JP2019118338A - PCR container and reagent-containing PCR container - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a PCR container and a reagent-containing PCR container which improve stability of PCR.SOLUTION: A PCR container 1 is mainly constituted of: a container body 11 provided at a bottom 13 thereof with a reaction chamber 12, in which a specimen and a reagent are to be housed and reacted in PCR; a lid body 6 detachably fitted to the container body 11; and a reagent cassette 16 housed in the container body 11. These comprise prevention means to prevent the specimen or reagent from leaking out of the reaction chamber during PCR, configured such that the reaction chamber 12 has a conical shape tapered downward, such that an upper edge of the reaction chamber 12 is located further outside than a maximum movable region of an outer edge of a lower end of a reagent housing part, such that a lower face 7 of the lid body 6 enters a step portion of the reagent cassette 16, or the like. Such a configuration allows the specimen and the reagent to stably flow into the reaction chamber during PCR thereby improving stability of PCR.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a container for PCR and a container for PCR containing a reagent, and more particularly to a container for PCR and a container for PCR containing a reagent used when performing PCR with a DNA detection device.

  Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a container for PCR used in amplifying DNA by polymerase chain reaction (herein referred to as "PCR").

  FIG. 13 is a front view and a partially broken cross sectional view showing the external shape and central cross sectional structure of a conventional PCR container.

  Referring to the figure, PCR container 71 is made of, for example, transparent polypropylene, and has a horizontal ring shape in a horizontal cross section, and reaction chamber 82 in which a sample and a reagent are stored and reacted at the bottom portion 84 thereof. Container main body 81, a lid 76 which can be fitted to the container main body 81, and a reagent cassette 86 housed at a location between the lower surface 77 of the lid 76 and the reaction chamber 82 inside the container main body 81. Is configured.

  The container body 81 and the lid 76 can be fitted in a sealed state by means of an internal thread 79 and an external thread 83 provided on the upper outer surface of each other. In the unopened state in which the lid 76 and the container main body 81 are released from fitting, it is possible to inject a sample into the container main body 81 or to take out or store the reagent cassette 86 with respect to the container main body 81.

  FIG. 14 is a front view and a partially broken sectional view showing the external shape and central sectional structure of the container body of the PCR container shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 shows the external shape of the container body shown in FIG. It is a side view.

  With reference to these figures, the container body 81 has a substantially cylindrical shape with the upper portion opened, and the reaction chamber 82 at the bottom 84 thereof is a square pyramid having a downwardly tapered shape and is made of a transparent material. It is configured. By configuring in this manner, when performing fluorescence detection of amplified DNA after PCR, the stability of detection is improved by irradiating light so as to penetrate the facing surface of the reaction chamber 82.

  FIG. 16 is a front view and a partially broken sectional view showing an outer appearance shape and a central sectional structure of a lid of the PCR container shown in FIG.

  Referring to the figure, lid 76 is made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene, for example, and on the lower surface 77 thereof, an upwardly recessed concave portion 80 capable of storing at least a part thereof by contact with sample 72 It is formed. At the time of use, as shown by the arrow 78, the concave portion 80 of the lid 76 is brought into contact with the sample 72 (for example, intraoral mucous membrane) to make a part of the sample 72 (for example, saliva containing target DNA) Can be conveniently collected without using a laboratory tool or the like.

  FIG. 17 is a front view showing the external shape of the reagent cassette of the PCR container shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 18 is an end view of the XVIII-XVIII line shown in FIG. (2) is the state after storing and sealing the reagent.

  Referring to these drawings, reagent cassette 86 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polypropylene, and has a cylindrical shape penetrating in the vertical direction as a basic skeleton, and the side wall 94 extends in the vertical direction and stores the reagent Slits 93a to 93c respectively communicating with the portions 91a to 91c are formed.

  Further, in the reagent storage portions 91a to 91c of the reagent cassette 86, the reagents 73a to 73c can be sealed with paraffins 95a to 95c which are solid before PCR and are melted by the heating of the PCR. The melting point of paraffin is set at about 50.degree. That is, each of the reagent storage portions 91a to 91c, in the state of storing each of the reagents 73a to 73c (respectively different reagents), the openings (not shown) in the vertical direction and the slits 93a to 93c are paraffin 95a to 95c, etc. It can seal by a sealing means.

  When using the PCR container 71, as shown in (2) of FIG. 18, the reagent cassette 86 in a state in which the reagents 73a to 73c are stored and sealed in advance in the reagent storage portions 91a to 91c is shown in FIG. As described above, the container is hermetically stored in the container main body 81, and further, the sample necessary for the PCR is stored in the container main body 81 to perform the PCR. The heating of the PCR reaching up to over 90 ° C. causes the reagent cassette 86 itself made of synthetic resin to melt without melting the paraffins 95a to 95c, and the reagent storage parts 91a to 91c are opened downward. Then, the sample and the reagents 73a to 73c move to the lower reaction chamber 82. The sample and the reagent are mixed in the reaction chamber 82, and a predetermined DNA detector can advance PCR.

  Here, when the sample or reagent is collected from the reagent cassette into the reaction chamber (in the case where the sample is collected using the recess of the lid, both the sample and the reagent, the sample is directly stored in the container body without using the recess of the lid In the case, it is only the reagent.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the XIX-XIX line shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 13, reagent storage portions 88a to 88c of reagent cassette 87 (in the embodiment where slit 93 is not formed in reagent cassette 86 of FIG. 18 described above) in the storage state as shown in FIG. Then, the sample or reagent flows into the upper edge 89 of the reaction chamber 82 drawn by a broken line.

Patent No. 6243566

  However, as shown in FIG. 19, the conventional PCR container described above has a plan view projected area of the upper edge 89 of the reaction chamber 82 smaller than that of the reagent storage parts 88 a to 88 c as shown in FIG. It was a thing. Therefore, the moving route of the sample or reagent flowing into the reaction chamber 82 during PCR is in a state where the arrival point (upper edge 89 of the reaction chamber 82) is narrower than the starting point (reagent storage portions 88a to 88c). Or there was a possibility that the reagent might not flow smoothly.

  Further, since the reagent cassette 86 is rotationally symmetrical in plan view, it may be stored in a state of being rotated in the circumferential direction as compared with the state shown in FIG. In such a case, although the upper edge 89 of the reaction chamber 82 is substantially rectangular, the compatible area of the plan view projection is reduced because the reagent storage portions 88a to 88c are a part of the circular inner portion. Similarly, there is a risk that the sample or the reagent may not flow smoothly.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 19, a gap 85 as a play exists between the reagent cassette 86 (the outer surface thereof) and the container main body 81 (the inner surface thereof). It may be stored at a slightly deviated position in plan view as compared with the shown central position. In such a case as well, there is a possibility that the sample or the reagent may not flow smoothly.

  Furthermore, during PCR, the sample or reagent may be guided to the above-described gap 85 by surface tension, and the amount flowing into the reaction chamber may be reduced.

  As described above, in the conventional PCR container, there is a risk that the sample or the reagent may not smoothly flow from the reagent storage parts 88a to 88c of the reagent cassette 86 into the reaction chamber 82 during PCR, and the PCR is stable. There is still room for improvement in terms of the improvement of the sex and thus the improvement of the PCR efficiency.

  The present invention was made to solve the problems as described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a container for PCR and a container for PCR with reagents in which the stability of PCR is improved.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a container for PCR, which has a reaction chamber at its bottom for containing and reacting a sample and a reagent during PCR, and a container body A lid having an upwardly recessed recess formed on its lower surface which can be fitted into the container and which can receive at least a part of the container by contact with the sample, and a lid and a reaction chamber inside the container body The reagent cassette includes a cylindrical basic skeleton opened in the vertical direction, and a reagent storage portion capable of storing a reagent is formed inside the basic skeleton. The reagent storage unit can seal the reagent by a sealing means which is solid before PCR and is melted by heating of PCR, and at least one of the container body, the lid and the reagent cassette is PCR At the time of Are those comprising a regulating means for the reagents is regulated so as not to leak into the reaction chamber outside.

  According to this structure, the sample or reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber at the time of PCR by the restriction means.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a container for PCR, wherein a container body having a reaction chamber for containing and reacting a sample and a reagent at the bottom thereof during PCR, and a container body which can be fitted together A reagent cassette stored at a position between the lid and the reaction chamber inside the container body and a lid having an upwardly recessed recess formed on its lower surface capable of storing at least a part thereof by contact with the container The reagent cassette includes a cylindrical basic skeleton opened in the vertical direction, and a reagent storage unit capable of storing a reagent is formed in the basic skeleton, and the reagent storage unit is a PCR. The reagent can be sealed by a sealing means which is solid before and is melted by heating of PCR, and the upper edge of the reaction chamber is circular in plan view.

  According to this configuration, even when the reagent cassette is accommodated in the container main body while being rotated in the circumferential direction, the sample or the reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber during PCR.

  According to the invention of claim 3, in the constitution of the invention of claim 2, the reaction chamber has a conical shape which is tapered downward.

  With this configuration, the tip of the reaction chamber is sharper than that of a hemispherical or cylindrical reaction chamber. In addition, it is easy to make the thickness of the reaction chamber thinner.

  The invention according to claim 4 is a container for PCR, which comprises a container body having at its bottom a reaction chamber for storing and reacting a sample and a reagent at the time of PCR, and a container body which can be fitted together A reagent cassette stored at a position between the lid and the reaction chamber inside the container body and a lid having an upwardly recessed recess formed on its lower surface capable of storing at least a part thereof by contact with the container The reagent cassette includes a cylindrical basic skeleton opened in the vertical direction, and a reagent storage unit capable of storing a reagent is formed in the basic skeleton, and the reagent storage unit is a PCR. The reagent can be sealed by a sealing means which is solid before melting and is heated by PCR heating, and the upper edge of the reaction chamber is outside the maximum movable area of the outer edge of the lower edge of the lower end of the reagent storage unit when stored. Set to position Is shall.

  According to this structure, the sample or the reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber even in the state where the reagent cassette is laterally displaced and stored.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a container for PCR, which comprises a container body having at its bottom a reaction chamber for storing and reacting a sample and a reagent at the time of PCR, and a container body which can be fitted together A reagent cassette stored at a position between the lid and the reaction chamber inside the container body and a lid having an upwardly recessed recess formed on its lower surface capable of storing at least a part thereof by contact with the container The reagent cassette includes a cylindrical basic skeleton opened in the vertical direction, and the basic skeleton includes a plurality of partitions which can be separated from each other by partitions extending in the vertical direction and each of which can contain the reagent. The reagent storage part is formed, and the reagent storage part can seal the reagent by a sealing means which is solid before PCR and is melted by heating of PCR, and the upper end edge of the partition wall is of the basic skeleton. The top edge Also located below, in a state where the lid and the reagent cassette is attached to the container body, the lower surface of the lid is intended to be placed between the upper edge of the upper edge and the basic skeleton of the partition wall.

  With this configuration, the lower surface of the lid easily enters the sealing means of the reagent cassette in the state of being attached to the container body.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fifth aspect, the upper edge of the partition wall is convex upward at a portion which is on the inner side of the lower edge of the concave portion of the lid in plan view projection The upper end edge of the convex portion is located at the upper and lower height position between the lower surface of the lid and the upper end edge of the basic skeleton and is disposed lower than the upper end edge of the recess.

  According to this structure, the convex portion of the reagent cassette is easily inserted into the concave portion of the lid in a state of being attached to the container body.

  According to the invention of claim 7, in the constitution of the invention according to any one of claims 2, 3, 5, and 6, the upper edge of the reaction chamber is the lower end of the reagent storage portion at the time of storage. It is set to be located outside the maximum movable area of the outer edge.

  According to this structure, the sample or the reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber even in the state where the reagent cassette is laterally displaced and stored.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the invention according to any of the second aspect, the third aspect and the seventh aspect, the basic skeleton is internally separated by partition walls extending in the vertical direction, and each of them is a reagent The upper end edge of the partition wall is located below the upper end edge of the basic skeleton, and the lid and the reagent cassette are attached to the container body. The lower surface of the lid is disposed between the upper edge of the partition wall and the upper edge of the basic skeleton.

  With this configuration, the lower surface of the lid easily enters the sealing means of the reagent cassette in the state of being attached to the container body.

  The invention according to a ninth aspect is the structure of the invention according to any one of the first to the eighth aspects, wherein the reaction chamber is made of a transparent material.

  With this configuration, the light transmittance of the reaction chamber is enhanced.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the reaction chamber of the container body has a thickness of 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. .

  If comprised in this way, the heat transfer efficiency from the container exterior with respect to a reaction chamber will become favorable.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the configuration of the invention according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sealing means is wax, grease, paraffin or wax.

  When configured in this manner, the sealing means is solid at room temperature, and becomes a sealing means that becomes liquid at the first heating of PCR.

  The invention according to claim 12 is a container for PCR containing a reagent using the container for PCR according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the reagent cassette contains the reagent in the reagent storage unit, It is sealed by the sealing means.

  With this configuration, the reagent cassette is stored and sealed in advance.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the stability of PCR is improved because the sample or reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber at the time of PCR by the regulation means.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, even when the reagent cassette is accommodated in the container main body while being rotated in the circumferential direction, the stability of PCR is improved because the sample or the reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber during PCR. Do.

  According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 2, the tip of the reaction chamber is sharper than that of a hemispherical one or a cylindrical one, so a heater for heating the PCR container is provided. Adhesion is increased. In addition, since the thickness of the reaction chamber portion can be easily reduced, the heating time can be shortened. Therefore, the efficiency of PCR is improved.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the stability of the PCR is improved because the sample or the reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber even when the reagent cassette is accommodated in a laterally shifted manner.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the state of being attached to the container main body, the lower surface of the lid easily enters the sealing means of the reagent cassette, so that the sample stored in the lid easily flows into the reagent cassette. Stability is improved.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the fifth aspect, the convex portion of the reagent cassette is easily inserted into the concave portion of the lid in the state of being attached to the container main body. The stored sample is easily pushed out to the convex part of the reagent cassette, and the sample is prevented from remaining in the concave part.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any of the second aspect, the third aspect, the fifth aspect and the sixth aspect, the reagent cassette is accommodated in a laterally offset manner. However, the stability of the PCR is further improved because the sample or reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any of the second aspect, the third aspect and the seventh aspect, the lower surface of the lid seals the reagent cassette in a state of being attached to the container body. Since it becomes easy to enter the stopping means, the sample stored in the lid can easily flow into the reagent cassette, and the stability of the PCR is further improved.

  In the invention according to claim 9, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the light transmittance of the reaction chamber is increased, so that the reaction chamber is horizontally oriented with respect to the reaction chamber after PCR The certainty of light detection when light detection is performed is improved.

  In the invention according to claim 10, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 9, since the heat transfer efficiency from the outside of the container to the reaction chamber is improved, the sealing means is a PCR While appropriately melting using heating, PCR is properly performed.

  In addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the invention according to claim 11 is a sealing means which is solid at normal temperature and which becomes liquid upon initial heating of PCR. Therefore, the certainty of PCR is improved.

  Since the invention according to claim 12 is a reagent cassette in which reagents are stored and sealed in advance, a desired amount and type of reagent can be stored in advance, and it is simple and stable by using for a container for PCR In addition, the certainty and rapidity of PCR can be improved.

It is the front view which shows the external appearance shape and center cross-section of a container for PCR by the 1st embodiment of this invention, and a sectional view which fractured partially. It is the elevation view showing the central section structure of the reagent cassette of the container for PCR shown in FIG. 1, and a partially broken sectional view, (1) is a state before storing the reagent, (2) is the reagent It is in the state after storing and sealing. It is a top view which shows the structure of the reagent cassette of the container for PCR shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the IV-IV line shown in FIG. It is a schematic front view which shows the state before operation | movement of the DNA detection apparatus using the container for PCR shown in FIG. It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 5, Comprising: It is a schematic front view which shows the operation state of a DNA detection apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of the container for PCR in A part shown in FIG. It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 5, Comprising: It is a schematic front view which shows the state which PCR completed and the container for PCR moved to the detection part. It is an arrow line view of the IX-IX line shown in FIG. It is a sectional view showing the central section structure in the upper part of the reagent cassette of the container for PCR by the 2nd embodiment of this invention, and the lower part circumference of a lid, and (1) is a state before a lid is attached. , (2) is in a state where the lid is attached. It is sectional drawing of the XI-XI line shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the reagent cassette of the container for PCR by other embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is the front view and partial cross-sectional view which show the external appearance shape and center cross-section of the conventional container for PCR. It is the front view which shows the external appearance shape and center cross-section of the container main body of the container for PCR shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows the external appearance shape of the container main body shown in FIG. It is the front view which shows the external appearance shape and center cross-section of a lid of the container for PCR shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows the external appearance shape of the reagent cassette of the container for PCR shown in FIG. It is an end elevation of XVIII-XVIII line shown in Drawing 17, and (1) is a state before storing a reagent, and (2) is a state after storing and sealing a reagent. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the XIX-XIX line shown in FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a front view and a partially broken cross sectional view showing the external shape and the central cross sectional structure of a PCR container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The PCR container 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has the same basic structure as that of a conventional PCR container, and therefore, the differences will be mainly described below.

  Referring to the figure, PCR container 1 is mainly composed of container body 11, lid 6 which can be fitted to container body 11, and reagent cassette 16 housed inside container body 11. . The container body 11 has a reaction chamber 12 at its bottom 13 for storing and reacting a sample and a reagent during PCR. The lid 6 is provided with an upwardly recessed recess 8 in its lower surface 7 capable of storing at least a part of the sample upon contact with the sample (not shown). The reagent cassette 16 is housed at a location between the lid 6 and the reaction chamber 12 inside the container body 11.

  When the PCR container 1 is used, the reaction chamber 12 is positioned at the lowermost position in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 1 to store and react the sample and the reagent. In the present specification, the upward direction refers to the direction in which the reagent cassette or lid is positioned relative to the reaction chamber when the PCR container is used, and the downward direction refers to the reagent cassette or lid when the PCR container is used. It means the direction in which the reaction chamber is located.

  The reagent is a reagent necessary for PCR, and may be selected according to the use, and examples thereof include water, buffer, primer, dNTP, magnesium compound, DNA polymerase, fluorescent reagent and the like. Although the fluorescent reagent is not necessary for the PCR itself, for the purpose of simultaneously performing light detection in the DNA detection apparatus after completion of the PCR, the embodiment of the present invention will be described including the fluorescent reagent.

  Furthermore, a sample refers to a sample containing target DNA.

  FIG. 2 is a front view and a partially broken sectional view showing a central sectional structure of a reagent cassette of the PCR container shown in FIG. 1, wherein (1) is a state before storing the reagent, (2) Is a state after storing and sealing the reagent, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the structure of the reagent cassette of the container for PCR shown in FIG.

  Referring to these drawings, reagent cassette 16 includes side wall 17 as a cylindrical basic skeleton opened vertically.

  Further, inside the side wall 17, a plurality of reagent storage sections 20a to 20c which are separated from each other by partition walls 21 of a T-shape in plan view extending in the vertical direction and can store the reagents in each are formed.

  Further, the upper end 22 of the partition wall 21 is located below the upper end 18 of the side wall 17 so that a stepped portion 23 a is formed. A stepped portion 23b is similarly formed on the lower side of the reagent cassette 16, and can be used without any problem even when the reagent cassette 16 is stored upside down.

  In addition, when using the reagent cassette 16 shown by (1) of FIG. 2, for example, the paraffin is put on the lower surface by first pressing the lower surface of the reagent cassette 16 against melted paraffin and then cooling it. After the desired type and amount of reagent are stored in each of the reagent storage sections 20a to 20c by the automatic dispenser, the upper surface of the reagent cassette 16 is also sealed by filling with paraffin. By doing this, as shown in FIG. 2 (2), the upper and lower step portions 23 a and 23 b of the reagent cassette 16 are solid before PCR and are sealing means for melting by PCR heating. It is filled with the paraffins 24a and 24b, and the reagents are sealed in the reagent storage units 20a to 20c. The paraffins 24a and 24b may cover the outer side (e.g., the upper and lower end edges of the side wall 17) of the step portions 23a and 23b.

  Referring back to FIG. 1 together, in a state where the lid 6 and the reagent cassette 16 are attached to the container main body 11, the lower surface 7 of the lid 6 is the upper edge 22 of the partition 21 and the upper edge 18 of the side wall 17. Placed between. That is, the lower surface 7 of the lid 6 enters the step portion 23a of the reagent cassette 16 (after sealing, paraffin 24a filling the same).

  In the above-described conventional container for PCR, the lower surface 77 of the lid 76 and the reagent cassette 86 (the upper end surface thereof) are set to be in substantially dimensional contact, and therefore the sample or reagent goes outside the reagent cassette 86 during PCR. In the container for PCR 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, there is a risk of leakage. As described above, the configuration (regulating means) in which the lower surface 7 of the lid 6 enters the step portion 23 of the reagent cassette 16 By providing it, the reagent or sample from the recess 8 of the lower surface 7 of the lid 6 is guided to smoothly flow into the inside of the reagent cassette 16 (that is, the regulation is performed so as not to leak out of the reaction chamber 12 shown in FIG. Be able to improve the stability of the PCR.

  In addition, a rib 19 projecting inward is formed on the entire circumference of the root of the step portion 23 (adjacent portion on the upper side of the connection portion between the upper end surface 22 of the partition 21 and the side wall 17). The rib 19 prevents the sealing means such as paraffin from coming off, and prevents the reagent sealing from being released carelessly. The ribs 19 are present on the upper side and the lower side.

  Next, other restriction means included in the PCR container 1 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the IV-IV line shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 together, the upper edge 14 of the reaction chamber 12 drawn by a broken line is formed in a circular shape in plan view. With such a configuration, even when the reagent cassette 16 is accommodated in the container main body 11 while being rotated in the circumferential direction, the relativeness of the upper edge 14 of the reaction chamber 12 to the reagent storage portions 20a to 20c of the reagent cassette 16 Since the projection position does not change, the sample or reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber 12 during the PCR, so that the stability of the PCR is improved.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the reaction chamber 12 is in the shape of a cone that tapers downward. The effects of this configuration will be described later.

  Further, the gap 25 between the container body 11 (the inner surface thereof) and the reagent cassette 16 (the outer surface thereof) is set to be narrower than the gap 85 of the conventional container for PCR. That is, the upper edge 14 of the reaction chamber 12 is set to be located outside the maximum movable area of the outer edge 26 of the lower end of the reagent storage portion 20 when stored. In other words, even when the reagent cassette 16 is moved to one end of the reagent cartridge 16 in the lateral direction (the movable direction even when the reagent cassette 16 is stored in the container body 11), the reagent cassette 16 is moved to the other end Even if this is the case, the upper edge 14 of the reaction chamber 12 drawn by the broken line shown in FIG. 4 is always located outside the outer edge 26 of the lower end of the reagent storage unit 20.

  With this configuration, the sample or reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber 12 even when the reagent cassette 16 is accommodated in a laterally shifted manner, so that the stability of the PCR is improved.

  Next, a process of causing PCR to proceed by the DNA detection device using the PCR container 1 containing the sample and the reagent will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing a state before operation of the DNA detection device using the PCR container shown in FIG.

  Referring to the figure, the DNA detection device 31 measures by light detection the DNA amplification structure 32 for advancing the PCR by heating and cooling, and the PCR product stored in the PCR container in which the PCR is completed. It mainly comprises a detection unit 52 and a control unit (not shown).

  The DNA amplification structure 32 comprises a container holder 37 for holding the PCR container 1, a support 38 for supporting the container holder 37, a plate-shaped first heater 41 on the high temperature side, and an upper portion of the first heater 41. Mainly composed of a ring-plate-shaped heating plate 42 fixed thereto, a plate-shaped second heater 46 on the low temperature side, and a pedestal 50 for fixing the first heater 41 and the second heater 46 to the upper surface thereof. It is done.

  The PCR container 1 houses the reagent cassette 16 containing the reagent as described above, and is sealed by the lid 6 in a state where the sample is housed by the concave portion 8 of the lid 6 or manually.

  The container holder 37 holds the PCR container 1 such that the bottom surface of the PCR container 1 (reaction chamber 12) is horizontal to the surfaces of the first heater 41 and the second heater 46.

  The support 38 is configured to support the container holder 37. Also, according to the instruction from the control unit, the support unit 38 moves in the left-right direction (the direction from the first heater 41 to the second heater 46 or as shown by the arrow drawn by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. In the reverse direction, in other words, from these to the detection unit 52 or in the opposite direction), the PCR container 1 can be slid above the first heater 41, above the second heater 46 or It can be freely moved to the detection unit 52.

  The first heater 41 is made of, for example, a heating body covered with silicone rubber, and its temperature can be adjusted by the control unit, and a recess 44 in which the reaction chamber 12 of the PCR container 1 can be fitted is formed on the top surface thereof. Have. The surface of the recess 44 is set to a high temperature of, for example, 120 ° C. by the control unit.

  Further, the heating plate 42 is made of, for example, aluminum having high thermal conductivity, and has a through hole 43 in the center of which the PCR container 1 can be inserted. The thickness of the heating plate 42 is substantially the same as the height of the reagent cassette 16 in the vertical direction. The inner surface of the through hole 43 is warmed by heat conduction from the first heater 41 and reaches, for example, 80.degree.

  The second heater 46 is the same as the first heater 41 described above except for the temperature, and comprises, for example, a heating body covered with silicone rubber, and the temperature thereof can be adjusted by the control unit, The upper surface has a recess 49 into which the reaction chamber 12 of the PCR container 1 can be inserted. The surface of the recess 49 is set to a low temperature of, for example, 50 ° C. by the control unit.

  The pedestal 50 has a first heater 41 and a second heater 46 fixed on the top surface thereof. Further, the pedestal 50 is slidable by the control unit in the vertical direction (the direction from the reaction chamber 12 to the recess 44 in the state of FIG. 5 or the opposite direction thereof) as shown by the arrow drawn by the dashed dotted line in the lower part of FIG. It is controlled. Thereby, the first heater 41 and the second heater 46 can be raised or lowered.

  FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 and is a schematic front view showing the operation state of the DNA detection apparatus.

  Referring to the figure, from the state before the operation shown in FIG. 5, the pedestal 50 ascends in the direction of the arrow drawn by the solid line in the figure according to the instruction from the control unit, thereby heating the PCR container 1 While passing through the through hole 43 of the plate 42, the reaction chamber 12 of the PCR container 1 is fitted into the recess 44 of the first heater 41.

  Then, the portion of the PCR container 1 in which the reagent cassette 16 is housed is warmed through the through holes 43 by heating of the PCR, and the paraffin in the upper and lower step portions of the reagent cassette 16 is melted to dissolve the reagent or sample therein. It is discharged to the lower reaction chamber 12 (see also FIG. 7 described later). Further, the sample and the reagent stored in the reaction chamber 12 of the PCR container 1 by contact (first contact) of the surface of the reaction chamber 12 of the PCR container 1 with the surface of the recess 44 of the first heater 41 Is heated.

  Here, the flow of the sample and the reagent into the reaction chamber will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the PCR container in the portion A shown in FIG.

  Referring to the same figure, first, as described above, reagent cassette 16 is in a state where upper and lower paraffins (not shown) are melted by the first heating of PCR and penetrated in the vertical direction. At this time, as described above, since the lower surface 7 of the lid 6 is configured to enter the step portion 23 of the reagent cassette 16, the specimen stored in the recess 8 of the lid 6 is a side wall of the reagent cassette 16. It is regulated so that it does not leak to the outside of the reaction chamber 12 around the upper end edge 18 of 17. Therefore, as shown by the arrows 27a and 27b, the sample stably moves to the reagent storage unit 20 while avoiding the partition wall 21.

  Then, the sample and the reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 20 are mixed, and moved to the lower reaction chamber 12 as shown by the arrows 28a and 28b, and a PCR solution 33 which is a sample and reagent necessary for PCR. It becomes.

  Referring back to FIG. 6 together, the reaction chamber 12 of the PCR container 1 is fitted into the recess 44 of the first heater 41, and the PCR solution 33 stored in the reaction chamber 12 is heated.

  Here, as described above, since the reaction chamber 12 has a conical shape that tapers downward, the tip of the reaction chamber 12 is sharper than that of a hemispherical or cylindrical one, so the PCR container 1 The adhesion to the first heater 41 for heating the second heater 46 shown in FIG. 5 is enhanced. That is, since the contact points of these heaters with the PCR container 1 are made of silicone rubber, the silicone rubber is tapered (in other words, upward) since it is excellent in elasticity (shape recovery from compressive deformation). High adhesion to the surface of the reaction chamber 12 can be exhibited.

  In addition, since the shape of the reaction chamber 12 is advantageous in terms of strength against the force from the lower direction and the lateral direction, it is easy to make the thickness thin in manufacturing, so the heating efficiency from the heater increases. The heating time can be shortened. In the present embodiment, the average thickness of the reaction chamber 12 is 0.3 mm, and is configured to be thinner than the thickness of 0.5 mm in the other part of the container body 11. Moreover, this is thinner than the thickness 0.5 mm of the reaction chamber of the conventional container for PCR.

  As described above, the PCR container 1 of the present embodiment is such that the efficiency of the PCR is improved by forming the reaction chamber 12 in a conical shape which is tapered downward.

  Then, when the heating by the first contact for a predetermined time is completed, the pedestal 50 descends according to the instruction from the control unit, the first contact is released, and the state shown in FIG. 5 is returned. Hereinafter, although illustration is omitted, the support unit 38 horizontally moves the container holder 37 so that the PCR container 1 is above the second heater 46 according to an instruction from the control unit, as described above with reference to FIG. As in the case of the first contact, as the pedestal 50 ascends, the reaction chamber 12 of the PCR container 1 is fitted into the recess 49 of the second heater 46, and the surface of the reaction chamber 12 of the PCR container 1 A contact (second contact) with the surface of the recess 49 of the second heater 46 occurs. By this second contact, the PCR solution 33 is cooled to, for example, 65 ° C., and annealing is performed.

  When the cooling by the second contact for a predetermined time is completed, the pedestal 50 descends according to the instruction from the control unit, and the container holder 37 is horizontally moved by the support unit 38, and the PCR container 1 is above the first heater 41. It returns to the state shown in FIG. 5 located.

  By alternately repeating the first contact and the second contact in this manner, PCR proceeds. Then, when the first contact and the second contact are repeated a predetermined number of times and PCR is completed, the process proceeds to the step of detecting amplified DNA.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 and is a schematic front view showing a state in which the PCR is completed and the PCR container is moved to the detection unit.

  Referring to the figure, after the PCR is completed, the support unit 38 moves the container holder 37 in the direction shown by the arrow in the figure according to the instruction from the control unit, whereby the PCR container 1 is moved to the detection unit 52. Moving.

  FIG. 9 is an arrow view of the IX-IX line shown in FIG.

  Referring to the drawing, detection unit 52 mainly includes light emitting element 53 and light receiving element 54. The light emitting element 53 and the light receiving element 54 are arranged to face each other on the same straight line in the horizontal direction. The PCR container 1 is positioned so that the straight line penetrates the reaction chamber 12 in which the amplified DNA is stored. The light emitting element 53 is an LED lamp having an effective wavelength of 450 nm to 570 nm. The light receiving element 54 is a photodiode having an effective wavelength of 300 nm to 820 nm.

  At the time of detection, the light emitting element 53 emits excitation light toward the reaction chamber 12 of the PCR container 1 according to an instruction from the control unit. The amplified DNA in the reaction chamber 12 is bound to a fluorescent reagent contained in the reagent, and reacts with excitation light to fluoresce. Since the reaction chamber 12 is made of a transparent material, it can transmit light and receive the light emission intensity of the DNA that the light receiving element 54 fluoresces. This enables light detection of DNA without transferring the PCR product from the PCR container to another detection container. Then, based on the received light emission intensity, quantitative measurement of amplified DNA can be performed.

  As described above, in the PCR container 1 of the present invention, at least one of the container body 11, the lid 6, and the reagent cassette 16 leaks the sample or the reagent to the outside of the reaction chamber 12 during PCR. It is provided with a regulation means which regulates so as not to occur.

  With this configuration, the restriction means guides the sample or reagent to stably flow into the reaction chamber 12 from the reagent storage sections 20a to 20c of the reagent cassette 16 during PCR, so that the stability of the PCR is improved. The PCR efficiency is improved.

  Next, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a central cross-sectional structure around the upper portion and the lower portion of the lid of the reagent cassette of the PCR container according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein (1) is attached with the lid (2) is a state in which the lid is attached, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the line XI-XI shown in FIG.

  The PCR container 55 according to the second embodiment has basically the same structure as the PCR container 1 according to the above-described first embodiment, and therefore, the differences will be mainly described below.

  First, referring to (1) of FIG. 10, the lid 56 is in a state in which the sample 64 is stored in the recess 58 thereof. By attaching the lid 56 to the container main body 51 as indicated by the arrow 69, the lid 56 is attached to the container main body shown in (2) of FIG.

  The upper edge 63 of the partition 62 of the reagent cassette 59 of the PCR container 55 is lower than the lower edge (lower peripheral edge) 66 (66a, 66b) of the recess 58 of the lid 56 in plan view projection indirectly shown in FIG. A convex portion 65 which is convex upward at a portion to be the inner side is further provided.

  The upper end edge 67 of the convex portion 65 is the upper and lower height position (the range indicated by the arrow 70) between the lower surface 57 of the lid 56 and the upper end edge 61 of the side wall 60 as a basic skeleton. It is disposed below the upper end edge 68.

  Therefore, there is no obstacle when sealing with paraffin etc. not shown, and the convex portion 65 enters the concave portion 58 of the lid 56, and the sample 64 stored in the concave portion 58 of the lid 56 is pushed out to the convex portion 65. Then, as indicated by arrows 74a and 74b, they are released to the outside of the recess 58 (inside the reagent cassette 59). Thus, the specimen 64 is prevented from remaining in the recess 58.

  Next, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the reagent cassette of the container for PCR according to another embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG.

  The PCR container according to these embodiments has basically the same structure as the PCR container 55 according to the second embodiment described above, and therefore, the differences will be mainly described below.

  First, referring to (1) of the figure, the convex portion 101 of the reagent cassette 100 is provided above the entire upper end edge 108 of the partition wall 107 so as to have a triangular shape with the upper end edge 102 as the apex. There is. Such a thing is also included in the present invention as an aspect which is convex upward in a portion inside the lower edges 106 a and 106 b of the recess 105 of the lid 103.

  Next, referring to (2) of the same figure, the convex portion 111 of the reagent cassette 110 is arranged such that the upper end edge 112 thereof contacts with a part of the upper end edge 116 of the concave portion 115 of the lid 113. Such an embodiment is also included in the present invention as a mode in which the upper end edge 112 of the projection 111 is disposed below the upper end edge 116 of the recess 115.

  In each of the above embodiments, the regulation means is provided in all of the container body, the lid and the reagent cassette. However, mainly in the container body, the regulation means (the upper edge of the reaction chamber is circular The configuration or the configuration of the size relationship of the upper edge of the reaction chamber or the gap may be provided, or the lid may be mainly provided with a regulation means (a configuration in which the tip of the lid is made thin and elongated) The reagent cassette may be provided with restricting means (configuration in which a step portion is provided in the reagent cassette).

  In each of the above embodiments, the reagent cassette has a cylindrical shape, but may have another cylindrical shape. For example, it may be in the shape of a tubular ring having a polygonal ring shape in cross section. However, it is preferable from the viewpoint of the degree of freedom of storage that it is a rotationally symmetrical shape in plan view.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the container for PCR and the container body, the lid, and the reagent cassette constituting the same have a specific shape, but may have other shapes. For example, the capacity may be changed according to the application.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the reagent cassette has a plurality of reagent storage units, and the plurality of reagent storage units are separated from one another by the partition walls, but the reagent cassette includes at least one reagent storage unit. You should have it.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the slit extending in the vertical direction and communicating with the reagent storage portion is not formed on the side wall of the reagent cassette, but a slit may be formed.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the upper edge of the reaction chamber is circular in a plan view, and is positioned outside the maximum movable area of the outer edge of the lower edge of the reagent storage unit when stored. Although it was set, it may be the composition provided only with one control means. That is, even when the upper edge of the reaction chamber is set to be narrower than the outer edge of the lower end of the reagent storage unit, if it is circular in plan view, it is stored when it is rotated in the circumferential direction of the reagent cassette Adaptability to the better. Further, even if the upper edge of the reaction chamber is not circular in plan view, if it is set to be positioned outside the maximum movable region of the outer edge of the lower end of the reagent storage portion at the time of storage, other planar shapes are possible. It is good.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the reaction chamber has a conical shape tapered downward, but may have another shape such as a hemispherical shape convex downward.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the reaction chamber is made of a transparent material, but the present invention can be applied without affecting the PCR itself even if it is not a transparent material.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the rib is formed on the entire circumference of the root of the step portion of the reagent cassette, but the rib may not be formed.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the thickness of the reaction chamber of the container body is preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. Since the heat transfer efficiency from the container exterior with respect to a reaction chamber will become favorable if comprised in this way, while a sealing means melts appropriately using the heating of PCR, PCR is performed appropriately.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, paraffin was used as the sealing means, but the sealing means may be wax, grease, paraffin or wax. These are all solid at normal temperature, and serve as a sealing means that becomes liquid at the time of the first heating of PCR, so that the reliability of PCR is improved. In addition, with solid form, semi-solid, glass-like, etc. are included if it can be sealed. Further, the liquid state (melted state) may be a state in which the fluidity is higher than the solid state and the sealing is released.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the melting point of the sealing means is about 50 ° C., but the melting point (the temperature for transition to the above-described molten state) is preferably 40 ° C. to 80 ° C. More preferably, the temperature is 45 ° C to 60 ° C. Moreover, it is preferable that specific gravity is a thing smaller than water. By this, it is solid at normal temperature, and the reagent or sample can be isolated, melted by the first heating of PCR, and the function and effect of guiding the reagent or sample to the lower reaction chamber can be exhibited more reliably.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, although the reagent is not stored in the reagent storage portion of the reagent cassette, for example, the reagent is stored at the time of sale and is sealed by the sealing means. It may be. With this configuration, since the reagent cassette is stored and sealed in advance, the desired amount and type of the reagent can be stored in advance, and it can be conveniently and stably used for the PCR container. , The certainty and rapidity of PCR can be improved.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the reaction chamber was not stored until starting the PCR, or only the sample was stored. However, degassing was caused by chemical or physical processing. The pressure may be reduced or vacuumed.

  Further, the reaction chamber may be filled by the sealing means. With this configuration, the reaction chamber is in a state in which air is discharged before PCR, and the sealing means melts during PCR and the sample and the reagent are stored via the reagent cassette. This makes it easier to guide the PCR and improve the certainty of the PCR.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the heater of the DNA detection device is made of silicon rubber, but may be made of another material. For example, the thing which consists of a metal with high heat conductivity and in which the dent is previously formed is mentioned. With such a configuration, durability against shape change in repeated use becomes high. Also in such a case, when the reaction chamber has a conical shape tapered downward, the recess of the heater can be formed to exhibit high adhesion to the surface of the reaction chamber.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, although the reagent is stored in all the reagent storage sections of the reagent cassette, there may be a reagent storage section in which no reagent is stored at the time of use.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the inside of the reagent cassette is divided by the partition wall of a T-shape in plan view to form three reagent storage parts, but the partition wall may have another shape. The number of reagent storage units may be other numbers.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the basic skeleton of the reagent cassette has a cylindrical shape extending vertically in the vertical direction, but the basic skeleton (side wall) is tapered along the inner surface of the container body. It is good. If the inner surface of the container body and the basic skeleton have a tapered shape in which the width gradually narrows downward, the gap between the inner surface of the container body and the outer surface of the reagent cassette can be narrowed. It can be regulated so that the sample does not leak.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the container for PCR was made of polypropylene, but from polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyamide, acrylic, cyclic polyolefin and aromatic nylon It is preferable that it consists of at least 1 sort (s) of raw material chosen from the group which consists of. This is because the entire PCR container, including the reagent cassette, is not deformed by heating of the PCR.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, a specific DNA detection device is used for amplification of DNA and detection of amplified DNA, but other DNA amplification devices or devices for detecting amplified DNA may be used. It is good.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, only the aspect in which the convex portion of the reagent cassette is provided at the upper end edge of the partition has been described, but the lower end edge of the partition is also similarly downward so as to be vertically symmetrical. A convex portion may be provided.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the convex portion of the reagent cassette is drawn as if it is a material different from the partition wall, but the convex portion and the partition wall are the same material, It may be integrally formed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 55 ... Container for PCR 6, 56, 103, 113 ... Lid 7, 57 ... Lower surface 8, 58, 105, 115 ... Concave part 11, 51 ... Container main body 12 ... Reaction chamber 13 ... Bottom part 14 ... Upper edge 16, 59, 100, 110 ... reagent cassette 17, 60 ... side wall 18, 61 ... upper end edge 20 ... reagent storage part 21, 62, 107 ... partition wall 22, 63, 108 ... upper end edge 23 ... step portion 24 ... paraffin 26 ... outer edge 64 ... Specimens 65, 101, 111 ... Convex part 66, 106 ... Concave part 67, 102, 112 ... Upper end edge 68, 116 ... Upper end edge In the figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

The invention according to claim 1 is a container for PCR, which comprises a container body having at its bottom a reaction chamber for storing and reacting a sample and a reagent at the time of PCR, and a container body which can be fitted together A reagent cassette stored at a position between the lid and the reaction chamber inside the container body and a lid having an upwardly recessed recess formed on its lower surface capable of storing at least a part thereof by contact with the container The reagent cassette includes a cylindrical basic skeleton opened in the vertical direction, and a reagent storage unit capable of storing a reagent is formed in the basic skeleton, and the reagent storage unit is a PCR. The reagent can be sealed by a sealing means which is solid before melting and is heated by PCR, and the upper edge of the reaction chamber has a circular shape in plan view and the outer edge of the reagent storage portion at the time of storage , those which are circular in plan view That.

According to the invention of claim 2, in the constitution of the invention of claim 1 , the reaction chamber has a conical shape which is tapered downward.

In the invention according to claim 3, in the configuration of the invention according to claim 1 or 2 , the upper edge of the reaction chamber is located outside the maximum movable region of the outer edge of the lower end of the reagent storage portion when stored. Is set to.

The invention according to claim 4 is the structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , in which the basic skeleton is partitioned from one another by partitions extending in the vertical direction, and the reagents are stored in each of them. The upper end edge of the partition is located below the upper end edge of the basic skeleton, and the lid and the reagent cassette are attached to the container body. Is disposed between the upper edge of the partition wall and the upper edge of the basic skeleton.

With this configuration, the lower surface of the lid easily enters the sealing means of the reagent cassette in the state of being attached to the container body.
The invention according to claim 5 is the structure according to claim 4, wherein the upper end edge of the partition wall is upwardly convex at a portion which is on the inner side than the lower edge of the recess portion of the lid in plan view projection. The upper end edge of the convex portion is located at the upper and lower height position between the lower surface of the lid and the upper end edge of the basic skeleton and is disposed lower than the upper end edge of the recess.
According to this structure, the convex portion of the reagent cassette is easily inserted into the concave portion of the lid in a state of being attached to the container body.

According to the invention of claim 6, in the constitution of the invention according to any of claims 1 to 5 , the reaction chamber is made of a transparent material.

Invention of claim 7, wherein, in the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a reaction chamber of the container body are those whose thickness is 0.05mm or more 0.5mm or less .

The invention according to claim 8 is the configuration of the invention according to any of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the sealing means is wax, grease, paraffin or wax.

The invention according to claim 9 is a container for PCR containing a reagent using the container for PCR according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the reagent cassette contains the reagent in the reagent storage unit, It is sealed by the sealing means.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the sample or the reagent stably flows into the reaction chamber during PCR even when the reagent cassette is accommodated in the container body while being rotated in the circumferential direction. The stability of PCR is improved.

According to the invention of claim 2 , in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1 , the tip of the reaction chamber is sharper than that of a hemispherical one or a cylindrical one, the heater for heating the PCR container is provided. Adhesion is increased. In addition, since the thickness of the reaction chamber portion can be easily reduced, the heating time can be shortened. Therefore, the efficiency of PCR is improved.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, stably specimen or reagent into the reaction chamber even if the reagent cassette is accommodated laterally offset The flow of PCR improves the stability of PCR.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the lower surface of the lid enters the sealing means of the reagent cassette in a state of being attached to the container body This facilitates the flow of the sample stored in the lid into the reagent cassette, which further improves the stability of the PCR.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect, the convex portion of the reagent cassette is easily inserted into the concave portion of the lid in the state of being attached to the container body. The stored sample is easily pushed out to the convex part of the reagent cassette, and the sample is prevented from remaining in the concave part.

In the invention according to claim 6 , in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , the light transmittance of the reaction chamber is enhanced, so that the reaction chamber is horizontally oriented with respect to the reaction chamber after PCR. The certainty of light detection when light detection is performed is improved.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the heat transfer efficiency from the outside of the container with respect to the reaction chamber is good. While appropriately melting using heating, PCR is properly performed.

In addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , the invention according to claim 8 is a sealing means which is solid at normal temperature and which becomes liquid upon initial heating of PCR. Therefore, the certainty of PCR is improved.

The invention according to claim 9 is a reagent cassette in which the reagent is stored and sealed in advance, so that a desired amount and type of reagent can be stored in advance, and it is simple and stable by using the container for PCR. In addition, the certainty and rapidity of PCR can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 55 ... Container for PCR 6, 56, 103, 113 ... Lid 7, 57 ... Lower surface 8, 58, 105, 115 ... Concave part 11, 51 ... Container main body 12 ... Reaction chamber 13 ... Bottom part 14 ... Upper edge 16, 59, 100, 110 ... reagent cassette 17, 60 ... side wall 18, 61 ... upper end edge 20 ... reagent storage part 21, 62, 107 ... partition wall 22, 63, 108 ... upper end edge 23 ... step portion 24 ... paraffin 26 ... outer edge 64 ... Specimens 65, 101, 111 ... Convex part 66, 106 ... Lower edge 67, 102, 112 ... Upper edge 68, 116 ... Upper edge In the figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

Claims (12)

A container for PCR,
A container body having at its bottom a reaction chamber for storing and reacting a sample and a reagent during PCR;
A lid which is fittable to the container body and which can receive at least a part thereof by contact with a sample, and which has an upwardly recessed recess formed on the lower surface thereof;
And a reagent cassette stored at a position between the lid and the reaction chamber inside the container body,
The reagent cassette includes a cylindrical basic skeleton opened in the vertical direction, and a reagent storage portion capable of storing a reagent is formed in the basic skeleton,
The reagent storage unit can seal the reagent by a sealing unit which is solid before PCR and is melted by heating of PCR.
A container for PCR, wherein at least one of the container body, the lid, and the reagent cassette includes a control unit that restricts a sample or a reagent from leaking out of the reaction chamber during PCR. A container for PCR,
A container body having at its bottom a reaction chamber for storing and reacting a sample and a reagent during PCR;
A lid which is fittable to the container body and which can receive at least a part thereof by contact with a sample, and which has an upwardly recessed recess formed on the lower surface thereof;
And a reagent cassette stored at a position between the lid and the reaction chamber inside the container body,
The reagent cassette includes a cylindrical basic skeleton opened in the vertical direction, and a reagent storage portion capable of storing a reagent is formed in the basic skeleton,
The reagent storage unit can seal the reagent by a sealing unit which is solid before PCR and is melted by heating of PCR.
An upper edge of the reaction chamber is a circular shape in plan view.   The container for PCR according to claim 2, wherein the reaction chamber has a conical shape tapered downward. A container for PCR,
A container body having at its bottom a reaction chamber for storing and reacting a sample and a reagent during PCR;
A lid which is fittable to the container body and which can receive at least a part thereof by contact with a sample, and which has an upwardly recessed recess formed on the lower surface thereof;
And a reagent cassette stored at a position between the lid and the reaction chamber inside the container body,
The reagent cassette includes a cylindrical basic skeleton opened in the vertical direction, and a reagent storage portion capable of storing a reagent is formed in the basic skeleton,
The reagent storage unit can seal the reagent by a sealing unit which is solid before PCR and is melted by heating of PCR.
The container for PCR, wherein the upper edge of the reaction chamber is positioned outside the maximum movable region of the outer edge of the lower end of the reagent storage portion when stored. A container for PCR,
A container body having at its bottom a reaction chamber for storing and reacting a sample and a reagent during PCR;
A lid which is fittable to the container body and which can receive at least a part thereof by contact with a sample, and which has an upwardly recessed recess formed on the lower surface thereof;
And a reagent cassette stored at a position between the lid and the reaction chamber inside the container body,
The reagent cassette includes a cylindrical basic skeleton opened in the vertical direction, and a plurality of reagents can be stored in each of the basic skeleton, which can be partitioned by partitions extending in the vertical direction and each of which can store the reagent. The part is formed,
The reagent storage unit can seal the reagent by a sealing unit which is solid before PCR and is melted by heating of PCR.
The upper end of the partition is located below the upper edge of the basic skeleton, and the lower surface of the lid is the upper edge of the partition when the lid and the reagent cassette are attached to the container body. A container for PCR, which is disposed between the and the upper edge of the basic skeleton. The upper end edge of the partition wall further includes a convex portion that is convex upward at a portion that is inside the lower edge of the concave portion of the lid in plan view projection,
The upper end edge of the convex portion is a vertical height position between the lower surface of the lid and the upper end edge of the basic skeleton, and is disposed below the upper end edge of the recess. The container for PCR as described.   The upper edge of the reaction chamber is set to be located outside the maximum movable area of the outer edge of the lower end of the reagent storage portion when stored. The container for PCR as described in any of the above. Inside the basic skeleton, there are formed a plurality of reagent storage sections which are separated from each other by partitions extending in the vertical direction and which can store reagents in each of them.
The upper end of the partition is located below the upper edge of the basic skeleton, and the lower surface of the lid is the upper edge of the partition when the lid and the reagent cassette are attached to the container body. The container for PCR according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 7, wherein the container is disposed between the and the upper end edge of the basic skeleton.   The PCR container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reaction chamber is made of a transparent material.   The PCR container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the thickness of the reaction chamber of the container body is 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.   The container for PCR according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sealing means is wax, grease, paraffin or wax. A reagent-containing PCR container comprising the PCR container according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The reagent-containing PCR container, wherein the reagent cassette contains the reagent in the reagent storage unit and is sealed by the sealing unit.

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