JP2010107211A - Liquid flow path device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid passage device capable of simply converting a liquid passage to an open state from a closed state at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: In the liquid passage device, the liquid passage 12, where a liquid comprising at least one of a sample and a reagent is circulated and a metering bath 14c for storing the liquid, are formed at least on one surface of a substrate 11A, where a cover plate 13 is stacked on the substrate 11A. In the liquid passage device, the metering bath 14c has a liquid sending means P1, for sending the liquid in the bath to a downstream side. The liquid-sending means P1 is operated by operation for pressing the cover plate 13, at a part corresponding to the metering bath 14c from the outside. The liquid sending means P1 may be operated by pressing the bottom of the metering bath 14c from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a flat liquid channel device that is suitably used for detecting and analyzing antigens in blood, for example.

In recent years, detection and analysis of trace components in a liquid sample are frequently performed in the medical field, the environmental field, and the like. In this case, for example, in the medical field, a liquid flow called a microchip having a channel formed on a substrate is used. Road equipment is often used.
For example, in Patent Document 1, an antibody-containing reagent and blood are mixed and reacted in a liquid channel formed in a microchip, and then the whole microchip is provided to a detection device to detect an antigen-antibody reaction. The technology to do is described. In this microchip, a reagent and blood are fed by the action of a separately provided micropump.
Further, for example, in Patent Document 2, a plurality of flow paths are formed in the radial direction of a rotatable disk, and an antibody is fixed in advance in a part of the flow paths. A disk-like liquid flow path device is disclosed in which an antibody in an antigen is captured by an antigen-antibody reaction by circulating the antibody.
JP 2007-139500 A JP 05-005741 A

  However, in order to circulate the reagent and blood in the liquid flow path, the liquid flow path apparatus of Patent Document 1 needs to use a separate micropump, and the liquid apparatus of Patent Document 2 requires a device for rotating the disk. there were.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid flow path device that can circulate a liquid easily and smoothly in a flow path at low cost without requiring a separate apparatus for flowing the liquid.

In the liquid channel device of the present invention, a liquid channel in which a liquid consisting of at least one of a sample and a reagent flows and at least one liquid tank in which the liquid is accumulated are formed on at least one surface of the substrate, A liquid flow path device in which a cover plate is laminated on a flow path forming surface on which the liquid flow path and the liquid tank are formed,
At least one of the liquid tanks has a liquid feeding means for feeding the liquid in the liquid tank to the outside of the liquid tank, and the liquid feeding means is a lid plate corresponding to the liquid tank or the liquid tank. It operates by the operation which presses the bottom part of this from the outside.
The liquid flow path device of the present invention further includes an opening means for making a part of the liquid flow path from a closed state to an open state, and a closing means for making the closed state from the open state,
The lid plate includes a first base layer constituting the surface of the lid plate, a strong adhesive layer formed inside the first base layer, and a second base formed inside the strong adhesive layer. A material layer and a weak adhesive layer formed on the inner side of the second base material layer and sticking to the flow path forming surface;
In the opening means, a first convex portion is formed in the liquid flow path, a top portion of the first convex portion and the weak adhesive layer are adhered, and the strong adhesive layer and the second base material layer are bonded to each other. Apart,
In the closing means, a second convex portion is formed in the liquid flow path, a top portion of the second convex portion and the weak adhesive layer are separated from each other, and the strong adhesive layer and the second base material layer are separated from each other. A spacer member is interposed between the spacer member and the strong adhesive layer,
In the liquid feeding means, it is preferable that a spacer member is interposed between the strong adhesion layer and the second base material layer, and the spacer member and the strong adhesion layer are adhered.
The substrate includes an outer layer, an intermediate layer laminated on the inner side of the outer layer, and an inner layer laminated on the inner side of the intermediate layer. The inner layer includes an upper part of the liquid tank, the liquid channel, It is preferable that a 1st convex part and the said 2nd convex part are formed, and the lower part of the said liquid tank is formed in the said intermediate | middle layer.
Alternatively, the substrate includes an outer layer and an inner layer laminated on the inner side of the outer layer, and the inner layer includes the liquid tank, the liquid flow path, the first convex portion, and the second convex portion. Is preferably formed.
The liquid tank provided with the liquid feeding means is preferably provided with a backflow preventing means for preventing a backflow of the liquid fed by the liquid feeding means.
In that case, the backflow prevention means is preferably formed in the inner layer.
When the liquid feeding means is operated by an operation of pressing the bottom of the liquid tank from the outside, the bottom is preferably formed to bulge outward.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the liquid flow-path apparatus which can distribute | circulate a liquid to a flow path simply and smoothly can be provided at low cost, without requiring the apparatus for distribute | circulating a liquid separately.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a plan perspective view schematically showing a liquid channel device 10A of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan perspective diagram showing an enlarged part of the liquid channel device 10A in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the II 'line.
This liquid flow path device 10A includes a groove-shaped liquid flow path 12 through which a liquid consisting of at least one of a sample and a reagent flows on one side of a flat substrate 11A made of a flat plate, and an end portion or a middle of the liquid flow path 12 A plurality of (9 in this example) liquid tanks (14a to 14i) in which liquid is accumulated are formed, and a flow path forming surface 12a on the side where the liquid flow path 12 and the liquid tanks (14a to 14i) of the substrate 11A are formed. Further, the cover plate 13 is laminated.
Even if the liquid channel device 10A of this example is erected so that the upper end side in FIG. 1 is located above and the lower end side is located below, the end on the downstream side from the upstream end of the liquid channel 12 The sample circulates in the direction of arrow F toward the part by gravity, and the sample is mixed with various treatments and reagents in the middle of the sample to prepare a measurement solution for various detections and analyses. However, in this example, as will be described in detail later, the liquid can be easily and smoothly circulated by using the liquid feeding means of the liquid tank in combination.

At the upstream end of the liquid channel 12, there is provided a sample loading tank 14a in which the loaded sample is collected, and the sample flowing from the sample loading tank 14a is filtered downstream of the sample loading tank 14a. A filtration tank 14b containing a filter (not shown) to be processed is provided.
Downstream of the filtration tank 14b, there is provided a measuring tank 14c whose inner volume is formed in a predetermined amount and capable of weighing the filtered sample.

Downstream of the measuring tank 14c, a first mixing tank 14f is provided in which the sample weighed in the measuring tank 14c and the liquid first reagent previously sealed in the first reagent tank 14e are mixed. Downstream of the first mixing tank 14f is a second mixing in which the intermediate preparation liquid prepared in the first mixing tank 14f and the liquid second reagent sealed in a predetermined amount in the second reagent tank 14g are mixed. A tank 14h is provided.
And the measurement tank 14i is provided downstream of the 2nd mixing tank 14h, the measurement liquid prepared by the 2nd mixing tank 14h is stored here, and detection and analysis of various components are carried out by the detection analysis means not shown. It has been made.
In this example, a mixing function tank 14d communicating with the measurement tank 14i and the liquid channel 12 is provided downstream of the measurement tank 14i. As will be described in detail later, the measurement liquid is sufficiently stirred and mixed by repeating the mixing operation of returning the measurement liquid in the measurement tank 14i to the mixing function tank 14d and then returning to the measurement tank 14i as necessary. It becomes a state more suitable for detection and analysis.
Each liquid tank is provided with a communication hole (not shown) that can be opened and closed and communicates with the atmosphere.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lid plate 13 of the liquid flow path device 10A includes a first base layer 13a constituting the surface of the lid plate 13, and a strong adhesive layer formed on the inner side of the first base layer 13a. 13b, a second base material layer 13c formed inside the strong adhesive layer 13b, and a weak adhesive layer 13d formed inside the second base material layer 13c and sticking to the flow path forming surface 12a. It is configured.
The first base material layer 13a bends when a load in the vertical direction (a direction perpendicular to the first base material layer 13a) is applied from the surface side, and then returns to the original when the load is removed. It is made of a material having a restoring force to return to On the other hand, the second base material layer 13c is made of a material that is easily bent by the same load and does not recover even when the load is removed, that is, easily plastically deformed. Moreover, the adhesive force of the strong adhesion layer 13b is formed larger than the weak adhesion layer 13d.

Further, the liquid flow path device 10A includes opening means S1 to S7 for bringing a part of the liquid flow path 12 from the closed state to the open state, and a closing means T1 for changing the open state to the closed state.
In this example, the opening means S1 to S7 include the first mixing tank 14a and the filtering tank 14b, the filtering tank 14b and the measuring tank 14c, the measuring tank 14c and the first mixing tank 14f, Between the tank 14f and the second mixing tank 14h, between the first reagent tank 14e and the first mixing tank 14f, between the second reagent tank 14g and the second mixing tank 14h, and between the second mixing tank 14h and the measuring tank One is provided in each liquid flow path 12 between 14i.
On the other hand, the closing means T1 is provided downstream of the opening means S2 in the liquid channel 12 between the filtration tank 14b and the measuring tank 14c.

And in each opening means S1-S7, if S1 and S2 of FIG. 3 are illustrated and demonstrated, the 1st convex part 15 will be formed in the liquid flow path 12, and the top part 15a of this 1st convex part 15 and weak adhesion The layer 13d is adhered, and the strong adhesion layer 13b and the second base material layer 13c are separated from each other.
Therefore, the liquid flow path 12 in each of the opening means S1 to S7 is closed by the first convex portion 15 and the weak adhesive layer 13d adhered to the top portion 15a, and is normally closed. However, as shown in FIG. 4 taking the opening means S1 as an example, the first base material layer 13a in the opening means S1 is pressed from the surface side as indicated by the arrow A, and is perpendicular to the first base material layer 13a. When a load in the direction is applied, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first base material layer 13a bends, and the strong adhesive layer 13b inside the first base material layer 13a becomes the second base material layer 13c. Stick. Then, when the load is removed thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first base material layer 13a is restored to its original state by its restoring force, and at that time, the first base material layer 13a is adhered to the inside of the first base material layer 13a. The strong adhesion layer 13b, the second substrate layer 13c that adheres to the strong adhesion layer 13b and can be easily plastically deformed, and the weak adhesion layer 13d that adheres to the inside of the second substrate layer 13c are also the first substrate layer. Follows the recovery of 13a and lifts. As a result, the top portion 15a of the first convex portion 15 and the weak adhesive layer 13d are newly separated from each other, and the liquid can flow therethrough.
In this way, in the opening means S1 to S7, after pressing the cover plate 13 from the surface side and applying a load in the vertical direction, by the pressing operation to remove this load, the first convex portion 15 that was originally adhered is removed. The top portion 15a and the weak adhesive layer 13d are separated from each other, and as a result, the liquid flow path 12 in this portion is changed from the closed state to the open state.

On the other hand, in the closing means T1, as shown in FIG. 3, a second convex portion 16 is formed in the liquid flow path 12, and the top portion 16a of the second convex portion 16 and the weak adhesive layer 13d are separated from each other, and A spacer member 17 is interposed between the strong adhesion layer 13b and the second base material layer 13c, and the spacer member 17 and the strong adhesion layer 13b are adhered.
Therefore, in the liquid flow path 12 in the closing means T1, the top portion 16a of the second convex portion 16 and the weak adhesive layer 13d are separated from each other to maintain the flow path, and are normally open. However, as shown to Fig.5 (a), the 1st base material layer 13a in the closure means T1 was pressed from the surface side as shown by arrow B, and the load of the perpendicular direction was added to the 1st base material layer 13a. In this case, the first base material layer 13a bends, and as a result, the weak adhesive layer 13d of the inner layer of the cover plate 13 adheres to the top 16a of the second convex portion 16. Then, when the load is removed thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first base material layer 13a is restored to its original state by its restoring force, and at that time, the first base material layer 13a is adhered to the inside of the first base material layer 13a. The strong adhesive layer 13b and the spacer member 17 adhered to the strong adhesive layer 13b are lifted following the restoration of the first base material layer 13a. On the other hand, the spacer member 17 is not adhered between the second base material layer 13c and the second base material layer 13c can be easily plastically deformed. The material layer 13c and the weak adhesive layer 13d do not follow the restoration of the first base material layer 13a. As a result, the top portion 16a of the second convex portion 16 and the weak adhesive layer 13d are in an adhesive state, and the liquid channel 12 is closed, so that the liquid cannot flow therethrough.
As described above, in the closing means T1, the top plate 16a of the second convex portion 16 that was originally separated by pressing the cover plate 13 from the surface side and applying a load in the vertical direction and then removing the load. And the weak adhesive layer 13d are adhered and closed, and as a result, the liquid flow path 12 in this portion is changed from the open state to the closed state.

Furthermore, in the liquid channel device 10A of this example, the measuring tank 14c, the first mixing tank 14f, the second mixing tank 14h, the measuring tank 14i, and the mixing function tank 14d are configured to liquidate liquid in each liquid tank. Each has liquid feeding means P1 to P5 for feeding liquid outside the tank.
Among these liquid feeding means P1 to P5, the liquid feeding means P1 of the weighing tank 14c feeds the liquid in the weighing tank 14c to the downstream side, that is, the first mixing tank 14f. Similarly, the liquid feeding means P2 in the first mixing tank 14f feeds the liquid in the first mixing tank 14f to the downstream side, that is, the second mixing tank 14h, and the liquid feeding means in the second mixing tank 14h. The means P3 sends the liquid in the second mixing tank 14h to the downstream side, that is, to the measurement tank 14i. Moreover, the liquid feeding means P4 of the measuring tank 14i feeds the liquid in the measuring tank 14i to the downstream side, that is, the mixing function tank 14d.
On the other hand, the liquid feeding means P5 of the mixing function tank 14d returns the liquid in the mixing function tank 14d to the upstream side, that is, the measurement tank 14i.

And in this example, in the cover plate 13 (the cover plate of the part which closes each liquid tank) of the part corresponding to each liquid tank which has each liquid feeding means P1-P5, the strong adhesion layer 13b and the 2nd base material The spacer 13 is not spaced apart from the layer 13c, but the spacer member 17 and the strong adhesion layer 13b are adhered to each other, and the layers are densely formed.
Therefore, when the liquid feeding means P1 is taken as an example and the cover plate 13 of this part is pressed from the outside in the direction indicated by the arrow C as shown in FIG. 6 (FIG. 6B), the cover of the pressed part is covered. The plate 13 bends inward. As a result, the internal volume of the measuring tank 14c is reduced, the liquid in the measuring tank 14c is discharged and fed, and the action as the liquid feeding means P1 is developed. Here, if the strong adhesion layer 13b and the second base material layer 13c are separated from each other, the spacer member 17 is not interposed, and the interlayer is not dense, the cover plate 13 of this portion is pressed from the outside. However, there is a possibility that the internal volume of the measuring tank 14c is not reduced only by the strong adhesion layer 13b sticking to the second base material layer 13c. In that case, the action as a liquid feeding means does not appear.

  In this example, the measuring tank 14c, the first mixing tank 14f, the second mixing tank 14h, and the measuring tank 14i each provided with such liquid feeding means P1 to P4 are shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, backflow preventing means G1 to G6 for preventing the backflow of the liquid sent by the liquid sending means P1 to P4 to the upstream side are also provided. Therefore, when the liquid feeding means P1 to P4 are operated, the liquid in each liquid tank does not flow backward to the upstream side but is fed only to the downstream side.

In this example, the backflow prevention means G1 to G6 are composed of a flexible weir plate 18. For example, when the measuring tank 14c is illustrated, the weir plate 18 is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the tip of the weir plate 18 at the boundary portion between the measuring tank 14c and the liquid channel 12 on the upstream side of the measuring tank 14c. Only the base end 18b is fixed to the bottom of the liquid flow path 12 so that 18a is inclined to the downstream side, and the tip 18a and both side ends are not fixed.
6 and 7, when the liquid is sent from the filtration tank (not shown) to the measuring tank 14c, the liquid can flow into the measuring tank 14c beyond the tip 18a of the weir plate 18. On the other hand, when the liquid feeding means P1 included in the measuring tank 14c is activated and the internal volume of the measuring tank 14c is reduced, such a weir plate 18 is disposed, and therefore, as shown in FIG. Thus, the liquid in the measuring tank 14c is sent only to the downstream side, and does not flow backward to the upstream side, that is, the filtration tank side.

  As described above, the mixing function tank 14d is provided to sufficiently stir and mix the measurement liquid by moving the measurement liquid back and forth between the measurement tank 14i on the upstream side. Therefore, the mixing function tank 14d need not be provided with a backflow preventing means for preventing the backflow of the liquid to the upstream side.

As a specific method for preparing the measurement liquid using the liquid channel device 10A, first, the liquid channel device 10A is set up so that the sample introduction tank 14a side is located above and the measurement tank 14i side is located below. Thus, the liquid easily flows from the upstream side to the downstream side by gravity.
Next, the sample is sampled in a syringe or the like, and the needle of this syringe is pierced into the cover plate 13 corresponding to the sample loading tank 14a to inject the sample into the sample loading tank 14a. Thereafter, the opening means S1 provided between the sample charging tank 14a and the filtration tank 14b is pressed as described above, that is, the first base material layer 13a is pressed from the surface side to add a load, and then removed. The liquid channel 12 in this portion is opened, and the sample is introduced to the filtration tank 14b by gravity.
At this time, the pressing operation may be performed manually by the operator manually pressing the first base material layer 13a from the surface side with a finger, or the pressing position is pre-programmed as XY coordinates, You may make it push a predetermined position.

Next, after the filtration treatment is performed in the filtration tank 14b, the opening means S2 provided between the filtration tank 14b and the measuring tank 14c is operated by pressing operation, and the liquid flow path 12 of this portion is opened, The sample is introduced into the weighing tank 14c by gravity.
Next, when a predetermined amount of sample is accumulated and weighed in the measuring tank 14c, the closing means T1 provided between the filtration tank 14b and the measuring tank 14c is operated by a pressing operation, and the liquid flow in this portion is measured. The path 12 is closed. In this way, after further stopping the flow of the liquid from the upstream side into the measuring tank 14c, the opening means S3 provided downstream of the measuring tank 14c is operated by a pressing operation, and the liquid flow in this portion The path 12 is opened. Next, the lid plate 13 that closes the weighing tank 14c is pressed from the outside to operate the liquid feeding means P1, and the sample after weighing is fed into the first mixing tank by the action of gravity and the action of the liquid feeding means P1. 14f.

In this way, while the sample after weighing is introduced into the first mixing tank 14f, the opening means S4 between the first reagent tank 14e and the first mixing tank 14f is operated by a pressing operation so that the first reagent is put into the first mixing tank 14f. The sample is introduced into 14f, and the sample and the first reagent are mixed in the first mixing tank 14f to prepare an intermediate preparation solution.
Next, the opening means S5 between the first mixing tank 14f and the second mixing tank 14h is operated by a pressing operation so that the liquid flow path 12 of this portion is opened, and then the liquid supply means P2 is set as the liquid supply means. It is operated in the same manner as P1, and the intermediate preparation liquid prepared in the first mixing tank 14f is introduced into the second mixing tank 14h by the action of gravity and the action of the liquid feeding means P2. On the other hand, the opening means S6 between the second reagent tank 14g and the second mixing tank 14h is operated by a pressing operation to introduce the second reagent into the second mixing tank 14h, and the intermediate preparation solution and the second reagent are supplied to the second reagent tank 14g. 2 Mix in the mixing tank 14h to prepare a measurement solution.

Next, the opening means S7 between the second mixing tank 14h and the measuring tank 14i is operated by pressing, so that the liquid flow path 12 in this portion is opened, and then the liquid feeding means P3 is operated to reduce the gravity. The measurement liquid prepared in the second mixing tank 14h is introduced into the measurement tank 14i by the action of the above and the action of the liquid feeding means P3.
Next, the liquid feeding means P4 is operated to temporarily feed the measurement liquid in the measurement tank 14i to the mixing function tank 14d. Thereafter, the liquid feeding means P5 is operated to return the measurement liquid in the mixing function tank 14d to the measurement tank 14i. Such a mixing operation is repeated as necessary, and the measurement liquid is sufficiently stirred and mixed. Then, the entire liquid flow path device 10A is provided to the detection analysis means, and the target liquid is detected in the measurement liquid in the measurement tank 14i. Measure.
In addition, when operating the liquid feeding means P1 to P5 and causing the liquid to flow through the liquid flow path 12 of the liquid flow path device 10A as described above, an unillustrated illustration provided in each liquid tank is provided as necessary. It is preferable to open and close the communication holes as appropriate so that the liquid flows more smoothly. For example, in operating the liquid feeding means P1, after pressing the cover plate 13 corresponding to the measuring tank 14c, before releasing the press, the communication hole provided in the measuring tank 14c is changed from the closed state to the open state, Thereafter, by releasing the pressure, it is possible to prevent the liquid sent downstream from the metering tank 14c from flowing back into the metering tank 14c due to the reduced pressure inside the metering tank 14c.

According to such a liquid channel device 10A, the liquid feeding means P1 to P5 for feeding the liquid in the liquid tank include the measuring tank 14c, the first mixing tank 14f, the second mixing tank 14h, and the measuring tank. 14i and the mixing function tank 14d are respectively provided, so that the liquid is circulated even if the sample, the intermediate preparation liquid, and the measurement liquid are difficult to flow through the liquid flow path 12 due to their viscosity. Therefore, the liquid can be easily and smoothly circulated without requiring a separate device.
Moreover, since the liquid feeding means P1 to P5 in this example are configured using the lid plate 13 of the liquid flow path device 10A, there is no need to newly prepare another member for the liquid feeding means P1 to P5. It is low cost and simple in construction. Moreover, since the liquid feeding means P1-P5 operate | move by simple operation only of a press, it is excellent also in operativity.

  Furthermore, in this example, weir plates as backflow preventing means G1 to G6 are provided in the measuring tank 14c, the first mixing tank 14f, the second mixing tank 14h, and the measuring tank 14i provided with the liquid feeding means P1 to P4, respectively. Since 18 is provided, the liquid does not flow backward to the upstream side when the liquid feeding means P1 to P4 are operated.

Furthermore, the liquid flow path device 10A of this example includes the opening means S1 to S7 that bring the liquid flow path 12 from the closed state to the open state, and the closing means T1 that changes the open state from the open state to the closed state. As a result, highly accurate detection and analysis can be performed promptly.
For example, in this example, closing means T1 is provided upstream of the weighing tank 14c, and opening means S3 is provided downstream. Therefore, the sample can be accurately and quickly measured in the measuring tank 14c and introduced into the first mixing tank 14f. Here, if the opening means S3 is not provided downstream of the measuring tank 14c, and the liquid flow path 12 in this portion is always open, the sample continuously from the measuring tank 14c even during measurement. The sample cannot be collected in a certain amount, and the measurement itself becomes difficult. Further, in the case where the closing means T1 is not provided upstream of the measuring tank 14c, even after a certain amount of sample is stored in the measuring tank 14c, depending on the amount of the sample injected into the sample feeding tank 14a, the filtration tank The sample that has passed through 14b continues to flow into the weighing tank 14c, and the weighing itself may still be difficult. In this respect, when the closing means T1 is provided upstream of the measuring tank 14c as in this example, the measuring tank 14c can be used even if the entire amount of the sample passing through the filtration tank 14b does not completely flow into the measuring tank 14c. When a certain amount of sample is weighed in, the closing means T1 can be operated to stop further flow of the sample into the weighing tank 14c, and the sample can be accurately and quickly measured.

  In this example, an opening means S5 is provided between the first mixing tank 14f and the second mixing tank 14h, and an opening means S7 is provided between the second mixing tank 14h and the measurement tank 14i. Therefore, in the first mixing tank 14f and the second mixing tank 14h, after the target mixing and reaction has sufficiently progressed, the opening means S5 and S7 are opened, and then the liquid feeding means P2 and P3 are operated. The intermediate preparation liquid and the measurement liquid can be introduced into the second mixing tank 14h and the measurement tank 14i, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in detection and analysis accuracy due to insufficient mixing and reaction.

  Furthermore, in this example, since the opening means S4 and S6 are provided between the first reagent tank 14e and the first mixing tank 14f and between the second reagent tank 14g and the second mixing tank 14h, it is desirable. These are opened at the point of time, and the first reagent and the second reagent previously sealed in the first reagent tank 14e and the second reagent tank 14g, respectively, are caused to flow into the first mixing tank 14f and the second mixing tank 14h. Can do. If the opening means S4 and S6 are not provided, the first reagent and the second reagent may start to flow downstream when the liquid channel device 10A is stored.

  Further, the opening means S1 to S7 and the closing means T1 of the liquid channel device 10A of this example are a combination of the first convex portion 15 and the second convex portion 16 formed in the liquid channel 12 and the lid plate 13. Since it is a structure, it is not necessary to prepare another member for opening and closing the liquid flow path 12, and it is low-cost and the structure is also simple. In addition, the opening and closing operations can be performed only by a simple pressing operation, and the operability is excellent.

In the liquid channel device 10A exemplified above, the measuring tank 14c, the first mixing tank 14f, the second mixing tank 14f, the measuring tank 14i, and the mixing function tank 14d respectively supply the liquid feeding means P1 to P5. It was set as the form which has. However, all of these liquid tanks may not have the liquid feeding means, and other liquid tanks other than these may have the liquid feeding means. That is, it is possible to appropriately determine which liquid tank is provided with the liquid feeding means according to the type and characteristics of the sample and the reagent. For example, in this example, when the measurement liquid is prepared using the liquid flow path device 10A, first, the liquid flow path device 10A is positioned so that the sample introduction tank 14a side is positioned upward and the measurement tank 14i side is positioned downward. In a state where the liquid easily flows from the upstream side to the downstream side due to gravity, the liquid feeding means P1 to P5 are also used for liquid feeding, that is, the action of gravity and the action of the liquid feeding means are used in combination. Then, an example of the form in which the liquid is circulated has been illustrated. However, by providing liquid feeding means in all the liquid tanks, the liquid flow path device can be configured so that liquid can be fed without using gravity.
Further, in the liquid flow path device 10A, nine liquid tanks are formed. However, the type, number, order of arrangement, and the like of the liquid tanks can be appropriately set according to the purpose.

  Furthermore, in the liquid flow path device 10A of this example, the weir plate 18 is used as the backflow prevention means G1 to G6 disposed in the liquid tank provided with the liquid feeding means P1 to P4. There is no restriction | limiting in a form, A thing other than the weir board 18 may be sufficient. In the case where the barrier plate 18 is provided, two or more barrier plates 18 may be arranged in series so that the effect of preventing the reverse flow can be obtained, or the barrier plate 18 and other reverse flow preventing means. May be used in combination.

Furthermore, instead of providing the backflow prevention means G1 to G6, a closing means for closing the liquid flow path 12 from the open state to the closed state is provided at that location, and the closing means is operated before the liquid feeding means P1 to P4 are operated. Thus, it is also possible to prevent the liquid from flowing back to the upstream side.
In this way, the form in which the closing means is used for the purpose of preventing backflow, for example, employs a measuring tank equipped with an overflow means comprising an overflow channel communicating with the measuring tank and a waste liquid tank provided downstream thereof. This is particularly effective when In such a measuring tank, a sample exceeding a certain amount in the measuring tank overflows, flows through the overflow channel, and flows into the waste liquid tank, so that a certain amount of sample can be measured in the measuring tank. It has become. Therefore, it is necessary for the sample to flow smoothly from the measuring tank to the overflow channel when measuring. On the other hand, when the liquid feeding means provided in the measurement tank is operated and the sample after measurement is sent downstream, it is necessary to prevent the sample from flowing into the overflow channel from the measurement tank. Thus, a backflow prevention means cannot be provided at a location where the sample needs to flow in both directions. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a closing means at such a location so that the location can be closed only when necessary.

In the liquid flow path apparatuses 10A and 10B described above, the substrate 11A on which the liquid flow path 12 and the liquid tank are formed includes, for example, styrene resin, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, vinyl chloride resin, PEN resin, polyester resin, epoxy Resin plates such as resin, phenol resin, ABS resin, polypropylene resin, and fiber reinforced plastic, and glass plates can be used. Among these, a glass plate, a styrene resin, an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a transparent plate, and the state of the liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel 12 can be visually observed from the substrate 11A side. PEN resin and polyester resin are preferable. In addition, a resin plate is preferable in that it is less likely to break than a glass plate and has excellent handleability.
The thickness of the substrate 11A is not particularly limited and may be determined according to the depth of the liquid channel 12 to be formed, but is usually 0.5 to 7 mm.

The liquid flow path 12 and the liquid tank are formed in a groove shape on one surface of the substrate 11A by techniques such as photolithography, injection molding, blow molding, bonding formation, dissolution formation, cutting formation, and machining.
There is no particular limitation on the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 12 (the cross-section in the direction perpendicular to the flow), and examples thereof include a semicircular shape, a square shape, and an inverted triangular shape. The width and depth of the liquid channel 12 are not particularly limited and may be determined according to the required flow rate of the liquid. However, if the width and depth are in the range of 10 to 5000 μm, the small channel It is preferable in that a liquid can be flowed by resistance and a small amount of liquid can be circulated.
The liquid flow path 12 is preferably subjected to a surface treatment according to the type of liquid in order to facilitate the flow of the liquid. Examples of such surface treatment include coating application treatment, plasma treatment, flame treatment, chemical treatment, physiological activity treatment, and antibody treatment. Furthermore, the liquid flow path 12 may be provided with a baffle plate, a stirring plate, a protrusion, or formed with a water diverting shape, if necessary, so that the flowing liquid is in a uniform mixed state. .
Each liquid tank is not particularly limited in shape, and may be appropriately formed according to the volume required for each liquid tank.
Each dam plate is formed of a flexible resin sheet or the like, and may be disposed at a predetermined site, or is integrally formed from the substrate 11A when forming the liquid channel 12 or the liquid tank. There may be.

  The first base material layer 13a constituting the surface of the cover plate 13 has a restoring force to bend and then return when a vertical load is applied from the surface side. If it is a base material having such characteristics, that is, flexibility and restoring force, it can be used as the first base material layer 13a, and its material and thickness are not particularly limited, but polyethylene terephthalate (PET), A film having a thickness of 50 to 500 μm made of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide, or the like is preferable because it has flexibility and resilience appropriate for use as the first base material layer 13a. .

  On the other hand, the 2nd base material layer 13c should just be easily bent by the load of a perpendicular direction, and the thing which does not restore | restore is still more preferable. If it is the base material which has such a characteristic, it can be used as the 2nd base material layer 13c, Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the material and thickness, Metal foil, such as aluminum foil and copper foil, paper, PET, PEN, A film having a thickness of 5 to 50 μm made of a resin such as PC or polyimide is preferable for use as the second base material layer 13c. When using paper, waterproof paper is preferable, and when using metal foil, rust-proof metal foil is preferable.

The strong adhesive layer 13b and the weak adhesive layer 13d can be appropriately selected from conventionally known adhesives according to the material of the first base material layer 13a and the second base material layer 13c. The adhesive force (adhesive strength) of the adhesive forming the strong adhesive layer 13b needs to be stronger than the adhesive force of the adhesive forming the weak adhesive layer 13d. When the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the pressure-sensitive adhesive forming the strong pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 13b is equal to or lower than the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the pressure-sensitive adhesive forming the weak pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 13d, even when a pressing operation is performed in the opening means S1 to S14, 15a and the weak adhesion layer 13d cannot be separated, and the liquid flow path 12 cannot be opened. It is preferable that the adhesive strength of the adhesive forming the strong adhesive layer 13b is 0.1 N / cm or more larger than the adhesive strength of the adhesive forming the weak adhesive layer 13d. Furthermore, it is preferable that it is large in the range of 0.1-30 N / cm. When the adhesive force of the adhesive forming the strong adhesive layer 13b is 0.1 N / cm or more larger than the adhesive force of the adhesive forming the weak adhesive layer 13d, the opening means S1 to S14 can be operated reliably. On the other hand, it is difficult to configure these adhesive layers so that the difference in adhesive strength exceeds 30 N / cm.
Moreover, it is preferable that the adhesive force of the strong adhesive layer 13b is in the range of 1 to 30 N / cm and the adhesive force of the weak adhesive layer 13d is in the range of 0.05 to 5 N / cm.

Examples of the adhesive used for the strong adhesive layer 13b and the weak adhesive layer 13d include acrylic, rubber-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, and silicon-based adhesives. Among these, for example, the strong adhesive layer 13b may be made of acrylic or rubber, and may further include a nonwoven fabric, polyester fiber, or the like as a core material. The weak adhesive layer 13d is preferably made of acrylic or silicon. In order to make the difference in adhesive strength between the strong adhesive layer 13b and the weak adhesive layer 13d within the above-mentioned preferable range, the glass transition temperature of the resin constituting each adhesive is appropriately adjusted, or the tackifier is added to the adhesive. And a method of adding additives such as a curing agent and a core material and adjusting the amount of the additive.
Moreover, although there is no restriction | limiting in the thickness of a strong adhesion layer and a weak adhesion layer, Usually, it is 10-1000 micrometers.

  Here, “adhesive strength” refers to the adhesive strength that peels 180 degrees from a stainless steel plate of JIS Z 0237.

  As the spacer member 17, paper, etc. can be used in addition to resins such as PET, PEN, PC, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, and polyurethane resin. Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the thickness of the spacer member 17, If it is set as the range of 50-2000 micrometers, before the opening means S1-S14 act | operates, the strong adhesion layer 13b and the 2nd base material layer 13c will be spaced apart reliably. On the other hand, at the time of operation, the strong adhesion layer 13b and the second base material layer 13c can be reliably adhered.

[Second Embodiment]
In the liquid channel device 10A of the first embodiment described above, as the liquid feeding means P1 to P5, the lid plate 13 of this portion is bent by an operation of pressing the lid plate 13 of the portion corresponding to the liquid tank from the outside. However, the mode of sending the liquid by reducing the internal volume of the liquid tank is illustrated. In the second embodiment, instead of the operation of pressing the cover plate 13 from the outside, the operation of pressing the bottom of the liquid tank from the outside reduces the internal volume of the liquid tank and feeds the liquid in the liquid tank. The liquid feeding means of the form to be described will be described.

FIG. 8 shows the main part including the measuring tank 14c having the liquid feeding means P1 ′ for the liquid channel device 10B of the second embodiment example having nine liquid tanks as in the first embodiment. It is.
In this example, the substrate 11B is composed of three layers: an outer layer 11e, an intermediate layer 11f stacked on the inner side, and an inner layer 11g stacked on the inner side.
In the inner layer 11g, an upper portion of a liquid tank (only the measuring tank 14c is shown in this example), a liquid flow path 12, a first convex portion 15, and a second convex portion 16 are formed.
A lower part of the liquid tank is formed in the intermediate layer 11f. The intermediate layer 11 f constitutes the bottom of the liquid flow path 12.
The outer layer 11e is disposed on the outermost side of the substrate 11B and constitutes the bottom of the liquid tank. In this example, the operation of pressing the bottom of the liquid tank from the outside as indicated by the arrow C ′ causes the outer layer 11e constituting the bottom of the liquid tank to bend inward, and the internal volume of the measuring tank 14c is reduced. The liquid feeding means P1 ′ is activated.

Furthermore, in this example, as shown in FIG. 9, a weir plate 18 as a backflow preventing means is formed on the inner layer 11g. In this example, the dam plate 18 has a base end 18b at the boundary between the measuring tank 14c and the liquid channel 12 on the upstream side of the measuring tank 14c so that the distal end 18a of the dam plate 18 is inclined downstream. 12 is fixed to one side wall, and the tip 18a and both side ends are not fixed.
Therefore, when the liquid is sent from the upstream unillustrated filtration tank to the measuring tank 14 c, the liquid can flow into the measuring tank 14 c beyond the tip 18 a of the weir plate 18. On the other hand, when the liquid feeding means P1 ′ of the measuring tank 14c is activated, the liquid in the measuring tank 14c is fed only to the downstream side by the action of the weir plate 18 and does not flow backward to the upstream side.

The substrate 11B of this example can be manufactured as shown in FIG.
First, a sheet 11g ′ forming an inner layer 11g is prepared. In this sheet 11g ′, a portion corresponding to the liquid flow path 12 is punched in a linear shape, and a portion corresponding to the upper portion of the liquid tank is punched in a hole shape. Further, at this time, the portions that become the first convex portion 15 and the second convex portion 16 are not punched out and are left behind, and thereafter, the height of the second convex portion 16 is lower than the first convex portion 15. The height of the second convex portion is adjusted by polishing or the like. Further, in this example, since the barrier plate 18 is also formed from the inner layer 11g, the portion that becomes the barrier plate 18 in the sheet 11g ′ is left without being punched.
On the other hand, a sheet 11f ′ forming the intermediate layer 11f is prepared, and in this sheet 11f ′, a portion corresponding to the lower part of each liquid tank such as the measuring tank 14c is punched out into a hole shape.
Then, a sheet 11e ′ forming the outer layer 11e is prepared, and a sheet 11f ′ forming the intermediate layer 11f and a sheet 11g ′ forming the inner layer 11g are laminated and bonded to each other, whereby the substrate 11B can be manufactured.

The material of each sheet 11e ′, 11f ′, 11g ′ can be selected from the materials of the substrate 11A exemplified in the first embodiment. In particular, since the sheet 11e ′ constitutes the bottom of the liquid tank and is pressed from the outside when the liquid feeding means is operated, it is necessary to use a flexible sheet.
Further, the thickness of the sheet 11g ′ corresponds to the depth of the liquid flow path 12 to be formed, and the sum of the thicknesses of the sheet 11g ′ and the sheet 11f ′ corresponds to the total depth of the liquid tank. Therefore, the thicknesses of the sheet 11f ′ and the sheet 11g ′ are determined in consideration of the depth required for the liquid tank and the liquid channel 12. What is necessary is just to set the depth of a liquid tank suitably according to the volume etc. which are requested | required. Moreover, the suitable depth of the liquid flow path 12 is the same range as the first embodiment. On the other hand, since the sheet 11e ′ needs to be bent when the liquid feeding means is operated as described above, it is preferably 20 to 300 μm, although it depends on the material.

  Note that the substrate 11B may be formed by laminating a sheet 11e 'and a sheet 11g' and including two layers of an outer layer 11e and an inner layer 11g. In this case, the depth of the liquid channel 12 and the liquid tank are the same.

  Further, in the liquid flow path device 10B of this embodiment, in order to make the liquid feeding means P1 ′ act more effectively, as shown in FIG. 11, the outer layer 11e of the substrate 11B corresponding to the measuring tank 14c, that is, The bottom of the measuring tank 14c may be bulged outward. By bulging in this way, when this portion is pressed inward when the liquid feeding means P1 ′ is operated, the internal volume of the measuring tank 14c can be reduced, and as a result, the measuring tank 14c It becomes possible to deliver the liquid more effectively.

  By providing the cover plate 13 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment on such a substrate 11B, the liquid channel device 10B of the second embodiment can be obtained. That is, also in this example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the cover plate 13 corresponding to the weighing tank 14c, the strong adhesion layer 13b and the second base material layer 13c are not separated from each other. The spacer member 17 is interposed between the spacer member 17 and the strong adhesive layer 13b so that the layers are densely formed. Therefore, when the bottom portion of the measuring tank 14c is pressed and bent from the outside and the liquid feeding means P1 'is operated, the internal volume of the measuring tank 14c is reduced, and the action as the liquid feeding means is exhibited. Here, if the strong adhesion layer 13b and the second base material layer 13c are separated from each other, the spacer member 17 is not interposed, and the interlayer is not dense, the bottom of the measuring tank 14c is pressed from the outside. The second base material layer 13c and the weak adhesive layer 13d are bent outward due to the internal pressure of the measuring tank 14c, the internal volume of the measuring tank 14c is not reduced, and there is a possibility that the function as the liquid feeding means does not appear. is there.

 In such a liquid channel device 10B, in particular, the substrate 11B is composed of three layers of the outer layer 11e, the intermediate layer 11f and the inner layer 11g, or two layers of the outer layer 11e and the inner layer 11g. The barrier plate 18, the first convex portion 15 and the second convex portion 16 are formed by punching out the sheet 11f ′ constituting the intermediate layer 11f and the sheet 11g ′ constituting the inner layer 11g. Therefore, for a substrate made of a single flat plate, a method for forming a liquid tank or a liquid flow path by, for example, photolithography, a method for forming a substrate in which a liquid tank or a liquid flow path is formed by injection molding, etc. Compared with a low manufacturing cost, a liquid tank etc. can be formed easily and mass production is also possible.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the liquid channel devices 10A and 10B in which the liquid channel 12 is formed only on one surface of the substrates 11A and 11B are illustrated. The liquid channel 12 may be formed on both surfaces of the 11B.
Moreover, there is no restriction | limiting in the form of the communication hole which can be opened and closed provided in each liquid tank, The form which can open and close a communication hole by inserting and extracting a fitting type cap to the communication hole formed in the cover plate. However, an opening means and a closing means having the same configuration as the opening means S1 to S7 and the closing means T1 provided in the liquid channel 12 may be provided.
Further, as in the first embodiment, even when the substrate 11A is composed of a single flat plate, a liquid feeding means that operates by pressing the bottom of the liquid tank may be provided in the liquid tank, or the second Even in the case where the substrate 11B is composed of a plurality of layers as in the embodiment, liquid feeding means that operates by pressing the cover plate 13 corresponding to the liquid tank may be provided in the liquid tank. Furthermore, in the above description, since the liquid flow path device provided with the closing means and the opening means is taken as an example, the first base layer 13a, the strong adhesion layer 13b, the second base layer 13c, the weak base plate 13 are used as the lid plate 13. Although an example composed of the adhesive layer 13d and the spacer member 17 is illustrated, the lid plate 13 does not need to be composed of a plurality of layers in this way for the operation of the liquid feeding means, and the lid plate is composed of a single layer. It may be.
Moreover, in the above example, in order to distribute | circulate the liquid, it showed about the form using the effect | action of gravity and the effect | action of a liquid feeding means, but also, the liquid flow path 12, some liquid tanks, or these Both are heated to expand the air in the liquid flow path 12 and the liquid tank, or an oxygen absorbent (such as iron powder that easily oxidizes) is sealed in a part of the liquid flow path 12, For example, a method of reducing the pressure in the liquid flow path 12 by absorbing the oxygen and moving and circulating the liquid may be used in combination.

  In the above description, as a method of injecting the sample into the sample loading tank 14a, a method of piercing the needle of the syringe into the cover plate 13 is exemplified. For example, a sample injection hole is formed in the cover plate 13 in advance. Alternatively, the sample may be injected therefrom. In that case, the sample injection hole may be covered with a protective tape and injected by piercing the syringe with the protective tape, or the protective tape may be peeled off and the syringe inserted into the sample injection hole for injection.

There are no particular limitations on the sample and reagent through which the liquid flow path devices 10A and 10B are circulated, and a sample and a reagent that have been conventionally employed in the medical field, the environmental field, and the like can be used in appropriate combination. For example, in the medical field, samples (such as blood (whole blood), plasma, serum, buffy coat, urine, feces, saliva, sputum, etc.), viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast, animal and plant cells, etc. Is mentioned. In addition, DNA or RNA isolated from these may be used, or a sample obtained by subjecting these to any pretreatment or dilution may be used. As a reagent, when an antigen present in a sample is analyzed, a reagent containing an antibody against the antigen is preferable.
Moreover, conventionally known optical means, electrical means, and the like can be appropriately employed as detection / analysis means for the measurement liquid prepared by the liquid flow path apparatuses 10A and 10B.

It is a schematic plane perspective view which shows the liquid channel apparatus of the example of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan perspective view of a part of the liquid channel device in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which follows the I-I 'line of FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the opening means operates in the liquid channel device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the closing means operates in the liquid channel device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which a liquid feeding unit operates in the liquid channel device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of a substrate of the liquid channel device in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a liquid feeding means act | operates in the liquid flow-path apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is the perspective view which expanded a part of board | substrate of the liquid flow-path apparatus of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing process of the board | substrate of the liquid flow-path apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows another form about the board | substrate of the liquid flow-path apparatus of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10A, 10B Liquid channel device 11A, 11B Substrate 11e Outer layer 11f Intermediate layer 11g Inner layer 12 Liquid channel 12a Channel forming surface 13 Cover plate 13a First substrate layer 13b Strong adhesion layer 13c Second substrate layer 13d Weak adhesion layer 14c Measuring tank 15 1st convex part 15a Top part 16 of the 1st convex part 2nd convex part 16a Top part of the 2nd convex part 17 Spacer member 18 Dam plate S1-S14 Opening means T1-T2 Closing means P1-P5, P1 ' Liquid means G1-G6 Backflow prevention means

Claims (7)

A liquid channel through which a liquid consisting of at least one of a sample and a reagent flows and at least one liquid tank in which the liquid is stored are formed on at least one surface of the substrate, and the liquid channel and the liquid tank of the substrate Is a liquid flow path device in which a cover plate is laminated on the flow path forming surface on which is formed,
At least one of the liquid tanks has liquid feeding means for feeding the liquid in the liquid tank to the outside of the liquid tank,
The liquid feeding device is actuated by an operation of pressing a lid plate corresponding to the liquid tank or a bottom of the liquid tank from the outside. An opening means for opening a part of the liquid channel from the closed state to an open state; and a closing means for changing the open state from the open state to a closed state,
The lid plate includes a first base layer constituting the surface of the lid plate, a strong adhesive layer formed inside the first base layer, and a second base formed inside the strong adhesive layer. A material layer and a weak adhesive layer formed on the inner side of the second base material layer and sticking to the flow path forming surface;
In the opening means, a first convex portion is formed in the liquid flow path, a top portion of the first convex portion and the weak adhesive layer are adhered, and the strong adhesive layer and the second base material layer are bonded to each other. Apart,
In the closing means, a second convex portion is formed in the liquid flow path, a top portion of the second convex portion and the weak adhesive layer are separated from each other, and the strong adhesive layer and the second base material layer are separated from each other. A spacer member is interposed between the spacer member and the strong adhesive layer,
2. The liquid feeding means, wherein a spacer member is interposed between the strong adhesive layer and the second base material layer, and the spacer member and the strong adhesive layer are adhered to each other. The liquid flow path device described in 1. The substrate comprises an outer layer, an intermediate layer laminated inside the outer layer, and an inner layer laminated inside the intermediate layer,
In the inner layer, an upper portion of the liquid tank, the liquid flow path, the first convex portion, and the second convex portion are formed,
The liquid channel device according to claim 2, wherein a lower portion of the liquid tank is formed in the intermediate layer. The substrate comprises an outer layer and an inner layer laminated inside the outer layer,
The liquid channel device according to claim 2, wherein the inner layer is formed with the liquid tank, the liquid channel, the first convex portion, and the second convex portion.   5. The liquid tank provided with the liquid feeding means is provided with a back flow preventing means for preventing a back flow of the liquid fed by the liquid feeding means. The liquid flow path device described in 1. The liquid tank provided with the liquid feeding means is provided with a back flow preventing means for preventing a back flow of the liquid fed by the liquid feeding means,
The liquid channel device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the backflow prevention means is formed in the inner layer. The liquid feeding means is operated by an operation of pressing the bottom of the liquid tank from the outside,
The liquid channel device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is formed to bulge outward.

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