JP2010008145A - Microinspection chip, quantitative liquid sending method of microinspection chip and inspection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microinspection chip, capable of sending a liquid collectively present at one place to a predetermined flow channel in predetermined timing at a predetermined speed, by quantifying and distributing a predetermined amount of the liquid and also having the high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the flow channel, and to provide a quantitative liquid sending method of the microinspection chip and an inspection apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid stored in a liquid storage part is sent to a liquid-quantifying part to be quantified and held, and the liquid held to the liquid-quantifying part is sent, by cutting off from the air, in a state where the downstream flow channel of a liquid sending destination is opened to the outside. This liquid quantifying and sending method is utilized to enable provision for the microinspection chip, capable of sending the liquid collectively present an one place to the predetermined flow channel with a predetermined timing, at a predetermined speed, by quantifying and distributing the predetermined amount of the liquid and also having the high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the flow channel, the quantitative liquid-sending method of the microinspection chip, and the inspection device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a micro test chip, a method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip, and a test apparatus, and more particularly, testing and analysis of biological materials by gene amplification reaction, antigen-antibody reaction, etc., testing and analysis of other chemical substances, organic synthesis The present invention relates to a micro test chip used for chemical synthesis of a target compound by the method, a quantitative liquid feeding method of the micro test chip, and a test apparatus.

  In recent years, by making full use of micromachine technology and ultrafine processing technology, devices and means (for example, pumps, valves, flow paths, sensors, etc.) for performing conventional sample preparation, chemical analysis, chemical synthesis, etc. have been miniaturized. An analysis chip (hereinafter referred to as a micro inspection chip) integrated on a chip has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  This is also called μ-TAS (Micro Total Analysis System), bioreactor, Lab-on-chip, biochip, and it is used in the medical examination / diagnosis field, environmental measurement field, and agricultural production field. Application is expected. In particular, when complicated processes such as those found in genetic testing, skilled techniques, and operation of equipment are required, micro test chips that excel in automation, speed-up, and simplification are cost-effective and require sample volume. Because it enables analysis not only for the required time but also for any time and place, the benefits are great.

  In the micro test chip as described above, it is important to accurately divide and quantify the specimen or reagent used for the test as necessary, and send the solution to the required place at the required timing. If the sample or reagent is divided and quantified with high accuracy and cannot be delivered in a timely manner, the reaction and the detection result will be greatly affected.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 2, the liquid introduced into the first flow path is drawn into the third flow path connecting the first flow path and the second flow path by capillarity, After removing the liquid in the flow path, the liquid in the third flow path is sent to the second flow path, thereby forming a liquid droplet having a volume corresponding to the volume of the third flow path. A method is disclosed. Furthermore, a method for dividing and quantifying liquid into a plurality of channels is also disclosed.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a method for dividing and quantifying the amount of liquid by the volume of the flow path by moving the liquid in the chip using a centrifugal force generated by rotating the chip.

Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses a microchip in which a plurality of pumps, a valve structure, and a reaction vessel are arranged, and the valves and pumps are controlled by appropriately selecting them to send liquids.
JP 2004-28589 A JP 2002-357616 A JP 2000-514928 gazette JP 2003-94395 A

  However, in the method proposed in Patent Document 2, three flow paths are necessary only for quantifying the liquid, and the structure of the micro test chip becomes complicated. Further, when switching between the step of removing the liquid in the first flow path and the step of feeding the liquid in the third flow path to the second flow path, the force of the liquid feed pump is switched, It is necessary to devise measures such as sealing the end of the flow path in the middle of the liquid feeding process, which complicates the operation of the micro inspection chip. Furthermore, since each flow path remains connected even after the division and quantification, there is a problem that the divided liquids cannot be individually fed independently.

  In addition, the method proposed in Patent Document 3 has a problem in that it cannot be individually divided, quantified, and fed for each flow path because liquid flow by centrifugal force is simultaneously performed in all flow paths. . Furthermore, since it is necessary to arrange the flow path in the direction from the center of rotation to the outside, there is a problem that the degree of freedom of arrangement of the flow path is small.

  Furthermore, in the method proposed in Patent Document 4, it is disclosed that an arbitrary reagent existing individually is controlled separately and selectively fed, but the specimen stored in one place is disclosed. It does not show how to accurately quantify and divide the reagent and reagent.

  In particular, specimens that are often injected into the micro test chip from the outside are cumbersome to inject in multiple locations, and there is a high possibility of injection leakage. Therefore, the sample is injected at one location and quantified inside the micro test chip. It is desirable to be distributed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and quantifies a predetermined amount of a liquid such as a sample or a reagent present in one place at a predetermined speed at a predetermined timing in a predetermined flow path. An object of the present invention is to provide a micro inspection chip, a fixed amount liquid feeding method of a micro inspection chip, and an inspection apparatus that can distribute and send liquids and have a high degree of freedom in arrangement of flow paths.

  The object of the present invention can be achieved by the following constitution.

1. A liquid reservoir for storing liquid;
A liquid quantification unit that quantifies and holds the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit;
A connection channel for communicating the liquid reservoir and the liquid metering unit;
A first fluid introduction path for introducing fluid from the outside into the liquid reservoir;
A second fluid introduction path communicating with the connection flow path and introducing a fluid into the connection flow path;
A branching portion communicating with the liquid quantification unit;
A plurality of branch passages communicated with the branch portion;
A plurality of downstream channels communicated with the plurality of branch channels;
A micro test chip comprising a plurality of downstream channel opening / closing means communicating with the plurality of downstream channels and opening or closing the plurality of downstream channels to the outside.

2. An exhaust passage communicated with the branch portion;
2. The micro inspection chip according to 1 above, further comprising an exhaust channel opening / closing means communicating with the exhaust channel.

  3. 3. The micro test chip according to 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first fluid introduction path and the second fluid introduction path has an air reservoir.

4). An intake flow path communicating with the second fluid introduction path;
4. The micro test chip according to any one of 1 to 3, further comprising an intake channel opening / closing means communicating with the intake channel.

5). First fluid introduction path opening / closing means communicated with the first fluid introduction path;
5. The micro inspection chip according to any one of 2 to 4, further comprising: a second fluid introduction path opening / closing means communicating with the second fluid introduction path.

  6). 6. The micro inspection chip according to any one of 1 to 5, wherein a second liquid is previously stored in at least one of the plurality of downstream flow paths.

  7). 7. The micro test chip according to any one of 1 to 6, wherein the liquid quantification unit has a water repellent valve.

8). The method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip according to any one of 1 to 4 or 6,
A liquid storage step of storing the liquid in the liquid storage section;
A liquid quantification step of introducing the fluid into the first fluid introduction path to send the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir to the liquid quantifier and determine and hold it;
The liquid held in the liquid metering unit by selecting and opening any one of the plurality of downstream flow path opening / closing means and introducing air from the second fluid introduction path to the connection flow path. And a liquid feeding step for feeding the selected liquid to the downstream flow path communicating with the selected downstream flow path opening / closing means.

  9. 9. The method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip according to 8, wherein the liquid quantifying step releases the air at the branch portion to the outside by opening the exhaust passage opening / closing means.

10. A method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip according to 5 and 6 above,
A liquid storage step of storing the liquid in the liquid storage section;
Opening the first fluid introduction path opening / closing means and the exhaust flow path opening / closing means, and exhausting the air inside the exhaust flow path to the outside, thereby allowing the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion to flow into the liquid A liquid quantification process for feeding and quantifying and holding the liquid in the quantification section;
Open the second fluid introduction path opening / closing means and any one of the plurality of downstream flow path opening / closing means, and let the air inside the downstream flow path communicated with the opened downstream flow path opening / closing means to the outside A method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip, comprising: a liquid feeding step for feeding the liquid held in the liquid quantitative unit to the downstream flow path by exhausting.

  11. 11. The method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip according to any one of 8 to 10, wherein the liquid quantifying step and the liquid feeding step are repeated a plurality of times.

  12 12. The micro test chip according to 11, wherein an intake stroke for sucking air into the second fluid introduction path through the intake flow path by opening the intake flow path opening / closing means is provided. A fixed liquid feeding method.

  13. 7. A meniscus detection unit for detecting a leading portion of the liquid fed to the liquid quantification unit is provided in the vicinity of the liquid quantification unit of the micro inspection chip according to any one of 1 to 6. Inspection equipment.

  14 14. An inspection apparatus comprising: a drive control unit that controls liquid supply using the micro inspection chip quantitative liquid supply method according to any one of 9 to 13.

  According to the present invention, the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit is sent to the liquid quantification unit, quantified and held, and held in the liquid quantification unit in a state where the downstream flow path of the liquid supply destination is opened to the outside. The liquid is divided by air and sent. As a result, the liquid present in one place can be quantified and distributed in a predetermined amount at a predetermined speed to a predetermined flow path at a predetermined speed, and the liquid can be distributed with a high degree of freedom. It is possible to provide a micro inspection chip, a method for quantitatively feeding a micro inspection chip, and an inspection apparatus.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  First, an inspection apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an inspection apparatus according to the present invention.

  1, the inspection apparatus 1 includes a micro inspection chip 100, a micro pump unit 210, a heating / cooling unit 230, a detection unit 250, a meniscus detection unit 260, a drive control unit 270, and the like.

  The micro inspection chip 100 is equivalent to what is generally called an analysis chip, a microreactor chip, and the like. For example, the micro inspection chip 100 is made of resin, glass, silicon, ceramics, and the like. Is formed with a fine flow path having a level of several μm to several hundred μm. The size and shape of the micro inspection chip 100 is usually a plate shape having a length and width of several tens of mm and a thickness of several mm.

  Here, the micro-inspection chip 100 is formed of a water-repellent resin material such as polypropylene, for example, in order to smoothly feed the liquid, and has a groove-like channel for flowing a liquid such as a reagent or a specimen on the surface. The flow path substrate 101 is formed on the surface of the flow path substrate 101 and is bonded to the surface of the flow path substrate 101 where the flow path is formed. And When it is necessary to use a hydrophilic material, it is desirable to perform a water repellent treatment such as coating the entire flow path or a portion of the flow path that requires water repellency with a fluorine-based material. Further, the top plate 103 is provided with a communication port between the micro pump unit 210 and the micro test chip 100.

  The micro pump unit 210 is a pump unit for performing liquid feeding in the micro test chip 100, and includes a micro pump 211, a chip connection unit 213, a driving liquid tank 215, a driving liquid supply unit 217, and the like. The micropump unit 210 includes one or a plurality of micropumps 211. The micropump 211 feeds the liquid in the micro test chip 100 by injecting or sucking the driving liquid 216 into the micro test chip 100. The micro pump will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The chip connection unit 213 connects the micropump 211 and the micro inspection chip 100.

  The driving liquid supply unit 217 supplies the driving liquid 216 from the driving liquid tank 215 to the micropump 211. The driving liquid tank 215 can be removed and replaced from the driving liquid supply unit 217 to replenish the driving liquid 216. One or a plurality of pumps are formed on the micropump 211, and the plurality of pumps can be driven independently or in conjunction with each other.

  The micro test chip 100 and the micropump 211 are connected by a chip connection part 213 and communicated with each other. Various reagents stored in a plurality of storage units in the micro test chip 100 by the driving liquid 216 that is driven into the micro test chip 100 from the micro pump 211 via the chip connection unit 213 by the micro pump 211 being driven. And the specimen are fed in the micro test chip 100. Alternatively, various reagents and specimens stored in a plurality of storage units in the micro test chip 100 are sent in the micro test chip 100 by a gas such as air pushed by the driving liquid 216.

  The heating / cooling unit 230 includes a cooling unit 231, a heating unit 233, and the like, and heats and cools a specimen, a reagent, a mixed solution thereof, and the like in order to promote and suppress a reaction in the micro test chip 100. The cooling unit 231 includes a Peltier element or the like. The heating unit 233 includes a heater or the like. Of course, the heating unit 233 may also be formed of a Peltier element.

  The detection unit 250 includes a light source 251 such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser, a light receiving element 253 such as a photodiode (PD), and the like, and a target substance contained in a generated liquid obtained by a reaction in the micro inspection chip 100. Is detected optically at the position of the detection region 255 on the micro inspection chip 100.

  The meniscus detection unit 260 is disposed in the vicinity of a liquid quantification unit 131 (to be described later) of the micro test chip 100, and detects the leading portion (hereinafter referred to as meniscus) 151a of the liquid 151 fed to the liquid quantification unit 131. The detection method includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, for example, an optical method for detecting a change in the amount of reflected light from the liquid quantifying unit 131, an electrical method for detecting a change in the electrical resistance of the liquid quantifying unit 131, etc. Can be considered.

  The drive control unit 270 includes a microcomputer, a memory, and the like (not shown), and drives, controls, and detects each unit in the inspection apparatus 1.

(First embodiment)
Next, a first embodiment of the micro test chip according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the micro test chip 100. FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the flow path formed on the surface of the flow path substrate 101, and FIG. ) Is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG.

  2A and 2B, on the surface of the flow path substrate 101 of the micro test chip 100, a first fluid introduction path 111, a liquid storage portion 113, a liquid injection port 113i, a connection flow path 115, a second flow path are provided. The fluid introduction path 121, the liquid quantification part 131, the branch part 133, the two branch flow paths 135a and 135b, and the two downstream flow paths 141a and 141b are formed. Here, the number of the branch flow paths and the downstream flow paths is two, but the number is not limited to this, and may be three or more.

  The first fluid introduction path 111 communicates with the upstream side of the liquid storage unit 113, and the downstream side of the liquid storage unit 113 and the upstream side of the liquid metering unit 131 communicate with each other through the connection channel 115. The second fluid introduction path 121 communicates with the connection flow path 115 at the junction 117. As will be described later, by injecting air from the second fluid introduction channel 121 to the connection channel 115, the liquid in the liquid storage unit 113 and the liquid in the liquid metering unit 131 are separated, and thus the connection channel 115. It is desirable that the cross-sectional area of the channel be narrow.

  The branch part 133 communicates with the downstream side of the liquid quantification part 131 and branches into two branch flow paths 135a and 135b. The two branch flow paths 135a and 135b communicate with the two downstream flow paths 141a and 141b, respectively. Here, although the downstream flow paths 141a and 141b are illustrated as having the same shape, the present invention is not limited to this, and the volume, length, shape, and the like may be different from each other.

  At the upstream ends of the first fluid introduction path 111 and the second fluid introduction path 121, pump pump communication ports P1 and P2 with the micropump 211 shown in FIG. 1 are provided. When the micro inspection chip 100 is inserted into the inspection apparatus 1, the pump communication ports P1 and P2 are communicated with the micro pump 211 via the chip connection portion 213, and the air 153 or the drive is supplied from the micro pump 211 as necessary. Liquid 216 is injected.

  In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the liquid 151 is sent by the driving liquid 216 injected into the micro test chip 100 from the micro pump 211 via the air 153 therebetween. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, a pump that injects air instead of the driving liquid 216 may be used, or the liquid 151 may be directly fed by the driving liquid 216 without using the air 153.

  However, when the liquid is directly fed by the driving liquid 216, for example, an oil-based driving liquid 216 is used so that the liquid and the driving liquid are not mixed, or the liquid is measured so that the driving liquid 216 is not mixed into the liquid determination unit 131. It is preferable to take measures such as increasing the amount of the liquid 151 stored in the storage unit 113.

  The downstream ends of the two downstream channels 141a and 141b are downstream channel opening / closing means according to the present invention, and valves V1 and V2 that can be individually opened and closed communicate with each other to open the downstream channels 141a and 141b to the outside. Or close. The valves V1 and V2 may be formed on the micro test chip 100. As shown in FIG. 2B, the micro test chip 100 is provided with valve communication ports V1 and V2, and the valve 280 itself is external. May be provided. Also in this case, the valve 280 can individually open and close the valve communication ports V1 and V2.

  In the first embodiment, the liquid 151 stored in the liquid storage unit 113 is quantified by the liquid quantification unit 131, and the quantified liquid 151 is sent to the downstream flow path 141a. Next, an example in which the liquid 151 stored in the liquid storage unit 113 is quantified again by the liquid quantification unit 131 and the quantified liquid 151 is sent to the downstream flow channel 141b will be described.

  Each flow path is filled with air 153 before the liquid 151 is injected into the liquid reservoir 113. However, the second liquids 155 and 157 are previously injected and held in the two downstream flow paths 141a and 141b. Here, the liquid 151 is, for example, a specimen, and the second liquids 155 and 157 are, for example, two different reagents, and the liquid 151 is sent to the downstream flow paths 141a and 141b, so that A reaction between the specimen and the reagent is performed.

  The liquid 151 is injected into the liquid reservoir 113 from the liquid inlet 113i. After the liquid 151 is injected, the liquid inlet 113i is sealed with a sealing member 113s such as an adhesive tape.

  The meniscus detector 260 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the vicinity of the downstream end of the liquid quantification unit 131 on the top plate 103 side of the micro test chip 100, and whether the meniscus 151a of the liquid 151 has reached the detection point 260a. Is detected. For example, when the detection is performed by the optical method described above, at least the liquid quantification unit 131 part of the top plate 103 needs to be optically transparent.

  The meniscus detector 260 can move in the direction of the arrow X in the figure, and the detection point 260a can be changed by moving the meniscus detector 260. Therefore, when the liquid 151 is quantified, a predetermined amount can be quantified. Therefore, for example, the amount of the liquid 151 sent to the downstream flow channel 141a can be different from the amount of the liquid 151 sent to the downstream flow channel 141b.

  Subsequently, a liquid quantitative liquid feeding method in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 are flowcharts showing the liquid divided quantitative liquid feeding method in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a main routine, and FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are subroutines. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the flow path in the liquid quantification step and the liquid feeding step described later.

  3, in step S11, a liquid 151 such as a reagent or a specimen is injected into the liquid reservoir 113i from the liquid inlet 113i using a pipette or the like. In step S12, the liquid inlet 113i is sealed by the sealing member 113s. Sealed (liquid storage step). The steps so far are steps performed by the micro inspection chip 100 alone.

  Next, in step S <b> 13, the micro inspection chip 100 is inserted into the inspection apparatus 1. In step S14, the drive control unit 270 of the inspection apparatus 1 sets a parameter n = 1 for valve selection. In step S15, the drive control unit 270 executes the liquid determination subroutine shown in FIG. 4 (liquid determination step), and the process returns to the main routine.

  In step S16, the drive control unit 270 confirms whether or not the error flag EF is set (EF = 1) in the liquid determination subroutine of step S15. When the error flag EF is set (step S16; Yes), it is considered that an abnormality has occurred in the liquid determination subroutine, and in step S17, the drive control unit 270 issues an error warning and the operation is terminated. The

  If the error flag EF is not set (step S16; No), in step S18, the drive control unit 270 executes the liquid feeding subroutine shown in FIG. 5 (liquid feeding step), and the process returns to the main routine. In step S19, the drive control unit 270 confirms whether or not the parameter n = 2. When n = 2 (step S19; Yes), it is considered that the liquid 151 has been sent to both the downstream flow paths 141a and 141b, and the operation is ended as it is. If n = 2 is not satisfied (step S19; No), in step S20, 1 is added to n by the drive control unit 270, the process returns to step S15, and the above-described operation is repeated.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of Step S15 “Liquid Determination Subroutine” in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, in step S <b> 151, the pump communication ports P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 of the micro test chip 100 inserted into the test apparatus 1 are communicated with the micropump 211, and the valve communication ports V <b> 1 and V <b> 2 are communicated with the valve 280. In step S152, the valve 280 is controlled by the drive control unit 270, and the valve communication ports V1 and V2 are closed. In step S153, according to the value of the parameter n (n is 1 or 2) for valve selection in FIG. When n = 1, only the valve communication port V1 is opened, and when n = 2, only the valve communication port V2 is opened.

  In step S154, according to the value of the parameter n (n is 1 or 2), the drive control unit 270 moves the position of the meniscus detection unit 260 to the predetermined position Xn in the arrow X direction shown in FIG. Thus, when the liquid 151 is quantified by the liquid quantification unit 131, a predetermined amount according to the parameter n can be quantified. In step S155, the drive control unit 270 initializes the error flag EF (EF = 0).

  In step S156, the micro pump 211 communicated with the pump communication port P1 is driven by the drive control unit 270, and the driving liquid 216 is injected into the first fluid introduction path 111 and pushed by the driving liquid 216. Pushed by the air 153 in the fluid introduction path 111, the liquid 151 stored in the liquid storage unit 113 flows out to the liquid metering unit 131 via the connection channel 115.

  At this time, when the parameter n = 1, the air 153 in the connection channel 115 and the liquid quantification unit 131 passes from the opened valve communication port V1 via the branch unit 133, the branch channel 135a, and the downstream channel 141a. It is discharged outside. Further, when the parameter n = 2, the air is discharged from the opened valve communication port V2 through the branch part 133, the branch channel 135b, and the downstream channel 141b.

  In step S157, the drive control unit 270 confirms whether the meniscus 151a of the liquid 151 is detected by the meniscus detection unit 260. When the meniscus 151a is not detected (step S157; No), it is a time-out period after the micropump 211 communicated with the pump communication port P1 is first started in step S156 by the drive control unit 270 in step S158. It is confirmed whether or not the predetermined time T1 has elapsed.

  When the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (step S158; No), the process returns to step S156 and the above-described operation is repeated. When the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S158; Yes), it is considered that an error has occurred in which the liquid supply from the liquid reservoir 113 to the liquid metering unit 131 is not completed within the predetermined time T1, and drive control is performed in step S159. The error flag EF is set by the unit 270 (EF = 1), and the process proceeds to step S160.

  When the meniscus 151a is detected in step S157 (step S157; Yes), the process proceeds to step S160, and the drive control unit 270 stops the micropump 211 connected to the pump communication port P1, and in step S161, the drive control unit By 270, the valve communication port V1 or V2 opened in step S153 is closed, and the process returns to the main routine.

  FIG. 6A shows the state of the flow path at the end of step S15 “liquid quantification subroutine”. A part of the liquid 151 stored in the liquid storage unit 113 is fed and injected into the liquid metering unit 131 via the connection channel 115. When the meniscus 151 a of the liquid 151 injected into the liquid quantification unit 131 reaches the position of the detection point 260 a of the meniscus detection unit 260, the liquid feeding is stopped and the liquid 151 is held in the liquid quantification unit 131.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of step S18 “liquid feeding subroutine” in FIG.

  5, in step S181, the drive control unit 270 causes the valve communication port V1 when n = 1 by the valve 280 according to the value of the parameter n (n is 1 or 2) for valve selection in FIG. However, when n = 2, the valve communication port V2 is opened.

  In step S183, the micro pump 211 communicated with the pump communication port P2 is driven by the drive control unit 270, the driving liquid 216 is injected into the second fluid introduction path 121, and is pushed by the driving liquid 216. Air 153 in the fluid introduction path 121 is injected into the connection flow path 115. As a result, the liquid 151 held in the liquid quantitative unit 131 is divided from the liquid 151 in the liquid storage unit 113 and flows into the branching unit 133.

  At this time, when the parameter n = 1, the air 153 in the branch part 133, the branch flow path 135a, and the downstream flow path 141a is exhausted to the outside from the opened valve communication port V1, and the parameter n = 2. In this case, the air 153 in the branch part 133, the branch flow path 135b, and the downstream flow path 141b is discharged to the outside from the opened valve communication port V2.

  The liquid 151 held in the liquid quantification unit 131 is injected into the downstream channel 141a via the branching unit 133 and the branching channel 135a when the parameter n = 1, and when the parameter n = 2. Then, it is injected into the downstream channel 141b via the branch part 133 and the branch channel 135b.

  In step S185, the drive control unit 270 confirms whether or not a predetermined time T2, which is a liquid feed end time, has elapsed since the micro pump 211 connected to the pump communication port P2 was first driven in step S183. Is done. When the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed (step S185; No), the process returns to step S183 and the above-described operation is repeated.

  When the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (step S185; Yes), in step S187, the drive control unit 270 stops the micropump 211 communicated with the pump communication port P2, and in step S189, the drive control unit 270 performs step. The valve communication port V1 or V2 opened in S181 is closed, and the process returns to the main routine.

  FIG. 6B shows the state of the flow path at the end of step S18 “Liquid liquid feeding subroutine” when the parameter n = 1, that is, the state in which the liquid 151 is quantified and sent to the downstream flow path 141a. .

  In FIG. 6B, the liquid 151 held in the liquid metering unit 131 is separated from the liquid 151 in the liquid reservoir 113 by the air 153 injected from the second fluid introduction channel 121 into the connection channel 115. Thus, it is injected into the downstream channel 141a through the branch part 133 and the branch channel 135a. The liquid 151 injected into the downstream flow path 141a is mixed with the second liquid 155 previously held in the downstream flow path 141a to become a mixed liquid 156, and the reaction is started.

  When the parameter n = 2, the valve communication port V2 is open, so that the liquid 151 is injected into the downstream flow path 141b via the branch portion 133 and the branch flow path 135b.

  In addition, when the air 153 is injected from the second fluid introduction path 121 to the connection flow path 115, the air 153 remaining in the liquid reservoir 113 may flow backward to the pump communication port P1 side. A check valve may be provided between the liquid reservoir 113 and the pump communication port P1 for preventing backflow.

  By controlling the driving speed of the micropump 211 in the liquid quantification process and the liquid feeding process described above, the liquid feeding speed of the liquid 151 can be controlled to a predetermined speed, and the liquid 151 is predetermined at a predetermined timing. The liquid can be sent at a speed.

  In the first embodiment, the meniscus detection unit 260 is used for quantifying the liquid 151 in the liquid quantification unit 131. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pump with high liquid feeding accuracy is used. Various methods such as a method of quantifying and a method of providing a water repellent valve in the liquid quantifying unit 131 and stopping the meniscus by surface tension when the liquid is fed to the water repellent valve can be used.

  An example of a method of providing a water repellent valve in the liquid quantification unit 131 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views showing another example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a flow channel shape, and FIG. 7B shows a liquid fixed state.

  In FIG. 7A, the liquid quantifying unit 131 includes a water repellent valve 131a at a position of a capacity necessary for quantification. The other channel configuration is the same as that in FIG.

  In FIG. 7B, the micro fluid pump 211 communicated with the pump communication port P 1 is driven, the driving fluid 216 is injected into the first fluid introduction channel 111, and the first fluid introduction channel pushed by the driving fluid 216. The liquid 151 that is pushed by the air 153 in the liquid 111 and stored in the liquid storage unit 113 is injected into the liquid fixed amount unit 131 through the connection channel 115.

  The liquid feeding pressure of the micropump 211 at this time is a pressure at which the liquid 151 cannot exceed the water repellent valve 131a. As a result, the liquid 151 injected into the liquid quantifying unit 131 stops being fed when the water repellent valve 131 a is filled, and is quantified by the volume of the liquid quantifying unit 131.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a part of the liquid 151 stored in the liquid storage unit 113 is sent to the liquid quantification unit 131 for quantification, and the quantified liquid 151 is supplied to the second liquid measurement unit 131. The air 153 injected from the fluid introduction path 121 into the liquid quantitative unit 131 is separated from the liquid 151 in the liquid storage unit 113 and sent to the downstream flow path. The downstream flow path of the liquid sending destination is determined by opening and closing the valve communication ports V1 and V2.

  As a result, the liquid present in one place can be quantified and distributed in a predetermined amount at a predetermined speed to a predetermined flow path at a predetermined speed, and the liquid can be distributed with a high degree of freedom. It is possible to provide a micro inspection chip, a method for quantitatively feeding a micro inspection chip, and an inspection apparatus.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the micro test chip according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the micro test chip 100.

  8, in the second embodiment, an exhaust passage 137 communicates with the branching portion 133 in the first embodiment of FIG. 2, and an exhaust passage according to the present invention is disposed at the downstream end of the exhaust passage 137. A valve V3, which is an opening / closing means and can be individually opened and closed, is communicated, and the branching portion 133 is opened or closed to the outside via the exhaust passage 137.

  The valve V3 may be formed on the micro test chip 100 in the same manner as the valves V1 and V2 in the first embodiment, and the valve communication port is connected to the micro test chip 100 as in FIG. V1, V2, and V3 may be provided, and the valve 280 itself may be provided outside. Also in this case, the valve 280 can individually open and close the valve communication ports V1, V2, and V3.

  The downstream flow path 141a is configured by a second liquid holding section 161a, a mixing flow path 163a, and a reaction detection section 165a communicating in this order, and the downstream flow path 141b is configured by the second liquid holding section 161b, the mixed flow. The path 163b and the reaction detection unit 165b are configured to communicate with each other in this order.

  Second liquids 155 and 157 are previously injected and held in the second liquid holding portions 161a and 161b, respectively. The mixing channels 163a and 163b are configured such that a wide portion and a narrow portion of the channel cross-sectional area are alternately connected in a plurality of stages, and the liquid 151 and the second liquid 155 are easily mixed. In the reaction detection units 165a and 165b, the detection unit 250 shown in FIG. 1 detects the reaction result of the liquid mixture of the liquid 151 and the second liquid 155. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a method for quantitatively feeding liquid according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The main routine and step S18 “liquid feeding subroutine” of the liquid quantitative feeding method in the second embodiment are the same as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 of the first embodiment, respectively. Only S15 “liquid determination subroutine” is different from FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of Step S15 “Liquid quantification subroutine” in the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, in step S <b> 251, pump communication ports P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 of the micro test chip 100 inserted into the test apparatus 1 are communicated with the micropump 211, and valve communication ports V <b> 1, V <b> 2 and V <b> 3 are communicated with the valve 280. In step S252, the valve 280 is controlled by the drive control unit 270 to close the valve communication ports V1, V2, and V3. In step S153, the valve communication port V3 is opened. Steps S154 and S155 are the same as those in FIG.

  In step S256, the micro pump 211 communicated with the pump communication port P1 is driven by the drive control unit 270 so that the driving liquid 216 is injected into the first fluid introduction path 111 and pushed by the driving liquid 216. Pushed by the air 153 in the fluid introduction path 111, the liquid 151 stored in the liquid storage unit 113 flows out to the liquid metering unit 131 via the connection channel 115.

  At this time, the air 153 in the connection channel 115 and the liquid quantification unit 131 is discharged to the outside from the opened valve communication port V3 via the exhaust channel 137. Steps S157 to S160 are the same as those in FIG. In step S261, the open valve communication port V3 is closed by the drive control unit 270, and the process returns to the main routine.

  In the second embodiment, since the air 153 between the liquid quantification unit 131 and the second liquid holding units 161a and 161b is exhausted, when the liquid 151 is sent to the downstream flow path 141a or 141b, The liquid 151 and the second liquid 155 or 157 are close to each other. Therefore, the liquid 151 and the second liquid 155 or 157 are more reliably mixed in the mixing channel 163a or 163b having a large channel cross-sectional area.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a part of the liquid 151 stored in the liquid storage unit 113 is sent to the liquid quantification unit 131 for quantification, the connection channel 115 and the liquid quantification are used. The air 153 in the part 131 is discharged to the outside through the opened valve communication port V3 through the exhaust passage 137. Thereafter, the quantified liquid 151 is separated from the liquid 151 in the liquid storage unit 113 by the air 153 injected into the liquid quantification unit 131 from the second fluid introduction path 121 and sent to the downstream channel. The downstream flow path of the liquid sending destination is determined by opening and closing the valve communication ports V1 and V2.

  As a result, the liquid present in one place can be quantified and distributed in a predetermined amount at a predetermined speed to a predetermined flow path at a predetermined speed, and the liquid can be distributed with a high degree of freedom. It is possible to provide a micro inspection chip, a method for quantitatively feeding a micro inspection chip, and an inspection apparatus.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the micro test chip according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the micro test chip 100.

  In the present invention, the air 153 is supplied from the second fluid introduction path 121 to the connection flow path 115 in order to separate the liquid 151 quantified and retained from the liquid quantification section 131 and the liquid 151 remaining in the liquid storage section 113. Need to be injected. However, since the air 153 has higher compressibility than the liquid 151, the liquid feeding speed may become unstable when the liquid 151 is fed by the air 153.

  When the liquid feeding speed becomes unstable, the liquid 151 suddenly accelerates and scatters in the flow path, the liquid feed remains in the flow path, or the mixing degree of the liquid 151 and the second liquid 155 or 157 is unstable. It becomes. In the third embodiment, a solution to the problem related to the compressibility of the air 153 described above is proposed.

  10, in the third embodiment, air chambers 171 and 173 are provided in the first fluid introduction path 111 and the second fluid introduction path 121 in the second embodiment in FIG. 8, respectively. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment in FIG.

  When liquid is supplied from the liquid storage unit 113 to the liquid fixed amount unit 131, the micropump 211 communicated with the pump communication port P1 is driven to inject the driving liquid 216 into the first fluid introduction path 111, and the liquid storage unit The liquid 151 stored in 113 is pushed by the air 153 in the air chamber 171 and flows out to the connection channel 115.

  When liquid is fed from the liquid quantification unit 131 to the downstream flow path 141a or 141b, the micropump 211 communicated with the pump communication port P2 is driven, and the driving liquid 216 is injected into the second fluid introduction path 121, so that the liquid The liquid 151 held in the quantification unit 131 is pushed by the air 153 in the air chamber 173 and flows out to the branching unit 133.

  Thus, by providing the air chambers 171 and 173 in the first fluid introduction path 111 and the second fluid introduction path 121, respectively, the amount of the air 153 sandwiched between the liquid 151 and the driving liquid 216 is minimized. Therefore, the problems related to the compressibility of the air 153 described above can be reduced. As described above, the air chamber is ideally provided in each of the first fluid introduction path 111 and the second fluid introduction path 121. However, even if only one of the air chambers is provided, the effect of the provision is not limited. can get.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a further improvement plan of the third embodiment of FIG. In FIG. 11, in the improvement plan, an intake flow path 175 is further communicated with the second fluid introduction path 121 of the third embodiment of FIG. 10. The downstream end of the intake passage 175 is an intake passage opening / closing means in the present invention, and a valve V4 that can be individually opened and closed is communicated with the second fluid introduction passage 121 to the outside via the intake passage 137. Opened or closed. The valve V4 may be configured by a valve communication port V4 and a valve 280, as in the first and second embodiments.

  When the liquid 151 is distributed to a plurality of flow paths (in the third embodiment, the downstream flow paths 141a and 141b), for example, the valve V4 is opened after the liquid supply to the downstream flow path 141a is completed, and the pump communication port P2 is opened. The micropump 211 communicated is driven in the reverse direction, and the driving liquid 216 is sucked to the outside from the second fluid introduction path 121, so that the air chamber 173 can be replenished.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the liquid 151 is distributed to a plurality of flow paths, the air chamber 173 needs to have a volume that is equal to or larger than the total volume of the plurality of flow paths. The chamber 173 becomes larger. However, in the improved plan shown in FIG. 11, even if the number of flow paths to be distributed increases, the size of the air chamber only needs to be one flow path to be distributed.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, by providing the air chambers 171 and 173 in the first fluid introduction path 111 and the second fluid introduction path 121, respectively, the liquid 151 and the driving liquid 216 are provided. Since the amount of the sandwiched air 153 can be minimized, problems related to the compressibility of the air 153 at the time of liquid feeding can be reduced.

  As a result, the liquid present in one place can be quantified and distributed in a predetermined amount at a predetermined speed to a predetermined flow path at a predetermined speed, and the liquid can be distributed with a high degree of freedom. It is possible to provide a micro inspection chip, a method for quantitatively feeding a micro inspection chip, and an inspection apparatus.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the micro test chip according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the micro test chip 100.

  12, in the fourth embodiment, instead of the pump communication ports P1 and P2 in the second embodiment in FIG. 8, the first fluid introduction path opening / closing means and the second fluid introduction path in the present invention are used. Valves V5 and V6, which are open / close means and can be opened and closed individually, are provided, and the first fluid introduction path 111 and the second fluid introduction path 121 are opened or closed to the outside. The valves V5 and V6 may be composed of the valve communication ports V5 and V6 and the valve 280, as in the first to third embodiments.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, suction pumps P3, P4 and P5 are communicated further downstream of the valves V1, V2 and V3 in the second embodiment of FIG. The other configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment in FIG.

  As the suction pumps P3, P4 and P5 used for liquid feeding in the fourth embodiment of the micro inspection chip, the driving liquid 216 or the air 153 may be sucked by the micro pump unit 210 shown in FIG. Instead of the micro pump unit 210, other suction pumps may be used.

  Next, a method for quantitatively feeding liquid according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The main routine of the liquid quantitative feeding method in the fourth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, and step S15 “liquid quantitative subroutine” and step S18 “liquid liquid feeding. Subroutine "differs from FIG. 4 and FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of Step S15 “Liquid quantification subroutine” in the fourth embodiment.

  In FIG. 13, in step S451, suction pumps P3, P4 and P5 are connected to valves V1, V2 and V3 of micro test chip 100 inserted in test apparatus 1, and valves V5 and V6 are connected. In step S452, the drive control unit 270 closes the valves V1, V2, V3, V5, and V6, and in step S453, the valves V3 and V5 are opened. Since steps S154 and S155 are the same as those in FIGS. 4 and 9, the description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S456, the drive control unit 270 drives the suction pump P5 connected to the valve V3, so that the air 153 in the liquid metering unit 131 is sucked to the outside and is drawn by the sucked air 153 to store the liquid. The liquid 151 stored in the part 113 flows into the liquid fixed quantity part 131 through the connection channel 115. Steps S157 to S159 are the same as those in FIG.

  In step S460, the drive controller 270 stops the driving of the suction pump P5. In step S461, the opened valves V3 and V5 are closed by the drive controller 270, and the process returns to the main routine.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of step S18 “liquid feeding subroutine” according to the fourth embodiment.

  In FIG. 14, in step S <b> 481, according to the value of the parameter n (n is 1 or 2) for valve selection in FIG. In the case of = 2, the valves V2 and V6 are opened. In step S482, the drive control unit 270 sets a value (n + 2) to the parameter m for selecting the suction pump. Since n is 1 or 2, m is 3 or 4.

  In step S483, when the parameter n = 1, the drive control unit 270 drives the suction pump P3 connected to the valve V1, and the air 153 in the downstream flow path 141a is sucked to the outside and sucked air 153. As a result, the liquid 151 held in the liquid quantitative unit 131 and the second liquid 155 held in the second liquid holding unit 161a flow into the mixing unit 163a.

  Similarly, in the case of parameter n = 2, the suction control unit 270 drives the suction pump P4 connected to the valve V2, and the air 153 in the downstream flow path 141b is sucked to the outside, and the sucked air 153 is converted into the sucked air 153. As a result, the liquid 151 held in the liquid quantitative unit 131 and the second liquid 157 held in the second liquid holding unit 161b flow into the mixing unit 163b.

  In step S185, the drive control unit 270 confirms whether or not a predetermined time T2 that is a liquid feed end time has elapsed since the suction pump Pm (m is 3 or 4) was first driven in step S483. The When the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed (step S185; No), the process returns to step S483 and the above-described operation is repeated.

  When the predetermined time T2 has elapsed (step S185; Yes), the drive control unit 270 stops the suction pump Pm (m is 3 or 4) in step S487, and in step S489, the drive control unit 270 performs step S481. The valves Vn (n is 1 or 2) and V6 that were opened in (5) are closed, and the process returns to the main routine.

  In the fourth embodiment, the valves V1, V2, and V3 are provided between the suction pumps P3, P4, and P5 and each flow path, but this is not essential, and each suction pump is self-maintaining to some extent or more. The valves V1, V2 and V3 can be omitted if they have power.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a further improvement plan of the fourth embodiment of FIG. In the example of FIG. 12, a suction pump is provided in each of the downstream flow paths 141a and 141b and the exhaust flow path 137. In this case, when the number of downstream flow paths increases, the number of suction pumps increases accordingly, and problems such as an increase in the size and cost of the inspection apparatus 1 and an increase in power consumption occur. Therefore, in FIG. 15, the improvement plan is to share the suction pump into one unit and switch the suction flow path by switching the valves V1, V2, and V3. Thereby, the number of suction pumps can be reduced regardless of the number of downstream flow paths.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the first fluid introduction path 111 is opened to the outside by opening the valve V5, and then the air 153 in the liquid metering unit 131 is changed to the valve V3. Then, a part of the liquid 151 stored in the liquid storage unit 113 is sent to the liquid metering unit 131 by suctioning to the outside. Thereafter, by opening the valve V6 to open the second fluid introduction path 121 to the outside, the air 153 in the downstream flow path 141a or 141b is sucked to the outside through the valve V1 or V2. The quantified liquid 151 is sent to the downstream flow path 141a or 141b.

  As a result, the liquid present in one place can be quantified and distributed in a predetermined amount at a predetermined speed to a predetermined flow path at a predetermined speed, and the liquid can be distributed with a high degree of freedom. It is possible to provide a micro inspection chip, a method for quantitatively feeding a micro inspection chip, and an inspection apparatus.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a method of feeding liquid by injecting air 153 or driving liquid 216 from the upstream side of the liquid reservoir 113 and the liquid metering unit 131 (first to third embodiments), Although the method (fourth embodiment) in which liquid is fed by suction from the downstream side of the liquid quantifying unit 131 is illustrated, these methods may be combined.

  For example, the liquid quantification unit 131 is sucked from the downstream side of the liquid quantification unit 131 and sent from the liquid storage unit 113 to the liquid quantification unit 131, and the air 153 or the driving liquid 216 is injected from the upstream side of the liquid quantification unit 131. For example, the liquid is sent from 131 to the downstream flow path 141a or 141b.

  Further, the liquid feeding to the downstream channel is not limited to the downstream channel 141a and the downstream channel 141b sequentially fed as in the above-described embodiments, but may be in a random order or the same downstream The liquid may be repeatedly sent to the flow path. Alternatively, the liquid may be once sent to another downstream flow path and then fed back to the original downstream flow path.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit is sent to the liquid quantification unit to be quantified and held, and the downstream flow path of the liquid supply destination is opened to the outside, The liquid held in the liquid quantification unit is divided by air and sent. As a result, the liquid present in one place can be quantified and distributed in a predetermined amount at a predetermined speed to a predetermined flow path at a predetermined speed, and the liquid can be distributed with a high degree of freedom. It is possible to provide a micro inspection chip, a method for quantitatively feeding a micro inspection chip, and an inspection apparatus.

  The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each component constituting the micro inspection chip, the micro liquid feeding method of the micro inspection chip, and the inspection apparatus according to the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the test | inspection apparatus in this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of 1st Embodiment of a micro test | inspection chip. It is a flowchart of the main routine which shows the division | segmentation fixed amount liquid feeding method of the liquid in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the subroutine which shows the division | segmentation fixed amount liquid feeding method of the liquid in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the subroutine which shows the division | segmentation fixed amount liquid feeding method of the liquid in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the flow path in a liquid fixed_quantity | assay process and a liquid feeding process. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of 2nd Embodiment of a micro test | inspection chip. 10 is a flowchart of a “liquid determination subroutine” in the second embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of 3rd Embodiment of a micro test | inspection chip. It is a schematic diagram which shows the further improvement plan of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of 4th Embodiment of a micro test | inspection chip. It is a flowchart of the "liquid fixed amount subroutine" in 4th Embodiment. 14 is a flowchart of a “liquid feeding subroutine” in the fourth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the further improvement plan of 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inspection apparatus 100 Micro test | inspection chip 101 Flow path board | substrate 103 Top plate 111 1st fluid introduction path 113 Liquid storage part 113i Liquid injection port 113s Sealing member 115 Connection flow path 117 Junction point 121 2nd fluid introduction path 131 Liquid fixed_quantity | quantitative_assay Portion 131a Water repellent valve 133 Branching portion 135a, 135b Branching channel 137 Exhaust channel 141a, 141b Downstream channel 151 Liquid 151a Liquid head, meniscus 153 Air 155, 157 Second liquid 156 (Liquid and second liquid Liquid mixture 161a, 161b Second liquid holding part 163a, 163b Mixing flow path 165a, 165b Reaction detection part 171, 173 Air chamber 175 Intake flow path 210 Micro pump unit 211 Micro pump 213 Chip connection part 215 Driving liquid tank 216 Driving fluid 21 7 Drive liquid supply unit 230 Heating / cooling unit 231 Cooling unit 233 Heating unit 250 Detection unit 251 Light source 253 Light receiving element 255 Detection region 260 Meniscus detection unit 260a (meniscus detection unit) Detection point 270 Drive control unit 280 Valves V1, V2, V3 , V4, V5, V6 Valve or valve communication port P1, P2 Pump communication port P3, P4, P5 Suction pump

Claims (14)

A liquid reservoir for storing liquid;
A liquid quantification unit that quantifies and holds the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit;
A connection channel for communicating the liquid reservoir and the liquid metering unit;
A first fluid introduction path for introducing fluid from the outside into the liquid reservoir;
A second fluid introduction path communicating with the connection flow path and introducing a fluid into the connection flow path;
A branching portion communicating with the liquid quantification unit;
A plurality of branch passages communicated with the branch portion;
A plurality of downstream channels communicated with the plurality of branch channels;
A micro test chip comprising a plurality of downstream channel opening / closing means communicating with the plurality of downstream channels and opening or closing the plurality of downstream channels to the outside. An exhaust passage communicated with the branch portion;
The micro inspection chip according to claim 1, further comprising an exhaust passage opening / closing means communicated with the exhaust passage. 3. The micro test chip according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fluid introduction path and the second fluid introduction path has an air reservoir. An intake flow path communicating with the second fluid introduction path;
The micro test chip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an intake channel opening / closing means communicating with the intake channel. First fluid introduction path opening / closing means communicated with the first fluid introduction path;
5. The micro test chip according to claim 2, further comprising second fluid introduction path opening / closing means communicating with the second fluid introduction path. 6. The micro test chip according to claim 1, wherein a second liquid is stored in advance in at least one of the plurality of downstream flow paths. The micro test chip according to claim 1, wherein the liquid determination unit has a water repellent valve. A method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 6,
A liquid storage step of storing the liquid in the liquid storage section;
A liquid quantification step of introducing the fluid into the first fluid introduction path to send the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir to the liquid quantifier and determine and hold it;
The liquid held in the liquid metering unit by selecting and opening any one of the plurality of downstream flow path opening / closing means and introducing air from the second fluid introduction path to the connection flow path. And a liquid feeding step for feeding the selected liquid to the downstream flow path communicating with the selected downstream flow path opening / closing means. 9. The method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip according to claim 8, wherein, in the liquid quantification step, the air in the branch portion is released to the outside by opening the exhaust passage opening / closing means. A method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip according to claim 5 and 6,
A liquid storage step of storing the liquid in the liquid storage section;
Opening the first fluid introduction path opening / closing means and the exhaust flow path opening / closing means, and exhausting the air inside the exhaust flow path to the outside, thereby allowing the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion to flow into the liquid A liquid quantification process for feeding and quantifying and holding the liquid in the quantification section;
Open the second fluid introduction path opening / closing means and any one of the plurality of downstream flow path opening / closing means, and let the air inside the downstream flow path communicated with the opened downstream flow path opening / closing means to the outside A method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip, comprising: a liquid feeding step for feeding the liquid held in the liquid quantitative unit to the downstream flow path by exhausting. The method for quantitatively feeding a micro test chip according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the liquid quantifying step and the liquid feeding step are repeated a plurality of times. 12. The micro test chip according to claim 11, further comprising: an intake stroke for sucking air into the second fluid introduction path through the intake flow path by opening the intake flow path opening / closing means. Quantitative liquid feeding method. A meniscus detection unit for detecting a leading portion of the liquid fed to the liquid quantification unit is provided in the vicinity of the liquid quantification unit of the micro inspection chip according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Characteristic inspection device. An inspection apparatus comprising: a drive control unit that controls the liquid supply using the method for quantitatively supplying a micro inspection chip according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

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