Apparatus for the preparation of multiple pollen samples for cryogenic preservation

#1. Field of Invention

#The present invention relates to an apparatus for the preparation of multiple pollen samples for cryogenic preservation used in development of a pollen bank for plant-breeding purposes. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus that applies a vacuum to multiple storage units in a manner that allows for the controlled reduction of the moisture content of a pollen sample, thereby enabling cryogenic preservation of the pollen sample in a viable state for subsequent use for plant breeding.

#2. Background of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a pollen preservation apparatus.

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a vacuum controller of the pollen preservation apparatus of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a vacuum manifold and a chamber pad of the pollen preservation apparatus of FIG. 1.

#The detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for the preparation of multiple pollen samples for cryogenic preservation. This apparatus is particularly useful for the preparation and cryogenic preservation of maize pollen. It is anticipated, however, that the apparatus of the present invention with slight modifications can preserve the pollen of other plant types. For example, while the correlation to viability and desiccation of barley and wheat pollen is not as well understood as maize, it is anticipated that since barley and wheat are in the same family as maize, they should behave similarly. Additionally, the techniques of the present invention should adapt to sorghum. Furthermore, the apparatus of the present invention may prove useful to preserve germplasm, seed, ovum, and other biological materials without undue experimentation. The apparatus removes excess water from pollen samples by vacuum induced evaporation. At the correct level of dryness, i.e. removing excess water from the pollen to a predetermined moisture content level, allows exposing the pollen to temperatures in the range of minus 196.degree. C. while maintaining a substantial level of viability after thawing the pollen sample. In other words, after the pollen sample is prepared, frozen, and stored, the pollen can be rapidly thawed and rehydrated for use in pollination. Such a technique allows gathering pollen samples from a wide array of plant types and geographical locations, without consideration to the time of season for later use in pollinating plants at any time and at any place. The apparatus of the present invention, therefore, eliminates the problems associated with hitting the nick, and by preserving multiple samples of pollen the apparatus for the first time facilitates large-scale pollination efforts.

#In the Figures, FIG. 1 shows a pollen preparation apparatus shown generally at 10. The pollen preparation apparatus 10 comprises a central controller 16, which controls the operation of the apparatus 10. The central controller 16 functions in a manner similar to a general-purpose computer, with the addition of certain specialized components required to perform the function of the present invention. The central controller 16 links to a display terminal 30 and a keyboard 32 to enable the central controller 16 to receive input information from, and display output information to, an operator. The central controller 16 includes a power supply 20, a vacuum controller 22, and an oscillation controller 24. A PC controller 18 performs the function of a general-purpose computer. The PC controller 18 controls the various components of the central controller 16 and therefore, the pollen preparation apparatus 10, through computer program software means (not shown). This provides for fully automatic operation of the pollen preparation apparatus 10. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the computer program software means residing in the PC controller 18 comprises the intelligent means for controlling and performing the various tasks described herein. The central controller 16 further comprises an oscillation amplitude manual adjustment dial 26 operatively connected to the oscillation controller 24, and an air source 28 operatively connected to the vacuum controller 22.

#The pollen preparation apparatus 10 also includes a vacuum pump 12 operatively connected to the central controller 16 via a vacuum pump power supply 15. A desiccator 14 lies between the vacuum pump 12 and the central controller 16, and vacuum lines link the desiccator 14 to the vacuum pump 12 and to the central controller 16. In particular, the vacuum line linking the desiccator 14 and the central controller 16 operatively communicates with the vacuum controller 22. The pollen preparation apparatus 10 also features a chamber pad 34. Located within the chamber pad 34 are a plurality of chambers 42 (shown in detail in FIG. 4) for the placement of pollen samples, air manifold 36, and vacuum manifold 38. The components of the chamber pad 34 operatively communicate with the central controller 16 through a plurality of communication lines. In particular, the plurality of chambers 42 communicate with the central controller 16 via communication lines 44 and 46. The air manifold 36 and vacuum manifold 38 communicate with the central controller 16 through communication lines 44. The plurality of chambers 42 also communicate with the central controller 16 through oscillation communication line 45 and sensor communication line 48 (the operations of which will be described in further detail hereinafter).