimal
11
contamination during sample processing is required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0036]
Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[0037]
Figure 1: Regular/conventional centrifuge tube;
[0038]
Figure 2: Collection of pellet/cell debris from conventional centrifuge tube using a spatula;
[0039]
Figure 3: Conventional centrifuge tube; and
[0040]
Figure 4: Novel centrifuge tube with detachable bottom;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0041]
While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and
12
the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the
particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0042]
As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0043]
In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood
13
that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements
with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0044]
The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. [0045] The present invention provides Centrifuge tube for sample extraction.
[0046]
Centrifugation is a cornerstone technique in scientific research, clinical diagnostics, and industrial applications. It enables the separation of components within a mixture based on their density, which is important for a variety of analytical and preparative procedures. Despite its widespread use, the process of
14
sample extraction from conventional centrifuge tubes presents significant
challenges that can compromise the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of experiments. Figure 1 show the picture of a conventional centrifuge tube with a lid, where the cell pellet/debris is shown at bottom.
[0047]
Figure 1: Regular/conventional centrifuge tube, body of the centrifuge tune [1], cap of the centrifuge tube [2], pellet/cell debris [3] at the bottom of the centrifuge tube, graduated marks on the centrifuge tube [4].
[0048]
Figure 2: shows the process of extraction or collection of cell debris/pellet from a conventional centrifuge tube using a spatula. Conventional tubes are typically rigid and do not offer flexibility in design to meet varying extraction requirements. Further, collecting small volume of target sample from the bottom is also challenging, which might result in leaving some amount of sample at the bottom due to the lack of ease of sample collection. Moreover, pipetting small volumes is particularly challenging. The precision required to extract minute quantities without disturbing the surrounding layers is difficult to achieve consistently. This difficulty is compounded when dealing with viscous samples or those with similar densities, where the boundaries between layers are less distinct.
[0049]
Figure 3, Conventional centrifuge tube [1], with lid [2], with a detachable bottom [6], band for attachment of 1 and 6 [7], the bottom can be separated from upper part of tube with lid by simply twisting. This twist can detach the bottom of tube easily.
[0050]
Our new invention, the centrifuge tube with a detachable bottom,
15
addresses these challenges through a simple but effective design modification.
This innovative tube features a bottom section that can be easily separated after centrifugation, allowing direct access to the separated components without the need for pipetting or cutting the tube. Fig 3 shows the different parts of the novel centrifuge tube.
[0051]
Figure 4. Novel centrifuge tube with detachable bottom, at the bottom pellet/cell debris is being easily collected using a spatula. Upper part of the centrifuge tube [1], user collecting pellet/cell debris using a spatula [5], bottom of the detached centrifuge tube [6], rings/threads for attachment of upper part [1] of centrifuge tube and lower detached part [6] of centrifuge tube
[0052]
Our centrifuge tube with a detachable bottom circumvents these issues entirely. By allowing direct access to the separated components, the need for pipetting is eliminated. Researchers can simply detach the bottom [6] of the tube to retrieve the pellet or the desired layer, ensuring that the integrity of the sample is maintained. This direct access not only reduces the risk of contamination but also minimizes sample loss, leading to more reliable and reproducible results.
[0053]
This method ensures that the pellet remains intact and undisturbed, allowing for complete and accurate recovery. This is particularly beneficial in applications such as protein purification, where the integrity of the pellet is crucial for subsequent analysis.
[0054]
Our centrifuge tube with a detachable bottom streamlines the extraction process. By eliminating the need for pipetting and providing direct access to the
16
sample, the time required for extraction is significantly reduced. This efficiency is
particularly valuable in high-throughput settings, where even small-time savings can lead to substantial increases in productivity.
[0055]
Our detachable bottom design offers a high degree of versatility. The bottom section can be customized to fit various centrifuge models and accommodate different sample volumes. This adaptability makes the tube suitable for a wide range of applications, from basic research to advanced clinical diagnostics. Additionally, the design can be further modified to include features such as graduated markings for precise measurements or specialized coatings to reduce sample adhesion.
[0056]
To the best of our knowledge, there is no such invention related to a centrifuge tube, where by simply twisting the tube, the bottom with sample is easily detached from upper part. Researchers can simply detach the bottom of the tube to retrieve the pellet or the desired layer, ensuring that the integrity of the sample is maintained. This direct access not only reduces the risk of contamination but also minimizes the sample loss, leading to more reliable and reproducible results. This facility is not available with the conventional centrifuge tube. In conventional centrifuge tubes, the process of extracting samples often involves the use of pipettes or spatula. This method, while straightforward, is fraught with potential issues. When pipetting, there is always a risk of disturbing the carefully separated layers within the tube. This disturbance can lead to the mixing of layers, resulting in cross-contamination and loss of sample integrity.
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For instance, in nucleic acid extraction, even a minor contamination can
significantly affect the accuracy of PCR results.
[0057]
Thus, the innovative design of the twisted centrifuge tube offers significant utility benefits, as follows:
-
Simplifies the process of extracting nucleic acids from cell lysates, reducing the risk of loss of sample, and contamination and improving yield.
-
Ensures complete recovery of protein pellets, enhancing the accuracy of downstream analyses such as Western blotting or mass spectrometry.
-
Facilitates the separation and extraction of plasma or serum from blood samples, improving the efficiency of diagnostic tests.
-
Enhances the recovery of microbial pellets, leading to more accurate detection and identification of pathogens.
-
Improves the reliability of sample preparation in drug screening assays, ensuring accurate results in high-throughput settings.
-
Enhances the recovery of cellular or subcellular components, leading to more precise assessments of drug toxicity.
-
Simplifies the extraction of particulate matter from water samples, improving the accuracy of environmental monitoring.
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-
Facilitates the recovery of microbial or chemical components from soil extracts, enhancing the reliability of environmental assessments.
[0058]
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
[0059]
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein. , Claims:We Claim: 1) A centrifuge tube for sample extraction, the centrifuge tube comprising:
- a tubular body having a top open end and a bottom end;
- a detachable bottom portion removably attachable to the bottom end of said tubular body;
- wherein the detachable bottom portion is adapted to enable direct access to pelletized or settled material after centrifugation, thereby minimizing sample loss and post-centrifugation handling.
2) The centrifuge tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable bottom portion comprises a locking mechanism selected from a group consisting of a threaded screw-lock, a bayonet-fit, or a snap-fit coupling, configured to provide a leak-proof seal during centrifugation.
3) The centrifuge tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface between said tubular body and the detachable bottom portion includes a sealing component selected from an O-ring or gasket to maintain fluid-tight integrity during centrifugation.
4) The centrifuge tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tubular body and detachable bottom portion are fabricated from biocompatible and chemically resistant polymeric materials suitable for biological or chemical sample handling.
5) The centrifuge tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tubular body is provided with graduated volume markings and is transparent or translucent for easy visual observation of sample volume and pellet position.