Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting – deodorizing – preser – Control element responsive to a sensed operating condition – Control element responds proportionally to a variable signal...
Patent
1994-07-05
1996-06-11
Warden, Robert J.
Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting, deodorizing, preser
Control element responsive to a sensed operating condition
Control element responds proportionally to a variable signal...
366149, 366219, 422129, 422224, 4352861, 4352865, 4352866, 4352871, 4352974, G05D 2102, B01F 1300, C12M 136, C12M 102
Patent
active
055253059
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a reactor system comprising an in vitro model of an in vivo digestive tract.
Reactor systems often consist of a pot or tank in which a stirring element is disposed. The digestion process in the gastrointestinal tract, for example, can be simulated only very imperfectly with such a system. In particular, the peristaltic movements which contribute to the homogenization and transfer of substances are absent.
The object of the invention is to provide a peristaltically mixing reactor system in which in particular highly viscous liquids can be mixed and homogenized, and which system is suitable in particular for assembling a model for a gastrointestinal tract.
According to the invention, the reactor system comprises for this purpose: the pressure chambers a hose made of flexible material and open at both ends, which hoses are fixed with their ends sealed in such a way that the spaces between the wall of the pressure chambers and the hoses are closed; the spaces between the wall of the pressure chambers and the hoses; coupling means for coupling the pressure chambers to each other and/or to end pieces or intermediate pieces; constituents to and discharging them from the hoses.
The medium in the spaces between the wall of a pressure chamber and a hose can also be used for heating of the constituents taking part in the reaction.
In order to be able to control both the frequency and the force of the peristaltic movements accurately, control means can be used to raise and lower the pressure in the closed spaces between a pressure chamber wall and a hose. These control means will usually consist of computer-controlled pumps.
The volume of the reactor system can be adapted to requirements, through the fact that the number of pressure chambers per unit and the number of units can be varied. The system is preferably modular, i.e. the supply of constituents to and discharge thereof from the system can be handled by means of standardized end pieces and intermediate pieces and the system can be expanded in a simple way, inter alia by means of a peristaltic flap valve pump based on the principle of the invention.
It is pointed out that Abstract 5592130 from Japanese Patent Application 55-2924 discloses a mixer consisting of two bags connected to each other by means of an intermediate piece with channels recessed therein. This intermediate piece also comprises supply and discharge pipes. The mixing is effected by reducing and increasing the volume of the bags alternately, in the course of which the contents are constantly moved from one bag to the other and back. There is no question in this case of pressure chambers in which hoses made of flexible material and open at both ends are fitted, so that any desired number of pressure chambers cannot be connected to each other or to intermediate or end pieces either. This known mixer is therefore not suitable for forming a reactor system which through its modular construction can be extended as desired.
In the case of several reactor units, in successive units the discharge pipe for mixed constituents of the first unit can be connected to the supply pipe for constituents for mixing in a second unit, and computer-controlled valves can be fitted in the combined discharge and supply pipes.
With such a reactor system, an in vitro model of the gastrointestinal tract with a high degree of correspondence to the in vivo situation can be constructed. Particles can be pulverized through powerful contractions. The mechanical cleansing effect in the small intestine, which is essential for preventing excessive microbiological growth, can be simulated extremely well with the reactor. It is possible to work with highly viscous liquids such as culture media, the gastrointestinal contents from a regular meal, or the contents of the large intestine. The absence of projecting parts such as stirrers and the presence of a flexible wall greatly reduce the growth of organisms. Friction-sensitive cells can be grown by selecting gentle contractions.
The flexible hoses are preferabl
REFERENCES:
patent: 3656716 (1972-04-01), Ljungerg et al.
patent: 4537860 (1985-08-01), Tolbert et al.
Havenaar Robert
Minekus Mannes
Carpenter Robert
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk On
Warden Robert J.
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