JP2014232023A - Analysis chip - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an analysis chip which facilitates an analysis of a plurality of items.SOLUTION: An analysis chip (300) according to the present invention has a first chip (100), and a second chip (200) connected to the first chip. The first chip has a specimen injection part (1) and a connection part (5). The second chip has an introduction path (7) and a reagent holding part (8).

Description

  The present invention relates to an analysis chip for analyzing a specimen.

  In fields such as medical care and biochemistry, for example, the concentration of components contained in blood, urine, saliva and the like is measured and used for diagnosis of diseases and the like. In order to analyze samples such as blood, urine and saliva as described above, various analytical instruments are used. These analytical instruments have, for example, a fine channel structure, and can send a specimen using capillary force. Further, as the analytical instrument, an analytical instrument that performs liquid feeding using centrifugal force in addition to capillary force is known. For example, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 can be cited.

  Patent Document 1 describes a microfluidic mixing device having a spiral mixing passage and a method of using the device. In the microfluidic mixing device, two or more kinds of fluids supplied to the mixing passage are mixed by utilizing centrifugal force.

  Patent Document 2 describes a rotating device for centrifuging a biological sample having capillary connection means for supplying fluid from a measuring chamber to a receiving chamber. Patent Document 2 describes that in the rotating device, a plurality of cuvettes containing reagents necessary for fluid analysis may be arranged.

  Patent Document 3 describes a sample analysis chip that performs separation and weighing of sample components, weighing of a reagent sample, mixing of the weighed sample component and reagent sample, and transferring the mixed sample to an optical measurement cell by rotation. ing. Patent Document 3 describes that the sample analysis chip may include a plurality of optical measurement cells.

  Patent Document 4 describes an HDL-cholesterol analysis disk including a first chamber having an inlet for a specimen and a second chamber holding a reagent for aggregating cholesterol components other than HDL-cholesterol. Has been. In the disc, the first and second chambers are connected by an inverted U-shaped channel. In Patent Document 4, it is described that the disk may have a plurality of independent sample analyzers.

JP 2006-527084 A (published on November 30, 2006) Japanese Patent No. 3061414 (Registered on April 28, 2000) JP 2007-24851 A (published on February 1, 2007) Japanese Patent No. 4645211 (registered on December 17, 2010)

  However, the conventional technology as described above has a problem that a user (for example, a medical worker (doctor, nurse, laboratory technician, etc.)) cannot easily select and analyze a plurality of analysis items.

  First, the microfluidic mixing device described in Patent Document 1 is a device for mixing fluid using centrifugal force. That is, the microfluidic mixing device does not have a configuration for measuring the properties of the fluid. Patent Document 1 describes that the use of the microfluidic mixing device can include a step of monitoring the degree of mixing and / or the reaction by measuring the properties of the mixed fluid. ing. However, in order to actually measure the properties of the fluid, it is necessary to provide a device for measurement in addition to the microfluidic mixing device. In order to analyze a plurality of items regarding the properties of the fluid, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of devices for the measurement.

  Moreover, although the technique of patent documents 2-4 is equipped with the structure for analyzing about a some item, a user cannot select a required analysis item suitably.

  Specifically, the rotating device described in Patent Document 2 can include a plurality of cuvettes. However, the rotating device is configured such that the sample can be distributed to all the cuvettes when the sample is injected. Therefore, in some cases, analysis is performed on unnecessary items. Therefore, considering that the sample can be distributed to unnecessary cuvettes, it is necessary to inject an extra amount of sample into the rotating device.

  The sample analysis chip described in Patent Document 3 can include a plurality of optical measurement cells. Since each cell has an independent reagent inlet, the user can fill each cell with a different reagent. However, similar to the technique described in Patent Document 2, when the specimen is injected, the specimen can be distributed to all the cells, so that analysis can be performed on unnecessary items.

  The analysis disk described in Patent Document 4 may include a plurality of sample analysis units. In addition, each test solution analyzer can be provided with an independent inlet and a reagent chamber. In the analysis disk, since the injection port is provided in each sample analysis unit, analysis is not performed on unnecessary items. However, since the specimen must be injected into each inlet, the analysis becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an analysis chip that allows a user to easily select and analyze a plurality of analysis items.

  In order to solve the above problem, an analysis chip according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first chip and two or more second chips connected to the first chip, The first chip has a sample injection part into which a sample is injected and a connection part to which the second chip is connected. The sample injection part has a sample injection hole for injecting a sample. The second chip has an introduction path for introducing the sample injected into the sample injection unit into the second chip when the second chip is connected to the connection unit; and It has a reagent holding part that can hold a reagent that reacts with a component to be analyzed contained in the sample and is connected to the introduction path.

  According to the above configuration, the plurality of second chips having the reagent holding unit are connected to the first chip having the sample injection unit. Then, the sample injected from the sample injection hole to the sample injection portion reaches the second chip through the introduction path by centrifugal force by rotating the analysis chip. Then, in the second chip, the analysis can be performed by detecting a reaction between the reagent held in the reagent holding unit and the component to be analyzed contained in the sample. Here, each of the plurality of second chips can hold different reagents. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously analyze a plurality of items by one analysis chip in which the first chip and the second chip are integrated.

  Moreover, according to the said structure, the user can select the 2nd chip | tip holding the reagent according to the item to analyze, and can connect to a 1st chip | tip. Therefore, the user can easily select the analysis item by selecting the second chip. In addition, analysis can be performed only on necessary items, and analysis is not performed on unnecessary items, so that it is not necessary to inject extra samples.

It is a figure which shows the analysis chip concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention, (a) is a top view of a 1st chip | tip and a 2nd chip | tip, (b) is a side view of a 1st chip | tip. It is a top view which shows the analysis chip concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the analysis chip which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, (a) is a top view of a 1st chip | tip and a 2nd chip | tip, (b) is a side view of a 1st chip | tip. It is a top view which shows the analysis chip concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st chip | tip in the analysis chip concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. It is a figure which shows the 2nd chip | tip in the analysis chip concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. It is a top view which shows the analysis chip which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, about the member which shows the same function and effect | action, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis in the drawings define the direction in the three-dimensional space in each drawing. In the present specification, “A to B” indicating a range means A or more and B or less.

  In the present specification, “specimen” refers to a sample that may contain a component to be analyzed. Examples of the specimen include blood, urine, saliva and the like, but are not particularly limited. In this specification, a component to be analyzed may be referred to as an “analysis target component”, and a component other than the analysis target component may be referred to as a “non-analysis target component”. In other words, the “non-analysis target component” is an unnecessary component that is not an analysis target.

Embodiment 1
<Analysis chip 300>
FIG. 1A is a plan view of an analysis chip 300 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The analysis chip 300 includes a first chip 100 and two or more second chips 200 connected to the first chip 100. In FIG. 1, only one second chip 200 is shown for convenience. FIG. 1B is a side view of the first chip 100. That is, FIG. 1B is a view of the first chip 100 of FIG. 1A viewed from the y-axis direction.

<First chip 100>
The first chip 100 includes a sample injection unit 1 and a connection unit 5. In the present embodiment, the first chip 100 further includes a sample holding chamber 4 and a separation unit 5. The shape and size of the first chip 100 are not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the first chip 100 viewed from the z-axis direction in FIG. 1 may be a circle, a triangle, or a rectangle. For example, when the first chip 100 is circular when viewed from the z-axis direction, the diameter of the first chip 100 may be 60 mm or more and 120 mm or less. Further, the thickness of the first chip 100 (the length in the z-axis direction in FIG. 1) may be 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

(Sample injection part 1)
The specimen injection unit 1 is a space into which a specimen is injected. The sample injection unit 1 has a sample injection hole 2, and the sample is injected from the sample injection hole 2 into the sample injection unit 1.

  The position of the sample injection hole 2 in the sample injection unit 1 is not particularly limited, and may be formed on the upper surface of the sample injection unit 1, for example. That is, for example, in the specimen injection section 1, the specimen injection hole 2 may be provided on the front side of the paper in the z-axis direction of FIG. Further, the sample injection hole 2 may be provided on the surface of the first chip 100 opposite to the surface on which the rotation mechanism mounting portion 6 described later is provided. Further, the specimen injection hole 2 may be formed on a rotation axis when the first chip 100 is rotated, for example. According to the above configuration, the sample injected from the sample injection hole 2 is fed in the direction in which the centrifugal force acts from the rotation shaft by rotating the analysis chip 300. For example, when the first chip 100 has a disk shape as shown in FIG. 1 (in other words, when the first chip 100 is circular as viewed from the z-axis direction in FIG. 1), the rotation axis is the circle. It is preferable that it is the center of. In this case, when the analysis chip 300 is rotated, the sample injected from the sample injection hole 2 is fed from the center of the circle toward the outer periphery.

(Connection 5)
A second chip 200 described later is connected to the connection unit 5. When the second chip 200 is connected to the first chip 100 via the connection unit 5, the sample can be sent to the second chip 200 by centrifugal force by rotating the analysis chip 300.

  Although the shape of the connection part 5 is not specifically limited, It is preferable that it is a shape which the 2nd chip | tip 200 fits. According to the above configuration, since the second chip 200 is more reliably fixed, stable liquid feeding can be performed even when a centrifugal force is applied by the rotation of the analysis chip 300.

  The connection part 5 is preferably arranged around the specimen injection part 1 with the specimen injection hole 2 as the center. According to the above configuration, by rotating the analysis chip 300 about the sample injection hole 2 as a rotation axis, the sample can be more efficiently sent to the second chip 200 by centrifugal force. When a specimen holding chamber 4 described later is provided around the specimen injection part 1, it is preferable that a connection part 5 is provided around the specimen holding chamber 4.

  Two or more connection portions 5 may be formed in the first chip 100. According to the above configuration, two or more second chips 200 can be connected to the first chip 100, and a plurality of items can be analyzed at a time.

(Sample holding chamber 4)
Further, the first chip 100 may include a specimen holding chamber 4. The sample holding chamber 4 is a space in which the sample injected into the sample injection unit 1 is stored.

  In the present embodiment, the sample holding chamber 4 is provided around the sample injection unit 1. That is, the sample holding chamber 4 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the sample injection unit 1 with the sample injection hole 2 as the center. In the present embodiment, the specimen holding chamber 4 holds the specimen that is being fed to the second chip.

(Separation part 3)
The specimen holding chamber 4 may be provided with a separation unit 3. The separation unit 3 separates the non-analysis target component from the sample that has reached the sample holding chamber 4 from the sample injection unit 1. According to the above configuration, the sample and the reagent from which the non-analysis target component is separated can be mixed, and the analysis target component and the reagent can be reacted more efficiently, so that the analysis can be performed with higher accuracy. it can.

  The separation unit 3 may be a filter medium, for example. The filter medium may be formed of, for example, filter paper, membrane, glass fiber, glass fiber filter paper, microporous material, or polymer material. The separation unit 3 may be, for example, a blood cell separation filter that separates blood cells from blood.

(Rotating mechanism mounting part 6)
The analysis chip 300 sends the sample by rotating the center of the sample injection unit 1 around the rotation axis. Therefore, it is preferable that the analysis chip 300 includes the rotation mechanism mounting unit 6. Note that the center of the specimen injection section 1 refers to the center of the circle when the specimen injection section 1 is a circle when viewed from the z-axis direction in FIG. The rotation mechanism mounting portion 6 is also preferably on the rotation axis. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, the rotation mechanism mounting portion 6 is preferably coaxial with the center of the sample injection portion 1.

  The shape of the rotation mechanism mounting portion 6 is not particularly limited, and may be formed as a concave portion or a convex portion as shown in FIG. The shape of the rotation mechanism mounting portion 6 may be appropriately determined according to the shape of the rotation mechanism.

  An example of the rotation mechanism includes a turntable that is rotated by a motor. By changing the rotation speed of the rotation mechanism, the strength of the centrifugal force acting on the analysis chip 300 can be changed.

<Second chip 200>
The second chip 200 includes an introduction path 7 and a reagent holding unit 8. In the present embodiment, the second chip 200 further includes a mixing channel 12, a detection unit 13, a quantitative unit 9, and a discharge unit 10.

  The shape of the second chip 200 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a triangle or a quadrangle, or may be a fan shape. Further, the thickness of the second chip 200 (the length in the z-axis direction in FIG. 1) may be not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 2.5 mm. The thickness of the second chip can be appropriately selected depending on the depth of an introduction path and the like described later.

  Note that the second chip 200 connected to the first chip 100 may have the same shape. According to the above configuration, the manufacturing cost of the chip can be reduced. In addition, when the second chip 200 has the same shape and the plurality of connection portions 5 included in the first chip 100 have the same shape, the second chip 200 is Since it can connect also to the connection part 5, it can measure easily.

  Further, when the analysis chip 300 is rotated, it is easy to appropriately select the location of the connection portion 5 to which the second chip 200 is connected according to the number and shape of the second chips 200 to be used. Rotation can be balanced.

  In addition, the inside of each member (the introduction path 7, the mixing channel 12, the detection unit 13, the quantification unit 9, the discharge unit 10, and the channel that connects the members) provided in the second chip 200 (described later) ( The wall surface is preferably subjected to a treatment for increasing hydrophilicity. According to the above configuration, the specimen can be sent more smoothly. Examples of the treatment for increasing hydrophilicity include application of a material containing a surfactant, treatment with plasma, treatment with UV irradiation, treatment with application of a photocatalytic material, and the like.

  Also, the depth (the length in the z-axis direction of FIG. 1) of each of the above members (the introduction path 7, the mixing channel 12, the detection unit 13, the quantification unit 9 and the discharge unit 10, and the channel for connecting the members). ) Is preferably 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less. According to the above configuration, the specimen can be efficiently fed by the capillary force. However, the depth of the detection unit 13 and the discharge unit 10 may be changed according to the thickness of the second chip 200 and the required optical detection sensitivity.

(Introduction path 7)
The second chip 200 has an introduction path 7 for introducing the sample injected into the sample injection unit 1 into the second chip 200 when the second chip 200 is connected to the connection unit 5. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the introduction path 7 may have a sharp tip. According to the above configuration, the second chip 200 is connected to the first chip 100 via the connection unit 5 even when the first chip 100 is not provided with a hole for leading the specimen in advance. At the same time, the first chip 100 and the second chip 200 can be communicated with each other by piercing the introduction path 7 into the first chip 100. According to the above configuration, the specimen is led out to the second chip 200 only when the second chip 200 is connected to the first chip 100. Therefore, the specimen is not distributed to the outlet holes that are not used. For example, an injection needle can be used as the introduction path having a sharp tip.

  In the present embodiment, when the second chip 200 is connected to the first chip 100 via the connection unit 5, the introduction path 7 is connected to the sample holding chamber 4. According to the above configuration, when the analysis chip 300 is rotated, the sample held in the sample holding chamber 4 is sent to the second chip 200 via the introduction path 7 by centrifugal force.

(Reagent holding part 8)
The second chip 200 has a reagent holding unit 8 connected to the introduction path 7. The reagent holding unit 8 is a space that can hold a reagent that reacts with the analysis target component contained in the sample.

  Here, the specimen may reach the reagent holding unit 8 after passing through the introduction path 7. In other words, the reagent holding unit 8 may be located downstream of the introduction path 7. In other words, when the first chip 100 and the second chip 200 are connected, from the rotation axis of the analysis chip 300 toward the outer periphery (in the direction in which the centrifugal force acts), the introduction path 7 and the reagent holding unit You may arrange in order of 8. According to the above configuration, the specimen that has passed through the introduction path 7 is subsequently mixed with the reagent by passing through the reagent holding unit 8.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the introduction path 7 and the reagent holding unit 8 may be provided with different flow paths, and each of the flow paths may be connected to a common mixing flow path 12. In the present specification, the flow path from the introduction path 7 to the mixing flow path 12 and the flow path from the reagent holding unit 8 to the mixing flow path are also connected in the above-described state. 7 and the reagent holding unit 8 are connected ”. According to the above configuration, the sample that has passed through the introduction path 7 and the reagent that has flowed out of the reagent holding unit 8 are mixed in the mixing channel 12.

  In FIG. 1, one reagent holding unit 8 is provided for each second chip 200, but the second chip 200 may include a plurality of reagent holding units 8. According to the above configuration, the sample and the plurality of types of reagents can be mixed in multiple stages by holding different reagents in each of the plurality of reagent holding units 8. In this case, the plurality of reagent holding units 8 may be provided in the middle of the mixing channel 12.

  The reagent may be a liquid or a solid. The reagent may be filled in the reagent holding unit 8 or applied to the inner wall of the reagent holding unit 8.

  When the reagent is a liquid, as shown in FIG. 1, the introduction path 7 and the reagent holding part 8 are provided with different flow paths, and the flow paths are connected to a common mixing flow path 12. It is preferable that it is the structure. According to the above configuration, when the analysis chip is rotated, the specimen and the reagent reach the mixing channel 12 by the centrifugal force and are mixed.

  When the reagent is a liquid, it is preferable that a valve is provided at the outlet of the reagent holding unit 8 (the side connected to the mixing channel 12). For example, the inner wall of the outlet of the reagent holding unit 8 may be treated to increase the hydrophobicity, thereby forming a valve, or the sectional area of the outlet of the reagent holding unit 8 (area of the cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the specimen flows) is reduced. It is good also as a valve. As treatment for increasing hydrophobicity, application of a hydrophobic resin material, application of a fluorine-based hydrophobic agent, surface treatment with a fluorine-based gas, or the like can be used. According to the above configuration, when the centrifugal force is not working, the reagent can be retained in the reagent holding unit 8, and the reagent can be applied by applying a force of a certain level or more (for example, rotating at a certain number of rotations or more). From the reagent holding unit 8 to the mixing channel 12.

  When the reagent is a solid, it is preferable that the sample reaches the reagent holding unit 8 after passing through the introduction path 7 as described above. According to the above configuration, the specimen is mixed with the reagent by passing through the reagent holding unit 8.

  The type of reagent is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined according to the analysis item. For example, when glucose is analyzed, as a reagent, glucose oxidase, 4-aminoantipyrine (abbreviation 4-AA), N-ethyl-N- (2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl)- Examples include 3-methylaniline sodium salt dihydrate (N-Ethyl-N- (2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl-3-methylaniline, sodium salt, dihydrate: abbreviation TOOS)), peroxidase, and the like. When uric acid is analyzed, the reagents include uricase, 4-aminoantipyrine (abbreviation 4-AA), N-ethyl-N- (2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl) -3- And methyl aniline sodium salt dihydrate (N-Ethyl-N- (2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl-3-methylaniline, sodium salt, dihydrate: abbreviation TOOS)), peroxidase, and the like.

  The user can select the second chip preliminarily filled with the reagent corresponding to the analysis item and connect it to the first chip. Alternatively, when the chip is used, the second chip filled with the reagent corresponding to the analysis item can be selected and connected to the first chip. That is, if the analysis chip according to the present invention is used, the user can customize the analysis items. Furthermore, according to the analysis chip according to the present invention, unnecessary items are not analyzed. That is, necessary and sufficient analysis can be performed.

(Mixing channel 12)
The introduction channel 7 and the reagent holding unit 8 may be connected to a common mixing channel 12. According to the above configuration, the sample that has passed through the introduction path 7 and the reagent that has flowed out of the reagent holding unit 8 can be mixed in the mixing channel 12. In the present specification, "the introduction path and the reagent holding part are connected to the mixing flow path" means that the introduction path and the mixing flow path are connected via the reagent holding part as described above. In addition, it includes a state in which the introduction path and the reagent holding part are provided with different flow paths, and the respective flow paths are connected to a common mixing flow path.

  The shape of the mixing channel 12 is not particularly limited, and may be linear, curved, or polygonal. Among these, the mixing channel 12 is preferably a polygonal line. According to the above configuration, when the analysis chip is rotated, the sample and the reagent can be mixed efficiently and uniformly without performing special rotation control for mixing the sample and the reagent. Therefore, it is possible to perform a highly accurate inspection in a short time.

  The angle formed by the direction of the mixing channel and the tangent at the vertex of the broken line formed by the mixing channel may be 0 ° or more and 30 ° or less. In other words, the angle indicated by α in FIG. 1 may be 0 ° or more and 30 °. Furthermore, in other words, the smaller angle among the angles formed by the bent flow path may be 0 ° or more and 30 ° or less. In another example, the angle formed between the perpendicular line to the straight line passing through the vertex of the broken line and the rotation center of the analysis chip and the perpendicular line at the vertex of the broken line may be from 0 ° to 30 °.

  According to the above configuration, when the analysis chip is rotated, the sample and the reagent can be mixed more efficiently and uniformly. Therefore, it is possible to perform a more accurate analysis in a short time.

  Further, the mixing channel 12 is preferably subjected to the above-described treatment for enhancing hydrophilicity. According to the above configuration, the specimen and the reagent can be mixed more smoothly.

(Detector 13)
The mixing channel 12 is connected to a detection unit 13 that detects an analysis target component contained in the sample that has passed through the separation unit 3 at an end opposite to one end connected to the introduction channel 7 and the reagent holding unit 8. May be. According to the above configuration, the sample mixed with the reagent can be sent to the detection unit via the mixing channel 12, and the reaction between the reagent and the analysis target component can be detected by the detection unit 13.

  The configuration of the detection unit 13 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined depending on the combination of the analysis target component and the reagent. For example, the detection unit 13 may be a space in which a specimen mixed with a reagent is accumulated, and a porous body or a membrane that absorbs the specimen mixed with the reagent may be disposed in the space. The user can analyze the color concentration, light emission, electrochemical change, etc. caused by the reaction between the reagent that has reached the detection unit 13 and the analysis target component by visual inspection or a detection device, thereby measuring the concentration of the analysis target component. It can be performed. For example, the component to be analyzed is glucose, and the reagents are glucose oxidase, 4-aminoantipyrine (abbreviation 4-AA), N-ethyl-N- (2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl). ) -3-methylaniline sodium salt dihydrate (N-Ethyl-N- (2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl-3-methylaniline, sodium salt, dihydrate: abbreviation TOOS)), peroxidase, Analysis can be performed by detecting the absorbance at 555 nm of the product resulting from the oxidative condensation reaction of 4-AA and TOOS.

  In the second chip 200, the introduction channel 7, the reagent holding unit 8, the mixing channel 12, and the detection unit 13 are connected to the rotation axis of the analysis chip 300 when the second chip 200 is connected to the first chip 100. It is preferable that they are arranged in the above order from the outer periphery toward the outer periphery (in other words, in the direction in which the centrifugal force acts). According to the above configuration, when the analysis chip 300 is rotated, the specimen and the reagent can be smoothly guided to the detection unit 13 by centrifugal force.

  The detection unit 13 may be connected to an air hole 11 that is open to the atmosphere. According to the above configuration, the specimen and the reagent can be sent from the mixing channel 12 to the detection unit 13 by capillary force in addition to centrifugal force.

(Quantitative section 9)
The introduction path 7 may be provided with a quantification unit 9 that quantifies a sample necessary for detection. The quantification unit 9 is a space defined by a predetermined capacity, for example. According to the above configuration, when the analysis chip 300 is rotated, the amount of the sample that passes through the introduction path 7 and is fed to the mixing channel 12 can be made constant. That is, only a necessary amount of specimen can be sent to the detection unit 13.

  Moreover, according to the said structure, in each 2nd chip | tip 200, the fixed capacity | capacitance part 9 of a different capacity | capacitance can be provided. Therefore, in each of the second chips 200, a different amount of specimen can be quantified and analyzed according to the analysis item.

  Note that the second chip 200 may include a plurality of quantitative units 9. According to the above configuration, the sample can be quantified in multiple stages. Further, by repeating the quantification and dilution of the specimen, the concentration of the analysis target component in the specimen can be reduced according to the analysis item. In this case, the plurality of quantitative units 9 may be provided in the middle of the mixing channel 12. Moreover, the below-mentioned discharge | emission part 10 may be connected with each of the some fixed_quantity | quantitative_assay part 9. FIG.

  It is preferable that a valve is provided at the outlet of the quantification unit 9 (the side connected to the mixing channel 12). As an example of the valve, a valve similar to the valve in the reagent holding unit described above can be used. According to the above configuration, the sample can be sent from the quantification unit 9 to the mixing channel 12 by applying a force of a certain level (for example, by applying a rotation of a certain number of rotations).

(Discharge unit 10)
The quantification unit 9 may be connected to a discharge unit 10 that is a space for accumulating an excessive amount of specimen. According to the above configuration, the overflowing sample (that is, an excessive amount of sample) is discharged to the discharge unit 10 from the quantification unit 9 defined in a predetermined capacity. Therefore, when the analysis chip is rotated, a fixed amount of sample is sent from the quantification unit 9 to the mixing channel 12 by centrifugal force, and an excessive amount of sample can be accumulated in the discharge unit 10. it can.

  In addition, the fixed_quantity | quantitative_assay part 9 and the discharge part 10 may be connected by the flow path, and the process which improves the above-mentioned hydrophilicity may be performed to the said flow path. According to the above configuration, an extra amount of sample can be discharged from the quantitative unit 9 more smoothly.

  An air hole that is open to the atmosphere may be connected to the discharge unit 10. According to the above configuration, an extra amount of specimen can be efficiently fed to the discharge unit 10 by capillary force in addition to centrifugal force.

  In FIG. 1, the detection unit 13 and the discharge unit 10 are connected to a common air hole 11, but the detection unit 13 and the discharge unit 10 may be connected to different air holes.

<Analysis method using the analysis chip 300>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the analysis chip 300 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. An analysis method using the analysis chip 300 will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, the second chip 200a represents the second chip to be connected to the first chip 100, and the second chip 200b has already been connected to the first chip 100. Represents the chip.

  When performing analysis, first, the second chip 200a is connected to the first chip 100 as shown in the second chip 200b. In the present embodiment, the second chip is connected to a connection portion (not shown) provided in the specimen holding chamber 4. Thereby, the introduction path 7 of the second chip is connected to the specimen holding chamber 4. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, if the leading end of the introduction path 7 has a sharp shape, the first chip 100 and the second chip 200 are inserted by piercing the sample holding chamber 4 with the introduction path 7. Can be communicated. In FIG. 2, six second chips are connected, but the number of second chips connected to the first chip 100 is not particularly limited. The rotation mechanism mounting unit 6 is mounted with a rotation mechanism (not shown).

  Then, the sample is injected from the sample injection hole 2 into the sample injection unit 1. Thereafter, the analysis chip 300 is rotated by the rotation mechanism. By rotating the analysis chip 300, the specimen moves to the specimen holding chamber 4 by centrifugal force. By passing the sample through the separation unit 3 provided in the sample holding chamber 4, the non-analysis target component is separated from the sample. The sample from which the non-analysis target component has been separated is fed to the second chip via the introduction path 7 connected to the connection unit 5.

  When the introduction channel 7 is provided with the quantification unit 9, the quantification unit 9 quantifies the sample necessary for detection. Then, an amount of sample necessary for detection is sent to the mixing channel 12, and an extra amount of sample is sent to the discharge unit 10. A reagent is introduced from the reagent holding unit 8 into the mixing channel 12. The specimen and the reagent are mixed in the mixing channel 12. The mixed specimen and reagent reach the detection unit 13. The detection unit 13 can perform analysis by detecting a reaction between the analysis target component and the reagent.

  According to the analysis method using the analysis chip 300, since the user can select the second chip filled with the necessary reagent and connect it to the first chip, analysis is performed on unnecessary items. There is nothing. Further, by injecting the sample into the sample injection unit 1, the sample can be sent to a plurality of second chips at a time. That is, even when analyzing a plurality of items, it is not necessary to inject the sample into the first chip a plurality of times. Therefore, the user can easily analyze necessary items.

  In addition, according to the analysis chip 300, necessary and sufficient analysis can be performed by one injection of the specimen. Therefore, an operation of collecting more samples than necessary becomes unnecessary, and the labor and burden on the subject (for example, a patient) can be reduced in addition to the user.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3A is a plan view of an analysis chip 300 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The analysis chip 300 includes a first chip 100 and two or more second chips 200 connected to the first chip 100. In FIG. 3, only one second chip 200 is shown for convenience. FIG. 3B is a side view of the first chip 100. That is, FIG. 3B is a view of the first chip 100 of FIG. 3A viewed from the y-axis direction. In addition, in the following description, about the item which is common in Embodiment 1, the description in Embodiment 1 can be used suitably.

<Analysis chip 300>
In the analysis chip according to the first embodiment, the sample holding chamber 4 and the separation unit 3 are provided in the first chip. On the other hand, in the analysis chip according to the present embodiment, the sample holding chamber 4 and the separation unit 3 are provided in the second chip. In the analysis chip according to the first embodiment, the connection unit 5 is provided in the sample holding chamber 4. However, in the analysis chip according to the present embodiment, the connection unit 5 is provided in the sample injection unit 1. In this embodiment, these points are different from those in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the second chip 200, the introduction path 7 is provided with a sample holding chamber 4 for holding a sample, and the sample holding chamber 4 is included in the sample. A separation unit 3 for separating the non-analysis target components is provided. According to the above configuration, separation of the non-analysis target component, mixing of the specimen and the reagent, and detection of the analysis target component can be easily performed in the second chip. Moreover, according to the said structure, the isolation | separation part of a different structure can be provided in each 2nd chip | tip. Therefore, in each 2nd chip | tip, a different component can be isolate | separated according to an analysis item, and it can also analyze.

<Analysis method using the analysis chip 300>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an analysis chip 300 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. An analysis method using the analysis chip 300 will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, the second chip 200a represents the second chip to be connected to the first chip 100, and the second chip 200b has already been connected to the first chip 100. Represents the chip.

  When performing analysis, first, the second chip 200a is connected to the first chip 100 as shown in the second chip 200b. In the present embodiment, the second chip is connected to a connection part (not shown) provided in the specimen injection part 1. Thereby, the introduction path 7 of the second chip is connected to the sample injection unit 1.

  When the sample is injected into the sample injection unit 1 and the analysis chip 300 is rotated, the sample is sent to the second chip via the introduction path 7. In the second chip, the non-analysis target component contained in the sample is separated by the separation unit 3 provided in the sample holding chamber 4. Here, when the quantification unit 9 and the discharge unit 10 are provided, a necessary amount of the sample reaches the mixing channel 12, and an excessive amount of the sample is sent to the discharge unit 10. The sample from which the non-analysis target component has been separated is mixed with the reagent held in the reagent holding unit 8 in the mixing channel 12 and reaches the detection unit 13. The detection unit 13 can perform analysis by detecting a reaction between the analysis target component and the reagent.

[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5A is a plan view of the first chip 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a side view of the first chip 100. That is, FIG. 5B is a view of the first chip 100 of FIG. 5A viewed from the y-axis direction. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the second chip 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a side view of the second chip 200. That is, FIG. 6B is a view of the second chip 200 of FIG. 6A viewed from the y-axis direction. Also in this embodiment, the analysis chip 300 includes the first chip 100 and two or more second chips 200 connected to the first chip 100. In addition, in the following description, about the item which is common in Embodiment 1, the description in Embodiment 1 can be used suitably.

<Analysis chip 300>
In the analysis chip according to Embodiment 1, the mixing channel and the detection unit are provided in the second chip. Further, in the first embodiment, the second chip may be provided with the quantitative unit, the discharge unit, and the air hole. On the other hand, in the analysis chip according to the present embodiment, the mixing channel and the detection unit are provided in the first chip. Moreover, a fixed_quantity | quantitative_assay part, a discharge part, and an air hole are also provided in a 1st chip | tip as needed. Further, in the analysis chip according to the first embodiment, the connection unit 5 is provided in the sample holding chamber 4. However, in the analysis chip according to the present embodiment, the connection unit 5 is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the first chip 100. ing. In this embodiment, these points are different from those in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first chip 100 is connected to the mixing flow path 12 and the mixing flow path 12 connected to the reagent holding unit 8 when the second chip 200 is connected. And a detection unit 13 that detects an analysis target component contained in the sample that has passed through the separation unit 3. According to the above configuration, separation of the non-analysis target component from the sample, mixing of the sample and the reagent, and detection of the analysis target component can be easily performed in the first chip.

  In the present embodiment, the second chip 200 includes the reagent holding unit 8 and the introduction path 14a, and further sends the sample and the reagent that have passed through the reagent holding unit 8 to the mixing channel 12. A lead-out path 14b is provided. According to the above configuration, the user can easily select only the reagent according to the analysis item by selecting the second chip. The introduction path 14a is a member corresponding to the introduction path 7 in the first and second embodiments.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the first chip 100, the sample holding chamber 4 may be connected to the quantification unit 9, and the quantification unit 9 may be connected to the discharge unit 10. According to the above configuration, in addition to the separation of the non-analysis target component, the mixing of the sample and the reagent, and the detection of the analysis target component, the sample can be easily quantified in the first chip.

  Note that the first chip 100 may include a plurality of quantitative units 9. According to the above configuration, as in the case where the second chip 200 includes the plurality of quantification units 9 in the first embodiment, the sample can be quantified and diluted in multiple stages.

<Analysis method using the analysis chip 300>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an analysis chip 300 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. An analysis method using the analysis chip 300 will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, the second chip 200a represents the second chip to be connected to the first chip 100, and the second chip 200b has already been connected to the first chip 100. Represents the chip.

  When performing analysis, first, the second chip 200a is connected to the first chip 100 as shown in the second chip 200b. In the present embodiment, the second chip is connected from a connection portion (not shown) provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first chip 100. Thereby, the introduction path 14 a of the second chip is connected to the quantification unit 9, and the outlet path 14 b is connected to the mixing channel 12. Here, when the first chip 100 has a configuration that does not include the quantitative unit 9, the introduction path 14 a may be connected to the sample holding chamber 4.

  When the sample is injected into the sample injection unit 1 and the analysis chip 300 is rotated, the non-analysis target component contained in the sample is separated by the separation unit 3 provided in the sample holding chamber 4. Here, when the quantification unit 9 and the discharge unit 10 are provided, a necessary amount of sample reaches the second chip, and an excessive amount of sample is sent to the discharge unit 10. Thereafter, the specimen passes through the introduction path 14 a, is mixed with the reagent in the reagent holding unit 8, and is sent from the outlet path 14 b to the mixing channel 12. The sample and the reagent held in the reagent holding unit 8 are mixed in the mixing channel 12 and reach the detection unit 13. The detection unit 13 can perform analysis by detecting a reaction between the analysis target component and the reagent.

[Summary]
An analysis chip according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes a first chip and two or more second chips connected to the first chip, and the first chip is injected with a sample. A specimen injection section and a connection section to which the second chip is connected. The specimen injection section has a specimen injection hole for injecting a specimen. The chip includes an introduction path for introducing the sample injected into the sample injection unit into the second chip when the second chip is connected to the connection unit, and an analysis target included in the sample And a reagent holding part connected to the introduction path.

  According to the above configuration, the plurality of second chips having the reagent holding part are connected to the first chip having the specimen injection hole. Then, the sample injected from the sample injection hole to the sample injection portion reaches the second chip through the introduction path by centrifugal force by rotating the analysis chip. Then, in the second chip, the analysis can be performed by detecting the reaction between the reagent held in the reagent holding unit and the analysis target component. Here, each of the plurality of second chips can hold different reagents. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously analyze a plurality of items by one analysis chip in which the first chip and the second chip are integrated.

  Moreover, according to the said structure, the user can select the 2nd chip | tip with which the reagent according to the item to analyze is hold | maintained, and can connect to a 1st chip | tip. Therefore, the user can easily select the analysis item by selecting the second chip. In addition, analysis can be performed only on necessary items, and analysis is not performed on unnecessary items, so that it is not necessary to inject extra samples.

  In the analysis chip according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above aspect 1, a specimen holding chamber for holding the specimen is provided around the specimen injection part, and the specimen holding chamber is included in the specimen. A separation unit that separates components other than the component to be analyzed is provided, the second chip includes a mixing channel connected to the introduction channel and the reagent holding unit, and the mixing channel And a detection unit that detects a component to be analyzed included in the sample that has passed through the separation unit.

  According to the above configuration, in the first chip, components other than the component to be analyzed contained in the sample are separated by the separation unit provided in the sample holding chamber. The sample from which the component other than the component to be analyzed is separated is mixed with the reagent held in the reagent holding unit in the mixing channel in the second chip, and reaches the detection unit. Therefore, separation of components other than the component to be analyzed, mixing of the specimen and reagent, and detection of the component to be analyzed can be easily performed.

  In the analysis chip according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above aspect 2, the introduction path is provided with a quantification unit for quantifying a sample necessary for analysis, and the quantification unit accumulates an excessive amount of sample. You may be connected with the discharge part.

  According to the above configuration, the detection unit can analyze a certain amount of sample. Moreover, according to the said structure, in each 2nd chip | tip, the fixed capacity | capacitance part of a different capacity | capacitance can be provided. Therefore, in each of the second chips, a different amount of specimen can be quantified and analyzed according to the analysis item.

  In the analysis chip according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the aspect 1, the introduction path includes a sample holding chamber for holding a sample, and the sample holding chamber includes an analysis contained in the sample. A separation unit for separating components other than the target component is provided, and the second chip is coupled to the introduction channel and the reagent holding unit, and is coupled to the mixing channel. And a detection unit that detects a component to be analyzed included in the specimen that has passed through the separation unit.

  According to the above configuration, when the sample is injected into the first chip, components other than the component to be analyzed contained in the sample are separated in the second chip by the separation unit provided in the sample holding chamber. To be separated. The sample from which the components other than the component to be analyzed are separated is mixed with the reagent held in the reagent holding unit in the mixing channel, and reaches the detection unit. Therefore, separation of components other than the component to be analyzed, mixing of the specimen and reagent, and detection of the component to be analyzed can be easily performed on the second chip.

  Moreover, according to the said structure, the isolation | separation part of a different structure can be provided in each 2nd chip | tip. Therefore, in each 2nd chip | tip, a different component can also be isolate | separated according to an analysis item.

  In the analysis chip according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in the above aspect 4, the sample holding chamber is connected to a quantification unit for quantifying a sample necessary for analysis, and the quantification unit accumulates an excessive amount of sample. You may be connected with the discharge part.

  According to the above configuration, the detection unit can analyze a certain amount of sample.

  In the analysis chip according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in the aspect 1, a specimen holding chamber for holding the specimen is provided around the specimen injection part, and the specimen holding chamber is included in the specimen. A separation unit that separates components other than the analysis target component, and the first chip is connected to the reagent holding unit when the second chip is connected. And a detection unit that is connected to the mixing channel and detects a component to be analyzed contained in the sample that has passed through the separation unit.

  According to the above configuration, in the first chip, components other than the component to be analyzed contained in the sample are separated by the separation unit provided in the sample holding chamber. When the second chip having the reagent holding unit is connected to the first chip, the sample from which the components other than the component to be analyzed are separated is mixed with the reagent held in the reagent holding unit in the mixing channel and detected. Reach the department. Therefore, separation of components other than the component to be analyzed, mixing of the specimen and reagent, and detection of the component to be analyzed can be easily performed on the second chip.

  In the analysis chip according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in the aspect 6, the sample holding chamber is connected to a quantification unit that quantifies a sample necessary for analysis, and the quantification unit accumulates an extra amount of sample. You may be connected with the discharge part.

  According to the above configuration, the detection unit can analyze a certain amount of sample.

  In the analysis chip according to Aspect 8 of the present invention, in the Aspects 2 to 7, the mixing channel may have a polygonal line shape.

  According to the above configuration, when the analysis chip is rotated, it is not necessary to perform special rotation control for mixing the sample and the reagent, and the sample and the reagent can be mixed efficiently and uniformly. Therefore, it is possible to perform a highly accurate inspection in a short time.

  In the analysis chip according to Aspect 9 of the present invention, in the Aspect 8, the angle formed by the direction of the mixing channel and the tangent at the vertex of the broken line formed by the mixing channel is 0 ° or more and 30 ° or less. Good.

  According to the above configuration, when the analysis chip is rotated, the sample and the reagent can be mixed more efficiently and uniformly. Therefore, it is possible to perform highly accurate analysis in a short time.

  In the analysis chip which concerns on aspect 10 of this invention, the said detection part may be connected with the air hole open | released by air | atmosphere in the said aspects 2-9.

  According to the above configuration, the specimen and the reagent can be efficiently advanced in the mixing channel by the capillary force in addition to the centrifugal force.

  In the analysis chip which concerns on aspect 11 of this invention, in the said aspect 3, 5 or 7, the said discharge part may be connected with the air hole open | released by air | atmosphere.

  According to the above configuration, an unnecessary specimen can be efficiently guided to the discharge unit by the capillary force in addition to the centrifugal force.

  In the analysis chip according to aspect 12 of the present invention, in the above aspects 1 to 11, the two or more second chips may have the same shape.

  According to the above configuration, the manufacturing cost of the chip can be reduced. In addition, since the second chip can be connected to any connection portion, measurement can be easily performed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  The present invention can be used for an analysis chip for analyzing components contained in a specimen in fields such as medical treatment and biochemistry.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Specimen injection part 2 Specimen injection hole 3 Separation part 4 Specimen holding chamber 5 Connection part 6 Rotation mechanism mounting part 7 Introduction path 8 Reagent holding part 9 Determination part 10 Discharge part 11 Air hole 12 Mixing flow path 13 Detection part 14a Introduction path 14b Derivation path 100 First chip 200 Second chip 300 Analysis chip

Claims (5)

A first chip and two or more second chips connected to the first chip;
The first chip has a sample injection part into which a sample is injected, and a connection part to which the second chip is connected,
The sample injection part has a sample injection hole for injecting a sample,
The second chip includes an introduction path for introducing a sample injected into the sample injection unit into the second chip when the second chip is connected to the connection unit, and the sample. An analysis chip characterized in that it has a reagent holding part that can hold a reagent that reacts with a component to be analyzed and is connected to the introduction path. A sample holding chamber for holding the sample is provided around the sample injection portion,
The sample holding chamber includes a separation unit that separates components other than the component to be analyzed contained in the sample,
The second chip includes a mixing channel connected to the introduction channel and the reagent holding unit, and an analysis target that is connected to the mixing channel and included in the sample that has passed through the separation unit. The analysis chip according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects a component to be detected. The introduction path is provided with a sample holding chamber for holding a sample,
The sample holding chamber includes a separation unit that separates components other than the component to be analyzed contained in the sample,
The second chip includes a mixing channel connected to the introduction channel and the reagent holding unit, and an analysis target that is connected to the mixing channel and included in the sample that has passed through the separation unit. The analysis chip according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects a component to be detected. A sample holding chamber for holding the sample is provided around the sample injection portion,
The sample holding chamber includes a separation unit that separates components other than the component to be analyzed contained in the sample,
The first chip is connected to the reagent holding unit when the second chip is connected, and is connected to the mixing channel, and is included in the sample that has passed through the separation unit. The analysis chip according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit that detects a component to be analyzed.   The analysis chip according to claim 2, wherein the mixing channel has a polygonal line shape.

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