CN117347462A - Analysis system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an analysis system. An electrophoresis apparatus (1) (analysis system) for applying a voltage to a pair of electrodes (6, 8) in a microchip (2) (analysis tool) having a pair of electrodes (6, 8) provided at both ends of a capillary (4) to electrophorese a sample in the capillary (4), comprising: a setting unit (12) for setting the microchip (2); a first terminal (22) and a second terminal (24) that are in contact with one electrode and the other electrode of a pair of electrodes (6, 8) of a microchip (2) provided in the installation section (12), respectively; a power supply device (20) (voltage applying section) connected to the first terminal (22) and the second terminal (24) for applying a voltage to the inside of the capillary (4); and a terminal rotating part (14) for changing the combination of the electric connection of the pair of electrodes (6, 8) and the first terminal (22) and the second terminal (24) (changing means).

Description

Analysis system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an analysis system for performing electrophoresis.

Background

An electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed in japanese patent No. 6856495. The electrophoresis apparatus includes a power supply device that generates a voltage for electrophoresis (hereinafter referred to as "electrophoresis voltage"), and in the electrophoresis apparatus, the electrophoresis voltage is applied to the capillary tube.

The power supply device of japanese patent No. 6856495 applies an electrophoresis voltage to a direction defined by internal connection of the power supply device. Specifically, the lead-in terminal (probe) is in contact with the electrode of the lead-in groove, the discharge terminal (probe) is in contact with the electrode of the discharge groove, and a voltage is applied in which the lead-in groove is positive and the discharge groove is negative.

However, a technique capable of selecting both one direction and the opposite direction with respect to the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage (the direction in which the voltage is applied) is demanded.

The object of the invention is to select both one direction and the opposite direction for the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage.

Disclosure of Invention

The analysis system according to the first aspect applies a voltage to a pair of electrodes in an analysis tool having the pair of electrodes provided at both ends of a capillary tube, and electrophoreses a sample in the capillary tube, and includes: a setting unit for setting the analytical tool; a first terminal and a second terminal which are respectively in contact with one electrode and the other electrode of the pair of electrodes of the analytical tool provided in the setting section; a voltage applying unit connected to the first terminal and the second terminal for applying a voltage to the capillary; and a changing unit that changes a combination of electrical connections between the pair of electrodes and the first terminal and the second terminal.

In this analysis system, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes of the analysis tool and the first terminal and the second terminal can be changed by the changing means. Therefore, with respect to the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage applied to the analytical tool from the first terminal and the second terminal through the pair of electrodes by the voltage applying section, both of one direction and the opposite direction can be selected.

A second aspect is the analysis system according to the first aspect, wherein the changing means includes terminal moving means for moving the first terminal and the second terminal.

In this analysis system, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes of the analytical tool and the first terminal and the second terminal can be changed by moving the first terminal and the second terminal by the terminal moving means.

A third aspect is the analysis system according to the second aspect, wherein the terminal moving unit changes positions of the first terminal and the second terminal.

In this analysis system, the combination of the electric connection between the pair of electrodes of the analysis tool and the first terminal and the second terminal can be changed by changing the positions of the first terminal and the second terminal by the terminal moving unit. The pair of electrodes can be disposed asymmetrically in the analytical tool.

A fourth aspect is the analysis system according to the first aspect, wherein the changing means includes setting portion moving means for moving a position of the setting portion.

In this analysis system, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes of the analysis tool and the first terminal and the second terminal can be changed by moving the position of the installation portion by the installation portion moving means.

A fifth aspect is the analysis system according to the third aspect, wherein the setting unit moving means rotates the setting unit to change the positions of the pair of electrodes.

In this analysis system, the setting unit moving means rotates the setting unit to change the positions of the pair of electrodes, whereby the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes and the first and second terminals of the analysis tool can be changed.

A sixth aspect of the analysis system according to the first aspect includes, as the changing means: a terminal moving unit that maintains a spacing between the first terminal and the second terminal and moves one of the first terminal and the second terminal; and a setting part moving unit that moves a position of the setting part and changes a combination of the pair of electrodes with the first terminal and the second terminal.

In this analysis system, the terminal moving means moves one of the first terminal and the second terminal while maintaining the interval between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the installation portion moving means moves the position of the installation portion, whereby the combination of the pair of electrodes and the first terminal and the second terminal can be exchanged.

A seventh aspect is the analysis system of the first aspect, wherein the changing means includes a commutator provided between the first terminal and the second terminal.

In this analysis system, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes of the analytical tool and the first terminal and the second terminal can be changed by the commutator provided between the first terminal and the second terminal.

An eighth aspect is the analysis system according to the first aspect, wherein the changing means includes a converter provided between the first terminal and the second terminal and the voltage applying section.

In this analysis system, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes of the analysis tool and the first terminal and the second terminal can be changed by the converter provided between the first terminal and the second terminal and the voltage applying section.

A ninth aspect is the analysis system according to the first aspect, wherein one of the first terminal and the second terminal is symmetrically disposed on both sides of the other, and the changing means includes a setting portion moving means for moving a position of the setting portion to change a combination of the pair of electrodes with the first terminal and the second terminal.

In the analysis system, one of the first terminal and the second terminal is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the other. The combination of the pair of electrodes and the first and second terminals can be exchanged by moving the position of the installation portion by the installation portion moving means.

The analysis method according to the tenth aspect includes: a step of setting an analytical tool having a pair of electrodes provided at both ends of a capillary tube in a setting section; a step of receiving, via an input device, an indication of any one of a forward polarity and a reverse polarity of a voltage applied to the analytical tool; determining whether or not it is necessary to change a combination of the pair of electrodes and electrical connections of the first terminal and the second terminal, which are in contact with one electrode and the other electrode of the pair of electrodes, respectively, based on the inputted instruction; a step of, when the combination needs to be changed, moving the first terminal and the second terminal by a changing means so that the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes and the first terminal and the second terminal becomes a combination based on the inputted instruction; a step of connecting the pair of electrodes with the first terminal and the second terminal in the determined electrical connection combination; and applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes of the analytical tool to electrophorese the sample in the capillary.

In this analysis system, the combination of the pair of electrodes of the analysis tool provided in the installation section and the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal can be changed by the changing means. Accordingly, it is possible to select both the forward polarity and the reverse polarity based on the indication received from the input device regarding any one of the forward polarity and the reverse polarity of the voltage applied to the analysis appliance.

According to the present invention, regarding the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage, both one direction and the opposite direction can be selected.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

fig. 1 (a) is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary structure of the electrophoresis apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 1 (B) is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary structure of a detailed portion of the electrophoresis apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an analytical tool.

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing a main part of an analysis process.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion along the V-V line of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 (a) is a perspective view showing a state in which one direction is selected for the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage.

Fig. 6 (B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the other direction is selected for the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage by the terminal moving unit.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing main steps of a method of controlling the electrophoresis apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an installation-portion moving means of modification 1.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing main steps of a method of controlling the electrophoresis apparatus according to modification 1 of the present embodiment.

Fig. 10 (a) is a perspective view showing a state in which one direction is selected for the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage in modification 2.

Fig. 10 (B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the other direction is selected for the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage in modification 2.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing main steps of a method of controlling the electrophoresis apparatus according to modification 2 of the present embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a commutator is provided between a first terminal and a second terminal in modification 3.

Fig. 13 (a) is a perspective view showing a state in which one direction is selected for the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage in modification example 4.

Fig. 13 (B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the other direction is selected for the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage in modification example 4.

Fig. 14 (a) is a perspective view showing a state in which one direction is selected for the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage in modification example 5.

Fig. 14 (B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the other direction is selected for the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage in modification example 5.

Detailed Description

The mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The constituent elements denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same constituent elements. In the embodiments described below, duplicate description and reference numerals may be omitted.

Fig. 1 (a) is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary structure of the electrophoresis apparatus according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1 (B) is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary structure of a detailed portion of the electrophoresis apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The electrophoresis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an example of an analysis system, and applies a voltage to a pair of electrodes 6 and 8 in a microchip 2 as an example of an analysis tool in which a pair of electrodes 6 and 8 are provided at both ends of a capillary 4, thereby electrophoresis a sample in the capillary 4. Referring to fig. 1 a, 1B, and 2, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 includes a control device 10, a power supply device 20 as an example of a voltage applying section, a first terminal 22, a second terminal 24, an analysis device 26, an installation section 12, and a terminal moving section, specifically, a terminal rotating section 14 as an example of a changing section (see fig. 6 described later). The changing means may be referred to as a "changing portion", and the terminal moving means may be referred to as a "terminal moving portion".

The electrophoresis apparatus 1 is an analysis apparatus capable of performing a capillary electrophoresis method, and is capable of measuring or analyzing a sample of a measuring tool, for example, a sample 40 that is moved in a capillary 4 of a microchip 2, by using the capillary electrophoresis method. More specifically, the sample 40 is electrophoresed in the capillary 4 of the microchip 2. As an example of the measuring tool of the present invention, a microchip 2 is shown. The microchip 2 includes a sample 40, and the sample 40 contains a swimmer 44 and is in a state where a current flows sufficiently. The sample 40 includes a sample 40 including a swimmer 44 or a sample 40 including a solution of a swimmer (a liquid swimmer 44) diluted with a diluent. In the case where the sample 40 needs to be diluted for analysis, the sample 40 can be diluted.

The microchip 2 has a capillary 4 serving as a flow path, an introduction groove, and a discharge groove. The electrophoresis element 44 fills the introduction groove, the capillary 4, and the discharge groove, and the sample 40 to be analyzed is introduced into the introduction groove. The phoretic fluid (phore 44) functions as a buffer in the capillary electrophoresis method. One example of the electrophoresis liquid (electrophoresis body 44) was 100mM malic acid-arginine buffer (pH 5.0) +1.5% sodium chondroitin sulfate C, and one example of the sample 40 was blood. Microchip 2 is a disposable chip and is intended to be discarded after completion of, for example, one or a specific number of analyses. The microchip 2 is formed of a material such as silicon dioxide, for example.

The capillary 4 contains a sample that generates electrophoresis for analysis using a capillary electrophoresis method. In order to realize the capillary electrophoresis, the capillary 4 has a tubular shape extending in one direction, and an example of the dimensions thereof is as follows. The cross section of the tubular shape is preferably, for example, a circular shape having a diameter of 25 μm to 100 μm or a rectangular shape having sides of 25 μm to 100 μm, and the length of the tubular shape is preferably, for example, about 30mm, but is not limited thereto.

The discharge groove is located downstream of the capillary 4 in the direction of electrophoresis of capillary electrophoresis. The sample 40 after electrophoresis in the capillary 4 and the electrophoresis element 44 are stored in the discharge well as the sample after analysis.

The first and second external terminals 70a and 70b are connected to the first and second terminals 22 and 24, respectively. Specifically, the first terminal 22 is a terminal serving as a cathode, and the second terminal 24 is a terminal serving as an anode. That is, the power supply device 20 is connected to the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24, and applies a voltage to the capillary 4. The first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are bar-shaped electrodes made of copper (Cu) having a cross-section diameter of 0.8mm to 1.0mm, for example. As an example, the first terminal 22 is in contact with the electrode 6 electrically connected to the introduction groove, and the second terminal 24 is in contact with the electrode 8 electrically connected to the discharge groove. That is, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are respectively in contact with one and the other of the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 of the microchip 2 provided in the mounting section 12. Thereby, a voltage can be applied to the capillary 4. In this exemplary configuration, the introduction groove and the discharge groove are respectively located at one end and the other end of the capillary 4 so that the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can apply a voltage to the capillary 4, and the sample 40 can be filled in the capillary 4 of the microchip 2 and swim. However, the arrangement of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can be changed by a changing means described later. In fig. 1 and fig. 6 to 14 described later, for simplicity, the electrode 6 is provided at the position of the introduction groove, and the electrode 8 is provided at the position of the discharge groove.

The first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 may be connected to any portion of the microchip 2 as long as the voltage can be applied to the capillary 4 to cause the sample 40 filled in the capillary 4 of the microchip 2 to migrate. The preferred connection position is a position where the capillary 4 is sandwiched like the introduction groove and the discharge groove. The microchip 2 may be mounted on a cartridge (not shown), and the lead-in groove and the lead-out groove may be electrically connected to the cylindrical conductor portions at two positions of the cartridge, respectively, and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 may be connected to the outer surfaces of the cylindrical conductor portions from the side surfaces of the cartridge.

Here, in fig. 3 to 5, an example of an analytical tool A1 corresponding to the microchip 2 will be described. The analytical tool A1 includes a first unit 211 and a second unit 212. The analytical tool A1 obtains a separated state in which the first unit 211 and the second unit 212 are separated from each other, and a connected state in which the first unit 211 and the second unit 212 are connected to each other. Fig. 5 shows the analytical tool A1 in a coupled state.

The first unit 211 is composed of a first upper substrate 111 and a first lower substrate 112. The first upper base 111 and the first lower base 112 are, for example, substantially rectangular plate-like members, and are bonded to each other. The first upper substrate 111 and the first lower substrate 112 are made of glass, fused silica, plastic, or the like, for example. Further, unlike the present embodiment, the first unit 211 may be integrally formed.

The first unit 211 includes coupling portions 131, 132, 133, and 134, a sample collection portion 141, an introduction channel 142, an analysis portion 143, an introduction channel 144, an incidence recess 151, and an emission recess 152.

The connection portions 131, 132, 133, 134 are portions to be connected to appropriate portions of the second unit 212, respectively, for connecting the first unit 211 and the second unit 212 to each other. The connection portions 131, 132, 133, 134 are each formed as a convex portion protruding upward in the drawing, and are each formed with a through hole penetrating each connection portion in the vertical direction in the drawing.

The sample collection unit 141 is a portion for collecting a predetermined amount of sample in a separated state and maintaining the predetermined amount of sample until the analytical tool A1 is in a coupled state. In the present embodiment, the sample collection portion 141 is a minute flow path connected to the connection portion 131, and in particular, in the present embodiment, it is intended that a predetermined amount of sample is retained in the sample collection portion 141 by capillary force.

The size of the sample collection portion 141 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a width of 100 μm to 1000 μm, a depth of 100 μm to 1000 μm, and a length of 1mm to 20mm. The amount of the sample collected by the sample collection unit 141 is 0.01. Mu.L to 20. Mu.L. In the present embodiment, the sample collection portion 141 is provided by blocking the fine grooves formed in the first lower substrate 112 with the first upper substrate 111.

The introduction channel 142 is a channel connected to the connecting portion 132 from the sample collection portion 141 via one end of the analysis portion 143. The introduction channel 142 is, for example, a channel for introducing the diluted sample Sm to the analysis unit 143 and the connection unit 131. In the present embodiment, the introduction flow path 142 has a portion along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the analytical tool A1, and the analytical unit 143 is connected to the portion along the width direction. The introduction flow path 142 is provided by, for example, blocking a curved groove formed in the first upper base material 111 by the first lower base material 112.

The analysis unit 143 is a place where analysis is performed, and in the present embodiment using the electrophoresis method, it functions as a so-called capillary. That is, the analysis unit 143 corresponds to the capillary 4 in fig. 1. The analysis unit 143 extends linearly along the longitudinal direction of the analysis tool A1. One end of the analysis portion 143 is connected to the introduction flow path 142, and the other end of the analysis portion 143 is connected to the introduction flow path 144.

The size of the analysis unit 143 is not particularly limited, and, as an example thereof, the width is 25 μm to 100 μm, the depth is 25 μm to 100 μm, and the length is 5mm to 150mm. In the present embodiment, the analysis unit 143 is provided by blocking the minute grooves formed in the first lower substrate 112 by the first upper substrate 111.

The introduction channel 144 is connected to the other end of the analysis unit 143 at a middle portion thereof, and has one end connected to the connection unit 132 and the other end connected to the connection unit 134. The introduction channel 144 is, for example, a channel for introducing the migration liquid Lm to the analyzing unit 143 and the connecting unit 132. In the present embodiment, the introduction path 144 is provided by blocking a curved groove formed in the first upper base material 111 with the first lower base material 112.

The incident recess 151 is used to enter light for analysis when analysis is performed based on an electrophoresis method. In the present embodiment, the incident recess 151 is recessed inward from the upper surface of the first upper substrate 111 in the drawing, and overlaps the analysis unit 143 in a plan view. The incident recess 151 is, for example, a substantially cylindrical recess.

The emission recess 152 emits light for analysis when analysis is performed by electrophoresis. In the present embodiment, the emission concave portion 152 is recessed inward from the lower surface of the first lower substrate 112 in the drawing, and overlaps the analysis portion 143 in a plan view, and the center of the emission concave portion 152 and the center of the incidence concave portion 151 coincide with each other. The ejection recess 152 is, for example, a substantially conical recess.

The second unit 212 includes a second substrate 121. The second substrate 121 is made of glass, fused silica, plastic, or the like, for example. Further, unlike the present embodiment, the second unit 212 may be formed of an aggregate of a plurality of members.

The second unit 212 includes a through hole 122, a dilution liquid tank 171, a swimming liquid tank 175, sealing members 172, 173, 176, 177, tubular conductor portions 181, 185, and electrode recesses 182, 186. The cylindrical conductor portions 181 and 185 correspond to the electrodes 6 and 8 in fig. 1.

The through hole 122 penetrates the second base material 121 in the thickness direction. The through hole 122 overlaps the incidence recess 151 of the first unit 211 in a plan view, and defines an integral space together with the incidence recess 151.

The dilution liquid tank 171 is provided near one end of the second unit 212 in the longitudinal direction, and corresponds to an example of a specific liquid tank in which the above-described dilution liquid as an example of the specific liquid is enclosed. In the present embodiment, the dilution liquid tank 171 is configured by a through hole formed in the second base material 121.

The dilution liquid tank 171 is sealed by a sealing member 172 and a sealing member 173. The sealing member 172 and the sealing member 173 are fixed to the surface of the second base material 121 by a method such as adhesion, which can maintain a sealed state. The specific structures of the sealing member 172 and the sealing member 173 are not particularly limited, and a plate-like member or a film-like member can be suitably used. In this embodiment, a case where a film-like member is used as the sealing member 172 and the sealing member 173 will be described as an example. Examples of such a film-like member include a so-called laminate film in which a resin layer and an aluminum layer are laminated.

The connection portion 161 is provided below the dilution liquid tank 171 and is a portion connected to the connection portion 131 of the first unit 211. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 161 protrudes downward in the drawing, and a through hole penetrating the inside in the vertical direction in the drawing is provided. In the present embodiment, a sealing member 172 is fixed to the lower end of the connecting portion 161.

The swim tank 175 is provided near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second unit 212. In the present embodiment, the electrophoretic fluid bath 175 is formed by a through hole formed in the second substrate 121.

The swim tank 175 is sealed by a sealing member 176 and a sealing member 177. The sealing members 176 and 177 are fixed to the surface of the second base 121 by a method such as adhesion, which can maintain a sealed state. The specific structures of the sealing member 176 and the sealing member 177 are not particularly limited, and a plate-like member or a film-like member can be suitably used. In this embodiment, a case where a film-like member is used as the sealing member 176 and the sealing member 177 will be described as an example. Examples of such a film-like member include a so-called laminate film in which a resin layer and an aluminum layer are laminated.

The connection portion 162 is provided below the swim tank 175 and is connected to the connection portion 132 of the first unit 211. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 162 protrudes downward in the drawing, and a through hole penetrating the inside in the vertical direction in the drawing is provided. In the present embodiment, a sealing member 176 is fixed to the lower end of the connecting portion 162.

Here, in fig. 4 and 5, the tubular conductor portion 181, the electrode recess 182, and the connection portion 163 will be described. The cylindrical conductor portions 181 and 185 (an example of a conductor portion), the electrode recesses 182 and 186, and the connection portions 163 and 164 have substantially the same structure. The tubular conductor portion 181 is provided in a through hole formed in the second base material 121 and penetrating in the thickness direction. The tubular conductor portion 181 is made of a conductive material, for example, a metal. The shape of the cylindrical conductor portion 181 is not particularly limited as long as it is cylindrical, and in the present embodiment, a cylindrical shape is described as an example.

The electrode recess 182 is recessed inward from one end of the second substrate 121 in the width direction. The electrode recess 182 accommodates a portion of the tubular conductor portion 181 near the longitudinal center. On the other hand, both ends of the tubular conductor portion 181 are located inside the second base material 121 avoiding the electrode recess 182. The shape of the electrode recess 182 is not particularly limited, but is triangular in a plan view in the present embodiment.

The inner surface of the cylindrical conductor portion 181 forms a voltage application flow path 811. The voltage application channel 811 is a channel for applying a voltage to the diluted sample Sm, which is a liquid flowing inside. The tubular conductor portion 181 has an outer surface 812. The cylindrical conductor portion 181 is accommodated in the electrode recess 182, and a part of the outer surface 812 is exposed to the outside.

The inner surface of the cylindrical conductor portion 185 forms a voltage application channel 851. The voltage application channel 851 is a channel for applying a voltage to the migration liquid Lm, which is a liquid flowing inside. The tubular conductor portion 185 has an outer surface 852. The cylindrical conductor portion 185 is accommodated in the electrode recess 186, and a part of the outer surface 852 is exposed to the outside.

The connection portion 163 is a portion connected to the connection portion 133 of the first unit 211. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 163 protrudes downward in the drawing, and has a through hole.

In the electrophoresis, for example, the first terminal 22 is brought into contact with the tubular conductor portion 181 (electrode 6 in fig. 1), and the second terminal 24 is brought into contact with the tubular conductor portion 185 (electrode 8 in fig. 1). In the present embodiment, the combination of the electrical connection between the cylindrical conductor portions 181 and 185 corresponding to the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can be changed by a changing means described later.

The analysis device 26, for example, performs measurement of absorbance, and includes, as shown in fig. 1, a light source device 30 (a light emitting device 28a, an irradiation device 28 b) and a detection device 34 (a light receiving device 32a, a photoelectric conversion device 32 b).

The light source device 30 is configured to generate light having a wavelength corresponding to the analysis object. The illumination device 28b is coupled with the light emitting device 28a via a waveguide device such as an optical fiber, for example, which irradiates light from the light emitting device 28a as illumination light toward a part of the capillary 4. The light emitting device 28a is configured to generate light for absorbance measurement, and can include a laser element, for example. The light emitting device 28a can generate light having a wavelength of 415nm when analyzing the concentration of hemoglobin species such as hemoglobin A1c in blood, for example, but the wavelength of the light emitting device 28a is not limited thereto. The detection device 34 receives light from the capillary tube 4 and generates an electrical signal. The light receiving device 32a is connected to the photoelectric conversion device 32b via a waveguide device such as an optical fiber, for example. The detection device 34 processes the electric signal from the photoelectric conversion apparatus 32 b.

The control device 10 controls the operations of the respective units of the electrophoresis apparatus 1, and performs a series of control for realizing analysis of the electrophoresis apparatus 1. As shown in fig. 2, the control apparatus 10 includes a CPU401 (Central Processing Unit: central processing unit), a main storage 402, a storage 403 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (RandomAccess Memory: random access Memory), an interface (I/F section) 404, an output device 405, and a bus 406. Such a control device 10 can comprise, for example, a processing device such as a microprocessor. For example, the control device 10 can include a power port for receiving a voltage supply from a power source external to the device (e.g., a household outlet).

Referring to fig. 1, when measurement or analysis is performed by the electrophoresis apparatus 1, first, a electrophoresis medium 44 (electrophoresis liquid) is introduced from an introduction nozzle 46 into the introduction tank. The migration liquid (the migration body 44) fills the introduction groove, the capillary 4, and the discharge groove. The sample 40 (e.g., blood) in the sample container 42 is introduced into the introduction groove by a predetermined amount through the introduction nozzle 46. When a voltage is applied to the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 by using the power supply device 20, specific components such as hemoglobin A1c and hemoglobin A2 start to be separated and classified according to their electric charges by electrophoresis caused by the direction of the intensity and polarity of the voltage. As the time for applying a voltage to the sample 40 passes, for example, a specific component is clearly separated and classified from other components. The specific component of the separation stage moves in the capillary 4 toward the discharge tank. A part of the capillary 4 is located between the light source device 30 and the detection device 34, and thus a specific component moving in the capillary 4 by electrophoresis passes through a part of the capillary 4.

When the irradiation device 28b irradiates irradiation light to a portion of the capillary 4, a portion of the irradiated light is absorbed by a specific component. The light receiving device 32a detects light that is not absorbed as transmitted light. The detection device 34 receives a signal indicating the amount of light (transmission amount) detected by the photoelectric conversion device 32b, and detects the concentration of the specific component of the sample 40 based on the principle of measuring absorbance based on the amount of the irradiated light and the amount of the transmitted light.

The electrophoresis apparatus 1 includes: a power supply device 20 configured to generate an electrophoresis voltage; and an input device 90 configured to accept a designation of an operation mode representing either one of the forward polarity and the reverse polarity. The power supply device 20 includes a first external terminal 70a and a second external terminal 70b configured to apply an electrophoresis voltage to the capillary 4. The power supply device 20 can selectively apply an electrophoresis voltage between the first external terminal 70a and the second external terminal 70b in a forward polarity (for example, the first external terminal 70a is a positive electrode having a high potential, and the second external terminal 70b is a negative electrode having a low potential) or in a reverse polarity (for example, the first external terminal 70a is a negative electrode having a low potential, and the second external terminal 70b is a positive electrode having a high potential). According to the electrophoresis apparatus 1, it is possible to measure electrophoresis by designating an operation mode in which a forward polarity and a reverse polarity are specified. That is, electrophoresis in which one operation mode of voltage application in both the forward polarity and the reverse polarity is specified can be performed on the sample 40. The electrophoresis apparatus 1 further comprises a light source device 30 arranged to irradiate light to the capillary tube 4 and a detection device 34 optically coupled to the light source device 30.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the power supply device 20. The power supply device 20 is schematically configured to generate a voltage of about several kV, for example, about 1.5kV, for generating a voltage required for the capillary electrophoresis, by using the electrophoresis apparatus 1 having the measuring tool for the capillary 4. The power supply device 20 includes a first external terminal 70a as an output terminal and a second external terminal 70b as an input terminal.

The power supply device 20 includes a voltage generation section 50a. The voltage generation section 50a includes a high voltage generation circuit 53, and for example, can also include an input control circuit 50, an enable circuit 52, an output protection circuit 58, an output voltage control circuit 60, a current detection circuit 62, and a voltage detection circuit 64. The high voltage generation circuit 53 is configured to generate a voltage for electrophoresis (hereinafter referred to as "electrophoresis voltage"), and in this embodiment, an inverter circuit 54 as a generation circuit and a kosmodone circuit 56 (Cockcroft-Walton circuit: CCW; hereinafter referred to as "CCW circuit") as an amplification circuit can be included. According to the power supply device 20, the high voltage generation circuit 53 can amplify the voltage supplied from the voltage generation circuit for generating the voltage in the amplification circuit, and generate the voltage for electrophoresis measurement. Further, for the power supply device 20, refer to japanese patent No. 6856495.

The first external terminal 70a and the second external terminal 70b are configured to apply an electrophoresis voltage to the capillary 4 and supply the electrophoresis voltage to the power supply device 20. In other words, the power supply device 20 is connected to the microchip 2 via the first external terminal 70a and the second external terminal 70 b. The power supply device 20 includes a second output electrode 68, a third output electrode 74, a second input electrode 82, a third input electrode 84, and a fourth input electrode 86, and is connected to the control device 10 via these electrodes.

In fig. 1, the mounting portion 12 is a portion where the microchip 2 is mounted. The installation portion 12 has a recess or the like corresponding to the size of the microchip 2, and can install the microchip 2 at a predetermined position. The installation portion 12 is, for example, a stationary type.

In fig. 6, the terminal rotating portion 14 is an example of a terminal moving means for moving the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24. The first terminal 22 is connected to a first external terminal 70a of the power supply device 20. The second terminal 24 is connected to a second external terminal 70b of the power supply device 20. The terminal moving means is an example of a changing means for changing the combination of the pair of electrodes 6, 8 and the electrical connection between the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24. The terminal rotating portion 14 is configured to rotate, for example, the holding member 16 holding, for example, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 by a driving portion 38 such as a motor. The holding member 16 is, for example, formed in a straight bar shape, and holds the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 at both ends thereof. The rotation shaft 18 is provided at the center of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24. The driving unit 38 is controlled by the control device 10 to rotate the rotation shaft 18, thereby rotating the holding member 16. As shown in fig. 6 (a) and 6 (B), the positions of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can be changed by rotating the holding member 16 by 180 °. The driving unit 38 is controlled by the control device 10, and can reciprocate the holding member 16 in the vertical direction to bring the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 into contact with or away from the pair of electrodes 6 and 8.

The terminal moving means is not limited to the terminal rotating portion 14, and may be configured to move the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24, respectively. In this case, too, it is possible to cope with a case where the pair of electrodes 6, 8 are asymmetrically arranged in the microchip 2.

(action)

The electrophoresis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below with reference to the flowchart of fig. 7. In step S101, microchip 2 is set in setting unit 12 of the electrophoresis apparatus. At this time, the microchip 2 is set so that the positions of the pair of electrodes 6, 8 in the microchip 2 (the mounting direction of the microchip 2) are in a predetermined state. In step S102, an indication of either one of the forward polarity and the reverse polarity is received via the input device 90.

In step S103, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the combination of the electrical connections between the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24, based on the instruction input via the input device 90. If no modification is necessary, in step S105, the electrodes 6 and 8 are connected to the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 in a predetermined combination of electrical connections (fig. 6 a). Then, in step S106, measurement is started. In measurement, a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 of the microchip 2 to electrophorese the sample 40 in the capillary 4.

On the other hand, when it is necessary to change the combination of the electric connection between the pair of electrodes 6, 8 and the first and second terminals 22, 24 in step S103, the terminal rotating unit 14 moves the first and second terminals 22, 24 so that the combination of the electric connection between the pair of electrodes 6, 8 and the first and second terminals 22, 24 becomes a combination based on the inputted instruction in step S104A (B) of fig. 6). Specifically, the driving unit 38 of the terminal rotating unit 14 rotates the rotating shaft 18 to rotate the holding member 16, and changes the positions of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 held by the holding member 16.

Therefore, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes 6, 8 of the microchip 2 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can be changed. As an example, the electrical connection state is changed from a state in which the first terminal 22 is in contact with the electrode 6 and the second terminal 24 is in contact with the electrode 8 to a state in which the first terminal 22 is in contact with the electrode 8 and the second terminal 24 is in contact with the electrode 6. Therefore, regarding the polarity of the electrophoresis voltage applied to the microchip 2 from the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 through the pair of electrodes 6, 8 by the power supply device 20, both of one direction and the opposite direction can be selected.

The terminal moving means may not be configured to rotate the holding member 16 like the terminal rotating portion 14. The combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes 6, 8 of the microchip 2 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can be changed by the terminal moving means changing the positions of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24. In this case, too, it is possible to cope with a case where the pair of electrodes 6, 8 are asymmetrically arranged in the microchip 2.

When the terminal rotating portion 14 rotates the holding member 16, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are lifted up and separated from the pair of electrodes 6 and 8, and after the rotation, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are lowered and brought into contact with the pair of electrodes 6 and 8. When the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are separated from the pair of electrodes 6 and 8, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 may be moved or the mounting portion 12 may be moved. Step S101 may be performed after step S104A. That is, the microchip 2 may be mounted on the mounting section 12 after changing the arrangement of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24.

Modification 1

In fig. 8, in modification 1, as changing means, setting portion moving means 36 for moving the position of the setting portion 12 is provided. The setting unit moving means 36 is configured to change the positions of the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 by rotating the setting unit 12, for example. Specifically, the setting unit moving means 36 is a rotary table that rotates the setting unit 12 about the center of the electrode 6, 8 between the pair of electrodes 6, 8 in the microchip 2. The setting unit moving unit 36 is rotationally driven by a driving unit 48 such as a motor controlled by the control device 10.

The first terminal 22 is connected to a first external terminal 70a of the power supply device 20. The second terminal 24 is connected to a second external terminal 70b of the power supply device 20. The driving unit 38 is controlled by the control device 10, and can reciprocate the holding member 16 in a direction in which the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are in contact with the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 or in a direction in which the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are separated from the pair of electrodes 6 and 8. The first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are held by the holding member 16, but the positions of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are not changed.

The operation of modification 1, in particular, the operation of step S104B will be described with reference to the flowchart of fig. 9. Steps S101, S102, S103, S105, and S106 are the same as those of the above embodiment (fig. 7), and therefore, description thereof is omitted. Step S104B is a step performed when the combination of the pair of electrodes 6, 8 and the electrical connection of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 needs to be changed in step S103.

In step S104B, the setting unit moving means 36 moves the position of the setting unit 12 so that the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes 6, 8 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 becomes a combination based on the inputted instruction. Specifically, the setting unit moving means 36 rotates the setting unit 12 to change the positions of the pair of electrodes 6 and 8. When the mounting portion 12 is rotated, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are separated from the pair of electrodes 6 and 8, and after the rotation, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are brought into contact with the pair of electrodes 6 and 8. Therefore, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes 6, 8 of the microchip 2 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can be changed.

Modification 2

In fig. 10 (a) and 10 (B), in modification 2, the changing means includes a terminal rotating portion 14 and a setting portion moving means 36 as terminal moving means. The terminal rotating portion 14 moves one of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 while maintaining the interval therebetween. For example, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are held by the holding member 16, and the terminal rotating portion 14 rotates the holding member 16 by 180 ° about the first terminal 22 by the driving portion 38 controlled by the control device 10. Thus, the first terminal 22 does not move, and the second terminal 24 moves to the opposite side of the first terminal 22 as seen from the original position.

The first terminal 22 is connected to a first external terminal 70a of the power supply device 20. The second terminal 24 is connected to a second external terminal 70b of the power supply device 20. The driving unit 38 is controlled by the control device 10, and can reciprocate the holding member 16 in a direction in which the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are in contact with the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 or in a direction in which the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are separated from the pair of electrodes 6 and 8.

The operation of modification 2, in particular, the operation of step S104C will be described with reference to the flowchart of fig. 11. Steps S101, S102, S103, S105, and S106 are the same as those of the above embodiment (fig. 7), and therefore, description thereof is omitted. Step S104C is a step performed when the combination of the pair of electrodes 6, 8 and the electrical connection of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 needs to be changed in step S103.

In this step S104C, the terminal rotating unit 14 moves one of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 while maintaining the interval therebetween, and the installation unit moving unit 36 further moves the position of the installation unit 12 so that the combination of the electrical connection of the pair of electrodes 6, 8 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 becomes a combination based on the inputted instruction. Specifically, the setting portion moving unit 36 is, for example, a slide table, and moves the setting portion 12 in the longitudinal direction of the microchip 2 (the direction in which the pair of electrodes 6, 8 are connected) under the control of the control device 10. As the setting unit moving means 36, for example, a ball screw or a cylinder device is used. The distance of movement is the distance between the centers of the pair of electrodes 6, 8. As the setting unit moving means 36, for example, a ball screw or a cylinder device is used.

In this modification, the combination of the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 and the first and second terminals 22 and 24 can be exchanged by moving one of the first and second terminals 22 and 24 (rotating the holding member 16 by 180 ° around the first terminal 22) with the terminal rotating portion 14 as terminal moving means and moving the position of the mounting portion 12 with the mounting portion moving means 36. When the holding member 16 is rotated and the installation portion 12 is moved by the installation portion moving means 36, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are separated from the pair of electrodes 6 and 8, and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are brought into contact with the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 after the rotation of the holding member 16 and the movement of the installation portion 12.

Modification 3

In fig. 12, modification 3 includes, as a modification means, a commutator 66 provided between the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24. One electrode of the commutator 66 is connected to the first external terminal 70a of the power supply device 20, and the other electrode is connected to the second external terminal 70b of the power supply device 20. The commutator 66 is rotationally driven by the driving unit 48 controlled by the control device 10 in a state of being in contact with the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24, and the polarities of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 are switched according to the positions thereof. In this modification, for example, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes 6, 8 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can be changed by the commutator 66 provided between the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 while maintaining the state where the first terminal 22 is in contact with the electrode 6 and the second terminal 24 is in contact with the electrode 8.

Modification 4

In fig. 13 (a) and 13 (B), in modification 4, a converter 69 is provided as a changing means. The converter 69 is provided between the first and second terminals 22 and 24 and the power supply device 20 (fig. 1), and has a first armature 91 and a second armature 92. For example, the first armature 91 is connected to the first external terminal 70a of the power supply device 20, and the second armature 92 is connected to the second external terminal 70b of the power supply device 20. The second armature 92 is branched into branch portions 92A and 92B. The branch portions 92A and 92B are configured to sandwich the first armature 91 in the longitudinal direction of the microchip 2 (the direction in which the pair of electrodes 6, 8 are connected). The distance between the first armature 91 and the branch portion 92A, the distance between the first armature 91 and the branch portion 92B, the distance between the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24, and the distance between the electrode 6 and the electrode 8 are equal to each other.

The first armature 91 is configured to be elastically contactable with the first terminal 22 or the second terminal 24. The second armature 92 is also configured to be elastically contactable with the first terminal 22 or the second terminal 24 in the same manner.

The transducer 69 can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the microchip 2 (the direction in which the pair of electrodes 6, 8 are connected) by a driving unit (not shown). At this time, the first armature 91 and the second armature 92 may be integrally moved or may be moved separately.

In this modification, a converter 69 is provided between the first and second terminals 22 and 24 and the power supply device 20 (fig. 1). In fig. 13 (a), the first armature 91 in the converter 69 is in contact with the first terminal 22, and the branch portion 92A of the second armature 92 is in contact with the second terminal 24. When the switch 69 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the microchip 2 (the direction in which the pair of electrodes 6, 8 are connected) from this state, as shown in fig. 13 (B), the first armature 91 contacts the second terminal 24, and the branch portion 92B of the second armature 92 contacts the first terminal 22. In this modification, as described above, the combination of the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes 6, 8 of the microchip 2 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can be changed.

Modification 5

In fig. 14 (a) and 14 (B), in modification 5, one of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 is symmetrically disposed on both sides of the other. Specifically, the first terminal 22 is connected to the first external terminal 70a of the power supply device 20. The second terminal 24 is connected to a second external terminal 70b of the power supply device 20. The second terminal 24 is branched into branch portions 24A and 24B. The branch portions 24A and 24B are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first terminal 22 in the longitudinal direction of the microchip 2 (the direction in which the pair of electrodes 6, 8 are connected). The distance between the branch portion 24A and the first terminal 22, the distance between the branch portion 24B and the first terminal 22, and the distance between the electrode 6 and the electrode 8 are equal to each other.

The setting section moving unit 36 moves the position of the setting section 12. Specifically, the setting portion moving unit 36 is, for example, a slide table, and moves the setting portion 12 in the longitudinal direction of the microchip 2 (the direction in which the pair of electrodes 6, 8 are connected) under the control of the control device 10. As the setting unit moving means 36, for example, a ball screw or a cylinder device is used. In addition, as an example, when the installation portion 12 is moved, the installation portion moving means 36 moves the installation portion 12 to separate the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 from the pair of electrodes 6 and 8, and after the movement, brings the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 into contact with the pair of electrodes 6 and 8. The first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 may be moved by a driving unit, not shown, and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 may be separated from or brought into contact with the pair of electrodes 6 and 8.

In this modification, the installation-portion moving means 36 serving as changing means is provided in the same manner as in modification 2. The installation portion moving means 36 moves the installation portion 12 to change the combination of the pair of electrodes 6 and 8, the first terminal 22, and the second terminal 24.

In this modification, one of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 (the second terminal 24) is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the other (the first terminal 22). The combination of the pair of electrodes 6 and 8 and the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 can be exchanged by moving the position of the installation portion 12 by the installation portion moving means 36.

(other embodiments)

While the embodiment of the present invention has been described above as an example, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above, and can be implemented by various modifications within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention.

The configurations of the control device 10, the power supply device 20, and the analysis device 26 are an example, and can be changed as appropriate.

Claims (10)

1. An analysis system for applying a voltage to a pair of electrodes in an analysis tool having the pair of electrodes provided at both ends of a capillary tube to electrophorese a sample in the capillary tube, the analysis system comprising:

a setting unit configured to set the analytical tool;

a first terminal and a second terminal, which are respectively contacted with one electrode and the other electrode of the pair of electrodes of the analysis tool arranged on the arrangement part,

a voltage applying unit connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, for applying a voltage to the capillary; and

and a changing unit that changes a combination of electrical connections between the pair of electrodes and the first terminal and the second terminal.

2. The analysis system of claim 1, wherein,

the changing means includes terminal moving means for moving the first terminal and the second terminal.

3. The analysis system of claim 2, wherein,

the terminal moving unit changes positions of the first terminal and the second terminal.

4. The analysis system of claim 1, wherein,

the changing means includes setting portion moving means for moving the position of the setting portion.

5. The analysis system of claim 3, wherein,

the setting part moving unit rotates the setting part to change the positions of the pair of electrodes.

6. The analysis system of claim 1, wherein,

the changing means includes:

a terminal moving unit that moves one of the first terminal and the second terminal while maintaining a gap between the first terminal and the second terminal; and

and a setting part moving unit for moving the position of the setting part and exchanging the combination of the pair of electrodes, the first terminal and the second terminal.

7. The analysis system of claim 1, wherein,

the changing unit includes a commutator provided between the first terminal and the second terminal.

8. The analysis system of claim 1, wherein,

the changing means includes a converter provided between the first and second terminals and the voltage applying section.

9. The analysis system of claim 1, wherein,

one of the first terminal and the second terminal is symmetrically arranged at both sides of the other,

the changing means includes a setting portion moving means for moving a position of the setting portion and exchanging a combination of the pair of electrodes with the first terminal and the second terminal.

10. An analytical method having the steps of:

an analyzing tool having a pair of electrodes provided at both ends of a capillary tube is provided in a setting section;

receiving, via an input device, an indication of any one of a forward polarity and a reverse polarity of a voltage applied to the analytical tool;

based on the inputted instruction, determining whether or not it is necessary to change a combination of the pair of electrodes and electrical connections of the first terminal and the second terminal respectively contacting one electrode and the other electrode of the pair of electrodes;

when the combination needs to be changed, a changing unit moves the first terminal and the second terminal so that the combination of the electric connection between the pair of electrodes and the first terminal and the second terminal becomes a combination based on the inputted instruction;

connecting the pair of electrodes with the first terminal and the second terminal in the determined electrical connection combination; and

And applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes of the analytical tool to electrophorese the sample in the capillary.