JP2011169695A - Liquid feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized liquid feeder capable of stably feeding a liquid. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid feeder is equipped with a capillary tubular flow channel, a receiving part for receiving a liquid in one end of the flow channel, the absorber arranged to the other end of the flow channel to absorb the liquid, and an adjusting part arranged between the receiving part and the absorber to adjust the feed speed of the liquid when the received liquid is sent from one end of the flow channel to the other end thereof by a capillary phenomenon. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid feeding device.

The immunoassay is known as an important analysis / measurement method in the medical field, biochemical field, measurement field such as allergen and the like. However, this immunoassay has a complicated processing method and requires more than a day for the analysis.
From such a background, as a technique that is easy to process and has a short analysis time, there is a method of using a micro analysis chip that forms a micro-order channel on a substrate and immobilizes antibodies or the like in the channel. Proposed. As this microanalysis chip, there is known a microanalysis chip incorporating a so-called micropump for moving a liquid supplied into a flow path by using a pneumatic action force generated by air supply or air suction. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). There is also known a micro-analysis chip that feeds liquid using a capillary phenomenon generated between a flow path and a liquid in the flow path (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Furthermore, there is known a micro analysis chip that uses a liquid absorption force of a porous body as a driving force for liquid transfer (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

As an example of these conventional techniques, a micro analysis chip that uses the liquid absorption capacity of a porous body as a driving force for liquid transfer will be described. FIG. 22 shows this prior art. FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram of a micro analysis chip that uses the liquid absorption power of a porous body as a driving force for liquid transfer. When liquid is injected into the micro analysis chip in the order of (1) to (3) It is a figure which shows the change of. In the figure, the portion where the liquid exists is colored black.
As shown in FIG. 22, this micro analysis chip includes a capillary channel 1014, an inlet 1012 that communicates with the channel 1014 and allows liquid to flow into the channel 1014, and a porous body that communicates with the channel 1014. The liquid absorption part 1003 which consists of, and the connection port with the external air formed in the liquid absorption part 1003 are comprised. This micro analysis chip is formed such that when liquid is injected from the inflow port 1012 ((1) in FIG. 22), the liquid travels through the flow path 1014 and reaches the liquid absorption part 1003 by capillary action. When the liquid reaches the liquid absorbing portion 1003, the liquid is absorbed by the liquid absorbing portion 1003, so that the liquid continuously flows through the flow path and is transferred ((2) in FIG. 22). As described above, this micro analysis chip uses the liquid absorbing portion 1003 made of a porous material as a driving force for liquid transfer.

JP 2008-128906 A JP 2006-220606 A JP 2001-88096 A

However, in the micro analysis chip that uses the liquid absorption force of the porous body as a driving force for liquid transfer, if the liquid absorption unit 1003 has sufficient liquid absorption force to transfer a large amount of liquid, the liquid flows. May remain on the road. That is, since the liquid absorption force of the liquid absorption part 1003 directly acts on the flow path 1014, a strong negative pressure is applied to the flow path 1014, and air flows in from the junction between the liquid absorption part and the flow path due to the strong negative pressure. (( 3 ) in FIG. 22). As a result, the liquid remains in the flow path, and the liquid cannot be sufficiently fed to and discharged from the liquid absorbing unit 1003. For this reason, a microanalysis chip capable of stable liquid feeding is desired.
In addition, a micro analysis chip incorporating the above-described micro pump can send a large amount of liquid, but since the configuration is complicated, the chip tends to be large. In addition, in the micro-analysis chip that sends liquid using the above capillary phenomenon, the amount of liquid to be transferred depends on the size of the region where the capillary phenomenon occurs, so when sending a large amount of liquid, It is necessary to increase the chip area. For this reason, miniaturization of the micro analysis chip is desired.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and provides the small liquid feeding apparatus which can perform the stable liquid feeding.

  According to the present invention, a capillary channel, a receiving part that receives liquid at one end of the channel, an absorber that is disposed at the other end of the channel and absorbs liquid, the receiving part, and the absorption Provided is a liquid analyzer that includes an adjustment unit that is arranged between the body and an accepted liquid when the received liquid is sent from one end of the flow path to the other end by capillary action. Is done.

  The liquid feeding device of the present invention includes a capillary channel, a receiving part that receives liquid at one end of the channel, an absorber that is disposed at the other end of the channel and absorbs liquid, and the receiving part. An adjustment unit that is arranged between the absorber and the received liquid is fed from one end of the flow path to the other end by capillary action, and adjusts the liquid feeding speed. The liquid feeding pressure by the absorber is not directly applied to the flow path between the receiving part and the adjusting part. For this reason, a strong local negative pressure is not applied to the flow path. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid feeding device that can apply a uniform pressure to the flow path and can stably feed liquid. Moreover, since it is a simple structure, a small liquid feeding apparatus can be provided.

It is a notional top view and sectional view of a liquid sending device concerning a 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a top view for demonstrating operation | movement of the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view and sectional view for explaining operation of the liquid sending device concerning a 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the top view to which the liquid adjustment part (liquid adjustment part flow path) in the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention was expanded. It is a top view for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view and sectional drawing for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view and sectional drawing for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view and sectional drawing for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view and sectional drawing for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view and sectional drawing for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a notional top view of the liquid delivery apparatus concerning a 7th embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the board | substrate which comprises the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the board | substrate which comprises the modification of 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the structure of the liquid analyzer which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the structure of the liquid analyzer which concerns on 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is a photograph showing the result of an Example. It is a photograph which shows the result of a comparative example. It is a top view for demonstrating operation | movement of the conventional liquid feeding apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the contact angle of a liquid.

The liquid feeding device of the present invention includes a capillary channel, a receiving part that receives liquid at one end of the channel, an absorber that is disposed at the other end of the channel and absorbs liquid, and the receiving part. An adjustment unit that is arranged between the absorber and the received liquid when the received liquid is fed from one end of the flow path to the other end by capillary action; And
Here, in addition to the channel formed by the space between the substrate and the substrate arranged opposite to each other, the space of the groove (recess) provided in the substrate, the cavity provided in the substrate (Tube) space is included. This also includes glass tube tubes.
In addition, this channel may send a liquid to be fed by capillary action. In this invention, the liquid feeding due to this capillary phenomenon is defined by the contact angle between the surface of the flow path and the liquid to be fed. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the contact angle of the liquid.

As shown in FIG. 23, in general, a liquid is in contact with the surface of a uniform flow path (for example, made of the same material), and a vertical cross-sectional shape of the liquid (in a direction in which the liquid in the flow path is fed) When the cross-sectional shape is circular, the pressure acting on the liquid (pressure of liquid feeding due to capillary action) P is the interface tension of the gas-liquid interface σ, the contact angle of the channel wall surface θ, and the radius of the channel When r, it is shown by the following formula.
P = 2σ cos θ / r (Formula 1)
At this time, when cos θ is positive, the liquid can travel through the space in the flow path, but when cos θ is 0 or negative, the liquid cannot travel through the space in the flow path. . Therefore, in order to send liquid by capillary action, cos θ needs to be positive on the surface of the flow path. In other words, cos θ is defined as positive for the liquid feeding pressure due to capillary action. In other words, liquid feeding by capillary action is realized by the fact that the flow path surface (surface of the flow path) is hydrophilic. However, the flow channel surface may be both hydrophilic and hydrophobic. For example, part or all of the flow path surface may be hydrophilic, or the surface of a part of the flow path may exhibit hydrophilic characteristics, and the part facing the surface may have hydrophobic characteristics. When both characteristics coexist, the capillary phenomenon occurring in the flow path is determined by the sum of the respective interfacial tensions. Here, hydrophilicity means a case where the contact angle measured under conditions of 1 atm and 25 ° C. using pure water (25 ° C.) having a specific resistance larger than 18 mΩ · cm is less than 90 °. Hydrophobic means that the contact angle of the pure water is 90 ° or more. However, the cosine, which is a component acting in the liquid feeding direction of the contact angle, greatly fluctuates in the vicinity of 90 °. From the viewpoint of the liquid feeding function of the present invention, the hydrophilicity in the present invention is the contact with pure water. The angle is preferably 85 ° or less, and the contact angle is more preferably 75 ° or less. The contact angle is more preferably 60 ° or less.

In addition, the capillary channel refers to a channel having such a size that capillary action occurs, and includes, for example, a channel whose width or height is about 0.1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters. It is. The width or height of the flow path is preferably 10 micrometers to 1 millimeter.
The absorber is a structure that absorbs liquid, and includes, for example, a structure formed of a material such as a fiber, a porous body, a water-absorbing polymer, or a polymer gel.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting section increases the liquid feeding force of the flow path until the received liquid reaches the absorber, and after reaching the absorber, the adjusting section feeds the flow path. It may be a liquid feeding device configured to reduce the liquid power.
According to this embodiment, since the said adjustment part increases the liquid feeding force of a flow path, it can liquid-feed quickly until the accepted liquid reaches the said absorber. In addition, even if the liquid reaches the absorber, the adjustment unit is configured to reduce the liquid feeding force of the flow path, so that the function of not directly applying the liquid feeding pressure by the absorber to the flow path. Fulfill. For this reason, the pressure of the liquid feeding by the absorber is relieved by the adjusting unit, and a strong local negative pressure is not applied to the flow path. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid feeding device that can apply a uniform pressure to the flow path and can stably feed liquid. For example, not only the liquid flow continues, but also the liquid can be fed at a stable and constant speed.

Moreover, the said adjustment part may have the adjustment flow path which connects the said flow path and the said absorber. Here, the adjustment channel refers to a channel in which the adjustment unit is configured by a channel. In this specification, the adjustment unit is also referred to as a liquid adjustment unit.
Further, the adjustment channel may be a liquid feeding device having a hydrophilic surface. According to this embodiment, since the surface of the adjustment channel is hydrophilic, the liquid feeding force of the channel can be increased. For this reason, it is possible to quickly feed the liquid until the accepted liquid reaches the absorber.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment channel may have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the channel, or the adjustment channel may have an uneven surface. Further, the surface of the adjustment channel may be rougher than the surface roughness of the channel, and the adjustment channel may include a columnar structure on the surface. According to the devices according to these embodiments, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the pressure of liquid feeding by the absorber is relieved by the adjustment flow path, and no strong local negative pressure is applied to the flow path. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid feeding device that can apply a uniform pressure to the flow path and can stably feed liquid.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment flow path may contact the absorber without passing through the flow path. According to this embodiment, since the adjustment flow path is in contact with the absorber without passing through the flow path, the pressure of liquid feeding by the absorber is directly transmitted to the adjustment flow path, and the pressure is relieved. Cheap. For this reason, it is possible to realize a liquid delivery device in which a strong negative pressure is less likely to be applied to the flow path.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the channel may further include an analysis unit that is disposed between the receiving unit and the adjustment channel and analyzes the liquid in the channel. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the analysis unit includes a control electrode that controls liquid supply to the analysis unit and a detection electrode that detects a liquid substance in the flow path, and a voltage is applied to the control electrode. May be further provided with an electrode control unit for controlling the liquid feeding and detecting the current by detecting the current from the detection electrode. Moreover, the liquid analyzer provided with the liquid feeding apparatus of this invention may be sufficient. For example, a liquid analyzer that analyzes proteins may be used. According to these embodiments, since a uniform pressure can be applied to the flow path and a liquid feeding device capable of stable liquid feeding is used, the accuracy of analysis and the reproducibility of the analysis are improved.

In this specification, the liquid feeding device refers to a device having a structure for feeding the liquid in the flow path. For example, a micro analysis chip for analyzing a liquid is included.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.

(First embodiment)
A liquid delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a conceptual plan view and cross-sectional view of the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining the operation of the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment.
First, the configuration of the liquid delivery device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment includes a first substrate (main substrate) 110 and a second substrate (lid substrate) 111 provided with a channel 114, and an end of the channel 114. And an absorber 106 provided on the discharge portion (discharge hole) 113 side disposed in the portion. A flow path 114 is formed in the first substrate (main substrate) 110. The flow path 114 has a receiving portion (receiving hole) 112 for receiving liquid in the flow path 114 at one end and a flow path at the other end. The discharge part (discharge hole) 113 for discharging 114 liquid is arranged.

In the first substrate (main substrate) 110 and the second substrate (lid substrate) 111, the first substrate 110 is made of a polydimethylsiloxane material (PDMS), and the second substrate 111 is made of a glass material. Yes. The flow path 114 is formed by superimposing the second substrate 111 on the first substrate 110.
As described above, since the liquid feeding pressure due to the capillary phenomenon of the flow path is determined by the sum of the interfacial tensions of the respective substrates (parts), in this embodiment, the interfacial tension of the substrates is evaluated by the contact angle. The substrate is selected in consideration of the interfacial tension of the first substrate 110 and the interfacial tension of the second substrate 111. In this embodiment, the first substrate 110 has a contact angle characteristic of 100 ° to 120 °, and the second substrate 111 has a contact angle characteristic of 5 ° to 30 °. Since such a contact angle is provided, the flow path 114 is in a state where liquid can be fed by capillary action. The contact angle of the substrate is a value measured under conditions of 1 atm and 25 ° C. using pure water (25 ° C.) having a specific resistance greater than 18 mΩ · cm. Note that a substrate having a contact angle with respect to pure water of 85 ° or less is preferably used for the first substrate and the second substrate. Further, it is more preferably a substrate having a contact angle of 75 ° or less, and further preferably a substrate having a contact angle of 60 ° or less.

  Further, the interfacial tension that determines the capillary phenomenon may be improved by subjecting the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 111 to a hydrophilic treatment. For example, it may be hydrophilized by hydrophilic treatment treatment, plasma treatment, UV treatment, hydrophilic film coating, or surface roughness control. In other words, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 111 may not be hydrophilic due to the characteristics (for example, material and surface shape) of the substrates themselves.

  The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 111 may be made of a material other than PDMS or glass. The material of these substrates may be selected according to the purpose and application of the liquid delivery device, and is not particularly limited to PDMS or the like. For example, when the liquid feeding device is used for liquid analysis and a detection unit for optical detection is provided in the flow path, these substrates (the first one) are used to optically detect the liquid in the liquid feeding device. A transparent or translucent material may be used for either or both of the substrate 110 and the second substrate 111. You may select the material with little light emission by the excitation light by fluorescent substance. Examples of such a transparent or translucent material include glass, quartz, thermosetting resin, thermoplastic resin, and film. In addition, silicon resins, acrylic resins, and styrene resins are preferable from the viewpoint of moldability as well as transparency. In addition, as a plastic material that emits less light by excitation light from phosphors, it can be used as a fluorine-based plastic material such as fluorinated polymethyl methacrylate in which hydrogen atoms of polymethyl methacrylate are replaced with fluorine atoms, and as an additive for catalysts and stabilizers. Examples include polymethyl methacrylate using a member that does not emit fluorescence.

In addition, when the liquid delivery device is used for electrical control or electrical measurement, it is necessary to form electrodes on the surfaces of the flow path, the first substrate 110, and the second substrate 111. The material of the first substrate 110 or the second substrate 111 may be a material capable of forming an electrode. Examples of materials capable of forming such an electrode include materials such as glass, quartz, and silicon from the viewpoints of productivity and reproducibility. In the case where a channel is formed on the first substrate 110, it is difficult to form an electrode on an uneven portion. Therefore, the electrode may be formed on the second substrate 111 where the channel is not formed.
The thickness of the first substrate 110 or the second substrate 111 is not particularly limited, and may be about 0.1 to 10 mm, for example. In this embodiment, the thickness of the first substrate 110 is 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the second substrate is 2 mm.

  The channel 114 is formed by covering the groove (concave portion) formed in the first substrate 110 with the second substrate 111. In this embodiment, the thickness of the first substrate 110 is 0.5 mm, whereas the depth of this groove is 50 μm. The depth of the groove is not particularly limited as long as liquid feeding can be realized by capillary action, and for example, it may be formed at a depth of about 5 μm to 500 μm. In addition, this groove | channel can be created by etching a 1st board | substrate, for example, may be created by mechanical processing, such as cutting.

  Further, the groove forming the flow path 114 is formed so that its cross-sectional shape (cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the liquid feeding direction) is rectangular. The cross-sectional shape is not particularly limited, and may be a cross-sectional shape such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a semicircular shape, and an inverted triangular shape. The flow path structure may cause a capillary phenomenon, and the interfacial tension is obtained for each specific region having the same cross-sectional structure, and the interfacial tension is integrated according to the composition ratio of the region, and the liquid flow due to the capillary phenomenon of the entire flow path Should be considered. In addition, the whole or a part of the flow path may be subjected to the above-described hydrophilization treatment so that the liquid feeding by the capillary phenomenon of the entire flow path may be sufficient.

  In addition, the flow path 114 is provided with a receiving part 112 for receiving the liquid from one end thereof into the flow path 114 and a discharge part 113 for discharging the liquid in the flow path 114 from the other end. The receiving part 112 is formed by a through hole (receiving hole) penetrating the first substrate 110 at one end of the groove forming the flow path, and the discharging part 113 is formed at one end of the groove forming the flow path. It is formed by a through hole (discharge hole) that penetrates the first substrate 110. Since the receiving part 112 and the discharging part 113 are formed so as to be connected to the groove forming the flow path, when the groove is covered with the second substrate 110, a path for one liquid is formed. Both the receiving part 112 and the discharging part 113 are formed by circular through holes having a diameter of 2 mm, and the size of the receiving part 112 and the discharging part 113 may be designed in consideration of the characteristics of the liquid to be injected into the liquid feeding device. For example, it may be a through hole having a diameter of 10 μm or more. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 112 and the discharging portion 113 are provided on the first substrate 110 side. However, a through hole is provided in the second substrate 111 corresponding to the end portion of the flow path 114. May be configured. Further, the receiving part 112 may be provided at a position corresponding to a part of the flow path 114 and the discharge part 113 may be provided at a position corresponding to the other part of the flow path 114 instead of the end of the flow path 114. For example, the receiving unit 112 or the discharging unit 113 may be provided at a position where the flow path branches. In addition, the receiving part 112 and the discharge part 113 can be created by etching the first substrate, similarly to the grooves forming the flow path, and may be created by mechanical processing such as cutting.

  Moreover, the absorber 106 is arrange | positioned at the edge part of the flow path 114, and is arrange | positioned at the discharge part 113 in this embodiment. The absorber 106 is a structure that absorbs liquid, and the absorber 106 has a function of absorbing the liquid in the channel 114 and feeding the liquid in the channel 114. In this embodiment, the absorber 106 is disposed inside the through hole of the discharge portion 113 and between the through hole and the second substrate 111. By disposing the absorber 106 in the through hole, that is, in the cross-sectional direction (thickness direction) of the first substrate, several microliters to several tens of microliters with respect to a region of several millimeters square from the discharge portion 113. The liquid absorbing power can be given.

  Further, in this embodiment, as the absorbent body 106, a fiber material, that is, a material obtained by cutting BENCOT (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Fibers Co., Ltd.) to φ2 mm is used. The absorbent body 106 may be selected according to the liquid to be fed. In addition to the fiber material used in this embodiment, for example, a porous body, a water-absorbing polymer (water-absorbing polymer, etc.), a polymer gel, etc. A structure formed of the above material may be used. In this embodiment, the absorber 106 is disposed in the through hole of the first substrate 110 and between the through hole and the second substrate 111. However, the through hole is formed in the second substrate 111. When the discharge portion is provided, the absorber 106 may be disposed on the surface of the second substrate 111 (the back surface corresponding to the opposite side of the first substrate) in addition to the inside of the through hole.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment, the flow path 114 has a liquid adjustment unit 103 (liquid adjustment flow path) that adjusts the liquid delivery speed of a part of the flow path 114. The liquid adjusting unit 103 is disposed between the receiving unit 112 and the discharging unit 113 and is connected to the receiving unit 112 and the discharging unit 113. The liquid adjustment unit 103 is disposed in contact with the absorber 106, and the absorber 106 is disposed on the discharge unit side of the liquid adjustment unit 103.
A columnar structure is disposed in the liquid adjusting unit 103. FIG. 4 shows an enlarged plan view of the liquid adjusting unit 103. FIG. 4 is a plan view when the liquid adjustment unit 103 is viewed from above, and for convenience, the first substrate is omitted and the shape of the discharge unit is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a pillar-shaped structure, that is, a pillar 141 is formed on the flow path surface (second substrate surface) of the liquid adjusting unit 103. The interval 304 between adjacent columns is formed with a size of 30 μm. By forming this columnar structure, it acts as a resistance against the liquid flow in the flow path, and acts as a load against the liquid flow due to the liquid absorption force of the absorber 106. For this reason, the pressure of liquid feeding by the absorber is relieved by the liquid adjusting unit, and a strong negative pressure is not applied to the flow path, and the liquid in the flow path can be discharged smoothly. The width and interval of the pillars 141 may be about 1 μm to 1 mm and about 0.1 μm to 500 μm, respectively. The pillar 141 may be formed by a well-known photolithography process using a pressure film resist (novolak resist).

In addition, the liquid adjusting unit 103 is coated with a surfactant TWEEN 20 (manufactured by GE Healthcare Japan Co., Ltd.) and subjected to a hydrophilization treatment. The adjustment unit 103 is formed so that the pressure of liquid feeding due to capillary action is generated more strongly than the other part in the channel 114. This hydrophilization treatment is performed by applying a surfactant or a reagent having a hydrophilic functional group to the surface. For example, the liquid adjusting unit 103 may be hydrophilized by hydrophilic treatment, plasma treatment, UV treatment, hydrophilic film coating, or surface roughness control. When the surface of the liquid is made hydrophilic, the liquid adjusting unit 103 becomes a region where liquid feeding due to capillary action is strongly generated, and by making the pillar-like structure surface hydrophilic, the liquid adjusting unit 103 becomes stronger. This is a region in which the capillary phenomenon occurs, so that the liquid feeding due to the capillary action acts strongly in the gap between the columns 141, and the liquid feeding from the flow path 104 to the liquid adjusting unit 103 is facilitated. Then, since the absorber 106 is disposed in contact with the liquid adjusting unit 103, the liquid is more smoothly fed from the liquid adjusting unit 103 to the absorber 106, and the liquid adjusting unit 103 has a liquid absorbing power possessed by the absorber. In addition to alleviating the above, liquid feeding is assisted until the liquid reaches the absorber 106.
In addition, the liquid adjustment part 103 is formed with a groove | channel similarly to a flow path, and the height of the groove | channel should just be about 5 micrometers-500 micrometers. In this embodiment, the depth of the groove of the liquid adjusting unit 103 is 50 μm. The height of the pillar 141 may be as high as the depth of the groove, and may be lower than the depth of the groove.

In this embodiment, the liquid is fed from the receiving unit 112 to the discharging unit 113 due to the capillary phenomenon of the channel. However, a part or all of the channel between the receiving unit 112 and the discharging unit 113 is used. Even in the case where there is a portion where the capillary phenomenon does not occur, the liquid may be brought into contact with the absorber 106 using an external force or the like. When the liquid comes into contact with the absorber 106, a liquid flow to the absorber 106 is generated, and the liquid feeding device can feed the liquid. Even in this case, the function of the liquid adjusting unit 103 is the same.
Although not shown, a detection unit may be provided between the receiving unit 112 and the discharge unit 113. Since the liquid flow does not become jammed, detection accuracy and reproducibility of detection are improved.

Next, operation | movement of the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG.2 and FIG.3. 2 and 3 are a plan view and a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the liquid delivery device according to the first embodiment. For convenience, the second substrate is omitted from the plan view. 2 (1) to (4) and FIG. 3 (1) to (3) are plan views, and FIG. 3 (4) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to (1) of FIG. In these drawings, portions where liquid is present are shown in black.
As shown in (1) of FIG. 2, first, when the liquid is injected into the receiving part 112 of the liquid feeding device, the liquid is discharged by the capillary phenomenon of the flow path 114 as shown in (2) of FIG. It travels along the flow path 114 in the direction of 113. Next, when the liquid reaches the liquid adjusting unit 103, the speed of transmission through the liquid channel increases due to the hydrophilicity of the channel surface of the liquid adjusting unit 103. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 (4), when the liquid reaches the absorber 106 in the through hole of the discharge portion, the liquid passes through the flow channel by the liquid absorption force of the absorber 106 rather than the capillary action of the flow channel 114. It comes to be transmitted. At this time, the liquid adjusting unit 103 plays a role of relaxing a strong liquid flow caused by the liquid absorption force of the absorber 106. Eventually, as shown in FIGS. 3 (1) to (3), the injected liquid is absorbed by the absorber 106 and passes through the flow path 114, and most of the liquid reaches the absorber and is discharged from the discharge portion. In other words, the injected liquid is absorbed by the absorber through the flow path and the liquid adjusting unit, and as a result, is discharged from the flow path.
As described above, in the liquid feeding device according to this embodiment, the liquid adjusting unit increases the speed at which the liquid is transmitted due to the hydrophilicity of the flow path surface, so that the liquid can be quickly fed until the liquid reaches the absorber from the receiving unit. Can be liquid. Further, since the liquid adjusting part is provided in a part of the flow path, the pressure of liquid feeding by the absorber is relieved by the liquid adjusting part, and no strong negative pressure is applied to the flow path. For this reason, the liquid feeding device according to this embodiment can apply a uniform pressure to the flow path, and can smoothly feed the liquid.

(Second Embodiment)
A liquid delivery device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are a plan view and a cross-sectional view for explaining the liquid delivery device according to the second embodiment. For convenience, the second substrate is omitted from the plan view. 5 (1) to (4) and FIG. 6 (1) to (3) are plan views, and FIG. 6 (4) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to (1) of FIG. In these drawings, portions where liquid is present are shown in black.

  First, the configuration of the liquid delivery device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to (4) of FIG. The liquid delivery device according to this embodiment has substantially the same components and arrangement as the first embodiment, but the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment has a flow path 114 as compared with the first embodiment. And the shape of the liquid adjustment part 103 is different. That is, as shown in (4) of FIG. 6, the flow path 114 and the liquid adjustment unit 103 according to this embodiment have a cross-sectional area of the liquid adjustment unit 103 that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the flow path other than the liquid adjustment unit 103. It is formed to be smaller. Specifically, the depth of the channel groove in the liquid adjusting unit 103 is shallower than the depth of the channel grooves other than the liquid adjusting unit 103, that is, the height is lower in FIG. 6 (4). It has become. In this embodiment, the flow path height 301 other than the liquid adjustment unit 103 is formed to 50 μm, and the height 302 of the liquid adjustment unit 103 is formed to 10 μm. This height may be formed such that the height 302 of the liquid adjusting unit 103 relative to the height 301 of the flow path other than the liquid adjusting unit 103 is about 0.9 to 0.01 times. As a result, when the liquid reaches the liquid adjustment unit 103 due to the liquid absorbing power of the absorber, the cross-sectional area becomes small at the portion where the flow path other than the liquid adjustment unit contacts the liquid adjustment unit. The liquid absorption capacity is relaxed and no strong negative pressure is applied to the flow path. For this reason, the effect that the flow of the liquid of a liquid feeding apparatus does not jam is produced. Here, the cross-sectional area is a cross section when the flow path is cut in a plane perpendicular to the tangent line when assuming a tangent line in contact with the flow path. It is a cross section when the flow path is cut off on a vertical plane.

Next, operation | movement of the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated using (1)-(4) of FIG. 5, and (1)-(3) of FIG. As shown in (1) of FIG. 5, first, when the liquid is injected into the receiving portion 112 of the liquid delivery device, the liquid is discharged due to the capillary phenomenon of the flow path 114 as shown in (2) of FIG. It travels along the flow path 114 in the direction of the portion 113. Next, when the liquid reaches the liquid adjusting unit 103, the speed of transmission through the liquid channel increases due to the hydrophilicity of the channel surface of the liquid adjusting unit 103. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 (4), when the liquid reaches the absorber 106 in the through hole of the discharge portion, the liquid is transmitted through the flow channel by the liquid absorption force of the absorber 106 due to the capillary phenomenon of the flow channel 114. It becomes like this. At this time, since the cross-sectional area becomes small at the portion where the flow path other than the liquid adjustment section is in contact with the liquid adjustment section, the liquid adjustment section 103 serves to alleviate the strong liquid flow caused by the liquid absorption force of the absorber 106. Fulfill. Eventually, as shown in FIGS. 6 (1) to (3), the injected liquid is absorbed by the absorber 106 and passes through the flow path 114, and most of the liquid reaches the absorber and is discharged from the discharge portion. In other words, the injected liquid is absorbed by the absorber through the flow path and the liquid adjusting unit, and as a result, is discharged from the flow path.
As described above, in the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment, the liquid adjustment unit is provided in a part of the flow path, and the cross-sectional area becomes small at the portion where the flow adjustment unit other than the liquid adjustment unit is in contact with the liquid adjustment unit. The liquid feeding pressure is relaxed by the liquid adjusting unit, and no strong negative pressure is applied to the flow path. For this reason, the liquid feeding device according to this embodiment can apply a uniform pressure to the flow path, and can smoothly feed the liquid.

(Third embodiment)
A liquid delivery device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.7 and FIG.8 is the top view and sectional drawing for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. As in the second embodiment, for convenience, the second substrate is omitted from the plan view. (1) to (4) in FIG. 7 and (1) to (3) in FIG. 8 are plan views, and (4) in FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to (1) in FIG. In these drawings, portions where liquid is present are shown in black.

  First, the configuration of the liquid delivery device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to (4) of FIG. The liquid feeding device according to this embodiment has substantially the same components and arrangement as those of the second embodiment, but the liquid feeding device according to this embodiment has a liquid adjusting unit 103 as compared with the second embodiment. The shape is different. That is, as shown in (4) of FIG. 8, the surface of the liquid adjusting unit 103 according to this embodiment is formed in an uneven shape. This uneven shape is formed by convex objects having a length of 30 μm, a width of 30 μm, and a height of 30 μm, and these convex objects are arranged on the first substrate 110 with an interval of 30 μm. The height of the uneven structure may be about 0.1 μm to 500 μm, and the adjacent unevenness, that is, the length between the concave portion and the concave portion or between the convex portion and the convex portion is 0.1 μm. It may be about ˜500 μm. Moreover, the width | variety of the part by which the structure which makes uneven | corrugated shape was controlled should just be about 1 micrometer-1 mm in the longest part. This uneven shape can be formed by molding. It is only necessary to provide an unevenness on the mold side and transfer the unevenness. The unevenness on the mold side may be formed by a well-known photolithography process using a pressure film resist.

Next, operation | movement of the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated using (1)-(4) of FIG. 7, and (1)-(3) of FIG. As shown in (1) of FIG. 7, first, when the liquid is injected into the receiving portion 112 of the liquid delivery device, the liquid is discharged due to the capillary action of the flow path 114 as shown in (2) of FIG. It travels along the flow path 114 in the direction of the portion 113. Next, as in the second embodiment, when the liquid reaches the liquid adjusting unit 103, the speed of transmission through the liquid channel increases due to the hydrophilicity of the channel surface of the liquid adjusting unit 103. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 (4), when the liquid reaches the absorber 106 in the through hole of the discharge portion, the liquid is transmitted through the flow channel by the liquid absorption force of the absorber 106 rather than the capillary action of the flow channel 114. It becomes like this. At this time, since the uneven structure is formed on the surface of the liquid adjusting unit, the liquid adjusting unit 103 plays a role of relaxing a strong liquid flow caused by the liquid absorbing power of the absorber 106. Eventually, as shown in FIGS. 8 (1) to (3), the injected liquid is absorbed by the absorber 106 and passes through the flow path 114, and most of it reaches the absorber and is discharged from the discharge portion. In other words, the injected liquid is absorbed by the absorber through the flow path and the liquid adjusting unit, and as a result, is discharged from the flow path.
Thus, in the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment, the liquid adjustment part is provided in a part of the flow path, and the uneven structure is formed on the surface of the liquid adjustment part. Is alleviated by the liquid adjusting part, and no strong negative pressure is applied to the flow path. For this reason, the liquid feeding device according to this embodiment can apply a uniform pressure to the flow path, and can smoothly feed the liquid.

(Fourth embodiment)
A liquid delivery device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 are a plan view and a cross-sectional view for explaining a liquid delivery device according to the fourth embodiment. As in the second and third embodiments, for convenience, the second substrate is omitted from the plan view. 9 (1) to (4) and FIG. 10 (1) to (3) are plan views, and FIG. 10 (4) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9 (1). In these drawings, portions where liquid is present are shown in black.

  First, the configuration of the liquid delivery device according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The liquid delivery device according to this embodiment has substantially the same components and arrangement as those of the second and third embodiments, but the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment is compared with the second and third embodiments. Thus, the shape of the liquid adjusting unit 103 is different. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 (4), the liquid adjustment unit 103 according to this embodiment is formed so that the surface roughness of the surface is larger than the surface roughness in the flow path other than the liquid adjustment unit 103. In this embodiment, the flow path 104 (however, the flow path other than the liquid adjustment section) is formed so that the arithmetic average roughness Ra is about 4 nm and the liquid adjustment section has an arithmetic average roughness Ra of about 20 nm. The surface roughness of the surface of this flow path should just be the range whose arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the flow path of a liquid adjustment part is 1.1-100 times with respect to arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the surface of a flow path. . The arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the flow path of the liquid adjusting part can be formed by chemical treatment such as chemical treatment or treatment with plasma, gas or the like on the surface of the liquid adjusting part.

Next, the operation of the liquid delivery device according to the fourth embodiment will be described using (1) to (4) in FIG. 9 and (1) to (3) in FIG. As shown in (1) of FIG. 9, when the liquid is first injected into the receiving portion 112 of the liquid delivery device, the liquid is discharged due to the capillary phenomenon of the flow path 114 as shown in (2) of FIG. It travels along the flow path 114 in the direction of the portion 113. Next, as in the second and third embodiments, when the liquid reaches the liquid adjusting unit 103, the speed of transmission through the liquid channel increases due to the hydrophilicity of the channel surface of the liquid adjusting unit 103. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9 (4), when the liquid reaches the absorber 106 in the through hole of the discharge portion, the liquid is transmitted through the flow channel by the liquid absorption force of the absorber 106 rather than the capillary phenomenon of the flow channel 114. It becomes like this. At this time, since the surface roughness on the surface of the liquid adjusting unit is formed to be rougher than the surface roughness in the flow path other than the liquid adjusting unit 103, the liquid adjusting unit 103 is a powerful liquid due to the liquid absorbing power of the absorber 106. To alleviate the flow of Eventually, as shown in FIGS. 10 (1) to 10 (3), the injected liquid is absorbed by the absorber 106 and passes through the flow path 114, most of which reaches the absorber and is discharged from the discharge portion. In other words, the injected liquid is absorbed by the absorber through the flow path and the liquid adjusting unit, and as a result, is discharged from the flow path.
As described above, in the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment, the liquid adjustment part is provided in a part of the flow path, and the surface roughness on the surface of the liquid adjustment part is formed to be rougher than the surface roughness in the flow path other than the liquid adjustment part 103. Therefore, the pressure of liquid feeding by the absorber is relaxed by the liquid adjusting unit, and no strong negative pressure is applied to the flow path. For this reason, the liquid feeding device according to this embodiment can apply a uniform pressure to the flow path, and can smoothly feed the liquid.

(Fifth embodiment)
A liquid delivery device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.11 and FIG.12 is the top view and sectional drawing for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. As in the second to fourth embodiments, for convenience, the second substrate is omitted from the plan view. (1) to (4) in FIG. 11 and (1) to (3) in FIG. 12 are plan views, and (4) in FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to (1) in FIG. In these drawings, portions where liquid is present are shown in black.

  First, the configuration of the liquid delivery device according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The liquid feeding device according to this embodiment has substantially the same components and arrangement as those of the third embodiment. However, compared to the third embodiment, the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment has a surface on the surface of the liquid adjusting unit 103 according to this embodiment. The formed uneven shape is different in that it is formed using a photosensitive thick film resist or the like and disposed on the second substrate. Since the second substrate is flat, it is easier to create than forming an uneven shape on the first substrate on which the flow path is formed. The uneven shape may be formed on the second substrate by etching or the like. In addition, as in the third embodiment, the concavo-convex shape is formed by convex objects having a length of 30 μm, a width of 30 μm, and a height of 30 μm, and these convex objects are arranged at intervals of 30 μm. The structure having the uneven shape may be designed with the same height, size, and the like as in the third embodiment. The operation of the liquid delivery device according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Sixth embodiment)
A liquid delivery device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.13 and FIG.14 is the top view and sectional drawing for demonstrating the liquid feeding apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment. As in the second to fifth embodiments, for convenience, the second substrate is omitted from the plan view. (1) to (4) in FIG. 13 and (1) to (3) in FIG. 14 are plan views, and (4) in FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to (1) in FIG. In these drawings, portions where liquid is present are shown in black.

  First, the configuration of the liquid delivery device according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to (4) of FIG. The liquid feeding device according to this embodiment has substantially the same components and arrangement as those of the fourth embodiment, but the surface roughness of the surface of the liquid adjusting unit 103 is smaller than that of the fourth embodiment. The difference is that the portion that is roughly formed is the second substrate. That is, the surface roughness of the surface of the liquid adjusting unit 103 is formed to be rougher than the surface roughness in the flow path other than the liquid adjusting unit 103, and the portion of the second substrate in the liquid adjusting unit 103 is formed to be rough. The arrangement of the surface roughness is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, and the design may be the same as that of the fourth embodiment. The operation of the liquid delivery device according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Seventh embodiment)
A liquid delivery device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a plan view for explaining the liquid delivery device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a substrate constituting the liquid delivery device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 17 is a plan view for explaining a modification according to the seventh embodiment. This liquid feeding device is in the form of a so-called chip and is called a liquid feeding chip.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the liquid feeding device (liquid feeding chip) according to the seventh embodiment includes a control electrode for controlling liquid feeding, that is, first and second on-off valves 2005 and 2006, A detection electrode for detecting an active substance contained in the liquid, that is, a detection unit 2012 is formed. Specifically, in the liquid delivery device according to this embodiment, first and second liquid adjustment units 2003 and 2004 are formed at the end of the flow path, and the first and second liquid adjustment units 2003 and 2004 are formed. In addition, first and second liquid receiving holes 2001 and 2002 are formed in the first substrate 2101 with through holes. The channel is connected to a portion where the absorber 2014 is disposed, and the absorber 2014 is disposed in this portion. In the portion where the absorber 2014 is disposed, a third open hole is formed by providing a through hole in the first substrate 2101. In addition, the flow path includes a first flow path 2009 connected to the first and second liquid adjusting units 2003 and 2004, and a fourth flow path 2008 connected to the center of the first flow path 2009 in a T shape. The second channel 2010 connected to the portion where the fourth channel 2008 and the absorber 2014 are arranged. Among these flow paths, first and second on-off valves 2005 and 2006 are formed at a portion of the first flow path 2009 where the first and second liquid adjustment units 2003 and 2004 are joined. The detection unit 2012 is formed in the flow path 2010. Here, the fourth channel 2008 mixes the liquid injected from the receiving holes 2001 and 2002 for the first and second liquids.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the flow path, the liquid adjusting unit, and the absorber are arranged on the first substrate 2101 ((1) in FIG. 16), the first and second on-off valves 2005 and 2006, and the detecting unit. 2012 is formed on the second substrate 2102 ((2) in FIG. 16). The first and second on-off valves 2005 and 2006 and the detection unit 2012 are connected to wiring, and these are connected to the external connection terminal 2015 at the end of the second substrate. Although not shown, the first and second on-off valves 2005 and 2006 and the detection unit 2012 are connected to the control unit via wiring and an external connection terminal 2015, and the control unit applies a voltage to the control electrode to send liquid. And detecting the current from the detection electrode to detect the active substance. The first and second open / close valves 2005 and 2006 are valves using so-called electrowetting technology, and the control unit changes the voltage of the valve (electrode) to change the contact angle of the liquid on the valve (electrode). To change and stop and pass the liquid.

The structure of the flow path, the absorber, and the liquid adjustment unit according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Accordingly, also in this embodiment, the liquid adjusting unit assists the liquid absorbing power of the absorber, and not only the liquid flow continues but also the liquid can be fed at a stable and constant speed. Further, since the liquid adjusting part is provided in a part of the flow path, the pressure of liquid feeding by the absorber is relieved by the liquid adjusting part, and no strong negative pressure is applied to the flow path. For this reason, even if it is a liquid feeding apparatus comprised with a some flow path, a liquid flows smoothly and the liquid inject | poured from the 1st and 2nd receiving hole can be mixed uniformly by a detection part. Therefore, accurate measurement is possible.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, you may form a liquid feeding apparatus by superimposing three board | substrates. The substrate 2201 is provided with a receiving hole, a discharge hole, and an absorber, a substrate 2202 is formed with a flow path, and the substrate 2203 is formed with an opening / closing valve, a detection unit (electrode), a wiring, and a terminal to form a liquid feeding device. May be.

(Eighth embodiment)
A liquid delivery device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a configuration of a liquid analyzer according to the eighth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 18, this liquid analyzer is a so-called handy type micro analyzer, and is configured to be portable. This handy type microanalyzer comprises a microanalysis chip 2302 and a control handy device 2301 for controlling the microanalysis chip. The micro analysis chip 2302 corresponds to the liquid supply chip (liquid supply device) described in the seventh embodiment, and the control handy device 2301 corresponds to the control unit described in the seventh embodiment. For this reason, the basic configuration and operation are the same as those of the seventh embodiment, and differences from the seventh embodiment will be described.

  The control handy device 2301 is provided with a terminal (not shown) connected to the external connection terminal 2015 described in the seventh embodiment, and a chip connection into which a micro analysis chip (liquid feeding chip, liquid feeding device) is inserted. A mouth 2303 is provided. When the external connection terminal 2015 of the micro analysis chip is inserted into the chip connection port 2303, the external input / output terminal in the control handy device 2301 and the external connection terminal of the micro analysis chip 2302 are electrically connected. In addition, the control handy device 2301 has a display unit 2304 that can display the measurement result of the analysis chip (such as the amount of the substance to be detected), and various kinds of parameters for starting and stopping the measurement and for specifying the measurement parameters. An input unit 2305 capable of inputting data is provided. For example, the input unit 2305 has a touch panel structure. Further, the control handy device 2301 incorporates an information processing system (not shown) such as a CPU that can process data and an I / O logic circuit that processes input information and output information.

  This microanalyzer is used as follows. First, the micro analysis chip 2302 is connected to the control handy device 2301, various data are input, and a measurement start button is pressed. As a result, solutions such as reagent liquids and sample liquids (test liquids) that have been previously provided in the microanalysis chip and that have stopped flowing into the flow path by the open / close valve sequentially enter the flow path. As a result, a predetermined reaction is performed in each flow path to become a detectable substance to reach the detection unit, where an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of the substance to be detected is generated. This electrical signal is output from the external connection terminal 2015 to the outside. The signal output from the external connection terminal 2015 is received by an external input terminal of a control handy device electrically connected to the external connection terminal 2015, and this signal is stored in software information stored in advance in the control handy device. Analyze based. Thereby, the quantity or type of the substance to be detected can be specified.

  The control handy device 2301 of the handheld micro-analyzer may be constituted by a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone or a PDA. Here, a mobile phone will be described as an example. For example, the above-described chip connection port is provided in a mobile phone having a computer function, and analysis software for processing data transmitted from the micro analysis chip is stored in this mobile phone. This mobile phone normally functions as a mobile phone, and can function as a handy device for control if necessary. Then, for example, a micro analysis chip is connected to a mobile phone, various data are input using the buttons of the mobile phone, and then a button set as a measurement start button is pressed. As a result, the reagent solution or test solution that has been prepared in advance in the microanalysis chip and has stopped flowing into the flow path by the open / close valve is advanced into the flow path. Next, the analysis chip sequentially operates and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of the substance to be detected detected by the detection unit to the mobile phone. The computer of the mobile phone analyzes this signal in software to identify the amount and type of the substance to be detected. This is displayed on the mobile phone display. Also, upon receiving an instruction from the operator, the analysis information is transmitted to a remote place using the transmission function.

(Ninth embodiment)
A liquid delivery device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a configuration of a liquid analyzer according to the ninth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 19, this liquid analyzer is a so-called integrated microanalyzer, which is a sample collection unit 2401, a liquid channel unit 2402, a drive analysis processing unit 2403, an input / output logic processing unit 2404, and an input / output unit 2405. Are each formed and configured on one substrate.

The sample collection unit 2401 includes a needle included in the capillary, and is configured to collect blood and a sample by inserting the needle into a human body or a sample body. Since the pain is alleviated when the needle is inserted into a human body or the like to extract a body fluid such as blood, it is preferable to use a microinvasive probe. Further, a non-invasive sampling device may be provided together with or instead of the needle. For example, it is also possible to provide a liquid-absorbing liquid that collects sweat on the skin surface, saliva in the oral cavity, tears, urine, and the like.
Further, as the liquid flow path portion 2402, a flow path apparatus similar to the liquid feeding apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments is used. Of these, the flow path device described in Embodiment 3 is preferably used. The capillary tube of the needle disposed in the sample collection unit 2401 is connected to the liquid adjustment unit 2414 of the liquid flow path unit 2402, and the sample flows into the liquid adjustment unit due to the capillary phenomenon of the capillary tube provided in the needle. ing.

  Further, the liquid flow path portion 2402 is formed using a substrate such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene, vinyl chloride, or the like. A plurality of detection units may be arranged in the liquid channel unit 2402, or a plurality of channels may be arranged.

  The drive analysis processing unit 2403 is provided with a CPU, a memory, a battery (not shown), and the like, and is connected to a detection unit of the liquid flow path unit 2042, an I / O logic circuit described later, and the like. Since this embodiment is an integrated type that includes all elements, a CPU and a memory are provided in the drive analysis processing unit 2403 so that on-off valve control corresponding to various measurements, measurement data processing, and the like can be performed. It has been. In this memory, valve control sequence information corresponding to various measurements and measurement data processing information are stored.

  Based on the information stored in advance, the drive analysis processing unit 2403 opens the open / close valve at the start of measurement and allows a reagent solution, a sample solution (test solution), etc. to flow into the flow path, and the electrical detected by the detection unit is detected. The signal is processed to identify the amount or type of substance to be detected. As described above, the drive analysis processing unit 2403 is configured to control the micro analysis chip and output measurement data obtained by the micro analysis chip to an I / O logic circuit (described below). The drive analysis processing unit 2403 can be configured in the same manner as the lid substrate 2102 of FIG. 17 in the seventh embodiment, and can incorporate the drive control element described in the eighth embodiment.

  The input / output logic processing unit 2404 has an I / O logic circuit, and this I / O logic circuit is connected to the CPU of the drive analysis processing unit 2403 and each button of the input / output unit via the electrical connection line and Connected to the display. The input / output logic processing unit 2404 cooperates with the CPU of the drive analysis processing unit 2403 to process I / O data, display the measurement result on the display (LCD) of the input / output unit, and The micro analysis chip is controlled based on the electric signal input by the input button. This control includes at least control of the on-off valve and control of the detection unit electrode. The input / output unit 2405 is provided with an input button for giving an instruction to the CPU and a display (LCD).

  The display is not limited to the LCD (liquid crystal display) but may be an organic EL display module or the like. This display performs a display operation by driving a driving driver circuit in cooperation with an I / O logic circuit and a CPU. As the display format, for example, various display formats such as numerical display, graph display, “present / none” display, and time-change display can be adopted.

  Although not shown in FIG. 19, the input / output unit can be provided with a terminal for processing input / output with the outside or a wireless transceiver. As a result, it is possible to connect to a personal computer, a PDA terminal or the like, and it is possible to connect to a network, thereby improving convenience.

  As described above, the liquid analyzer of Embodiment 8 can perform measurement and output from collection of a sample with a single device. In particular, according to the micro-analysis chip device incorporating a wireless transceiver that enables two-way information exchange with the outside, for example, measurement results on human health measured at home can be immediately sent via a network to a hospital, health care center, etc. This makes it possible to receive prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment advice. A microanalytical chip device that is small and excellent in convenience can be provided.

(Example)
A resin molding method using a mold was used to form the groove for the flow path 114 in the main substrate. The mold was manufactured by forming a resist pattern on a silicon substrate by a photolithography method and then performing an etching by a dry etching process method. The width of the flow path was 600 μm, the size of the liquid adjustment part was 5 mm × 5 mm, and columns of 30 μm × 30 μm were arranged in the liquid adjustment part at intervals of 30 μm. In addition, a mold was provided on the produced mold, and silicon rubber (polydimethylsiloxane, Zilpot 184 manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd.) was poured until the thickness reached 2 mm, and heated at 100 ° C. for 15 minutes to be cured. . After curing, the mold and the cured silicone rubber were separated. Next, silicon rubber was shaped into a length of 20 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm, and a through hole was formed with a punch so that the inlet hole and the outlet hole had a diameter of 2 mm, thereby producing a first substrate. TWEEN 20 (manufactured by GE Healthcare Japan Co., Ltd.) was applied to the prepared liquid adjustment part of the first substrate and dried at 100 ° C. for 5 minutes.
The second substrate was prepared by cutting a Tempax glass substrate having a thickness of 600 μm into a length of 25 mm and a width of 15 mm with a dicing saw. As the absorbent body 106, a material in which BENCOT (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Fibers Co., Ltd.) was cut to φ2 mm was used. The produced 1st board | substrate and 2nd board | substrate were bonded together, the absorber 106 was filled with the discharge hole, and the liquid feeding structure concerning an Example was produced.

Next, a test for flowing a liquid through the liquid feeding device according to the example was performed. When the phosphate buffer was dropped, the solution entered the flow path in the liquid feeding structure by capillary action. Next, the liquid in the flow path entered the liquid adjusting section, the absorber 106 was absorbed, air entered through the inlet hole (exhaust hole), and the solution in the flow path was completely discharged.
Moreover, the liquid feeding structure without a liquid adjustment part was created as a comparative example. Except for the liquid adjusting unit, the liquid feeding structure of the above example was manufactured in the same manner as the manufacturing. Furthermore, an experiment for flowing a liquid was also performed in the same manner as in the example.

The results are shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. FIG. 20 is a photograph showing the result of the example, and FIG. 21 is a photograph showing the result of the comparative example. In FIG. 20, the rectangular channel is a liquid adjusting unit. Referring to FIG. 20, the liquid level indicated by A in (1) moves to the position B shown in (2), and when the time further elapses, the liquid level moves to the position shown in (3). Recognize. That is, it can be understood that air enters and the liquid in the flow path 114 is discharged. On the other hand, referring to FIG. 21, the liquid level indicated by P in (1) moves to the position Q shown in (2), and a liquid level is also generated in R on the discharge hole side so that air enters from the opposite side. You can see that
From the above, it can be seen that the liquid flow that was not smoothly performed in the comparative example was performed smoothly in the liquid feeding device of the example. That is, it can be seen that the liquid absorbing power of the absorber is relaxed by the liquid adjusting unit, and no strong negative pressure is applied to the flow path. In addition, it can be understood that the liquid in the liquid feeding device flows smoothly, and that this liquid feeding device can apply a uniform pressure to the flow channel in the flow channel, and can perform stable liquid feeding.

  Various features shown in the above embodiments can be combined with each other. In the case where a plurality of features are included in one embodiment, one or a plurality of features can be appropriately extracted and used alone or in combination in the present invention.

103 Liquid adjustment part (liquid adjustment flow path)
106 Absorber 110 First substrate (main substrate)
111 Second substrate (lid substrate)
112 Receiving part (receiving hole)
113 discharge part (discharge hole)
114 Channels 131, 132, 134, 135, 136, 137, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, auxiliary lines indicating the position of the cross-sectional view 141 Column 201 Solution 151 Area with irregularities 152 Area with rough surface 153 Area 154 with unevenness 301 Area with rough surface 301 Height of flow path 302 Height of liquid adjustment section 304 Column-to-column spacing 305 Column width 2001 First open hole 2002 Second open hole 2003 First liquid adjustment section 2004 2nd liquid adjustment part 2005 1st on-off valve 2006 2nd on-off valve 2007 Mixer part 2008 4th flow path 2009 1st narrow path 2010 1st flow path 2011 5th flow path (2nd narrow path)
2012 detector 2013 second channel (third bottleneck)
2014 Liquid absorption 2015 External connection terminal 2016 3rd flow path 2020 3rd open hole 1003 Liquid absorption part 1012 Inlet 1014 Capillary flow path 1013 Communication port

Claims (10)

A capillary channel;
A receiving portion for receiving liquid at one end of the flow path;
An absorber that is disposed at the other end of the flow path and absorbs the liquid;
An adjustment unit that is arranged between the receiving unit and the absorber and adjusts the liquid feeding speed when the received liquid is fed from one end of the flow path to the other end by capillary action;
A liquid feeding device comprising: The adjustment unit increases the liquid feeding force of the flow path until the received liquid reaches the absorber,
The liquid feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid feeding device is configured to reduce the liquid feeding force of the flow path after reaching the absorber. The liquid feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit includes an adjustment flow path that connects the flow path and the absorber. The liquid feeding device according to claim 3, wherein the surface of the adjustment channel is hydrophilic. The liquid feeding device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the adjustment channel has a smaller cross-sectional area than the channel. The liquid feeding device according to claim 3, wherein the surface of the adjustment channel is an uneven surface. The liquid analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the surface of the adjustment channel is rougher than the surface of the channel. The liquid feeding device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the adjustment channel includes a columnar structure on a surface thereof. The liquid flow feeding device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, further comprising an analysis unit that is disposed between the receiving unit and the adjustment flow channel and analyzes the liquid in the flow channel. The analysis unit includes a control electrode that controls liquid supply to the analysis unit and a detection electrode that detects a liquid substance in the flow path, and controls the liquid supply by applying a voltage to the control electrode. The liquid delivery device according to claim 8, further comprising an electrode control unit that detects current from the detection electrode to detect the substance.