JP2012242084A - Electrophoretic method and electrophoretic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable stable application of a designated electric gradient in electrophoresis.SOLUTION: A voltage is re-applied to an electrode pair 45a' and 45b' at a position near a center between electrodes from a position where a voltage has been applied, the electrode pair 45a' and 45b' comprising an anode and a cathode inserted to a gelatinous dielectric medium.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophoresis method and an electrophoresis apparatus.

Electrophoresis is a phenomenon in which molecules or particles having a charge move toward an electrode having a sign opposite to that of a charged charge as a result of applying a voltage in a conductive medium.
As an electrophoresis method, the method described in Non-Patent Document 1 has been known. In recent years, the technique described in Patent Document 1 and the technique described in Non-Patent Document 2 are known. In the methods described in these prior art documents, a basic configuration, that is, an electrophoresis tank is placed on a cooling unit, a conductive medium for sample separation is placed therein, and a voltage is applied to the conductive medium. A configuration with positive and negative electrodes is used.

JP 2005-517594 A

Patrick H. O'Farrell, High Resolution Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis of Proteins, The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1975 May 25, Vol. 250, no. 10, pp. 4007-4021 Toda Toshin, Nakamura Kazuyuki, Hirano Hisashi, Protein and Q & A, Yodosha, 2005, 76-77

However, in the prior art, when a voltage is applied between the electrodes, various charged substances contained in the sample and the conductive medium move toward the electrodes. Most of the various chargeable substances are transferred as electrons and deposited in the vicinity of the electrodes, and some of them remain in an equilibrium state while being charged, greatly increasing the electrical resistance around the electrodes. End up. In addition, the linearity of the potential gradient between the electrodes is lost, and the migration pattern may be disturbed particularly near the electrodes.
As exemplified above, the conventional technique has a drawback that a specified electric gradient may not be stably applied in electrophoresis.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an electrophoresis method and an electrophoresis apparatus capable of stably applying a specified electric gradient in electrophoresis.

  (1) The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one embodiment of the present invention is an electrode pair of a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted in a gel-like dielectric medium, and the voltage is In the electrophoresis method, a voltage is re-applied to an electrode pair located at a position near the center between the electrodes from the applied position.

  (2) Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described electrophoresis method, a voltage is reapplied from the reapplied position to an electrode pair located at a position close to the center between the electrodes. .

  (3) Further, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the electrophoresis method, the dielectric medium is a medium used in isoelectric focusing.

  (4) In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the electrophoresis method, the electrode pair is an electrode pair moved from a position where a voltage is applied to a position close to the center between the electrodes. To do.

  (5) Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the electrophoresis method, the electrode pair is moved from a position where the voltage is applied to a position near the center between the electrodes after the application of the voltage is stopped. It is characterized by being an electrode pair.

  (6) In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the electrophoresis method described above, the electrode pair is applied with a reverse voltage after a voltage is applied, and then the voltage application is stopped after the voltage application is stopped. The electrode pair is moved to a position close to the center between the electrodes from the formed position.

  (7) Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the above-described electrophoresis method, after a voltage is applied to the first electrode pair, the first electrode pair is positioned closer to the center between the electrodes. A voltage is reapplied to the provided second electrode pair.

  (8) Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the above-described electrophoresis method, when re-application is performed, a potential difference larger than the potential difference between the electrodes of the second electrode pair is set between the electrodes of the first electrode pair. It is characterized by giving to.

  (9) Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described electrophoresis method, after a substance located near the position where the voltage is applied is isolated, the position near the center between the electrodes from the position where the voltage is applied A voltage is re-applied to the electrode pair positioned at.

  (10) Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the electrophoresis method described above, the electrode pair to which a voltage is applied is pulled out from the dielectric medium, so that a substance located near the position to which the voltage is applied is isolated. Then, the voltage is re-applied to the electrode pair located at a position close to the center between the electrodes from the position where the voltage is applied.

  (11) Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described electrophoresis method, after the adsorbent bonded to the electrode pair is removed, the substance located near the position where the voltage is applied is isolated, The voltage is reapplied.

  (12) Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described electrophoresis method, the dielectric medium is cut so that a substance located near the position where the voltage is applied is isolated, and then the voltage is re-applied. It is characterized by doing.

  (13) Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described electrophoresis method, after a substance located near a position where a voltage is applied is isolated by inserting a barrier in the dielectric medium, the voltage is changed. It is characterized by reapplying.

  (14) One embodiment of the present invention is an electrode pair of a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted in a gel-like dielectric medium, and is located at a position close to the center between the electrodes from the position where the voltage is applied. An electrophoretic device comprising: an electrode pair; and a re-application unit that re-applies a voltage to the electrode pair.

  (15) According to another aspect of the present invention, in the above-described electrophoresis apparatus, an initial application unit that applies a voltage to the electrode pair of the positive electrode and the negative electrode inserted in the gel-like dielectric medium, and the dielectric medium A re-applying unit that starts re-application of the voltage to the electrode pair located near the center between the electrodes from the position of the electrode to which the voltage is applied by the initial application unit based on the amount of current flowing It is characterized by.

  (16) One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that in the above-described electrophoresis apparatus, a drive unit that moves the electrode pair is provided.

  According to the present invention, a specified electric gradient can be stably applied in electrophoresis.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the electrophoresis which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the electrophoresis which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of operation | movement of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing explaining an example of operation | movement of the electrode part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view of the electrode part which concerns on this embodiment, a conductive medium, and a support plate. It is sectional drawing of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on the modification 1 of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on the modification 2 of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on the modification 3 of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on the modification 4 of this embodiment. It is a front view of the electrode part which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a right view of the electrode part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view of the electrode part which concerns on this embodiment, a conductive medium, and a support plate. It is explanatory drawing explaining the electrophoresis which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the electrode part which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the electrode part which concerns on this embodiment, a conductive medium, and a support plate. It is sectional drawing of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing explaining an example of operation | movement of the cassette and electrode part which concern on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the electrode part which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the logical structure of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on each embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the logical structure of the drive device which concerns on each embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating an example of the application control which concerns on each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the electrophoresis apparatus which concerns on each embodiment. It is the schematic which shows another example of the negative electrode and positive electrode which concern on each embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating electrophoresis according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows that an electrode is inserted in the gel-like dielectric medium 6.
FIG. 1A labeled 1A shows that a voltage is applied to the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b (also referred to as initial application), and the charged substance in the dielectric medium 6 has moved to the vicinity of the electrodes 6a and 6b. Note that some of the charged substances are deposited as salts as electrons are transferred in the vicinity of the electrodes.

FIG. 1B labeled 1B shows that a voltage is applied (also referred to as re-application) to the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ after the initial application. Here, the electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ are located closer to the center direction than the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b.
FIG. 1B shows electric lines of force representing an electric field generated by applying a voltage to the electrodes. This electric field line has no electric field in the vicinity of the electrodes 6a and 6b where the charged substance is located, or an electric field having a very small intensity compared to the electric field at the position between the electrodes 45a 'and 45b'. It shows that.
That is, the chargeable substance is moved to the vicinity of the electrodes 6a and 6b by the initial application, and the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b are placed at positions where no electric field is generated in the vicinity of the electrodes 6a and 6b or where the electric field is reduced. It is reapplied after positioning '. By being reapplied, electrophoresis can be performed in a state where it is not affected or hardly affected by the charged substance or salt.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. In the electrophoresis apparatus 1, the negative electrode 45 a ′ and the positive electrode 45 b ′ in the electrode unit 4 are more (b) than (a) the positions of the negative electrode 45 a and the positive electrode 45 b at the time of initial application (also referred to as initial application positions). ) It is changed to a position approaching the central direction of the dielectric medium 6 along the straight line connecting the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b, and re-application is performed (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 includes a cassette 2, an electrode unit 4, electrode connection units 5 a and 5 b, a dielectric medium 6, a support plate 7, a holding unit 8, a driving unit 9, and a cooling unit 10. , Stage 11 is provided. As shown in the drawing, a straight line connecting the negative electrode and the positive electrode of the electrode portion 4 is the Z axis (the direction from the positive electrode to the negative electrode is the positive direction of the Z axis). Further, the axis that is orthogonal to the Z axis and that is included in a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the electrode reaction tank 3 (also the bottom surface of the conductive medium 6) is the X axis. An axis orthogonal to both the X and Z axes is the Y axis. In this coordinate space, changing to a position closer to the central direction of the conductive medium 6 along the straight line connecting the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b means reducing the distance between the electrodes along the Z axis.

The cooling device 10 is provided with a Peltier cooling control mechanism having a heat dissipation means including a heat dissipation fin or a heat dissipation fan and a cooling Peltier element.
The stage 11 is formed to have a step, and the smaller X axis is recessed. The stage 11 is made of acrylic, for example. The stage 11 is provided with a storage place for storing the electrode unit 4, the dielectric medium 6, and the support plate 7 (not shown).
The cassette 2 is provided with a plurality of tanks 3. The cassette 2 is made of glass, for example. The tank 3 is used as an electrode reaction tank, various reagent tanks, and a washing tank, respectively. In the vicinity of the electrode reaction tank 3 of the cassette 2, electrode connection portions 5a and 5b are provided. The electrode connecting portion 5a is connected to the negative electrode of the power source via a conducting wire, and the electrode connecting portion 5b is connected to the positive electrode of the power source via a conducting wire.

The electrode unit 4 is provided with a negative electrode 45a and a positive electrode 45b that are movable in the Z-axis direction. The electrode portion 4 is formed of a conductor such as metal (the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b) and plastic.
The dielectric medium 6 is a gel-like solid substance, and is made of, for example, acrylamide, polysaccharide agarose, or the like. The dielectric medium 6 is a medium used in isoelectric focusing, for example.
The support plate 7 is an acrylic plate, for example.
The holding portion 8 is provided with a holding claw 81 that is movable in the X direction. The holding portion 8 is provided with pushing portions 81a and 81b that are movable in the Z-axis direction.
The drive unit 9 is provided with a drive arm.

In FIG. 2, a stage 11 is placed on the cooling device 10. A cassette 2 is attached to the recessed portion of the stage 11. The cassette 2 can be detached from the stage 11. Electrophoresis is performed under a high voltage, and the electrode reaction vessel 3 becomes hot during sample separation. The cooling unit 10 cools the electrode reaction tank 3 during electrophoresis, thereby keeping the temperature constant. A drive unit 9 is fixed to the stage 11.
An electrode unit 4 is attached to the electrode reaction tank 3 of the stage 2. Here, the conductive parts 41a and 41b provided in the electrode part 4 are inserted into the electrode connection parts 5a and 5b. As a result, the electrode unit 4 is connected to the power source through the electrode connection unit 5 to apply a voltage to the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and the negative electrode and the positive electrode are electrically connected through the dielectric medium 6. Become.
A dielectric medium 6 is placed in the electrode reaction tank 3. The dielectric medium 6 is fixed to a support plate 7 made of an acrylic plate or the like.

The drive unit 9 moves the holding claw 81 of the holding unit 8 to sandwich the electrode unit 4 or the support plate 7 in the holding unit 8. Thereby, the holding unit 8 holds the electrode unit 4 or the support plate 7. Since the conductive medium 6 is generally thin and soft, the holding unit 8 holds the dielectric medium 6 by holding the support plate 7. On the other hand, the electrode part 4 is formed of plastic at a part held by the holding part 8, and the holding part 8 directly holds the electrode part 4. The drive unit 9 moves the electrode unit 4 or the support plate 7 sandwiched by the holding unit 8 by moving the holding unit 8 in the X direction and the Y direction.
The drive unit 9 moves the negative electrodes 45a and the positive electrode 45b in the Z-axis direction by moving the pushing portions 81a and 81b of the holding unit 8. The drive unit 9 is connected to the drive device A1 and operates according to a command from the drive device A1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the operation of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 when the electrode of the electrode unit 4 is inserted into the dielectric medium 6. This figure is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA 'of FIG. 4A attached with reference numeral 4A is a sectional view before inserting the dielectric medium 6 into the electrode, and FIG. 4B attached with reference numeral 4B is a sectional view after inserting the dielectric medium 6 into the electrode.
In FIG. 4A, the electrode unit 4 is attached to the cassette 2 in the electrode reaction tank 3 of the cassette 2. In this figure, the support plate 7 on which the dielectric medium 6 is fixed is held by the holding portion 8 and is located immediately above the electrode portion 4. Thereafter, the drive arm of the drive unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the negative direction of the Y-axis, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 4B.
FIG. 4B shows that the negative electrode 45 a and the positive electrode 45 b are inserted into the dielectric medium 6.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the operation of the electrode unit 4 according to the present embodiment. This figure is a cross-sectional view at the position of the A-A ′ cross section of FIG. 2, and shows only the cassette 2, the electrode unit 4, and the conductive medium 6. FIG. 5A with reference numeral 5A is a cross-sectional view at the time of initial application, and is a view in the same state as shown in FIG. FIG. 5B with reference numeral 5B is a cross-sectional view at the time of re-application.

  In FIG. 5A, conductive plates are provided on the upper portions of the conductive portions 41a and 41b, and are in contact with the conductive plates provided on the lower portions of the movable portions 42a and 42b, respectively. Springs (elastic bodies) 43a and 43b are attached to one ends of the movable parts 42a and 42b, respectively. Electrode support portions 44a and 44b bent in an L shape are fixed to one end of each of the conductive plates of the movable portions 42a and 42b. A negative electrode 45a and a positive electrode 45b are fixed to the electrode support portions 44a and 44b, respectively, and conductive materials that transmit electricity supplied via the conductive plates of the movable portions 42a and 42b to the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are provided. Enclose. The conductive material of the electrode support portions 44a and 44b is wrapped with an insulator.

  Initial application is performed in the state shown in FIG. 5A. Specifically, when the driving device A1 turns on the switch 117 connected to the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b and the power source, a voltage is applied to the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b. Thereafter, the driving device A1 turns off the switch 117, thereby stopping the application of voltage to the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b. After the voltage application is stopped, the drive unit 9 moves the pushing portion 81a of the holding portion 8 in the negative direction of the Z axis and the pushing portion 81b in the positive direction of the Z axis, thereby pushing the pushing portion of the pushing hole 16 of the electrode portion 4 Press 81a, 81b. Thereby, the springs 43a and 43b are contracted, and the movable parts 42a and 42b are moved in the Z-axis direction, whereby the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are moved. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 5B is obtained. That is, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are moved to the positions of the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ (re-application position) by moving so as to reduce the distance between the electrodes along the Z axis. The

Re-application is performed in the state shown in FIG. 5B. Specifically, the driving device A1 turns on the switch 117 connected to the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ and the power source, so that a voltage is applied to the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′.
It should be noted that the initial application position is set to the end of the conductive medium 6 as much as possible within a range where stable energization is possible. Here, the position that is the end of the conductive medium 6 as much as possible within a range where stable energization is possible is, for example, a position where the electrode can be reliably inserted into the conductive medium, that is, the electrode tip is covered with the conductive medium 6 and the outside air. It is a position not exposed to. Thereby, even when the cross section of the terminal of the conductive medium 6 lacks uniformity, stable energization is possible. Moreover, the distance (the difference between the distance between the electrodes at the initial application position and the distance between the electrodes at the reapplication position) for moving the electrodes in the Z-axis direction for reapplication can be maximized. The effects of charged substances and salts can be minimized.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electrode unit 4, the conductive medium 6, and the support plate 7 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6A attached with a reference numeral 6A is a perspective view at the time of initial application, and is a view in the same state as FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B denoted by reference numeral 6B is a perspective view at the time of re-application, and is a view in the same state as FIG. 5B.
Comparing FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the electrode support portions 44a ′ and 44b ′ are pushed more toward the center of the electrode than the electrode support portions 44a and 44b.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the electrophoretic device 1 is a positive electrode / negative electrode pair (negative electrode 45a ′ and positive electrode 45b ′) inserted in a gel-like dielectric medium, and an initial application is performed. A voltage is re-applied to the electrode pair moved from the position to a position close to the center between the electrodes. Thereby, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 can perform electrophoresis in a situation where it is not affected or hardly affected by the charged substance or salt. That is, in the present embodiment, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 can stably apply a specified electric gradient between the electrodes in electrophoresis.

According to the electrophoresis apparatus according to the prior art, a small charged substance (for example, in a buffer solution constituting the conductive medium 6) contained in the conductive medium 6 that starts to move greatly in the opposite direction to the electrode sign simultaneously with voltage application. PH gradient is formed in the conductive medium 6, the charged substance contained in the separation sample applied to the conductive medium 6, the charged substance contained in the solution of various pretreatments performed on the conductive medium 6, and the conductive medium 6. Among the ampholytes that are added at the same time, those that do not converge to their isoelectric points, etc., collect at the electrodes. The small substance collected at the electrode is delivered with electrons from the electrode and stays in the electrode and the vicinity thereof with chloride or a partial charge. This causes the current to hardly flow through the conductive medium 6.
On the other hand, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, by moving the electrode, the salt and a part of the charged substance remaining without chlorination are kept at the initial application position. That is, since the charged substance is isolated outside between the electrodes to which the potential gradient is applied, the potential is almost equal to the potential at the electrode position. Thereby, since the electric force in the direction of the electrode is unlikely to act on the charged substance, electrophoresis can be performed in a state where the isolated salt and the charged substance are difficult to adhere to the electrode again. Therefore, a multi-component sample (for example, a charged polymer such as protein) having a higher molecular weight and a lower mobility can be separated and developed while securing a sufficient current. For example, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1, instability of voltage application in the vicinity of the electrode can be suppressed, and high resolution can be ensured up to the vicinity of the electrode.

  In the above embodiment, the dielectric medium 6 is a medium used in isoelectric focusing. In the electrophoretic device 1, among amphoteric carriers (carrier ampholite) applied to the conductive medium 6 to form a pH gradient, the electrode does not settle at the isoelectric point (at the voltage applied at the time of application) and acts on the electrode, so that the separation ability Anything that affects (especially the resolution near the electrode) can be isolated. In addition, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1, among the unpolymerized monomers in the IPG gel formed by adding acrylamide derivatives (imobiline) having various pI side chains to form a pH gradient, By acting, it is possible to isolate those that affect the resolution, particularly the resolution in the vicinity of the electrode.

In the above embodiment, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 may repeat the movement and application of the negative electrode and the positive electrode. That is, the electrophoretic device 1 may re-apply the voltage from the re-applied position (the position of the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′) to the electrode pair located near the center between the electrodes. For example, the electrophoretic device 1 moves the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ closer to each other after re-application, and then re-applies the voltage.
Thereby, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1, it is possible to isolate charged substances having different mobilities and salts thereof collected near the electrodes one by one, and more stable electrophoresis can be performed. Therefore, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1, the time for the salt and the charged substance to cover the periphery of the electrode during electrophoresis can be reduced to the minimum, and sample separation with higher resolution can be realized.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the electrode part 4 was attached to the cassette 2 previously, and the case where the dielectric medium 6 was moved after that and the electrode of the electrode part 4 was inserted was demonstrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the dielectric medium 6 may be first placed in the electrode reaction tank 3 of the cassette 2, and then the electrode unit 4 may be attached to the cassette 2.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to the first modification of the present embodiment. This figure is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 2, and shows the cassette 2, the electrode part 4, the conductive medium 6, and the support plate 7. 7 is compared with FIG. 4, in FIG. 7, the electrode portion 4 is provided with the negative electrode 45 a ″ and the positive electrode 45 b ″ at a distance larger than the length of the dielectric medium 6 in the Z-axis direction.
In FIG. 7A labeled 7A, the dielectric medium 6 is placed in the electrode reaction vessel 3 of the cassette 2. The electrode unit 4 is held by a holding unit 8 (not shown), and is located immediately above the dielectric medium 6. When the driving arm of the driving unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the negative direction of the Y axis, the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view when the electrode unit 4 is attached to the cassette 2. In FIG. 7B, the electrode unit 4 may be attached to the cassette 2 first, and then the dielectric medium 6 may be moved. The drive unit 9 moves the pushing part 81a of the holding part 8 in the negative direction of the Z-axis and the pushing part 81b in the positive direction of the Z-axis to move the movable parts 42a '' and 42b '' inside the pushing hole 16 of the electrode part 4. Push. As a result, the negative electrode 45a ″ and the positive electrode 45b ″ are inserted into the dielectric medium 6, and the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view during initial application. After the initial application, the drive unit 9 moves the pushing part 81a of the holding part 8 in the negative direction of the Z axis and the pushing part 81b in the positive direction of the Z axis to push the movable parts 42a ′ and 42b ′. As a result, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are inserted into the dielectric medium 6, and the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view during re-application. Thereafter, the drive unit 9 moves the pushing part 81a of the holding part 8 in the positive direction of the Z axis and the pushing part 81b in the negative direction of the Z axis. Due to the repulsive force of the springs 43a and 43b, the movable part 42a ′ moves in the positive direction of the Z axis and the movable part 42b ′ moves in the negative direction of the Z axis, so that the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ also move. After the movement, the state shown in FIG. 7B is obtained.
Thereafter, the drive arm of the drive unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the positive direction of the Y-axis, whereby the state shown in FIG. The present invention is not limited to this, and in the state shown in FIG. 7B, the holding unit 8 holds the support plate 7, and the drive arm of the drive unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the positive direction of the Y axis. The conductive medium 6 may be taken out from the electrode reaction tank 3.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to the second modification of the present embodiment. This figure is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 2, and shows the cassette 2, the electrode part 4, the conductive medium 6, and the support plate 7. Comparing FIG. 8 with FIG. 4, in FIG. 8, the conductive medium 6 is fixed to a support plate 7 whose length in the Z-axis direction is shorter than that of the conductive medium 6. Note that the difference in length in the Z-axis direction between the conductive medium 6 and the support plate 7 is a larger value than the sum of the differences between the position of the electrode at the initial application and the position of the electrode at the re-application.
In FIG. 8A labeled 8A, the dielectric medium 6 is placed in the electrode reaction tank 3 of the cassette 2. The electrode unit 4 is held by a holding unit 8 (not shown), and is located immediately above the dielectric medium 6. When the drive arm of the drive unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the negative direction of the Y-axis, the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view when the electrode unit 4 is attached to the cassette 2, and is a cross-sectional view at the time of initial application. In this figure, a negative electrode 45 a and a positive electrode 45 b are inserted in the dielectric medium 6. Thereafter, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are moved to a state shown in FIG.
FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view during re-application. Thereafter, the drive arm of the drive unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the positive direction of the Y-axis, whereby the state shown in FIG.

<Modification 3>
In the present embodiment, the electrode unit 4 may be used for the initial application, and the electrode unit 4 ′ provided with electrodes having a shorter distance between the electrodes than the electrode unit 4 may be used for the re-application. That is, instead of the configuration in which the electrode is slid on one electrode portion, a configuration in which two electrode portions having different distances between the electrodes may be replaced.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to the third modification of the present embodiment. This figure is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 2, and shows the cassette 2, the electrode parts 4, 4 ′, the conductive medium 6, and the support plate 7.
In FIG. 9A labeled 9A, the dielectric medium 6 is placed in the electrode reaction vessel 3 of the cassette 2. In this figure, the electrode unit 4 is attached to the cassette 2, and the negative electrode 45 a and the positive electrode 45 b are inserted into the dielectric medium 6. The negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are fixed to the electrode unit 4 and may not be movable. This figure is a sectional view at the time of initial application. When the drive arm of the drive unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the positive direction of the Y-axis, the state shown in FIG.
In FIG. 9B denoted by reference numeral 9B, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are extracted from the dielectric medium 6. Thereafter, the drive arm of the drive unit 9 is moved in the X-axis direction and is carried to an electrode storage location (not shown) to store the electrode unit 4. The holding part 8 holds another electrode part 4 ′ in the electrode housing location, and the drive arm of the drive part 9 moves.

In FIG. 9C with reference numeral 9C, it is shown that the electrode portion 4 ′ has been carried directly above the dielectric medium 6. Here, the electrode part 4 ′ is provided with a negative electrode 45 a ′ and a positive electrode 45 b ′ in which the distance between the electrodes is shorter than the distance between the negative electrode 45 a and the positive electrode 45 b of the electrode part 4. When the drive arm of the drive unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the negative direction of the Y-axis, the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view when the electrode portion 4 ′ is attached to the cassette 2. This figure is a cross-sectional view during re-application. That is, the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ in the electrode part 4 ′ are linearly connected to the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b rather than the positions of the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b of the electrode part 4 at the time of initial application. Along the direction of the center of the dielectric medium 6 and reapplying.

<Modification 4>
In the electrophoresis apparatus 1, the negative electrode 45 a and the positive electrode 45 b may be provided independently. In this case, they may be moved independently and inserted into the dielectric medium 6. In this case, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b may be moved independently and moved from the initial application position to the re-application position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to Modification 4 of the present embodiment. This figure is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 2, and shows the cassette 2, the electrode part 4, the conductive medium 6, and the support plate 7. When FIG. 10 is compared with FIG. 4, in FIG. 10, the electrode part 4l to which the negative electrode 45a is fixed and the electrode 4r to which the positive electrode 45b is fixed are provided independently. In this case, a plurality of holding units 8 and driving units 9 may be provided, one of which holds and moves the electrode unit 4l and the other of which holds the electrode 4r independently.
In FIG. 10A with reference numeral 10 </ b> A, the dielectric medium 6 is placed in the electrode reaction tank 3 of the cassette 2, and the electrode unit 4 is attached to the cassette 2. This figure is a sectional view at the time of initial application, in which a negative electrode 45 a and a positive electrode 45 b are inserted in the dielectric medium 6. After the initial application, the electrode portion 4l is moved to the state shown in FIG.

In FIG. 10B, the negative electrode 45a ′ is located closer to the central direction of the dielectric medium 6 along the straight line connecting the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b than the negative electrode 45a of FIG. 10A. Then, the electrode part 4r is moved and it will be in the state shown to FIG. 10C which attached | subjected the code | symbol 10C.
In FIG. 10C, the positive electrode 45b ′ is located closer to the center direction of the dielectric medium 6 along the straight line connecting the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b than the positive electrode 45b of FIG. 10A. This figure is a cross-sectional view during re-application. After the re-application, the support plate 7 is moved in the Y axis positive direction. Thereby, the dielectric medium 6 is pulled out from the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′, and the state shown in FIG. 10D is obtained.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the electrode portion 4a is provided with four electrodes (two electrode pairs). When the electrophoresis apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment is compared with the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the electrode unit 4a is different. Other configurations are the same as those of the electrophoretic device 1, and thus description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 11 is a front view of an electrode portion 4a according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a right side view of the electrode portion 4a according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the electrode portion 4a, the conductive medium 6, and the support plate 7 according to this embodiment.

The electrode portion 4a is provided with a pair of negative electrode 45a and positive electrode 45b used for initial application and a pair of negative electrode 45a ′ and positive electrode 45b ′ used for re-application. Here, the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ are provided at positions approaching the central direction of the dielectric medium 6 along a straight line connecting the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b. The electrode portion 4a is provided with electrode support portions 44a and 44b bent in an L shape on the YZ plane and electrode support portions 44a ′ and 44b ′ bent in an L shape on the XY plane.
A two-dot chain line denoted by reference numeral 6 represents the dielectric medium 6 when an electrode is inserted. A two-dot chain line denoted by reference numeral 2 represents the cassette 2 when the electrode portion 4a is attached.

In FIG. 12, the electrode portion 4a is provided with a conductive portion 411b, an insulator 412b, and a conductive portion 411b ′. The conductive portion 411b and the conductive portion 411b ′ are separated by the insulator 412b and are not electrically connected. The conductive part 411b is electrically connected to the positive electrode 45b via the electrode support part 44b. The conductive part 411b ′ is electrically connected to the positive electrode 45b ′ via the electrode support part 44b ′.
In the initial application, a voltage is applied from the portion of the electrode connection portion 5 that contacts the conductive portion 411b, but no voltage is applied from the portion of the electrode connection portion 5 that contacts the conductive portion 411b ′. At the time of re-application, a voltage is applied from the portion of the electrode connection portion 5 that contacts the conductive portion 411b ′, but no voltage is applied from the portion of the electrode connection portion 5 that contacts the conductive portion 411b. That is, the electrophoresis apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment initially applies the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b. After the initial application, the electrophoresis apparatus 1a reapplies to the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the electrophoresis apparatus 1a is configured such that, after a voltage is applied to the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b (first electrode pair), the position between the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b A voltage is re-applied to the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ (second electrode pair) provided near the center of the electrode. Thereby, the electrophoresis apparatus 1a can reduce the distance between electrodes along the Z axis at the time of reapplication as compared with the time of initial application without moving the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b. Further, since the electrophoresis apparatus 1a has different electrodes at the time of initial application and at the time of reapplication, the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b have less adhesion of salt and various charged substances compared to the case of using the same electrode. It can be re-applied to 'and can perform electrophoresis with higher accuracy.

In the present embodiment, the case where two electrode pairs, that is, four electrodes are provided in the electrode portion 4a has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electrode portion 4a may be provided with three or more electrode pairs. For example, the electrode unit 4a may be provided with a plurality of electrode pairs along the Z axis so that the electrode pairs are included with the distance between the electrodes gradually narrowed. The electrophoresis apparatus 1a inserts and arranges this electrode part 4a in the conductive medium 6, and sequentially switches the application point to the inside. Thereby, the electrophoresis apparatus 1a can isolate | separate the charged substance which remained without salt and partial chlorination more reliably one by one.
Here, when a voltage is applied from the electrode pair located on the outermost side of the electrode pair connected to the conductive medium 6 and the charged substance is collected at the applied electrode (for example, when the current between the electrodes decreases) Etc.) and then the application is started with the inner electrode pair from the position of the immediately preceding application electrode. By repeating this, charged substances having different mobilities can be isolated one by one, and more stable electrophoresis can be performed. As a result, it is possible to minimize the time during which the salt and the charged substance cover around the electrode during electrophoresis, and to realize sample separation with higher resolution.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating electrophoresis according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14A denoted by reference numeral 14A is the same as FIG. 1A.
FIG. 14B denoted by reference numeral 14B shows that salts and various charged substances collected in the vicinity of the electrodes 6a and 6b were removed by the initial application. By reapplying in this state, electrophoresis can be performed in a state where it is not affected or hardly affected by the charged substance or salt.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, adsorbents are attached to the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b of the electrode portion 4b. Hereinafter, when the electrophoresis apparatus 1b according to the present embodiment and the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are compared, the electrode unit 4b is different. Other configurations are the same as those of the electrophoretic device 1, and thus description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an electrode portion 4b according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the electrode portion 4b, the conductive medium 6, and the support plate 7 according to this embodiment. FIG. 15A attached with reference numeral 15A is a sectional view at the time of initial application, and FIG. 15B attached with reference numeral 15B is a sectional view at the time of re-application.

In FIG. 15A, the adsorbents 46a and 46b are mounted on the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b, respectively. The adsorbents 46a and 46b are PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol) (porosity (hollow rate) 90%). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the adsorbents 46 a and 46 b may be the same material as the material used for the conductive medium 6 or a porous material. Examples of the porous material include hydrophilic special polyurethane (83%) and filter paper.
In FIG. 15A, the adsorbers 46 a and 46 b are joined to the end of the conductive medium 6.
In FIG. 15B, the negative electrodes 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ are not equipped with the adsorbers 46a and 46b.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophoresis apparatus 1b according to this embodiment. This figure is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 2, and shows the cassette 2, the electrode parts 4, 4 ′, the conductive medium 6, and the support plate 7.
FIG. 17A denoted by reference numeral 17A is a cross-sectional view at the time of initial application. In this figure, the dielectric medium 6 is placed in the electrode reaction tank 3 of the cassette 2, and the electrode unit 4 is attached to the cassette 2. Here, the adsorbents 46 a and 46 b are joined to the end of the conductive medium 6. In this state, when initially applied, salt and various charged substances adhere to the adsorbents 46a and 46b. Here, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1b, the voltage application may be stopped and the movement may be performed, or the movement may be performed while the voltage is being applied.
After the initial application, the drive arm of the drive unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the positive direction of the Y-axis, resulting in the state shown in FIG.

In FIG. 17B, the electrode unit 4 is held by a holding unit 8 (not shown) and is located immediately above the dielectric medium 6. In this state, the adsorbers 46a and 46b are removed. Thereafter, the drive arm of the drive unit 9 moves the holding unit 8 in the negative direction of the Y-axis, whereby the state shown in FIG. Thereafter, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are moved to a state shown in FIG. 17D denoted by reference numeral 17D.
FIG. 17D is a cross-sectional view during re-application.

As described above, in this embodiment, the electrophoretic device 1b removes the adsorbents 46a and 46b joined to the electrode pair, thereby isolating the substance located near the position where the voltage is applied, Is reapplied. Thereby, electrophoresis can be performed in a state where the charged substance is removed, and sample separation with higher resolution can be realized.
That is, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1b, since the salt and the chargeable substance are collected on the electrodes 45a and 45b being applied and the surroundings thereof, that is, the adsorbents 46a and 46b, after the voltage application is stopped, the adsorbents 46a, By removing 46b, the salt and the charged substance isolated in the adsorbents 46a and 46b are removed from the separation conductive medium 6. Thereafter, the electrophoresis apparatus 1b moves the electrodes 45a and 45b to a position close to the central direction of the separation conductive medium 6 and re-applies by directly connecting to the separation conductive medium 6. In addition, by attaching the adsorbents 46a and 46b, the electrophoresis apparatus 1b also contributes to avoiding a slight decrease in the analysis region of the conductive medium 6 due to the movement of the negative electrode and the positive electrode.

Even when the adsorbents 46a and 46b are joined to the end of the conductive medium 6 from above (Y-axis direction), the adsorbents 46a and 46b are removed from the electrodes 45a and 45b after the initial application, and both the electrodes 45a and 45b are conductive. Since the insertion is performed from above the end of the medium 6, the application interval in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the initial application position when viewed from the center of the conductive medium 6. Here, as a method of removing the adsorbents 46a and 46b from the electrodes 45a and 45b, the informing unit may inform the experimenter when the electrodes are moved from the initial application position, and may be removed manually, or the electrophoresis apparatus 1b may perform other steps. Similarly, a mechanism for automatic removal may be incorporated.
If this structure is used, the salt isolated in the initial application position (adsorber) and the charged substance remaining without partial chlorination can be removed together with the adsorbents 46a and 46b, and the subsequent application to the reapply position can be performed. The influence can be completely eliminated.

  In the present embodiment, FIG. 17 illustrates a case where the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b on which the adsorbents 46a and 46b are attached are joined to the end of the conductive medium 6 from the side (Y-axis direction). did. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b on which the adsorbents 46a and 46b are mounted may be moved and joined from above (Y-axis direction).

(Fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The electrophoresis apparatus 1c according to the present embodiment is provided with a cutting tool for cutting the dielectric medium 6.
FIG. 18 is a sectional view for explaining an example of the operation of the cassettes 2a, 2a ′ and the electrode portions 4c, 4c ′ electrode portions according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is an electrode portion 4c according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 18A with reference numeral 18A and FIG. 19A with reference numeral 19A are diagrams at the time of initial application. FIG. 18B with reference numeral 18B and FIG. 19B with reference numeral 19B are diagrams at the time of re-application.

In FIG. 18, a cutting tool is built in the bottom surface of the cassette 2.
In FIG. 18A, the cutting tools 21a and 21b are stored in the cassette 2a. The cutting tools 21a and 21b are plate-shaped blades (see FIG. 19). After the initial application, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are moved so as to reduce the distance between the electrodes along the Z axis, thereby moving to the re-application position of the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′. .
Thereafter, the cutting tools 21a and 21b are moved in the positive direction of the Y axis, and are moved to the positions of the cutting tools 21a ′ and 21b ′. Thereby, a part of the conductive medium 6 is cut. The outside of the conductive medium 6 from the cut surface is referred to as a removed portion). The removed portion contains a charged substance or salt. After removing the removed portion, the state shown in FIG. 18B is obtained.
In FIG. 18B, the removed portion of the conductive medium 6 is indicated by a dotted line. This removed portion has been removed. In this state, re-application is performed. In the electrophoresis apparatus 1c, the cutting tools 21a ′ and 21b ′ may be accommodated in the cassette 2a and reapplied after the cutting tools 21a and 21b are positioned.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. This figure is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 2, and shows the cassettes 2 a, 2 a ′, electrode portions 4 c, 4 c ′, conductive medium 6, and support plate 7.
FIG. 20A denoted by reference numeral 20A is a cross-sectional view at the time of initial application. In this figure, it is a figure in the same state as FIG. 18A. After the initial application, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b are moved to a state shown in FIG.
In the state shown in FIG. 20B, the cutting tools 21a and 21b are moved, and the state shown in FIG. In this figure, the conductive medium 6 is cut along the XY plane in a straight line from the Y direction lower side or the X direction of the conductive medium 6.
In the state shown in FIG. 20C, the removed portion is removed, and the state shown in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the electrophoresis apparatus 1c reapplies the voltage after the dielectric medium 6 is cut and the substance located near the initial application position is isolated. Since the electrophoretic device 1c removes the conductive medium 6 itself (removal portion) containing the isolated salt and the charged substance, the isolated salt and the charged substance can be removed from the conductive medium 6 for separation.
In addition, in this embodiment, although the cutting tools 21a and 21b demonstrated the case where it moves to upper direction (Y-axis positive direction), this invention is not limited to this. For example, the cutting tools 21a and 21b may be provided on the electrode portion 4c or the support plate 7, and may cut the conductive medium 6 by moving downward (Y-axis negative direction).

In the present embodiment, the removed portion is removed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the cassette 2a may be provided with an insulating barrier instead of the cutting tools 21a and 21b. In this case, when the voltage is reapplied, the barrier is moved to the position of the cutting tools 21a ′ and 21b ′. As a result, the electrophoresis apparatus 1c forms a boundary for separating the conductive medium region 6 itself (removed portion) containing the isolated salt and the charged substance from the conductive medium 6 for separation. The material can be completely removed from the separating conductive medium.
For example, the electrophoretic device 1c may insert an ion selective permeable membrane. For example, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1c, on the negative electrode side (corresponding to the cutting tool 21a ′), a positive charge exchange group is fixed, and an anion film that prevents the passage of cations and allows only anions to pass therethrough is inserted. On the other hand, on the positive electrode side (corresponding to the cutting tool 21b ′), the electrophoretic device 1c has a negative charge exchange group fixed, and an anion is repelled and a cation membrane that allows only the cation to pass therethrough is inserted. To do.

(Fifth embodiment)
Hereinafter, the driving device A1 according to each of the above embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The driving device A1 controls the driving unit 9 based on the program. In the present embodiment, the electrophoretic devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c are also referred to as the electrophoretic device 1. Further, the electrode portions 4, 4a, 4b, and 4c are also referred to as electrode portions 4, and the electrode portions 4 ′, 4a ′, 4b ′, and 4c ′ are also referred to as electrode portions 4 ′.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram showing a logical configuration of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to each of the above embodiments. This diagram is a diagram showing a configuration related to operation control of the electrophoresis apparatus 1. In this figure, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 includes a holding unit 8, a driving unit 9, a cutting tool, a position sensor 110, a notification unit 111, a temperature sensor 112, a cooling unit 10, a humidity sensor 113, a moisturizing unit 114, a voltage sensor 115, a current. A sensor 116 and a switch 117 are included.

The position sensor 110 includes an electrode unit 4, a conductive medium 6, negative electrodes 45a, 45a ′, 45a ″ (also simply referred to as negative electrodes) and positive electrodes 45b, 45b ′, 45b ″ (also simply referred to as positive electrodes). The positions of the cutting tool 2 and the holding unit 8 are detected, and the detected position information is output to the driving device A1. This position information may be absolute coordinates or relative coordinates. For example, this position information may be information indicating a deviation from a predetermined correct position. The position sensor 110 is, for example, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or an imaging device.
The notification unit 111 is an output unit that outputs sound and images based on control from the driving device A1. For example, the notification unit 111 is a speaker.

  The temperature sensor 112 measures the temperature in or near the conductive medium 6, the electrode reaction tank 3 of the cassette 2. For example, the temperature sensor 112 has a thermocouple inserted into a minute hole provided in the cassette 2. The temperature sensor 112 may be provided in the holding unit 8 or the driving unit 9. For example, the temperature sensor 112 may touch the surface of the electrode reaction tank 3 by driving the driving unit 9. The temperature sensor 112 outputs temperature information indicating the measured temperature to the driving device A1.

  The cooling means 10 cools the conductive medium 6 based on the control from the driving device A1. The cooling means 10 may be one in which a water cooling pipe using circulating cooling water is installed around the electrode reaction tank 3 or the cassette 2. The cooling means 10 may be controlled to keep the electrode reaction tank 3 at the same temperature based on the control from the driving device A1, or may be kept at different temperatures. Moreover, the cooling means 10 may cool so that the temperature in the electrode reaction tank 3 may not be uniform, but may become different temperature for every place.

The humidity sensor 113 measures the humidity in the vicinity of the conductive medium 6, in the electrode reaction tank 3 of the cassette 2, or in the vicinity thereof. The humidity sensor 113 outputs humidity information indicating the measured humidity to the driving device A1.
The moisturizing means 114 retains the vicinity of the conductive medium 6 based on the control from the driving device A1.

The voltage sensor 115 measures the voltage between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and outputs voltage information indicating the measured voltage to the driving device A1.
The current sensor 116 measures the current between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and outputs current information indicating the measured current to the driving device A1.
The switch 117 is connected to the negative and positive electrodes and a power source. When the switch 117 is turned on, a voltage is applied to the negative electrode and the positive electrode. Further, when the switch 117 is turned off, the application of voltage to the negative electrode and the positive electrode is stopped.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram showing a logical configuration of the driving device A1 according to each of the above embodiments. The driving device A1 includes a holding unit movement control unit A11, a voltage / current information acquisition unit A12, an initial application unit A13, an electrode movement control unit A14, a cutting tool control unit A15, a re-application unit A16, a temperature control unit A17, and a humidity control unit. A18 is comprised. Note that the cutting tool control unit A14 is included in the fourth embodiment, and the driving device A1 according to other embodiments may not include the cutting tool control unit A14.

The holding unit movement control unit A11 controls the holding unit 8 by driving the driving unit 9 based on a program. For example, the holding unit movement control unit A11 moves the holding unit 8 while holding the electrode unit or the supporting unit. For example, when the dielectric medium 6 is placed in the electrode reaction tank 3 of the cassette 2 and the electrode unit 4 is attached to the cassette 2, the holding unit movement control unit A11 indicates that electrophoresis can be started before initial application. An initial application enable signal is output to the initial application unit A13. Further, for example, the holding unit movement control unit A11 outputs position information indicating the position of the electrode unit 4 or the electrode support units 44a, 44a ′, 44b, and 44b ′ to the electrode movement control unit A14.
Note that the holding unit movement control unit A <b> 11 may correct the positions of the driving unit 9 and the holding unit 8 and displacement of movement based on the position information input from the position sensor 110. For example, a pressure sensor or an optical sensor (position sensor) provided on the drive arm 9 detects a change in pressure from the bottom of the drive arm of the drive unit 9 and a change in the refractive index of light extending from the drive arm to the bottom in the Y direction. And output to the holding unit movement control unit A11. The holding unit movement control unit A11 may perform feedback control based on the input information, and may accurately match the deviation from the reference position that may occur for each experiment. That is, the holding unit movement control unit A11 automatically corrects the fixed drive coordinate position related to the process in which the deviation affects the standard value based on the deviation information. Note that the holding unit movement control unit A11 may correct the position based on the coordinate variation amount input from the user.

The voltage / current information acquisition unit A12 acquires voltage information from the voltage sensor 115 and current information from the current sensor 116. The voltage / current information acquisition unit A12 outputs the acquired voltage information and current information to the initial application unit A13.
When an initial application enable signal is input from the holding unit movement control unit A11, the initial application unit A13 starts initial application by turning on the switch 117. The initial application unit A13 turns off the switch 117 based on one or both of the voltage information and the current information input from the voltage / current information acquisition unit A12. That is, the initial application unit A13 stops the initial application based on the voltage information or current information. After the initial application is stopped, the initial application unit A13 outputs an initial application end signal indicating that the initial application has ended to the electrode movement control unit A14.

When an initial application end signal is input from the initial application unit A13, the electrode movement control unit A14 moves the negative electrode and the positive electrode by controlling the holding unit 8 and its pushing units 81a and 81b via the drive unit 9. Let Specifically, the electrode movement control unit A14 moves the negative electrode and the positive electrode from the initial application position to the re-application position. Here, the electrode movement control unit A14 moves the negative electrode and the positive electrode based on the position information input from the holding unit movement control unit A11 when the electrode unit or the electrode support unit is moved. In the driving device A1 according to the second embodiment, the electrode movement control unit A14 does not have to move the negative electrode and the positive electrode.
When the electrode movement control unit A14 determines that the positions of the negative electrode and the positive electrode indicated by the information input from the position sensor 110 are reapplying positions, the electrode movement control unit A14 outputs a cutting command to the cutting tool control unit A15. The cutting tool control unit A15 cuts the conductive medium 6 by moving the cutting tools 21a and 21b in accordance with the cutting command input from the electrode movement control unit A14.

After cutting, the electrode movement control unit A14 causes the notification unit 111 to notify that the removed portion can be removed. In the case of the third embodiment, the electrode movement control unit A14 notifies that the adsorbers 46a and 46b can be removed. Further, the electrode movement control unit A14 may notify this notification before moving the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The electrode movement control unit A14 may control the notification unit 111 to display voltage information or current information input from the voltage / current information acquisition unit A12 on a monitor or the like (see FIG. 23).
After the elapse of a predetermined time from the notification, or after information indicating that the removal of the removed portion or the removal of the adsorbents 46a and 46b has been input from the user, the electrode movement control unit A14 receives the reapplyable signal. Is output to the re-application unit A16.

When the reapplying unit A16 receives a reapplyable signal from the electrode movement control unit A14, the reapplying unit A16 turns on the switch 117 to start reapplying. That is, the re-application unit A16 starts re-application after the positions of the negative electrode and the positive electrode are changed after the initial application.
The re-application unit A16 stops the re-application by turning off the switch 117 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The re-application unit A16 may turn off the switch 117 based on one or both of the voltage information and the current information input from the voltage / current information acquisition unit A12.

The temperature control unit A17 controls the cooling unit 10 based on the temperature information input from the temperature sensor 112 so that the temperature becomes a predetermined temperature.
Based on the temperature information input from the humidity sensor 113, the humidity control unit A18 controls the moisturizing unit 114 so that the humidity becomes a predetermined humidity.

Hereinafter, an example of control (referred to as application control) related to voltage application performed by the initial application unit A13 and the re-application unit A16 will be described.
FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of application control according to each of the above embodiments. This figure shows an example of application control according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23A labeled 23A shows the voltage between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. In this figure, the vertical axis represents voltage and the horizontal axis represents time.
FIG. 23A shows that the initial application unit A13 applies a constant voltage of “200 V” in the period of “00: 00-00: 05”. It shows that the initial application unit A13 gradually raised the voltage to “1000 V” over a period of “00: 05-00: 10”. This figure shows that the initial application unit A13 applies a constant voltage of “1000 V” during the period of “00: 10-00: 15”. The voltage application during the period of “00: 00-00: 15” is the initial application.
FIG. 23A shows that the re-applying unit A16 increases the voltage to “6000V” over a period of “00: 15-00: 25”, and applies a constant voltage of “6000V” after “00:25”. Show.

FIG. 23B labeled 23B shows the current between the negative and positive electrodes. In this figure, the vertical axis represents current and the horizontal axis represents time.
FIG. 23B shows that during the period of “00: 00-00: 05”, the charged substance moves in the conductive medium 6 toward the electrode having a sign different from that of the charged charge, and a current flows. It shows that. Here, a substance having a large movement is a small substance having a very small mass among small substances having a relatively large total charge of molecules (referred to as charged or ionic substances). This figure shows that the charged substance moves and the current increases over the period of “00: 05-00: 10”. This figure shows that during the period of “00: 10-00: 15”, the resistance around the electrodes increases due to the collection of charged substances and salts near the electrodes, and the total number of charged small substances flowing to the electrodes. It also shows that the current value starts to decrease.

In FIG. 23B, a sample having a relatively small total charge or an amphoteric carrier (electrophoresis target substance), for example, a protein moves after “00:15”. Here, in each said embodiment, since an electrode is moved or an adsorbent and a removal part are removed and it reapplies, a sample can be isolate | separated more correctly.
In addition, after “00:25”, the current decreases as the rate at which the sample settles at a specific isoelectric point on the gel-like conductive medium 6 having a pH gradient increases, and the slope when the current decreases is zero. It shows that separation of each protein was completed in the state where it became close.

In FIG. 23 described above, when the initial application unit A13 detects the minimum value of current (00:15 minutes), the initial application is stopped, and the reapplication unit A16 starts reapplication. Note that the initial application unit A13 and the reapplication unit A16 may stop the initial application and start the reapplication when the slope of the current with respect to time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. That is, the initial application unit A13 stops the initial application based on the current gradient with respect to time, and the re-application unit A16 starts the reapplication based on the current gradient with respect to time.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initial application unit A13 stops the initial application when the change in the slope of the current with respect to time changes from positive to negative (eg, in the vicinity of 00: 125 in FIG. 23B). The application unit A16 may start reapplication. That is, the initial application unit A13 may stop the initial application based on a change in the gradient with respect to the current time, and the re-application unit A16 may start the reapplication based on a change in the gradient with respect to the current time. Further, the re-application unit A16 may stop the re-application when detecting the minimum value after the re-application.
In the first, third, and fourth embodiments, the driving device A1 stops the initial application after “00:15” minutes, and moves the electrodes or removes the adsorbents 46a and 46b or the removed portion. After that, re-application is started.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to each of the above embodiments.
(Step S <b> 101) The electrophoresis apparatus 1 is provided with the electrode unit 4 and the dielectric medium 6. Then, it progresses to step S102.
(Step S102) The electrophoresis apparatus 1 performs initial application. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103.

(Step S103) The electrophoresis apparatus 1 stops the initial application. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104.
(Step S104) The electrophoresis apparatus 1 changes the positions of the negative electrode and the positive electrode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105. Here, since the electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment moves the negative electrode and the positive electrode after the initial application is stopped, the electrode is moved while the charged substance or salt attached to the electrode is attached. Can be prevented.

(Step S105) The electrophoresis apparatus 1 performs reapplication. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.
(Step S106) After stopping the re-application, the dielectric medium 6 is taken out from the electrode reaction tank 3. An analysis is performed based on the position of the sample separated in the dielectric medium 6.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the initial application unit A13 applies a voltage to the electrode pair of the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b inserted in the gel-like dielectric medium 6. The initial application unit A13 stops the initial application based on voltage information or current information. The re-application unit A16 starts re-application to the electrode pair (the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′) located near the center between the electrodes from the initial application position. That is, according to the present embodiment, the re-applied electrode pair (the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′) is moved from the initial application position to a position near the center between the electrodes after the initial application is stopped. Electrode pair.
When the electrophoresis apparatus 1 moves from the initial application position to the re-application position, the salt collected at the initial application position and the charged substance that remains charged without being partially chlorinated, In order to isolate the initial application position as much as possible, the voltage application is stopped immediately before the movement. Thereby, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1, not only the salt but also the remaining charged substance that is not partially chlorinated stays in the initial application position without being electrically attracted to the moving electrode, and can maintain the isolated state. .

  Further, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 may stop the voltage application in the reverse direction for a short time immediately before moving. Thereby, in the electrophoretic device 1, it is possible to reliably keep the charged substance remaining on the electrode without being partially chlorinated at the initial application position. In addition, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 repeats the method of moving the application point a plurality of times, so that the charged substance or the isolated salt in the conductive medium 6 and the remaining charge without being partially chlorinated can be surely and stably. The influence which the substance has on the electrode can be eliminated.

In addition, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1, the movement of the negative electrode and the positive electrode must be affected by the salt isolated at the initial application position and the charged substance remaining partially unchlorinated on the electrode at the re-application position. For example, the distance may be on the order of μm. The isolated salt and the charged substance remaining without being chlorinated are outside of the space between the electrodes to which voltage is applied, so that they are almost equipotential with the moved electrode, and the surroundings of the conductive medium are in the air. In addition, the density of electric lines of force toward the electrodes is extremely low compared to that between the electrodes, and the movement resistance is high because of the dielectric medium 6, so that the salt that is not affected by the electric action remained without being salified. It is not easy to move some charged substances to the electrode at the re-application position again. For example, the electrophoretic device 1 may additionally include an electrode that continues to provide a potential difference that is absolutely larger than the potential difference provided at the re-application position in a wider section including the re-application position along the Z axis. Good. For example, when re-applying, the electrophoretic device 1a generates a potential difference larger than the potential difference between the negative electrode 45a ′ and the positive electrode 45b ′ (the electrode of the second electrode pair) as the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b ( Between the electrodes of the first electrode pair).
According to the above-described configuration, the charged substance remaining in the initial application position and not partially chlorinated reliably receives a force in the direction opposite to the re-application position, and affects the sample separation between the re-application positions. The influence can be removed more reliably.
Further, in the second embodiment, at the time of re-application, the electrodes (negative electrode 45a and positive electrode 45b ′) at the initial application position are subjected to a potential difference that is absolutely larger than the potential difference given between the re-application positions. It may be used as an “continuous electrode”.

In each of the above embodiments, the negative electrode and the positive electrode are formed of a conductive material such as metal. As a material for forming the negative electrode and the positive electrode, for example, platinum is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing ionization of the electrode. Further, the shape of the negative electrode and the positive electrode may be wide in the XY plane, and may be a shape in which the XY cross-sectional area of the electrode / XY cross-sectional area of the conductive medium is close to 1. As a result, the density of the electric lines of force that cause the salt and the charged substance remaining without being partially chlorinated to be directed from the isolated initial application position to the electrode at the reapplication position can be further reduced.
FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a negative electrode and a positive electrode according to each embodiment. In this figure, the negative electrode and the positive electrode have a flat plate shape. When FIG. 25 is compared with FIG. 1B, the electric field in the vicinity of electrodes 6a and 6b is smaller in FIG.

  The electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to each of the above embodiments is applied to separate molecules in a complex mixture. Here, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1, separation is performed in a high dimension (this dimension is generally orthogonal or perpendicular to each dimension) based on a plurality of independent properties inherent to the separation target. For example, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 can be applied to two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), which is a technique most often selected in proteome analysis that plays a central role in post-genomic research. Specifically, the electrophoresis apparatus 1 can perform separation on a two-dimensional map by using two physical properties (charge and molecular weight) of the protein, and can identify and characterize the protein from the moving position. .

  For example, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1, two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) that is very excellent in resolution and reproducibility may be used as the two-dimensional electrophoresis of proteins. In this case, in the electrophoretic device 1, in the first dimension, a pH gradient is created in the gel (conductive medium 6), the protein is subjected to isoelectric focusing (IEF), and the force from the electric field is not received. Each protein is converged and separated to a pH (pI value) at which the total charge of the protein becomes zero. In addition, the preparation of the pH gradient involves adding an amphoteric carrier having various isoelectric points (carrier ampholite) to the gel and applying an electric field to form a pH gradient, and acrylamide derivatives having various pI side chains. There is a method (IPG method: Immobilized pH gradient) in which (immobiline) is added and covalently bonded to a polyacrylamide matrix to form a pH gradient, either of which may be used.

  In the electrophoresis apparatus 1, the second dimension may be a negatively charged SDS-protein complex by denaturing the protein in the IEF gel with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). In this case, since all proteins have almost the same molecular weight / charge ratio, this IEF gel is layered on a polyacrylamide gel and electrophoresed, and the magnitude of resistance mainly received from the polyacrylamide gel Separation based on the difference (molecular weight difference).

In each of the above embodiments, the sample separated by the electrophoresis apparatus 1 is not limited. For example, from a biological material (for example, a biological individual, a body fluid, a cell line, a tissue culture, or a tissue fragment). Preparations, commercially available reagents, and the like. For example, a polypeptide such as a protein or a polynucleotide such as DNA can be mentioned.
Moreover, in each said embodiment, the shape of the cassette 2 is not restricted to the thing of FIG. In addition, you may form the tank 3 of an electrode reaction tank, various reagent tanks, and a washing tank in a single insulator. For example, the cassette 2 is formed with an insulator such as acrylic, plastic such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, or glass.
In addition to the electrode reaction tank, the tank 3 has a swelling liquid tank for swelling the dried gel, a sample tank for storing the sample solution, a staining tank for storing the fluorescent dye, excess fluorescent dye, and washing the electrode. There are a washing tank for carrying out and an equilibration tank for carrying out the equilibration.
Further, the tank 3 may be a closed space using a cover or the like. Thereby, in the electrophoresis apparatus 1, the temperature and humidity can be maintained in a constant temperature and humidity state that is not affected by the external environment.

Moreover, in each said embodiment, an electrode part may be provided with the fixing | fixed part which fixes movable part 42a, 42b. For example, when a voltage is applied, the electrode unit fixes the movable units 42a and 42b. Note that the electrode portions may not be fixed to the movable portions 42a and 42b when no voltage is applied. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the positive electrode and the negative electrode from moving due to attractive force when a voltage is applied.
In each of the above embodiments, the dielectric medium 6 may be a viscous material or a liquid. For example, the conductive medium 6 may be a medium (environment) in which heat convection hardly occurs, and may be electrophoresed through a very small tube such as a capillary.
In each of the above embodiments, the positive electrode and the negative electrode to be re-applied may be the same as those obtained by replacing the electrode used in the initial application.

(Example)
The electrophoresis apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment was manufactured as follows.
First, the cassette 2 is formed from glass with a width of 70 mm, a length of 40 mm, and a thickness of 7 mm. Inside, the electrode reaction tank 3 is formed, and a groove of 62 mm, a length of 5 mm, a depth of 6.85 mm, a sample, and each experiment. The reagent tank 3 for the reagent used for a process and washing | cleaning was formed.
In the electrode reaction tank 3, the electrode part 4 in which the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b made of a platinum wire are integrated with each other has an insertion port (electrode connection part 5a, 5b) on the side wall in the Z direction. Is provided. In addition, a groove (size) for fixing the conductive medium 6 bonded to the support plate 7 made of acrylic is carved on the bottom surface of the electrode reaction tank 3. In addition, the electrode part 4 was formed with a slit capable of directly setting the conductive medium 6 fixed to the support plate from the Y direction into the groove on the bottom surface. This slit can support the support plate not only in the groove on the bottom of the electrode reaction tank but also in the upper part. Further, the tips of the negative electrode 45 a and the positive electrode 45 b of the electrode portion 4 are bent in an L shape so as to be inserted into the conductive medium 6. The negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b have a structure in which the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b can move (slide) in the Z-axis direction within the main body with respect to the main body of the electrode unit 4.

  The conductive medium 6 is an immobilized pH gradient gel mainly composed of a dry type polyacrylamide that becomes 0.5 mm thick when swollen, and is cut into a size of 1.15 mm wide × 52 mm long × 0.35 mm thick. What was done was used. For such a conductive medium, the size of the support plate was 1.2 mm wide × 53 mm long × 14 mm high, and both were fixed on a surface of width 1.2 mm × length 53 mm.

  The cassette 2 was fixed on an acrylic stage equipped with a drive arm. The drive arm was composed of an X-axis and Y-axis stage driven by a stepping motor. The stroke of the X-axis stage is 85 mm (resolution: 1 μm / pulse), and the stroke of the Y-axis stage is 15 mm (resolution: 1 μm / pulse). . Furthermore, integrated control with multiple devices such as detection devices was performed.

In addition, a cooling device 10 using a Peltier element was previously attached to the lower part of the stage 11 in order to prevent heat generation during voltage application. The Peltier element has a capacity of 51.4 W and a size of 40 mm × 40 mm, and is controlled to a set temperature by a temperature controller in which a K type thermocouple is connected as a temperature sensor. A heat radiating fin is arranged on the heat radiating surface side of the Peltier element, and an air cooling DC fan is further arranged.
As a voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the conductive medium 6, a module type high voltage unit which can be controlled by a personal computer is used. The voltage application means was controlled in conjunction with the drive means.

A 10 W specification high voltage unit with a maximum voltage of 6 kV and a maximum current of 1.7 mA was used. This unit was controlled by a personal computer installed with an AD / DA conversion board. Thereby, output voltage setting, voltage and / or current can be monitored.
In the above configuration, the reagent tank 3 is washed with a conductive medium swelling solution (electrophoresis buffer), a mouse liver sample pretreated as a sample, a staining solution necessary for the staining step, an excessive staining solution, and an electrode after use. The washing liquid for filling was filled.

After performing the above preparation, the electrode connecting portion 5a, 5b of the electrode reaction tank 3 is held in a state where the electrode portion 4 is held by the holding portion 8 of the drive arm from a predetermined storage location (not shown) on the stage. Were automatically transported and installed. Subsequently, the sample is introduced into the reagent tank 3 in a state where the conductive medium 6 fixed to the support plate 7 is held by the holding portion 8 of the drive arm from a predetermined storage location (not shown) on the stage 11. And then allowed to swell. After that, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b bent in an L shape are inserted into the conductive medium 6 with being automatically conveyed and installed from above the electrode reaction tank 3 through the slit of the electrode part 4 onto the groove on the bottom surface, Voltage application was started and electrophoretic separation was performed.
In addition, the voltage application was performed in five steps: 200 V constant voltage for 5 minutes, monotonically increasing linear ramp voltage to 200 to 1000 V for 5 minutes, 1000 V constant voltage, 1000 to 6000 V monotonically increasing linear ramp voltage for 10 minutes, and 6000 V constant voltage. The end point time of the 1000V constant voltage and the 6000V constant voltage was the time when the fluctuation rate was 1 μA / 1 minute or less.

  Based on the monitored information, the voltage application is temporarily stopped at the end of the constant voltage of 1000 V, and the support plate 7 to which the conductive medium 6 is fixed is held by the drive arm holding unit 8 while the drive arm pushing unit is held. By 81a and 81b, the negative electrode 45a and the positive electrode 45b were each slid by 100 μm in the Z-axis direction in the main body of the electrode part 4 (distance between the electrodes decreased by 200 μm from each other), and the electrodes were moved. Re-application was carried out with the charged substance remaining without salt and partial chlorination being sequestered at the initial application position. At the end of the constant voltage of 6000 V, the separation and development on the immobilized pH gradient gel was completed based on the isoelectric point specific to each protein in the sample.

  After that, the dyeing process proceeds to dyeing while being held in the holding part 8 of the drive arm, and after rinsing an excessive staining solution in the washing tank 3, the support plate 7 on which the conductive medium 6 is fixed at a predetermined initial storage location on the stage. Was transported and stored. Next, the electrode unit 4 was also held from the electrode reaction vessel 3 by the holding unit 8 of the drive arm, washed by the washing unit of the reagent vessel 3, and then transported and stored to a predetermined initial electrode storage place on the stage.

In addition, you may make it implement | achieve a part of electrophoresis apparatus in embodiment mentioned above, for example, drive device A1, with a computer. In that case, the program for realizing the control function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read by a computer system and executed. Here, the “computer system” is a computer system built in the electrophoresis apparatus, and includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” is a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, In such a case, a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or a client may be included and a program that holds a program for a certain period of time. The program may be a program for realizing a part of the functions described above, and may be a program capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.
Moreover, you may implement | achieve part or all of the electrophoresis apparatus in embodiment mentioned above as integrated circuits, such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each functional block of the electrophoresis apparatus may be individually made into a processor, or a part or all of them may be integrated into a processor. Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Further, in the case where an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to progress in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on the technology may be used.

  As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is possible to

  1, 1a, 1b, 1c ... electrophoresis device, 2, 2a, 2a '... cassette, 4, 4a, 4b ... electrode part, 5a, 5b ... electrode connection part, 6 ... Dielectric medium, 7 ... support plate, 8 ... holding part, 9 ... drive part, 10 ... cooling part, 11 ... stage, 41a, 41b ... conductive part, 42a, 42a ' 42a '', 42b '', 42b, 42b '... movable part, 43a, 43b ... spring, 44a, 44b ... electrode support part, 45a, 45a', 45a '' ... negative electrode 45b, 45b ', 45b' '... positive electrode, 81 ... holding part, 81a, 81b ... pushing part, 110 ... position sensor, 111 ... notification part, 112 ... temperature Sensor 113, humidity sensor 114, moisturizing means 115, voltage sensor 116 ..Current sensor, 117 ... switch, A1 ... driving device, A11 ... holding unit movement control unit, A12 ... voltage / current information acquisition unit, A13 ... initial application unit, A14 ... Electrode movement control unit, A15 ... cutting tool control unit, A16 ... re-application unit, A17 ... temperature control unit, A18 ... humidity control unit

Claims (16)

  A positive electrode and a negative electrode electrode pair inserted in a gel-like dielectric medium, wherein the voltage is re-applied to the electrode pair located at a position close to the center between the electrodes. Electrophoresis method.   An electrophoresis method, wherein a voltage is re-applied from the re-applied position to an electrode pair located near the center between the electrodes.   The electrophoresis method according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric medium is a medium used in isoelectric focusing.   The electrophoresis method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrode pair is an electrode pair moved from a position where a voltage is applied to a position close to the center between the electrodes. .   5. The electrophoresis method according to claim 4, wherein the electrode pair is an electrode pair that is moved from a position where the voltage is applied to a position close to the center between the electrodes after the application of the voltage is stopped. .   The electrode pair is an electrode pair that is moved from a position where the voltage is applied to a position close to the center between the electrodes after a voltage is applied and then a reverse voltage is applied and then the voltage application is stopped. An electrophoresis method characterized by the above.   After the voltage is applied to the first electrode pair, the voltage is re-applied to the second electrode pair provided at a position near the center between the electrodes from the position of the electrode of the first electrode pair. The electrophoresis method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The electrophoresis method according to claim 7, wherein, when re-application is performed, a potential difference larger than a potential difference between the electrodes of the second electrode pair is given between the electrodes of the first electrode pair.   The voltage is re-applied to the electrode pair located near the center between the electrodes from the position where the voltage is applied after the substance located near the position where the voltage is applied is isolated. The electrophoresis method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   After the electrode pair to which the voltage is applied is pulled out of the dielectric medium, the substance located near the position where the voltage is applied is isolated, and then the position near the center between the electrodes from the position where the voltage is applied. The electrophoresis method according to claim 1, wherein a voltage is reapplied to the electrode pair positioned.   The electrophoresis method according to claim 9, wherein after removing the adsorbent attached to the electrode pair, a substance located near the position where the voltage is applied is isolated, and then the voltage is reapplied. .   The electrophoresis method according to claim 9, wherein the dielectric medium is cut to isolate a substance located near a position where a voltage is applied, and then the voltage is reapplied.   The electrophoresis method according to claim 9, wherein a voltage is reapplied after a substance located near a position where a voltage is applied is isolated by inserting a barrier in the dielectric medium. An electrode pair of a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted in a gel-like dielectric medium, the electrode pair positioned at a position close to the center between the electrodes from the position where the voltage is applied;
A re-applying section for re-applying a voltage to the electrode pair;
An electrophoretic device comprising: An initial application unit for applying a voltage to the electrode pair of the positive electrode and the negative electrode inserted in a gel-like dielectric medium;
Based on the amount of current flowing through the dielectric medium, a re-applying unit that starts re-application of the voltage to the electrode pair located near the center between the electrodes from the position of the electrode to which the voltage is applied by the initial applying unit; ,
The electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 14, comprising: The electrophoretic device according to claim 14, further comprising a drive unit that moves the electrode pair.

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