JP2004053353A - Probe carrier, its manufacturing method, and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To print a plurality of lines in a probe array at the same time to enhance production efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: A probe solution is delivered from a nozzle onto a carrier by an ink jet system while scanning a liquid delivery head having a nozzle array (holes with a large pitch) along a main scanning direction, so as to prepare a probe carrier having a probe array (holes with a small pitch) wherein a plurality of kinds of probes coupled specifically with a target substance is arranged arrayedly on the carrier. A nozzle pitch interval b is made integer times (6 times) of a probe pitch interval a along a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and the plurality of lines along the sub-scanning direction is printed at the same time. When the eleventh line of the nozzle is set to the first line of the probe, the seventh line of the probe is printed in the twelfth line of the nozzle at the same time. Resultingly, the scanning along the main scanning direction is reduced by half. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【００３４】
以上、担体のプローブピッチをａ＝４００μｍに設定し、インクジェットの吐出ノズルピッチをｂ＝２４００μｍに設定することにより、主走査方向の走査回数を１２回から６回と半分にすることができた。
【００３５】
図５を参照すると、図２に示したプローブアレイをステージ上の副走査方向に複数個、周期的に並べたものが示されている。プローブアレイを３個並べているが、この個数はガラス基板の大きさと１つのプローブアレイの大きさから最適な数を設定する。各プローブアレイは、同一なプローブ配列を有する。プローブアレイは、上のものをプローブアレイＩ、次のプローブアレイをプローブアレイＩＩ、一番下のものをプローブアレイＩＩＩとした。また、プローブアレイのピッチｃはプローブピッチａの２倍に設定した。プローブピッチはａ＝４００μｍ、ノズルピッチはプローブピッチａの６倍であるｂ＝２４００μｍ、プローブアレイのピッチはｃ＝８００μｍである。
【００３６】
まず、表１と同じ手順で、プローブアレイＩをすべて印字する。すると、表２に示された、プローブアレイＩＩ、プローブアレイＩＩＩの行も同時に印字可能となる。
【００３７】
【表２】

【００３８】
残った行は、プローブアレイＩＩの６行目と１２行目、プローブアレイＩＩＩの５行目と６行目と１１行目と１２行目のみである。次に、表３の手順でプローブアレイＩＩの残りを１回で印字する。
【００３９】
【表３】

【００４０】
最後にプローブアレイＩＩＩの６行目と１２行目だけが残る。これは、表４のように、一度で印字する。
【００４１】
【表４】

【００４２】
以上、プローブピッチをａ＝４００μｍに設定し、ノズルピッチをｂ＝２４００μｍに設定し、プローブアレイのピッチをｃ＝８００μｍに設定したことにより、主走査方向の走査回数を３６回から８回へと大幅に減らすことができた。
【００４３】
図６を参照すると、図５の担体から、プローブアレイのピッチｃをプローブピッチａの１１倍（すなわち、４４００μｍ）に設定したものが示されている。このような配置にしたことにより、プローブ印字後に、ガラスを切断することが容易になる。
【００４４】
まず、下の表５の順序で、プローブアレイＩＩＩのすべての印字を行う。すると、表２に示された、プローブアレイＩＩ、プローブアレイＩの行も同時に印字可能となる。
【００４５】
【表５】

【００４６】
残った行は、プローブアレイＩＩの５、６、１１、１２行目、プローブアレイＩの３、４、５、６、９、１０、１１、１２行目である。次に、表６の手順でプローブアレイＩＩを印字する。
【００４７】
【表６】

【００４８】
最後に、プローブＩの５、６、１１、１２行目だけが残る。これは表７のように、２回で印字することができる。
【００４９】
【表７】

【００５０】
以上、プローブ印字後にガラスを切断することを念頭においた、プローブアレイのピッチが広い担体において、プローブピッチをａ＝４００μｍに設定し、ノズルピッチをｂ＝２４００μｍに設定し、プローブアレイのピッチをｃ＝４４００μｍに設定したことにより、主走査方向の走査回数を３６回から１０回へと大幅に減らすことができた。
【００５１】
本実施形態では、インクジェットヘッド１００を主走査方向に移動させ、ステージ１０３、すなわち、担体を副走査方向に移動させるが、この逆でもよいし、どちらか一方を双方向に移動させてもよい。
【００５２】
さらに、複数のインクジェットヘッドを有するユニットを用いてもよい。
【００５３】
さらに、吐出ノズルから吐出されるプローブ溶液の量が０．１ピコリットルから１００ピコリットルであり、吐出ノズルから塗布されるプローブ溶液の各々の占める面積が０．０１μｍ^２〜４００００μｍ^２であることが好ましい。
【００５４】
さらに、プローブがＤＮＡ、ＲＮＡ、ｃＤＮＡ（コンプリメンタリーＤＮＡ）、ＰＮＡ、オリゴヌクレオチド、ポリヌクレオチド、その他の核酸、オリゴペプチド、ポリペプチド、タンパク質、酵素、酵素に対する基質、抗体、抗体に対するエピトープ、抗原、ホルモン、ホルモンレセプター、リガンド、リガンドレセプター、オリゴ糖、ポリ糖、または、これらの組み合わせからなる群から選択されることが好ましい。
【００５５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、プローブアレイの複数行を同時に印字することにより、製造効率を向上させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】プローブ担体製造装置の構成を示した図である。
【図２】プローブ担体の一例の概略図である。
【図３】インクジェットヘッドのノズル構成を示す概略図である。
【図４】図２のプローブ担体に印字を行う手順を示した図である。
【図５】同一のプローブアレイを担体に複数個並べた一例の概略図である。
【図６】同一のプローブアレイを担体に複数個並べた他の例の概略図である。
【符号の説明】
１００　インクジェットヘッド
１０１　シャフト
１０２　担体
１０３　ステージ
２０１　プローブ
３０１　吐出ノズル[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a probe carrier using an inkjet method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When analyzing the base sequence of a gene DNA or performing highly reliable genetic diagnosis on multiple items at the same time, it is necessary to select a DNA having a target base sequence using a plurality of types of probes. As a means for providing a plurality of types of probes used for this sorting operation, a DNA microchip has been receiving attention. Also, in high-throughput screening of drugs and the like and combinatorial chemistry, it is necessary to arrange a large number (for example, 96, 384, and 1536 types) of target protein and drug solutions and to perform an ordered screening. . Techniques for arranging multiple drugs for that purpose, automated screening technology in that state, dedicated equipment, software for controlling a series of screening operations, and statistically processing the results are also available. Being developed.
[0003]
Basically, these parallel screening operations are performed under the same conditions by using a so-called probe array composed of a number of known probes arranged as a means for selecting substances to be evaluated. It detects the presence or absence of an action, a reaction, or the like with respect to. In general, what kind of probe, the action, the reaction to use is determined in advance, and therefore, the type of probe mounted on one probe array is, for example, a group of DNA probes having different base sequences, such as Broadly classified, they are one type of substance. That is, the substances used for the group of probes are, for example, DNA, proteins, synthesized chemical substances (drugs), and the like. In many cases, a probe array composed of a plurality of types of probes forming a group is often used. However, depending on the nature of the screening operation, a DNA having the same base sequence, a protein having the same amino acid sequence, It is also possible to use a form in which a large number of substances are arranged to form an array. These are mainly used for drug screening and the like.
[0004]
In a probe array composed of a plurality of types of probes forming a group, specifically, a group of DNAs having different base sequences, a group of proteins having different amino acid sequences, or a group of different chemical substances, In many cases, the species are arranged on a carrier or the like in an array according to a predetermined arrangement order. Above all, the DNA probe array is used for analyzing the base sequence of gene DNA, and at the same time performing highly reliable gene diagnosis for many items.
[0005]
One of the problems in the probe array comprising a plurality of types of probes forming a group is to mount as many types of probes as possible, for example, DNA probes having various types of base sequences, on one carrier. In other words, how densely the probes can be arranged in an array.
[0006]
One method of immobilizing a plurality of types of probes in an array on a carrier is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,424,186, which discloses the use of a photodegradable protecting group and DNA on a carrier using photolithography. A method of producing DNA probes having mutually different base sequences in an array by a sequential extension reaction can be exemplified. By using this technique, it is possible to prepare a DNA probe array carrying, for example, DNAs having 10,000 or more different sequences per cm ² . In this method, when synthesizing DNA by a sequential extension reaction, a photolithography process is performed for each of the four types of bases (A, T, C, and G) using a dedicated photomask, and a predetermined array is formed. By selectively extending one of the bases at the site, a plurality of types of DNA having a desired base sequence are synthesized on the carrier in a predetermined sequence. Therefore, as the chain length of DNA increases, the cost required for preparation increases, and a longer time is required. In addition, since the efficiency of nucleotide synthesis in each extension step is not 100%, the ratio of DNA having a defect in the designed base sequence is not small. Furthermore, in the case of using a photodegradable protecting group during synthesis, the synthesis efficiency is reduced as compared with the case of using a normal acid-decomposable protecting group. There is also a problem that the ratio of DNA is small.
[0007]
In addition, since a product synthesized directly on a carrier is used as it is, it is of course impossible to remove a DNA having a defective base sequence from a DNA having a designed base sequence by purification and separation. Another problem is that the base sequence of the DNA synthesized on the carrier cannot be confirmed in the finally obtained array. This is because if a given base is hardly extended at a certain elongation stage due to a mistake in the process or the like and it is a completely defective product, screening using the probe array of this defective product will give an erroneous result. , Which means that there is no way to prevent it. The inability to confirm this base sequence is the biggest and essential problem in this approach.
[0008]
As a method different from the above-mentioned method, DNA for a probe is synthesized and purified in advance, and after confirming the base length in some cases, each DNA is provided on a device carrier such as a microdispenser, and a probe array is prepared. A method of adjusting is also proposed. PCT Publication No. WO95 / 35505 discloses a technique for applying DNA onto a membrane using a capillary. By applying this method, it is possible to adjust about 1000 DNA arrays per 1 cm ^{2 in} principle. Basically, a probe array is prepared by applying a probe solution to a predetermined position on a carrier with one capillary dispensing device for each probe and repeating the operation. There is no problem if a dedicated capillary is prepared for each probe, but if the same work is to be performed using a small number of capillaries, the capillaries should be thoroughly cleaned when changing the probe type to prevent cross-contamination. There is a need to. Therefore, it cannot be said that this method is suitable for adjusting an array in which various types of probes are arranged at high density. In addition, since the probe solution is applied to the carrier by tapping the capillary tip to the carrier, reproducibility and reliability are not perfect.
[0009]
As another method, when performing solid phase synthesis of DNA on a carrier, a method of applying a solution of a substance necessary for the synthesis onto the carrier by an inkjet method at each elongation step has also been proposed. For example, European Patent Publication EP 0,703,825 B1 discloses that a nucleotide base and an activator used in solid-phase synthesis of DNA are respectively provided from different piezo jet nozzles to give a predetermined base. A method for solid-phase synthesis of a plurality of DNAs having a sequence is disclosed. The application (application) by the inkjet method is more reliable than the application (application) of the solution using the capillary, such as the reproducibility of the application amount, and the nozzle structure can be miniaturized. It has features suitable for increasing the density of the probe array. However, since this technique also basically applies a sequential extension reaction of DNA on a carrier, it is the biggest problem in the technique disclosed in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 5,424,186. There still remain problems such as the inability to confirm the base sequence of DNA synthesized on a carrier. Although the complexity of performing a photolithography process using a dedicated mask at each elongation stage is eliminated, the point is that a predetermined probe is fixed at each point, which is an essential requirement for a probe array. The problem is included. The above-mentioned EP 0,703,825 B1 describes only a method of using a plurality of independently formed piezo jet nozzles. When using this small number of nozzles, the aforementioned capillary is used. Like the technique, it is not always suitable for adjusting a high-density probe array.
[0010]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-187900 discloses a method in which a liquid containing a probe is applied to a solid phase as droplets by a thermal inkjet head, and a spot containing a probe is formed on the solid phase. Since the used ink jet head is a general printer head, it is hard to say that the configuration is optimal for adjusting the probe array. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.
[0011]
The conventional inkjet head is a technique developed for printing characters and images. Therefore, the solution used is one-color (black) ink for monochrome (generally black) printing, and generally three primary colors, ie, yellow (Y) and cyan ( C) and magenta (M) inks. In the case of color printing, black or dark, light, Y, M, and C inks may be used as necessary, but at most ten or more types of inks are not used.
[0012]
In addition, since a large amount of ink is used for printing on paper, a conventional ink-jet printing head has a tank (reservoir) for filling ink having a sufficient capacity and a flow path for guiding ink to a nozzle. And a nozzle for discharging ink.
[0013]
On the other hand, as described above, it is desired that the ink jet head for preparing the probe array ejects as many types of liquids as possible. A head having a plurality of nozzles is usually used in the manufacture of a probe array held on a probe carrier, but a head having the same number of these plurality of nozzles and having a one-to-one correspondence of a probe solution reservoir is desirable.
[0014]
Further, in a liquid ejection head nozzle of an ink jet system used for manufacturing a probe carrier, since a probe solution including one type of probe needs to be ejected from one nozzle, the nozzle pitch should be at least corresponding to the probe pitch. There is a need. Therefore, in order to manufacture a high-density probe array, it is necessary to arrange various types of probes at a high density by minimizing the nozzle pitch interval of the liquid ejection head in the measurable probe amount and the probe pitch. It becomes possible. As a result, detection efficiency of diagnosis and the like can be improved, and it is also desirable not to prepare a large amount of liquid.
[0015]
Further, it is preferable that a desired amount of the probe array held on the probe carrier is fixed at a predetermined position. In order to prevent errors at the time of diagnosis or the like, it is preferable that only necessary probes are fixed at predetermined positions on the probe carrier.
[0016]
Therefore, in the production of the probe carrier, the probe pitch of the liquid ejection head is reduced as much as possible within the measurable probe amount and the probe pitch, and the density is increased. It is desired to produce
[0017]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Until now, when manufacturing a probe carrier using the inkjet method, basically, a multi-liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles at a fixed interval (pitch) is used, and a nozzle that matches the probe pitch is mainly used. The probe array is manufactured by scanning in the scanning direction to apply the probe to the carrier, then moving the liquid ejection head or carrier in the sub-scanning direction, and subsequently repeating ejection in the main scanning direction. The liquid discharge head used at that time has been manufactured by discharging an ink jet type probe solution while scanning a liquid discharge head having a plurality of discharge nozzles in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction with respect to this carrier.
[0018]
In such a conventional method of manufacturing a probe carrier, in order to increase the density of the probe array, when the nozzle pitch interval of the liquid ejection head block is simply reduced as described above, the vicinity of the nozzle during ejection is reduced. Adverse effects due to the attached probe solution are likely to occur, and it is more difficult to remove the attached droplets. Such attachment of the probe solution inevitably occurs due to the attachment of a mist-like probe solution (sometimes called a satellite) generated at the time of ejection. When the attached probe solution reaches the edge of the nozzle ejection port, it affects the ejection direction of the newly ejected probe solution, causing a variation in a desired ejection position on the carrier or landing at a different probe ejection position. In some cases, different probes may be mixed, and the probe solution attached to the vicinity of the nozzle may gradually grow, and may be mixed with a different probe solution in the vicinity due to vibration or the like. Therefore, in the conventional method, there is a limit in increasing the density of the probe array by reducing the nozzle pitch interval of the liquid ejection head block. Further, even when using a means of removing the probe-forming solution adsorbed on the ejection surface with a wiper as a means for eliminating the mixture of the probe solution, the solution may be excessively absorbed, diffused, and intermingled. In many cases, in particular, the problem of mixing different probe forming solutions has not been solved.
[0019]
On the other hand, in the case of manufacturing a probe array, if printing is performed line by line of the probe array, it takes a considerable amount of time to complete the printing, which lowers production efficiency and is disadvantageous in cost. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to secure the productivity of a low-cost, high-density, high-reliability probe carrier.
[0020]
An object of the present invention is to improve the production efficiency by simultaneously printing a plurality of rows of the probe array while spacing the nozzle pitch to some extent, and to enable stable ejection, and to increase the density of the probe array. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a low-cost and highly-reliable high-density probe carrier, an apparatus for manufacturing a probe carrier used in the method, and the probe carrier.
[0021]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a liquid ejection head having a nozzle array, which scans a carrier in the main scanning direction while ejecting a probe solution from a nozzle onto a carrier by an ink jet method, whereby a target substance and A probe carrier having a probe array in which a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding are arranged in an array on the carrier is manufactured. Assuming that the pitch interval between the probes in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction is a and the pitch interval between the nozzles is b, b is an integral multiple of a and a plurality of rows of probes in the sub-scanning direction are printed simultaneously.
[0022]
Further, when manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of probe arrays are periodically arranged in the sub-scanning direction, a is the pitch interval between the probes in the sub-scanning direction, b is the pitch interval between the nozzles, and c is the pitch interval between the probe arrays. Then, b is an integral multiple of a and c is an integral multiple of a, and a plurality of rows of the probes in the sub-scanning direction are simultaneously printed over a plurality of probe arrays.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
Referring to FIG. 1, the probe manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an ink jet head 100, a shaft 101, and a stage 103.
[0025]
The inkjet head 100 is supported by a shaft 101. As the ink jet method used in the present embodiment, a bubble jet method using an electrothermal converter as an energy generating element, a piezo jet method using a piezoelectric element, or the like can be used.
[0026]
A plurality of carriers 102 on which a probe array is formed are fixed on a stage 103. In the present embodiment, a glass substrate is assumed as the carrier 102. As the glass substrate, a system in which a plurality of glass substrates are arranged and one carrier corresponds to one glass substrate, or a system in which a plurality of carriers correspond to one glass substrate can be used.
[0027]
The inkjet head 100 moves in the main scanning direction in FIG. On the other hand, the stage 103 moves in the sub-scanning direction. With these operations, the inkjet head 100 can move two-dimensionally relative to the carrier 102.
[0028]
Referring to FIG. 2, an enlarged view of the carrier 102 shown in FIG. 1 is shown. The probes 201 are arranged two-dimensionally and configured in a 12 × 12 matrix. The type and matrix arrangement of the probe 201 are changed depending on the application.
[0029]
Referring to FIG. 3, a view of the inkjet head 100 as viewed from below is shown. In the inkjet head 100, ejection nozzles 301 for ejecting ink are configured on a 12 × 12 matrix. The ink discharge nozzle 301 contains probe-containing ink fixed to the carrier, and contains different probe-containing ink for each ink discharge nozzle.
[0030]
Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a diagram illustrating a manner in which probes are printed on the carrier 102. The probe pitch is set to a = 400 μm, and the ejection nozzle pitch of the inkjet head is set to b = 2400 μm, which is six times the probe pitch.
[0031]
For printing, a line in the sub-scanning direction is first set. First, the stage is moved to the position of the first row of the probe so that printing is performed by the ejection nozzles of the eleventh row of the inkjet head. By this stage movement, printing can be simultaneously performed at the position of the seventh line of the probe by the ejection nozzles of the twelfth line of the inkjet head. Thereafter, the inkjet head is moved in the main scanning direction, and the probe is printed at a predetermined position while controlling the ejection timing. Next, the stage is moved to the position of the second line of the probe so that printing is performed by the ejection nozzles of the ninth line of the inkjet head. By this stage movement, printing can be simultaneously performed at the position of the eighth line of the probe by the ejection nozzles of the tenth line of the inkjet head. Thereafter, the inkjet head is moved in the main scanning direction, and the probe is printed at a predetermined position while controlling the ejection timing.
[0032]
Hereinafter, similar operations are performed in the order shown in Table 1.
[0033]
[Table 1]

[0034]
As described above, the number of scans in the main scanning direction could be halved from 12 times to 6 times by setting the carrier probe pitch to a = 400 μm and the inkjet discharge nozzle pitch to b = 2400 μm.
[0035]
Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of the probe arrays shown in FIG. 2 are periodically arranged in the sub-scanning direction on the stage. Although three probe arrays are arranged, the optimal number is set based on the size of the glass substrate and the size of one probe array. Each probe array has the same probe sequence. The upper array was the probe array I, the next array was the probe array II, and the lower array was the probe array III. The pitch c of the probe array was set to twice the probe pitch a. The probe pitch is a = 400 μm, the nozzle pitch is six times the probe pitch a, b = 2400 μm, and the pitch of the probe array is c = 800 μm.
[0036]
First, all the probe arrays I are printed in the same procedure as in Table 1. Then, the rows of the probe array II and the probe array III shown in Table 2 can be simultaneously printed.
[0037]
[Table 2]

[0038]
The remaining rows are only the sixth and twelfth rows of the probe array II and the fifth, sixth, eleventh, and twelfth rows of the probe array III. Next, the rest of the probe array II is printed once by the procedure shown in Table 3.
[0039]
[Table 3]

[0040]
Finally, only the sixth and twelfth rows of the probe array III remain. This is printed at once as shown in Table 4.
[0041]
[Table 4]

[0042]
As described above, by setting the probe pitch to a = 400 μm, setting the nozzle pitch to b = 2400 μm, and setting the probe array pitch to c = 800 μm, the number of scans in the main scanning direction is reduced from 36 times to 8 times. It could be significantly reduced.
[0043]
Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a carrier in which the pitch c of the probe array is set to 11 times the probe pitch a (that is, 4400 μm) from the carrier of FIG. With this arrangement, it is easy to cut the glass after the probe printing.
[0044]
First, all the prints of the probe array III are printed in the order shown in Table 5 below. Then, the rows of the probe array II and the probe array I shown in Table 2 can be simultaneously printed.
[0045]
[Table 5]

[0046]
The remaining rows are rows 5, 6, 11, 12 of the probe array II and rows 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 of the probe array I. Next, the probe array II is printed according to the procedure shown in Table 6.
[0047]
[Table 6]

[0048]
Finally, only lines 5, 6, 11, and 12 of probe I remain. This can be printed twice, as shown in Table 7.
[0049]
[Table 7]

[0050]
As described above, in a carrier having a wide probe array pitch, in consideration of cutting the glass after the probe printing, the probe pitch is set to a = 400 μm, the nozzle pitch is set to b = 2400 μm, and the probe array pitch is set to c. = 4400 μm, the number of scans in the main scanning direction could be significantly reduced from 36 to 10.
[0051]
In the present embodiment, the inkjet head 100 is moved in the main scanning direction, and the stage 103, that is, the carrier, is moved in the sub-scanning direction. However, the reverse may be performed, or either one may be moved in both directions.
[0052]
Further, a unit having a plurality of inkjet heads may be used.
[0053]
Furthermore, the amount of probe solution discharged from the discharge nozzle is 100 picoliters from 0.1 picoliter, that the area occupied by each of the probe solution applied from the discharge nozzle is 0.01μm ² ~40000μm ² preferable.
[0054]
Further, the probe may be DNA, RNA, cDNA (complementary DNA), PNA, oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, other nucleic acid, oligopeptide, polypeptide, protein, enzyme, substrate for enzyme, antibody, epitope for antibody, antigen, hormone. , Hormone receptor, ligand, ligand receptor, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide, or a combination thereof.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, manufacturing efficiency can be improved by simultaneously printing a plurality of rows of the probe array.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an example of a probe carrier.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a nozzle configuration of an inkjet head.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a procedure for printing on the probe carrier of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an example in which a plurality of the same probe arrays are arranged on a carrier.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another example in which a plurality of the same probe arrays are arranged on a carrier.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 100 inkjet head 101 shaft 102 carrier 103 stage 201 probe 301 discharge nozzle

Claims (10)

While the liquid ejection head having the nozzle array scans the carrier in the main scanning direction, the probe solution is ejected from the nozzles onto the carrier by the ink jet method, whereby a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to the target substance are provided. Is a method for producing a probe carrier having a probe array arranged in an array on the carrier,
Assuming that the pitch interval of the probes in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction is a and the pitch interval of the nozzles is b, b is an integral multiple of a and a plurality of rows of the probes in the sub-scanning direction are printed simultaneously. A method for producing a probe carrier. The method according to claim 1, wherein the scanning in the main scanning direction and the scanning in the sub-scanning direction moves the liquid ejection head with respect to the carrier. The scanning in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction moves the carrier with respect to the liquid ejection head, or the scanning in the main scanning direction moves the liquid ejection head with respect to the carrier, The scanning in the sub-scanning direction moves the carrier with respect to the liquid ejection head, or the scanning in the main scanning direction moves the carrier with respect to the liquid ejection head, and the scanning in the sub-scanning direction The method for manufacturing a probe carrier according to claim 1, wherein a liquid ejection head is moved with respect to the carrier. While the liquid ejection head having the nozzle array scans the carrier in the main scanning direction, the probe solution is ejected from the nozzles onto the carrier by the ink jet method, whereby a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to the target substance are provided. A method for manufacturing a probe carrier, wherein a plurality of probe arrays arranged in an array on the carrier are periodically arranged in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction,
When the pitch interval of the probes in the sub-scanning direction is a, the pitch interval of the nozzles is b, and the pitch interval of the probe array is c, b is an integral multiple of a, and c is an integral multiple of a. A method for manufacturing a probe carrier, wherein a plurality of rows of probes are simultaneously printed over a plurality of probe arrays in the sub-scanning direction. The method of manufacturing a probe carrier according to claim 4, wherein the scanning in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction moves the liquid ejection head with respect to the carrier. The scanning in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction moves the carrier with respect to the liquid ejection head, or the scanning in the main scanning direction moves the liquid ejection head with respect to the carrier, The scanning in the sub-scanning direction moves the carrier with respect to the liquid ejection head, or the scanning in the main scanning direction moves the carrier with respect to the liquid ejection head, and the scanning in the sub-scanning direction The method for manufacturing a probe carrier according to claim 4, wherein a liquid ejection head is moved with respect to the carrier. While a liquid ejection head having a nozzle array scans the carrier in the main scanning direction, the probe solution is ejected from the nozzles onto the carrier by an inkjet method, whereby a plurality of types capable of specifically binding to the target substance are provided. An apparatus for producing a probe carrier having a probe array in which the probes are arranged in an array on the carrier,
An apparatus for manufacturing a probe carrier, wherein a pitch b of the nozzles is an integral multiple of a, where a is a pitch of the probes in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The apparatus for manufacturing a probe carrier according to claim 7, further comprising a liquid ejection head unit including a plurality of the liquid ejection heads. While the liquid ejection head having the nozzle array scans the carrier in the main scanning direction, the probe solution is ejected from the nozzles onto the carrier by the ink jet method, whereby a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to the target substance are provided. Is a probe carrier having a probe array arranged in an array on the carrier,
A probe carrier having a pitch interval a between the probes in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction such that a pitch interval b of the nozzle array is an integral multiple of a. While the liquid ejection head having the nozzle array scans the carrier in the main scanning direction, the probe solution is ejected from the nozzles onto the carrier by the ink jet method, whereby a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to the target substance are provided. Is a probe carrier further arranged a plurality of probe arrays arranged in an array on the carrier, periodically arranged in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction,
The pitch interval a of the probes in the sub-scanning direction has a pitch interval such that b is an integer multiple of a, where b is the pitch interval of the nozzles, and the pitch interval c of the probe array is a A probe carrier that is an integer multiple of

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