JP2011182728A - Reaction container and reaction method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reaction container and reaction method for preventing scattering of liquid to be inspected. <P>SOLUTION: The reaction container 1 used for a genetic test includes: a fitting part 14 fitted to a dripper for dripping the liquid to be inspected in the reaction container 1; and a lid 20 for sealing the dripper fitted to the fitting part 14 in the reaction container. The dripper may be configured by including a micropipette chip. In addition, the dripper may be configured by including a syringe with a plunger. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a reaction vessel and a reaction method.

  In recent years, the existence of genes involved in various diseases has been clarified, and gene-based medical care such as gene diagnosis and gene therapy has attracted attention. In addition, in the field of agriculture and livestock, methods using genes for variety discrimination and breed improvement Have been developed, and gene utilization technology is expanding. Nucleic acid amplification techniques are widely used to utilize genes. As this technique, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is generally known, and today, PCR has become an indispensable technique for elucidating information on biological materials.

  In the inspection by PCR, a method of performing a reaction using a specimen reaction container called a tube or a chip (biochip) is generally used. However, the conventional methods have a problem that the amount of necessary reagents and the like is large, and the apparatus is complicated to realize a necessary heat cycle, and the reaction takes time. Therefore, a biochip and a reaction apparatus are required for performing PCR accurately and in a short time using a very small amount of reagent or specimen.

  In order to solve such a problem, Patent Document 1 includes a droplet in a tube filled with a liquid (mineral oil or the like) that is not mixed with the reaction liquid and has a lighter specific gravity than the reaction liquid. A biochip and apparatus of a type in which a reaction is carried out by reciprocating a reaction solution to perform a thermal cycle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “elevating type” in the present specification) are disclosed.

JP 2009-136250 A

  In the conventional biochip described in Patent Document 1, a liquid containing a specimen (in this specification, this may be referred to as “test liquid”) is dispensed into a minute amount of container in a test by PCR. There is a need. For this reason, for example, when a tester dispenses a test liquid into a container using a micropipette, the test liquid scatters and contaminates the environment when the micropipette tip is discarded after use. There was a possibility of contamination.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and according to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a reaction container and a reaction method capable of suppressing scattering of a test liquid.

(1) The reaction container according to the present invention is
A reaction vessel used for genetic testing,
In the reaction container, a fitting portion that is fitted with a dropping means for dropping the test liquid into the reaction container;
A lid for sealing the dropping means fitted in the fitting portion in the reaction container;
including.

  According to the present invention, since the dropping means that has come into contact with the test liquid can be sealed in the reaction container together with the test liquid, a reaction container that can suppress scattering of the test liquid can be realized.

(2) This reaction vessel
The dropping means may include a micropipette tip.

  According to the present invention, since the tip of the micropipette that has come into contact with the test liquid can be sealed in the reaction container together with the test liquid, a reaction container that can suppress scattering of the test liquid can be realized.

(3) This reaction vessel
The dripping means may include a syringe provided with a plunger.

  According to the present invention, since the syringe touching the test liquid can be sealed in the reaction container together with the test liquid, a reaction container capable of suppressing the scattering of the test liquid can be realized.

(4) This reaction vessel
The plunger and the lid may be integrally formed.

  Thereby, the number of parts of a reaction container can be reduced.

(5) This reaction vessel
The reaction container may be filled with oil.

  Thereby, PCR can be easily performed using an elevating type thermal cycler.

(6) This reaction vessel
At least one of a primer and a fluorescent probe may be applied in the reaction container.

  Thus, if the test solution is dispensed into the reaction container, the test solution can be mixed with at least one of the primer and the fluorescent probe, so that PCR can be performed more easily.

(7) The reaction method according to the present invention includes:
A fitting step of fitting a dropping means for dropping the test solution into the reaction container with the reaction container;
A dropping step of dropping the test liquid into the reaction vessel from the dropping means fitted to the reaction vessel in the fitting step;
A sealing step of sealing the dropping means fitted to the reaction vessel in the fitting step in the reaction vessel;
including.

  According to the present invention, since the dropping means that has come into contact with the test solution can be sealed in the reaction container together with the test solution, a reaction method that can suppress the scattering of the test solution can be realized.

FIG. 1A is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional structure of the reaction vessel 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram of FIG. 1A of the reaction vessel 1 according to the first embodiment. The figure which represented typically the cross section in the AA line, FIG.1 (C) was the figure which represented typically the cross-section of the reaction container 1a which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. Drawing 2 (A)-Drawing 2 (E) are figures for explaining an example of the reaction method concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D are diagrams for explaining another example of the reaction method according to this embodiment. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D are diagrams for explaining another example of the reaction method according to this embodiment. FIG. 5A is a view schematically showing a cross-sectional structure of the reaction vessel 2 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a view of FIG. 5A of the reaction vessel 2 according to the second embodiment. The figure which represented the cross section in the AA line typically. FIGS. 6A to 6C are views for explaining a state in which the reaction container 2 and the dropping unit according to the second embodiment are fitted. FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional structure of the reaction vessel 3 according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a view of FIG. 7A of the reaction vessel 3 according to the third embodiment. The figure which represented the cross section in the AA line typically. FIGS. 8A to 8C are views for explaining a state in which the reaction container 3 according to the third embodiment and the dropping unit are fitted.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described below are essential constituent requirements of the present invention.

1. FIG. 1A schematically shows a cross-sectional structure of the reaction vessel 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B shows the reaction vessel and the reaction method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1C schematically shows a cross section of the reaction vessel 1 taken along line AA in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C schematically shows a cross-sectional structure of the reaction vessel 1a according to the modification of the first embodiment. FIG.

  The reaction container 1 according to the first embodiment is a reaction container used for genetic testing, and includes a container body 10 and a lid 20.

  The outer shape of the reaction vessel 1 can have any shape. The size and shape of the reaction vessel 1 are not particularly limited, but depending on the application, for example, the amount of liquid such as oil to be filled, the thermal conductivity, the shape of the cavity formed inside, and the ease of handling. It may be selected in consideration of at least one kind.

  The material of the reaction vessel 1 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include inorganic materials (for example, Pyrex glass (Pyrex is a registered trademark)) and organic materials (for example, resins such as polycarbonate and polypropylene). There may be. When the reaction vessel 1 is used as a reaction vessel (reaction chip) for PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), the reaction vessel 1 is made of a material with small spontaneous fluorescence. It is desirable to be formed by. Examples of such a material having a small spontaneous fluorescence include polycarbonate and polypropylene. When the reaction vessel 1 is used as a PCR reaction vessel, the reaction vessel 1 is preferably made of a material that can withstand heating in PCR.

  Further, the material of the reaction vessel 1 includes carbon black, graphite, titanium black, aniline black, Ru, Mn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Co or Cu oxide, Si, Ti, Ta, Zr or Cr. Black substances such as carbides can be blended. By blending such a black substance into the material of the reaction vessel 1, the spontaneous fluorescence of the resin or the like can be further suppressed. In addition, when the reaction vessel 1 is used from the outside of the reaction vessel 1 for the purpose of observing the inside cavity (for example, real-time PCR), the material of the reaction vessel 1 can be made transparent if necessary. Can be. When the reaction vessel 1 is used as a PCR reaction chip, the material of the reaction vessel 1 is preferably a material that has little nucleic acid or protein adsorption and does not inhibit an enzyme reaction such as polymerase.

  The container body 10 is provided with a cavity 12 that is a cavity formed inside the container body 10. In addition, the container body 10 is provided with a fitting portion 14 for fitting with a dropping means for dropping a test liquid (liquid containing a sample) into the cavity 12 in the cavity 12 in the reaction container 1. It has been.

  The cavity 12 is configured to communicate with the external space of the container body 10 through the opening 11. The shape of the cavity 12 is not particularly limited. The shape of the cavity 12 can be, for example, an elongated shape as shown in FIG.

  When the cavity 12 has an elongated shape, for example, when controlling the temperature of the reaction vessel 1 so that regions having different temperatures are provided in the cavity 12 using an elevating type thermal cycler, It becomes easy to separate the distance between them. An elevating thermal cycler is a reaction vessel that contains liquid (mineral oil, etc.) that is not miscible with the reaction solution and that is lighter in specific gravity than the reaction solution. It is a device that realizes a thermal cycle by reciprocating a certain temperature region and a different temperature region.

  Further, when the cavity 12 has an elongated shape, the ratio of the surface area of the container to the volume of the container increases, so that, for example, when the cavity 12 is filled with a liquid such as oil, heat conduction is performed. The efficiency of the liquid is improved, and the temperature control of the liquid can be facilitated.

  One of the functions of the cavity 12 is to become a reaction chamber for the liquid when the liquid is filled. For example, the cavity 12 can be a space in which the PCR reaction solution is reacted when oil and the PCR reaction solution are filled. In particular, when the cavity 12 is elongated, the PCR reaction solution can be easily subjected to a thermal cycle by moving the PCR reaction solution in the cavity 12 using an elevating thermal cycler.

  The fitting portion 14 is configured to be fitted with dropping means (details will be described later). In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the fitting portion 14 is configured to include a narrowed portion 16. The narrowed portion 16 is configured as a portion where the cross-sectional area of the cavity 12 becomes narrow when the cavity 12 is viewed from the opening 11 side.

  The lid 20 is configured to be attachable to the container body 10 so that contents necessary for a desired genetic test (for example, test liquid, various reagents, oil, etc.) do not leak from the reaction container 1. . The lid 20 is attached so as to cover the opening 11 of the container body 10. The lid 20 has a screw cap structure, for example, and may be attached to the container main body 10 by being screwed into the container main body 10. The lid 20 is configured to be removable from the container body 10.

  The lid 20 can seal the dropping means (details will be described later) fitted to the fitting portion 14 in the reaction container 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the container body 10 and the lid 20 are screwed together to seal the dropping means in the space region surrounded by the container body 10 and the lid 20. it can.

  According to the reaction container 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above, since the dropping means that touched the test liquid can be sealed in the reaction container together with the test liquid, the reaction that can suppress the scattering of the test liquid. A container can be realized.

  Furthermore, the oil 30 may be filled in the cavity 12 of the reaction vessel 1a like the reaction vessel 1a according to the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Thereby, PCR can be easily performed using an elevating type thermal cycler.

  Furthermore, a primer and an amplification product for amplifying the target nucleic acid are detected in the cavity 12 of the reaction vessel 1a as in the reaction vessel 1a according to the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 (C). Therefore, at least one of the fluorescent probes (reagent 40) may be applied. Thus, when the test solution is dispensed into the reaction container 1a, the test solution is mixed with at least one of the primer for amplifying the target nucleic acid and the fluorescent probe for detecting the amplification product (reagent 40). Therefore, PCR can be performed more easily.

  FIG. 2 (A) to FIG. 2 (E) are diagrams for explaining an example of the reaction method according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, a reaction method using the reaction vessel 1a according to the modification of the first embodiment is shown.

  In the reaction method according to the present embodiment, the fitting step of fitting the tip 50 (dropping means) of the micropipette 60 for dropping the test solution 70 into the chamber 12 of the reaction vessel 1a with the fitting portion 14 of the reaction vessel 1a. A dropping step of dropping the test liquid 70 into the chamber 12 of the reaction vessel 1a from the tip 50 (dropping means) of the micropipette 60 fitted to the fitting portion 14 of the reaction vessel 1a in the fitting step; And a sealing step of sealing the tip 50 (dropping means) of the micropipette 60 fitted in the fitting portion 14 of the reaction vessel 1a in the reaction vessel 1a in the reaction vessel 1a.

  The dropping means is a tool or member that can hold or drop the test liquid as necessary. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, a configuration including the tip 50 of the micropipette 60 is used as the dropping means.

  The chip 50 is a tool used by being attached to the tip of the micropipette 60. The chip 50 has a hollow cylindrical portion, and can hold a liquid such as a test solution inside the cylindrical portion.

  The material of the chip 50 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include inorganic materials (for example, Pyrex glass (Pyrex is a registered trademark)) and organic materials (for example, resins such as polycarbonate and polypropylene). May be.

  First, the fitting process in the example of the reaction method shown to FIG. 2 (A)-FIG. 2 (E) is demonstrated. First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the tip 50 is attached to the micropipette 60, the test solution 70 is sucked up by the micropipette 60 to which the tip 50 is attached, and the test solution 70 is held by the tip 50. Next, the tip 50 is inserted into the chamber 12 through the opening 11 of the container body 10 while being attached to the micropipette 60, and the tip 50 is fitted into the fitting portion 14 as shown in FIG. . In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the tip portion of the chip 50 is fitted into the narrowed portion 16.

  Next, the dropping step in the example of the reaction method shown in FIGS. 2 (A) to 2 (E) will be described. As shown in FIG. 2C, the test liquid 70 is dropped into the chamber 12 with the chip 50 fitted in the fitting portion 14. In the example shown in FIG. 2 (C), since the chamber 12 is filled with the oil 30, the test liquid 70 is dropped into the oil 30 filled in the chamber 12. In the example shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the test liquid 70 dropped in the dropping step is mixed with the reagent 40 in the chamber 12 to become the reaction liquid 80 in the chamber 12. Using the reaction solution 80, various genetic tests such as PCR can be performed.

  Next, a sealing process in the example of the reaction method illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 2D, the micropipette 60 is removed from the chip 50 while the chip 50 is fitted to the fitting portion 14. Next, as shown in FIG. 2E, the chip 50 is sealed in the reaction container 1a by screwing the lid 20 into the container body 10 while the chip 50 is fitted in the fitting part 14. To do. In the example shown in FIG. 2E, the chip 50 is sealed in a space region surrounded by the container main body 10 and the lid 20.

  Thus, according to the reaction method shown in FIGS. 2 (A) to 2 (E), the tip (dropping means) touching the test solution can be sealed in the reaction container together with the test solution. Therefore, a reaction method that can suppress scattering of the test solution can be realized.

  FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D are diagrams for explaining another example of the reaction method according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a reaction method using the reaction vessel 1a according to the modification of the first embodiment is shown.

  The reaction method according to the present embodiment includes a fitting step of fitting a syringe 56 (dropping means) for dropping the test solution 70 into the chamber 12 of the reaction vessel 1a with the fitting portion 14 of the reaction vessel 1a, The dropping step of dropping the test liquid 70 into the chamber 12 of the reaction vessel 1a from the syringe (dropping means) fitted to the fitting portion 14 of the reaction vessel 1a in the step, and the fitting of the reaction vessel 1a in the fitting step And a sealing step of sealing the syringe (dropping means) fitted to the portion 14 in the reaction container 1a.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a configuration including a syringe 56 is used as the dropping means.

  The syringe 56 has a hollow cylindrical portion, and a cylinder 52 that can hold a liquid such as a test liquid inside the cylindrical portion, and a plunger 54 that is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the cylinder 52. It is comprised including.

  The material of the syringe 56 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include inorganic materials (for example, Pyrex glass (Pyrex is a registered trademark)) and organic materials (for example, resins such as polycarbonate and polypropylene). May be.

  First, the fitting process in the example of the reaction method shown to FIG. 3 (A)-FIG. 3 (D) is demonstrated. First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the test liquid 70 is sucked up by the syringe 56 by pulling up the plunger 54, and the test liquid 70 is held by the syringe 56. Next, the syringe 56 is inserted into the chamber 12 from the opening 11 of the container body 10, and the syringe 56 is fitted into the fitting portion 14 as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the distal end portion of the syringe 56 is fitted to the narrowed portion 16.

  Next, the dropping step in the example of the reaction method illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D will be described. As shown in FIG. 3C, the test liquid 70 is dropped into the chamber 12 by pushing down the plunger 54 with the syringe 56 fitted in the fitting portion 14. In the example shown in FIG. 3C, since the chamber 12 is filled with the oil 30, the test liquid 70 is dropped into the oil 30 filled in the chamber 12. In the example shown in FIG. 3D, the test solution 70 dropped in the dropping step is mixed with the reagent 40 in the chamber 12 to become the reaction solution 80 in the chamber 12. Using the reaction solution 80, various genetic tests such as PCR can be performed.

  Next, a sealing process in the example of the reaction method illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D will be described. As shown in FIG. 3D, the syringe 56 is sealed in the reaction container 1a by screwing the lid 20 into the container main body 10 while the syringe 56 is fitted in the fitting portion 14. In the example shown in FIG. 3D, the syringe 56 is sealed in a space region surrounded by the container main body 10 and the lid 20.

  In addition, it is also possible to perform a dripping process and a sealing process simultaneously. For example, when the lid 20 is screwed into the container body 10, the plunger 54 can be pushed down, and the test liquid 70 can be dropped and the syringe 56 can be sealed simultaneously. Thereby, work can be simplified.

  As described above, according to the reaction method shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the syringe (dropping means) touching the test solution can be sealed in the reaction container together with the test solution. Therefore, a reaction method that can suppress scattering of the test solution can be realized.

  In addition, since the syringe is equipped with a plunger, the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical cylinder can be closed with the plunger, so that the test liquid can be easily sealed in a desired region of the reaction vessel. Become.

  4 (A) to 4 (D) are diagrams for explaining another example of the reaction method according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 (A) to 4 (D), in the reaction vessel 1a shown in FIGS. 3 (A) to 3 (D), a reaction vessel in which the plunger 54 and the lid 20 are integrally formed. The reaction method using 1b is shown.

  The reaction method according to the present embodiment includes a fitting step of fitting a syringe 56 (dropping means) for dropping the test solution 70 into the chamber 12 of the reaction vessel 1a with the fitting portion 14 of the reaction vessel 1b, The dropping step of dropping the test liquid 70 into the chamber 12 of the reaction vessel 1b from the syringe (dropping means) fitted to the fitting portion 14 of the reaction vessel 1b in the step, and the fitting of the reaction vessel 1b in the fitting step And a sealing step of sealing the syringe (dropping means) fitted to the portion 14 in the reaction container 1b.

  First, the fitting process in the example of the reaction method shown to FIG. 4 (A)-FIG. 4 (D) is demonstrated. First, as shown in FIG. 4A, the test liquid 70 is sucked up by the syringe 56 by pulling up the plunger 54 and the lid 20, and the test liquid 70 is held by the syringe 56. Next, the syringe 56 is inserted into the chamber 12 from the opening 11 of the container body 10, and the syringe 56 is fitted into the fitting portion 14 as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the distal end portion of the syringe 56 is fitted to the narrowed portion 16.

  Next, the dropping process and the sealing process in the example of the reaction method illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4D will be described. As shown in FIG. 4C, the lid 20 is screwed into the container main body 10 while the syringe 56 is fitted to the fitting portion 14, thereby depressing the plunger 54 and bringing the test liquid 70 into the chamber 12. The syringe 56 is sealed in the reaction container 1a together with the dropping. In the example shown in FIG. 4C, since the chamber 12 is filled with the oil 30, the test liquid 70 is dropped into the oil 30 filled in the chamber 12. In the example shown in FIG. 4C, the syringe 56 is sealed in a space region surrounded by the container main body 10 and the lid 20. In the example shown in FIG. 4D, the test solution 70 dropped in the dropping step is mixed with the reagent 40 in the chamber 12 to become the reaction solution 80 in the chamber 12. Using the reaction solution 80, various genetic tests such as PCR can be performed.

  Thus, according to the reaction method shown to FIG. 4 (A)-FIG. 4 (D), the syringe (dropping means) which touched the test liquid can be sealed in a reaction container with a test liquid. Therefore, a reaction method that can suppress scattering of the test solution can be realized. Moreover, since the dropping step and the sealing step can be performed simultaneously, the operation can be simplified.

  In addition, since the syringe is equipped with a plunger, the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical cylinder can be closed with the plunger, so that the test liquid can be easily sealed in a desired region of the reaction vessel. Become.

  Furthermore, since the plunger and the lid are integrally formed, the number of parts of the reaction vessel can be reduced.

2. Reaction Container According to Second Embodiment FIG. 5A is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional structure of the reaction container 2 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a reaction container according to the second embodiment. It is the figure which represented typically the cross section in the AA of FIG.

  The reaction vessel 2 according to the second embodiment is different from the reaction vessel 1 according to the first embodiment only in the configuration of the fitting portion, and the other configuration is the same as the reaction vessel 1. Therefore, below, especially the structure of the fitting part of the reaction container 2 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B), the container body 10 is fitted with dropping means for dropping the test solution into the cavity 12 in the cavity 12 in the reaction vessel 1. A mating portion 14a is provided.

  The fitting part 14a is configured to be fitted with the dropping means. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the fitting portion 14 a includes a key groove 17 in addition to the narrowed portion 16.

  The key groove 17 is a container body 10 so that a groove in the depth direction when the cavity 12 is viewed from the opening 11 side and a groove on a virtual plane perpendicular to the depth direction form a series of grooves. It is comprised in the inner wall surface. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the key grooves 17 are provided at four locations on the inner wall surface of the container main body 10.

  FIGS. 6A to 6C are views for explaining how the reaction container 2 and the dropping means according to the second embodiment are fitted.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, a configuration including the tip 50a of the micropipette 60 is used as the dropping means. The tip 50 a is a tool used by being attached to the tip of the micropipette 60. The chip 50a has a hollow cylindrical portion, and can hold a liquid such as a test liquid inside the cylindrical portion. The chip 50 a is provided with a convex portion 58 that fits into the key groove 17 when the chip 50 a is inserted into the chamber 12 from the opening 11.

  Next, how the chip 50a is fitted into the fitting portion 14a (corresponding to the fitting process) will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, the tip 50a is attached to the micropipette 60. Next, the tip 50a is inserted into the chamber 12 through the opening 11 of the container body 10 while being attached to the micropipette 60, and the tip 50a is fitted into the fitting portion 14 as shown in FIG. . In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the tip portion of the tip 50a is fitted into the narrowed portion 16, and the convex portion 58 of the tip 50a is fitted into the key groove 17. Moreover, when fitting the convex part 58 of the chip | tip 50a in the key groove 17, when the cavity 12 is seen from the opening part 11 side among the key grooves 17, it is the groove | channel on a virtual plane perpendicular | vertical to a depth direction. The projection 58 is fitted to the portion so as to move along the key groove 17.

  Thus, by setting it as the structure containing the key groove as a fitting part, a convex part and a key groove are hooked and a fitting with a chip | tip (dropping means) and reaction container becomes more reliable. Thereby, it can suppress that a chip | tip (dropping means) and reaction container will remove | deviate. In addition, the test solution can be reliably dropped into the cavity.

  Further, in the case where the configuration including the tip 50a of the micropipette 60 is used as the dropping means, as shown in FIG. 6C, the tip 50a is fitted into the fitting portion 14a, and the tip 50a is removed. When the micropipette 60 is removed, the micropipette 60 can be easily removed.

  Various modifications described for the reaction vessel 1 according to the first embodiment can be similarly applied to the reaction vessel 2 according to the second embodiment. Moreover, the reaction container 2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment can be used similarly also in the reaction method demonstrated using FIGS.

3. Reaction Container According to Third Embodiment FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional structure of the reaction container 3 according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a reaction container according to the third embodiment. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line AA in FIG.

  The reaction vessel 3 according to the third embodiment is different from the reaction vessel 1 according to the first embodiment only in the configuration of the fitting portion, and the other configuration is the same as the reaction vessel 1. Therefore, below, especially the structure of the fitting part of the reaction container 3 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B), the container body 10 is fitted with dropping means for dropping the test solution into the cavity 12 in the cavity 12 in the reaction vessel 1. A mating portion 14b is provided.

  The fitting portion 14b is configured to be fitted with the dropping means. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the fitting portion 14 b includes an annular groove 18 in addition to the narrowed portion 16.

  The annular groove 18 is formed on the inner wall surface of the container body 10 so that the groove having a direction perpendicular to the depth direction when the cavity 12 is viewed from the opening 11 side becomes an annular groove. Yes. In the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the annular groove 18 is configured as a groove that is deeper on the side closer to the opening 11 and becomes shallower as the distance from the opening 11 decreases.

  FIGS. 8A to 8C are views for explaining how the reaction container 3 according to the third embodiment and the dropping means are fitted.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, a configuration including the tip 50b of the micropipette 60 is used as the dropping means. The tip 50 b is a tool that is used by being attached to the tip of the micropipette 60. The chip 50b has a hollow cylindrical portion, and can hold a liquid such as a test liquid inside the cylindrical portion. Further, the chip 50b is provided with a hook-shaped portion 59 that fits into the annular groove 18 when the chip 50b is inserted into the chamber 12 from the opening 11. The hook-shaped portion 59 is provided on the outer surface of the chip 50b so that the width of the chip 50b increases as the distance from the tip of the chip 50b increases.

  Next, how the chip 50b is fitted to the fitting portion 14b (corresponding to the fitting process) will be described. As shown in FIG. 8A, the tip 50b is attached to the micropipette 60. Next, the tip 50b is inserted into the chamber 12 through the opening 11 of the container body 10 while being attached to the micropipette 60, and the tip 50b is fitted into the fitting portion 14 as shown in FIG. . In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the tip portion of the tip 50b is fitted into the narrowed portion 16, and the hook-like portion 59 of the tip 50b is fitted into the annular groove 18.

  Thus, by setting it as the structure containing an annular groove as a fitting part, a hook-shaped part and an annular groove are hooked, and fitting with a chip | tip (dropping means) and reaction container becomes more reliable. Thereby, it can suppress that a chip | tip (dropping means) and reaction container will remove | deviate. In addition, the test solution can be reliably dropped into the cavity.

  Further, in the case where the configuration including the tip 50b of the micropipette 60 is used as the dropping means, as shown in FIG. 8C, the tip 50b can be removed from the tip 50b while being fitted to the fitting portion 14b. When the micropipette 60 is removed, the micropipette 60 can be easily removed.

  Various modifications described for the reaction container 1 according to the first embodiment can be similarly applied to the reaction container 3 according to the third embodiment. Further, the reaction vessel 3 according to the third embodiment can be similarly used in the reaction method described with reference to FIGS.

4). Other Modifications In the above-described reaction vessel 1, reaction vessel 1a, reaction vessel 1b, reaction vessel 2 and reaction vessel 3, when the dropping means is fitted in the fitting portion, the inside of the cavity 12 at the tip of the dropping means It is preferable that the protrusion to be small. Thereby, for example, when the reaction solution 80 in the cavity 12 is moved using an elevating type thermal cycler, it is possible to prevent the reaction solution 80 from being captured by the dropping means protruding into the cavity 12. it can.

  In addition, embodiment mentioned above and a modification are examples, Comprising: It is not necessarily limited to these. For example, a plurality of embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, the present invention includes substantially the same configuration (for example, a configuration having the same function, method and result, or a configuration having the same purpose and effect) as the configuration described in the embodiment. In addition, the invention includes a configuration in which a non-essential part of the configuration described in the embodiment is replaced. In addition, the present invention includes a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects as the configuration described in the embodiment or a configuration that can achieve the same object. In addition, the invention includes a configuration in which a known technique is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

1, 1a, 1b, 2, 3 reaction vessel, 10 vessel body, 11 opening, 12 cavity, 14, 14a, 14b fitting portion, 16 constricted portion, 17 key groove, 18 annular groove, 20 lid, 30 Oil, 40 Reagents, 50, 50a, 50b Tip, 52 Cylinder, 54 Plunger, 56 Syringe, 58 Convex, 59 Sponge, 60 Micropipette, 70 Test solution, 80 Reaction solution

Claims (7)

A reaction vessel used for genetic testing,
In the reaction container, a fitting portion that is fitted with a dropping means for dropping the test liquid into the reaction container;
A lid for sealing the dropping means fitted in the fitting portion in the reaction container;
A reaction vessel. The reaction vessel according to claim 1,
The dripping means is a reaction container configured to include a micropipette tip. The reaction vessel according to claim 1,
The dripping means is a reaction container configured to include a syringe provided with a plunger. The reaction vessel according to claim 3,
A reaction vessel in which the plunger and the lid are integrally formed. The reaction container according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A reaction vessel, wherein the reaction vessel is filled with oil. The reaction vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A reaction container in which at least one of a primer and a fluorescent probe is applied in the reaction container. A fitting step of fitting a dropping means for dropping the test solution into the reaction container with the reaction container;
A dropping step of dropping the test liquid into the reaction vessel from the dropping means fitted to the reaction vessel in the fitting step;
A sealing step of sealing the dropping means fitted to the reaction vessel in the fitting step in the reaction vessel;
A reaction method comprising:

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