EP1286762A1 - Positioning device for microreactor plates - Google Patents

Positioning device for microreactor plates

Info

Publication number
EP1286762A1
EP1286762A1 EP01957807A EP01957807A EP1286762A1 EP 1286762 A1 EP1286762 A1 EP 1286762A1 EP 01957807 A EP01957807 A EP 01957807A EP 01957807 A EP01957807 A EP 01957807A EP 1286762 A1 EP1286762 A1 EP 1286762A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
microreactor
positioning device
base plate
recess
support frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01957807A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael Schmelz
Alexander Gross
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Merck Patent GmbH
Original Assignee
Merck Patent GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Merck Patent GmbH filed Critical Merck Patent GmbH
Publication of EP1286762A1 publication Critical patent/EP1286762A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
    • B01L9/52—Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips
    • B01L9/523—Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips for multisample carriers, e.g. used for microtitration plates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/0046—Sequential or parallel reactions, e.g. for the synthesis of polypeptides or polynucleotides; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making molecular arrays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/0093—Microreactors, e.g. miniaturised or microfabricated reactors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
    • B01L3/5085—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates
    • B01L3/50855—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates using modular assemblies of strips or of individual wells
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
    • B01L9/50—Clamping means, tongs
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C40—COMBINATORIAL TECHNOLOGY
    • C40B—COMBINATORIAL CHEMISTRY; LIBRARIES, e.g. CHEMICAL LIBRARIES
    • C40B60/00—Apparatus specially adapted for use in combinatorial chemistry or with libraries
    • C40B60/14—Apparatus specially adapted for use in combinatorial chemistry or with libraries for creating libraries
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
    • B01J2219/00279—Features relating to reactor vessels
    • B01J2219/00306—Reactor vessels in a multiple arrangement
    • B01J2219/00313—Reactor vessels in a multiple arrangement the reactor vessels being formed by arrays of wells in blocks
    • B01J2219/00315—Microtiter plates
    • B01J2219/00317—Microwell devices, i.e. having large numbers of wells
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
    • B01J2219/00351—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents
    • B01J2219/00414—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents using suction
    • B01J2219/00416—Vacuum
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00585—Parallel processes
    • B01J2219/00587—High throughput processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
    • B01J2219/00603—Making arrays on substantially continuous surfaces
    • B01J2219/00659—Two-dimensional arrays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00781—Aspects relating to microreactors
    • B01J2219/00801—Means to assemble
    • B01J2219/00804—Plurality of plates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
    • B01L2200/025—Align devices or objects to ensure defined positions relative to each other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
    • B01L2300/0819—Microarrays; Biochips
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/00029—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor provided with flat sample substrates, e.g. slides
    • G01N2035/00099—Characterised by type of test elements
    • G01N2035/00158—Elements containing microarrays, i.e. "biochip"

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a positioning device for a plurality of microreactors arranged in the form of a flat, rectangular micro-reactor disk, each consisting of at least one small cavity.
  • Microreactors enable chemical reactions to be carried out in the smallest of spaces and with minimal use of reagents. Because of their very small dimensions, a large number of such microreactors are arranged in a matrix to form a microreactor disk.
  • a microreactor disk consists of a silicon plate, into which a large number of small cavities are etched for carrying out individual reactions. Each individual cavity can be provided with additional features such as a sieve plate. Due to the miniaturization, a large number of individual reactions and analyzes can be carried out simultaneously. As a result, studies on the effects of new substances in the chemical and pharmaceutical field can be carried out much more economically and quickly.
  • the cavities are usually filled first with a substance to be examined and then with one or more reagents.
  • the reagents are drawn off, for example, through a sieve tray.
  • the reaction products can then be analyzed chemically or physically.
  • microreactor disk Because the dimension of the microreactor disk is still small, even for a large number of individual microreactors, and its low mechanical stability, a device is required with the aid of which the microreactor disk can be handled during the investigations. An almost imperative prerequisite for economical work with microreactor disks is extensive automation of necessary process steps, such as filling the substances into individual microreactors or pipetting or aspirating the reagents.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to design a device for the simple handling and positioning of microreactor disks in such a way that the microreactor disks can be used reproducibly and safely during individual process steps and the metering or suctioning of reagents of individual microreactors is made possible.
  • the positioning device has a carrier frame with a recess adapted to the shape of a microreactor disc and with a spring element pressing the microreactor disc laterally, and in that the carrier frame can be placed on a base plate.
  • the microreactor disc can be inserted quickly and easily into the corresponding recess in the support frame.
  • the spring element presses the microreactor disc laterally against the stops delimiting the recess and thereby securely fixed in the support frame.
  • the microreactor disk is thus surrounded by the support frame on almost all sides during the following investigations.
  • the carrier frame itself can be placed on a base plate, into which devices can already be integrated, which are required during the following process steps.
  • the spring element has two curved spring legs protruding at right angles. Through the right-angled, curved spring legs! the microreactor disc is pressed laterally against the stops of the support frame provided for this purpose and reliably held in this position. Due to the small spring stroke, the microreactor disc can be quickly and easily inserted into the carrier frame.
  • a holding frame which fixes the microreactor disc from above can be fastened on the carrier frame.
  • Such a holding frame prevents the microreactor plate from falling out of the carrier frame while any process steps are being carried out.
  • the holding frame additionally increases the stability of the microreactor pane and the support frame.
  • the carrier frame has a bevel at least at one corner and the base plate has a shape adapted to it. Especially with a view to Automated handling of the microreactor disk located in the support frame is ensured by the beveling of the support frame and the corresponding shaping of the base plate, so that the support frame can only be positioned on the base plate in a constant orientation with respect to the base plate.
  • the carrier frame has at least one recess or groove on one or more side surfaces, which are provided for simple, automatic handling. Extensive automation of individual process and transport steps is desirable for economic reasons. Safe gripping and transport of the support frame with automatic devices is considerably simplified by such recesses or grooves. In addition, such recesses or grooves can, in addition to the beveling of the support frame, enable confusion-free and precise positioning of the support frame not only on the base plate, but also in connection with other laboratory devices.
  • the base plate has a 'of the shape of the microreactor plate recess adapted. If the microreactor plate held by the support frame, positioned on the base plate, the microreactor plate cover together with the carrier frame 1, the recess in the base plate and completely tight.
  • the thus created cavity of the microreactor plate can as the filling or emptying of the individual microreactors are used for necessary process steps in the context of investigations'. This can result in frequently occurring process steps can be carried out automatically without the support frame having to be removed from the base plate.
  • the base plate has a lateral opening for the recess. Via this opening, for example, a vacuum can be generated in the cavity formed by the recess in the base plate and the microreactor disc fixed in the support frame. This vacuum primarily makes it easy to fill the individual microreactors. Process steps such as sucking reagents out of the microreactors and washing the remaining substances are made considerably easier by the vacuum in the cavity.
  • 1 is a carrier frame, a spring element, a microreactor disc and a holding frame in an exploded view
  • Fig. 3 is a view of a base plate
  • Fig. 4 is a view of the assembled and placed on the base plate, shown in Fig. 1.
  • a support frame 1 shown in FIG. 1 has an essentially rectangular recess 2, which is provided for receiving a spring element 3 and a microreactor disc 4. Due to the shape of the recess 2 produced a limited by stops 5, circumferential support surface for the microreactor plate 4.
  • a cylindrical-shaped extended area of the recess 2 serves to receive the spring member 3, which project at right angles Federsch 'grandchild 3a extend on two sides of the recess 2 along.
  • the two spring legs 3a press the microreactor disc 4 against the opposite stops 5 of the carrier frame 1 and thus prevent the microreactor disc 4 from being unwantedly released from the carrier frame 1.
  • a holding frame 6 which can be fastened to the carrier frame 1 has an opening which is adapted to the dimensions of the microreactor disc 4, so that in the assembled state only an unused edge, but not micro-chambers of the microreactor disc 4 is covered
  • a slightly modified exemplary embodiment of a spring element 3 ′′, shown enlarged in FIG. 2, has two curved spring legs 3a ′ projecting at right angles.
  • the spring element 3 ′ designed in this way ensures that the microreactor disk 4 is pressed on sufficiently reliably despite the small spring stroke of the individual spring legs 3a ′ to the stops 5 of the support frame 1 without fear of destruction or damage to the microreactor disc 4 as a result of excessive stress.
  • FIG. 3 shows a view of an essentially cuboid base plate 7, the upper side of which has a recess 8 which is adapted to the support frame 1 and is slightly offset.
  • a recess 8 of the base plate 7 at a right angle limiting projection 9 is used on two sides as a stop for the support frame 1 is for the Tr gerrah ⁇ men 1 Under the recess 8, a further, the dimensions of the microreactor plate 4 matched recess 10.
  • the recess 10 has a lateral opening 11 which is designed as a hollow cylindrical connecting piece.
  • the recess 10 becomes a closed cavity which has only the lateral opening 11.
  • a vacuum can be created in the resulting cavity via this opening 11. This vacuum enables or facilitates individual process steps, such as filling or emptying the microreactors.
  • the base plate 7 shows the base plate 7, the support frame 1 and the microreactor disc 4 in the assembled state.
  • Two sides of the support frame 1 are flush with the outer sides of the base plate 7.
  • the bevel 12 on a corner of the support frame 1 predetermines the orientation of the support frame 1 with respect to the base plate 7.
  • a shape of the base plate 7 adapted to the bevel 12 of the support frame 1 prevents an incorrectly oriented support frame 1 from being able to be positioned flush on the base plate 7.

Abstract

A positioning device for several microreactors arranged in the form of a flat rectangular microreactor plate (4), comprising a supporting frame (1) provided with a recess (2). A spring element (3) fixes the microreactor plate (4) which is pressed laterally on the supporting frame (1). The supporting frame (1) can be positioned, together with the microreactor plate (4), on a base plate without any danger of confusion. Devices required for the reaction processes and examinations can be incorporated into said base plate.

Description

Positioniervorrichtungpositioning
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Positioniervorrichtung für mehrere in Form einer flachen, rechteckigen Mikroeaktorschei- be angeordnete Mikroreaktoren, die jeweils mindestens aus einer kleinen Kavität bestehen.The invention relates to a positioning device for a plurality of microreactors arranged in the form of a flat, rectangular micro-reactor disk, each consisting of at least one small cavity.
Mikroreaktoren ermöglichen die Durchführung von chemischen Reaktionen auf kleinstem Raum und minimalem Einsatz von Reagenzien. Auf Grund ihrer sehr geringen Abmessungen wird jeweils eine große Zahl solcher Mikroreaktoren matrixförmig angeordnet zu einer Mikroreaktorscheibe zusammengefaßt. Eine mögliche Ausführung einer solchen Mikroreaktorscheibe besteht aus einer Siliziumplatte, in die eine große Anzahl kleiner Kavitäten zur Durchführung von Einzelreaktionen eingeätzt ist. Jede einzelne Kavität kann mit zusätzlichen Merkmalen wie beispielsweise einem Siebboden versehen werden. Auf Grund der Miniaturisierung können sehr viele einzelne Reaktionen und Analysen gleichzeitig durchgeführt werden. Untersuchungen über die Wirkung neuer Substanzen im chemisch-' pharmazeutischen Bereich können dadurch wesentlich wirtschaftlicher und schneller erfolgen.Microreactors enable chemical reactions to be carried out in the smallest of spaces and with minimal use of reagents. Because of their very small dimensions, a large number of such microreactors are arranged in a matrix to form a microreactor disk. One possible embodiment of such a microreactor disk consists of a silicon plate, into which a large number of small cavities are etched for carrying out individual reactions. Each individual cavity can be provided with additional features such as a sieve plate. Due to the miniaturization, a large number of individual reactions and analyzes can be carried out simultaneously. As a result, studies on the effects of new substances in the chemical and pharmaceutical field can be carried out much more economically and quickly.
Im ,Rah en einer solchen Untersuchung werden die Kavitäten üblicherweise zuerst mit einer zu untersuchenden Substanz und anschließend mit einem oder mehreren Reagenzien befüllt. Nach Ablauf der Reaktion werden die Reagenzien beispielsweise über einen Siebboden abgesaugt. Die Reaktionsprodukte können daraufhin chemisch oder physikalisch analysiert werden.In the course of such an examination, the cavities are usually filled first with a substance to be examined and then with one or more reagents. To When the reaction is complete, the reagents are drawn off, for example, through a sieve tray. The reaction products can then be analyzed chemically or physically.
Ein wesentliches Problem im Umgang mit solchen Mikroreaktor- scheiben stellt immer wieder die Schnittstelle von der Mikro- zur Makrotechnik dar.A major problem in dealing with such microreactor disks is the interface between micro and macro technology.
Wegen der auch für eine große Anzahl einzelner Mikroreaktoren immer noch kleinen Abmessung der Mikroreaktorscheibe und ihrer geringen mechanischen Stabilität wird eine Vorrichtung benötigt, mit deren Hilfe die Handhabung der Mikroreaktorscheibe während der Untersuchungen möglich ist. Eine fast zwingende Voraussetzung für ein wirtschaftliches Arbeiten mit Mikroreaktorscheiben ist eine weitgehende Automatisierung notwendiger Verfahrensschritte, wie beispielsweise das Einfüllen der Substanzen in einzelne Mikroreaktoren oder das Pipettieren bzw. Absaugen der Reagenzien.Because the dimension of the microreactor disk is still small, even for a large number of individual microreactors, and its low mechanical stability, a device is required with the aid of which the microreactor disk can be handled during the investigations. An almost imperative prerequisite for economical work with microreactor disks is extensive automation of necessary process steps, such as filling the substances into individual microreactors or pipetting or aspirating the reagents.
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es demzufolge, eine Vorrichtung für die einfache Handhabung und Positionierung von Mikroreaktorscheiben so auszugestalten, daß die Mikroreaktorscheiben reproduzierbar und sicher während einzelner Verfahrensschrit- te verwendet werden können und die Dosierung bzw. das Absaugen von Reagenzien einzelner Mikroreaktoren ermöglicht ist.The object of the invention is therefore to design a device for the simple handling and positioning of microreactor disks in such a way that the microreactor disks can be used reproducibly and safely during individual process steps and the metering or suctioning of reagents of individual microreactors is made possible.
Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß die Positioniervorrichtung einen Trägerrahmen mit einer der Form einer Mikroreaktorscheibe angepaßten Aussparung sowie mit einem die Mikroreaktorscheibe seitlich andrückenden Federelement aufweist, und daß der Trägerrahmen auf eine Grundplatte positioniert auflegbar ist. Die Mikroreaktorscheibe kann schnell und einfach in die entsprechende Aussparung des Trägerrahmens eingelegt werden. Durch das Federelement wird die Mikroreaktorscheibe seitlich an die Aussparung begrenzende Anschläge gedrückt und dadurch sicher im Trägerrahmen fixiert. Die Mikroreaktorscheibe ist damit während der folgenden Untersuchungen an fast allen Seiten von dem Trägerrahmen schützend umgeben. Der Trägerrahmen selbst kann auf eine Grundplatte aufgelegt werden, in die bereits Vorrichtungen integriert sein können, die während folgender Verfahrensschritte benötigt werden.This object is achieved in that the positioning device has a carrier frame with a recess adapted to the shape of a microreactor disc and with a spring element pressing the microreactor disc laterally, and in that the carrier frame can be placed on a base plate. The microreactor disc can be inserted quickly and easily into the corresponding recess in the support frame. The spring element presses the microreactor disc laterally against the stops delimiting the recess and thereby securely fixed in the support frame. The microreactor disk is thus surrounded by the support frame on almost all sides during the following investigations. The carrier frame itself can be placed on a base plate, into which devices can already be integrated, which are required during the following process steps.
Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, dass das Federelement zwei rechtwinklig abstehende, geschwungene Federschenkel aufweist. Durch die rechtwinkelig abstehenden, geschwungenen Feder- schenke! wird die Mikroreaktorscheibe seitlich gegen dafür vorgesehene Anschläge des Trägerrahmens gedrückt und zuverlässig in dieser Position gehalten. Aufgrund des geringen Federhubs kann die Mikroreaktorscheibe schnell und einfach in den Trägerrahmen eingesetzt werden.It is preferably provided that the spring element has two curved spring legs protruding at right angles. Through the right-angled, curved spring legs! the microreactor disc is pressed laterally against the stops of the support frame provided for this purpose and reliably held in this position. Due to the small spring stroke, the microreactor disc can be quickly and easily inserted into the carrier frame.
Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung des Erfindungsgedankens ist vorgesehen, daß auf dem Trägerrahmen ein die Mikroreaktorscheibe von oben her fixierender Halterahmen befestigbar ist. Ein solcher Halterahmen verhindert das Herausfallen der Mikroreaktorscheibe aus dem Trägerrahmen während der Durchführung beliebiger Verfahrensschritte. -Durch den Halterahmen wird zusätzlich die Stabilität der Mikroreaktorscheibe und des Trägerrahmens erhöht.According to one embodiment of the concept of the invention, it is provided that a holding frame which fixes the microreactor disc from above can be fastened on the carrier frame. Such a holding frame prevents the microreactor plate from falling out of the carrier frame while any process steps are being carried out. The holding frame additionally increases the stability of the microreactor pane and the support frame.
Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, daß der Trägerrahmen mindestens an einer Ecke eine Anschrägung und die Grundplatte eine daran angepaßte Ausformung aufweist. Vor allem im Hinblick auf eine automatisierte Handhabung der sich im Trägerrahmen befindenden Mikroreaktorscheibe wird durch die Anschrägung des Trägerrahmens und die entsprechende Ausformung der Grundplatte sichergestellt, daß der Trägerrahmen nur in einer gleichbleibenden Orientierung bezüglich der Grundplatte auf dieser positioniert werden kann.It is preferably provided that the carrier frame has a bevel at least at one corner and the base plate has a shape adapted to it. Especially with a view to Automated handling of the microreactor disk located in the support frame is ensured by the beveling of the support frame and the corresponding shaping of the base plate, so that the support frame can only be positioned on the base plate in a constant orientation with respect to the base plate.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des Erfindungsgedankens ist vorgesehen, daß der Trägerrahmen an einer oder mehreren Seitenflächen mindestens eine Aussparung oder Nut aufweist, die für eine einfache, automatische Handhabung vorgesehen sind. Eine weitgehende Automatisierung einzelner Verfahrens- und Transportschritte ist aus ökonomischen Gründen erstrebenswert. Ein sicheres Greifen und Transportieren des Trägerrahmens mit automatischen Vorrichtungen wird durch solche Aussparungen bzw. Nuten wesentlich vereinfacht. Darüber hinaus können solche Aussparungen bzw. Nuten zusätzlich zur Anschrägung des Trägerrahmens eine verwechslungssichere und genaue Positionierung des Trägerrahmens nicht nur auf der Grundplatte, sondern auch in Verbindung mit anderen Laborgeräten ermöglichen.According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the carrier frame has at least one recess or groove on one or more side surfaces, which are provided for simple, automatic handling. Extensive automation of individual process and transport steps is desirable for economic reasons. Safe gripping and transport of the support frame with automatic devices is considerably simplified by such recesses or grooves. In addition, such recesses or grooves can, in addition to the beveling of the support frame, enable confusion-free and precise positioning of the support frame not only on the base plate, but also in connection with other laboratory devices.
Einer vorteilhaften Ausführung des Erfindungsgedankens zufolge ist vorgesehen, daß die Grundplatte eine ' der Form der Mikroreaktorscheibe angepaßte Ausnehmung aufweist. Wird die von dem Trägerrahmen gehaltene Mikroreaktorscheibe, auf der Grundplatte positioniert, so decken die Mikroreaktorscheibe zusammen mit dem Trägerrahmen die Ausnehmung in der1 Grundplatte vollständig und dicht ab. Der dadurch entstandene Hohlraum unter der Mikroreaktorscheibe kann für im Rahmen der Untersuchungen notwendige Verfahrensschritte' wie das Befüllen oder Entleeren der einzelnen Mikroreaktoren genutzt werden. Dadurch können häufig vorkommende Verfahrensschritte automatisiert durchgeführt werden, ohne daß der Trägerrahmen von der Grundplatte entfernt werden muß.An advantageous embodiment of the inventive idea, it is provided that the base plate has a 'of the shape of the microreactor plate recess adapted. If the microreactor plate held by the support frame, positioned on the base plate, the microreactor plate cover together with the carrier frame 1, the recess in the base plate and completely tight. The thus created cavity of the microreactor plate can as the filling or emptying of the individual microreactors are used for necessary process steps in the context of investigations'. This can result in frequently occurring process steps can be carried out automatically without the support frame having to be removed from the base plate.
Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, daß die Grundplatte eine seitliche Öffnung zur Ausnehmung aufweist. Über diese Öffnung kann in dem durch die Ausnehmung in der Grundplatte und der im Trägerrahmen fixierten Mikroreaktorscheibe gebildeten Hohlraum beispielsweise ein Vakuum erzeugt werden. Durch dieses Vakuum wird in erster Linie ein einfaches Befüllen der einzelnen Mikroreaktoren möglich. Verfahrensschritte wie das Absaugen von Reagenzien aus den Mikroreaktoren sowie das Waschen der zurückbleibenden Substanzen werden durch das Vakuum im Hohlraum wesentlich erleichtert.It is preferably provided that the base plate has a lateral opening for the recess. Via this opening, for example, a vacuum can be generated in the cavity formed by the recess in the base plate and the microreactor disc fixed in the support frame. This vacuum primarily makes it easy to fill the individual microreactors. Process steps such as sucking reagents out of the microreactors and washing the remaining substances are made considerably easier by the vacuum in the cavity.
Nachfolgend werden Ausführungen der Erfindung näher erläutert, die in der Zeichnung dargestellt sind. Es zeigt:In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail, which are shown in the drawing. It shows:
Fig. 1 einen Tragerrahmen, ein Federelement, eine Mikroreaktorscheibe sowie einen Halterahmen in auseinandergezogener Darstellung,1 is a carrier frame, a spring element, a microreactor disc and a holding frame in an exploded view,
Fig. 2 eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines ähnlichen Federele- ments,2 is an enlarged view of a similar spring element,
Fig. 3 eine Ansicht einer Grundplatte undFig. 3 is a view of a base plate and
Fig. 4 eine Ansicht der zusammengesetzten und lauf der Grundplatte aufgelegten, in Fig. 1 gezeigten Einzelteile.Fig. 4 is a view of the assembled and placed on the base plate, shown in Fig. 1.
Ein in Fig. 1 dargestellter Trägerrahmen 1 weist eine im wesentlichen rechteckige Aussparung 2 auf, die für die Aufnahme eines Federelements 3 sowie einer Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 vorgesehen ist. Durch die Formgebung der Aussparung 2 entsteht eine durch Anschläge 5 begrenzte, umlaufende Auflagefläche für die Mikroreaktorscheibe 4. Eine zylinder- förmig erweiterte Ecke der Aussparung 2 dient zur Aufnahme des Federelements 3, dessen rechtwinklig abstehende Federsch'enkel 3a sich an zwei Seiten der Aussparung 2 entlang erstrecken. Durch leichtes Zurückdrücken der beiden Federschenkel 3a des Federelements 3 kann die Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 leicht in die Aussparung 2 des Trägerrahmens 1 eingesetzt werden. Die beiden Federschenkel 3a drücken die Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 an die gegenüberliegenden Anschläge 5 des Trägerrahmens 1 und verhindern so ein ungewolltes Lösen der Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 aus dem Trägerrahmen 1. Ein auf dem Trägerrahmen 1 befestigbarer Halterahmen 6 weist eine den Ausmaßen der Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 angepaßte Öffnung auf, so daß im zusammengefügten Zustand nur ein ungenutzter Rand, nicht aber Mikrokammern der Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 bedecktA support frame 1 shown in FIG. 1 has an essentially rectangular recess 2, which is provided for receiving a spring element 3 and a microreactor disc 4. Due to the shape of the recess 2 produced a limited by stops 5, circumferential support surface for the microreactor plate 4. A cylindrical-shaped extended area of the recess 2 serves to receive the spring member 3, which project at right angles Federsch 'grandchild 3a extend on two sides of the recess 2 along. By slightly pushing back the two spring legs 3a of the spring element 3, the microreactor disc 4 can easily be inserted into the recess 2 of the support frame 1. The two spring legs 3a press the microreactor disc 4 against the opposite stops 5 of the carrier frame 1 and thus prevent the microreactor disc 4 from being unwantedly released from the carrier frame 1. A holding frame 6 which can be fastened to the carrier frame 1 has an opening which is adapted to the dimensions of the microreactor disc 4, so that in the assembled state only an unused edge, but not micro-chambers of the microreactor disc 4 is covered
I sind. Zwischen dem Halterahmen 6 und dem Trägerrahmen 1 sind dann das Federelement 3 sowie die Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 unlösbar fixiert.I am. The spring element 3 and the microreactor disc 4 are then non-detachably fixed between the holding frame 6 and the carrier frame 1.
Ein geringfügig verändertes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Federelements 3", vergrößert in Fig. 2 dargestellt, weist zwei rechtwinklig abstehende, geschwungene Federschenkel 3a' auf. Das so ausgeführte Federelement 3' gewährleistet trotz des geringen Federhubs der einzelnen Federschenkel 3a' ein ausreichend sicheres Andrücken der Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 an die Anschläge 5 des Trägerrahmens 1, ohne daß in Folge übermäßiger Beanspruchung eine Zerstörung oder Beschädigung der Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 zu befürchten ist.A slightly modified exemplary embodiment of a spring element 3 ″, shown enlarged in FIG. 2, has two curved spring legs 3a ′ projecting at right angles. The spring element 3 ′ designed in this way ensures that the microreactor disk 4 is pressed on sufficiently reliably despite the small spring stroke of the individual spring legs 3a ′ to the stops 5 of the support frame 1 without fear of destruction or damage to the microreactor disc 4 as a result of excessive stress.
Fig. 3 zeigt eine Ansicht einer im wesentlichen quaderförmi- geή Grundplatte 7, deren Oberseite eine dem Trägerrahmen 1 angepaßte, leicht versetzt angebrachte Aussparung 8 aufweist. Ein an zwei Seiten die Aussparung 8 der Grundplatte 7 rechtwinklig begrenzender Vorsprung 9 dient als Anschlag für den Trägerrahmen 1. Unter der Aussparung 8 für den Tr gerrah¬ men 1 befindet sich eine weitere, den Ausmaßen der Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 angepaßte Ausnehmung 10. Die Ausnehmung 10 besitzt eine seitliche Öffnung 11, die als ein hohlzylindri- scher Anschlußstutzen ausgeführt ist.3 shows a view of an essentially cuboid base plate 7, the upper side of which has a recess 8 which is adapted to the support frame 1 and is slightly offset. A recess 8 of the base plate 7 at a right angle limiting projection 9 is used on two sides as a stop for the support frame 1 is for the Tr gerrah ¬ men 1 Under the recess 8, a further, the dimensions of the microreactor plate 4 matched recess 10. The recess 10 has a lateral opening 11 which is designed as a hollow cylindrical connecting piece.
Sobald der Trägerrahmen 1 mit einer sich darin befindenden Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 an der Stelle der Aussparung 8 auf die Grundplatte 7 gelegt wird, wird die Ausnehmung 10 zu einem abgeschlossenen Hohlraum, der nur die seitliche Öffnung 11 aufweist. Über diese Öffnung 11 kann in dem entstandenen Hohlraum ein Vakuum erzeugt werden. Dieses Vakuum ermöglicht oder erleichtert einzelne Verfahrensschritte, wie beispiels- weise das Befüllen oder Entleeren der Mikroreaktoren.As soon as the support frame 1 with a microreactor disk 4 located therein is placed on the base plate 7 at the location of the recess 8, the recess 10 becomes a closed cavity which has only the lateral opening 11. A vacuum can be created in the resulting cavity via this opening 11. This vacuum enables or facilitates individual process steps, such as filling or emptying the microreactors.
In Fig. 4 sind' die Grundplatte 7, der Trägerrahmen 1 und die Mikroreaktorscheibe 4 in zusammengesetztem Zustand gezeigt. Zwei Seiten des Trägerrahmens 1 schließen bündig mit den Außenseiten der Grundplatte 7 ab. Durch eine Anschrägung 12 an einer Ecke des Trägerrahmens 1 ist die Orientierung des Trägerrahmens 1 bezüglich der Grundplatte 7 verwechslungssi- cher vorgegeben. Eine an die Anschrägung 12 des Trägerrahmens 1 angepaßte Ausformung der Grundplatte 7 verhindert, daß ein falsch orientierter Trägerrahmen 1 auf der Grundplatte 7 bündig abschließend positioniert werden kann. 4 shows the base plate 7, the support frame 1 and the microreactor disc 4 in the assembled state. Two sides of the support frame 1 are flush with the outer sides of the base plate 7. The bevel 12 on a corner of the support frame 1 predetermines the orientation of the support frame 1 with respect to the base plate 7. A shape of the base plate 7 adapted to the bevel 12 of the support frame 1 prevents an incorrectly oriented support frame 1 from being able to be positioned flush on the base plate 7.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e Patent claims
1. Positioniervorrichtung für mehrere in Form einer flachen, rechteckigen Mikroreaktorscheibe angeordnete Mikroreaktoren, die jeweils mindestens aus einer kleinen Kavität bestehen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Positioniervorrichtung einen Trägerrahmen (1) mit einer der Form der Mikroreaktorscheibe (4) angepassten Aussparung (2) sowie mit einem die Mikrokammerscheibe (4) seitlich andrückenden Federelement (3, 3') aufweist, und dass der Trägerrahmen (1) auf eine Grundplatte (7) positioniert auflegbar ist.1. Positioning device for a plurality of microreactors arranged in the form of a flat, rectangular microreactor disk, each consisting of at least one small cavity, characterized in that the positioning device comprises a support frame (1) with a recess (2) adapted to the shape of the microreactor disk (4) and with a spring element (3, 3 ') pressing the micro-chamber disc (4) laterally, and that the support frame (1) can be placed on a base plate (7).
2. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Federelement (3') rechtwinklig abstehende, geschwungene Federschenkel (3a') aufweist.2. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (3 ') projecting at right angles, curved spring legs (3a').
3. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass auf dem Trägerrahmen (1) ein die Mikroreaktorscheibe (4) fixierender Halterahmen (6) befestigbar ist.3. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that a holding frame (6) fixing the microreactor disc (4) can be fastened on the carrier frame (1).
4. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Trägerrahmen (1) mindestens an einer Ecke eine Anschrägung (12) und die Grundplatte (7) eine daran angepasste Ausformung aufweist.4. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier frame (1) at least at one corner a bevel (12) and the base plate (7) has a shape adapted to it.
5. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekenn- zeichnet, dass der Trägerrahmen (1) an einer oder mehreren Seitenflächen mindestens eine Aussparung oder Nut aufweist, die für eine einfache automatische Handhabung vorgesehen ist .5. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier frame (1) has at least one recess or groove on one or more side surfaces, which is provided for simple automatic handling.
6. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Grundplatte (7) eine der Form der Mikroreaktorscheibe (4) angepasste Ausnehmung (10) aufweist.6. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base plate (7) has a recess (10) adapted to the shape of the microreactor disc (4).
7. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekenn- zeichnet, dass die Grundplatte (7) eine seitliche Öffnung (11) zur Ausnehmung (10) aufweist. 7. Positioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the base plate (7) has a lateral opening (11) for the recess (10).
EP01957807A 2000-05-29 2001-05-28 Positioning device for microreactor plates Withdrawn EP1286762A1 (en)

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DE10026647 2000-05-29
DE10026647A DE10026647A1 (en) 2000-05-29 2000-05-29 Positioning device
PCT/EP2001/006044 WO2001091895A1 (en) 2000-05-29 2001-05-28 Positioning device for microreactor plates

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EP (1) EP1286762A1 (en)
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DE10320957A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-12-09 Evotec Technologies Gmbh Docking device for a fluidic microsystem
JP4403169B2 (en) * 2006-12-15 2010-01-20 株式会社日立製作所 Cell culture apparatus and control method thereof
DE102007058644A1 (en) * 2007-12-04 2009-06-10 Eads Deutschland Gmbh Chemical-resistant holder for chips with sensitive structures on top
EP2251079A1 (en) * 2009-05-11 2010-11-17 Chemtrix B.V. A micro-fluidic system and the use thereof
AU2013342218A1 (en) * 2012-11-08 2015-06-04 Wafergen, Inc. Extraction of restrained liquid from wells
DE102020213471A1 (en) 2020-10-27 2022-04-28 Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Processing device for processing a sample liquid, method for producing a processing device and method for operating a processing device

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AU2001279629A1 (en) 2001-12-11
JP2003534131A (en) 2003-11-18
DE10026647A1 (en) 2001-12-06

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