JP2021056128A - Flow passage device and in-fluid particle analysis system - Google Patents

Abstract

To realize a flow passage device in which particles are less damaged and the flow passage does not become clogged easily.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a flow passage device (1) for controlling particles so that the particles will flow while gradually becoming closer to a target. A flow passage (7) has a pair of columnar structural rows, a first columnar structural row (10) and a second columnar structural row (20), each including a plurality of columnar structures (11, 21) and arranged so that the direction of flow of particles is deflected. The columnar structures (11a and 21a) of the first columnar structure row (10) and the second columnar structure row (20), which are the closet to a target route, do not overlap with each other in a direction parallel to the target route.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to flow path devices and fluid particle analysis systems.

Conventionally, a flow cytometer is known in which a liquid containing fine particles derived from a living body or a non-living body is passed through a flow path to optically analyze the particles in the fluid. In such a flow cytometer, the fluid is irradiated with excitation light from a laser light source, and the particles are analyzed by detecting scattered light and light such as fluorescence generated from the particles to be analyzed by the irradiation of the excitation light. ing.

Patent Document 1 provides an example of a flow cytometer that detects light generated from particles flowing in a fluid when a fluid containing particles passes through one thin tube. Further, Patent Document 2 shows an example of a flow cytometer that flows a liquid containing particles into a chip-type flow cell in which a flow path is formed and detects light generated in the flow path formed in the flow cell. ..

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20170128941 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-181349

In the flow cytometers disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, particles are easily damaged when the flow velocity of the fluid is increased. This is especially problematic when the particles are of biological origin such as cells. This is because if the cells are damaged, it becomes difficult to culture the analyzed cells. On the other hand, when the flow velocity of the fluid is lowered, there is a problem that particles larger than the average size of the particles to be analyzed, particle agglomerates in which a plurality of particles are aggregated, and the like are likely to cause clogging in the flow path.

One aspect of the present invention is to realize a flow path device in which particles are less damaged and the flow path is less likely to be clogged.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the flow path device according to one aspect of the present invention is such that the particles flowing in the fluid flow while gradually approaching the target path passing over the target region in the flow path of the particles. A flow path device that controls the flow direction of the particles, the flow path includes a plurality of columnar structures arranged such that the flow direction of the particles is deflected to one side of the flow path. A first columnar structure array and a second columnar structure array including a plurality of columnar structures arranged so that the flow direction of the particles is deflected to a side opposite to the one side in the flow path. And, as a pair, the arrangement position of the columnar structure closest to the target path included in the first columnar structure row and the said said to be included in the second columnar structure row. The arrangement position of the columnar structure closest to the target path does not overlap in a direction parallel to the target path.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a flow path device in which the particles are less damaged and the flow path is less likely to be clogged.

It is a figure which shows typically the flow path device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the parameters related to the deterministic lateral movement. It is a figure which schematically explains the deterministic lateral movement. It is a figure which shows typically the flow path device which concerns on one reference example. It is a figure which shows typically the difference between the flow path device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and the flow path device which concerns on one reference example. It is a figure which shows typically the flow path device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the flow path device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the flow path device which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the flow path device which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the flow path device which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention.

[Embodiment 1]
<Structure of flow path device>
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1-5. As shown in FIG. 1, the flow path device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a flow path 7.

(Flow path)
A liquid flows through the flow path 7. The liquid flowing through the flow path 7 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a liquid containing water or an organic solvent. As the liquid, the optimum type of liquid may be selected depending on the type of particles described later.

In the present specification, the liquid flowing through the flow path 7 is referred to as a "fluid". Fine particles can flow through the fluid. The particles contained in the fluid are biological or non-living particles. The particles preferably have a particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 50 μm or less, but are not limited thereto.

Examples of biological particles include cells, bacteria, plankton, pollen and the like. Further, examples of the non-living particles include artificially manufactured beads and the like. The fluid may contain a plurality of types of particles.

In FIG. 1, the right direction toward the paper surface is the direction in which the fluid containing particles flows in the flow path 7. Further, the upper side facing the paper surface is the left side of the flow path 7, the lower side facing the paper surface is the right side of the flow path 7, and the depth direction toward the paper surface is the depth direction of the flow path 7. However, the vertical and horizontal directions of the flow path 7 and the flow direction of the fluid in the flow path 7 are not limited to this. This also applies to FIGS. 2 to 7.

The flow path 7 includes a first columnar structure row 10 and a second columnar structure row 20 as a pair. The first columnar structure row 10 includes a plurality of columnar structures 11. Further, the second columnar structure row 20 includes a plurality of columnar structures 21. The flow path 7 includes the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20, so that the direction in which the particles contained in the fluid flow is based on the principle of deterministic lateral displacement (DLD). To control.

(About DLD)
The DLD will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. DLD is a technique for controlling the movement of particles in a fluid. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of columnar structures 31 are arranged in the flow path in order to control the movement of particles.

Here, the cross section of the columnar structure 31 in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction is a perfect circular shape having a diameter of Dpost. Further, in the two columnar structures 31, the pitch in the direction of particle flow between the centers of the cross sections is λ, and the shift in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the particles flow is Δλ. At this time, the flow direction of the particles in the fluid differs depending on whether the particle size of the particles is larger or smaller than the Dc (Critical Dimension) defined by the following formula (1).
Dc = 1.4 (λ-Dpost) (λ / Δλ) ^−0.48 ... (1)
As shown in Reference Example 301 and Reference Example 302 of FIG. 3, the particles 51 having a particle size larger than Dc are deflected in the flow direction along the columnar structure rows formed by the plurality of columnar structures 31. On the other hand, the particles 52 having a particle size smaller than Dc pass between the plurality of columnar structures 31 and flow while avoiding the columnar structures 31, so that the flow direction is not deflected.

As described above, according to the DLD, the flow direction of the particles can be deflected by arranging the columnar structure 31 at a predetermined interval determined according to the size of the particles flowing in the fluid. Further, when a plurality of types of particles having different particle sizes flow in the fluid, the flow direction of the particles having a specific particle size is selectively deflected by adjusting the diameter and arrangement of the columnar structure 31. Can be done.

(1st columnar structure row and 2nd columnar structure row)
The first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20 are members that control the flow direction of the particles by the principle of DLD so that the particles flowing in the fluid pass over the target region R in the flow path 7. Is. The first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20 are arranged so that the particles flowing in the fluid flow while approaching the target path Ct passing over the target region R.

In the first columnar structure row 10, the plurality of columnar structures 11 are arranged so that the flow direction of the particles is deflected to the right side in the flow path 7. As an example of this, FIG. 1 shows the flow direction Cp1 of the particles. More specifically, each columnar structure 11 is arranged on the left side of the target path Ct in the flow path 7, and is predetermined so that the distance from the target path Ct gradually becomes closer in the flow direction of the fluid. They are arranged in a row according to the interval.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the predetermined interval is determined from the values of the pitch λ and the shift Δλ between the columnar structures 11. Further, the values of the pitch λ and the shift Δλ between the columnar structures 11 are such that the value of Dc defined by the above equation (1) is smaller than the diameter of the particles in relation to the diameter Dpost of the columnar structure 11. Set. In other words, the predetermined spacing is determined according to the size of the particles flowing in the fluid.

The formula (1) is a formula derived by an empirical rule. Therefore, the above equation (1) gives a guideline for designing the first columnar structure row 10, but if the flow of particles can be controlled in a desired direction, the pitch λ, the shift Δλ, and the columnar structure 11 The relationship between the diameters of Dpost and Dc does not necessarily have to satisfy the above formula (1).

The cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure 11 in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction is preferably a substantially perfect circular shape. According to such a configuration, since the value of Dc in the columnar structure 11 can be easily calculated, the arrangement of the columnar structure 11 in the first columnar structure row 10 can be easily designed. The substantially perfect circular shape referred to here includes the case where the circular shape is distorted within the range of the perfect circular shape and the error that inevitably occurs in manufacturing. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure 11 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

The length of the columnar structure 11 in the stretching direction is preferably equal to or greater than the depth of the fluid flowing through the flow path 7. According to such a configuration, the flow direction of the particles can be deflected in the intended direction by the first columnar structure row 10 regardless of the position of the particles in the fluid in the depth direction.

In the second columnar structure row 20, the plurality of columnar structures 21 are arranged so that the flow direction of the particles is deflected to the left side in the flow path 7. As an example of this, FIG. 1 shows the flow direction Cp2 of the particles. Other configurations of the second columnar structure row 20 are the same as those of the first columnar structure row 10.

The number of columnar structures 11 included in the first columnar structure row 10 and the number of columnar structures 21 included in the second columnar structure row 20 may be the same number or different numbers. Is also good. As shown in FIG. 1, if the number of columnar structures 11 included in the first columnar structure row 10 and the number of columnar structures 21 included in the second columnar structure row 20 are the same, the particles It becomes easy to align the amount in which the flow direction Cp1 is deflected to the right by the first columnar structure row 10 and the amount in which the particle flow direction Cp2 is deflected to the left by the second columnar structure row 20.

(Positional relationship between the first columnar structure row and the second columnar structure row)
Here, the relative positional relationship between the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20 in the flow path 7 will be described. The first columnar structure row 10 is arranged on the left side of the flow path 7 and the second columnar structure row 20 is arranged on the right side of the flow path 7 with the target path Ct in between.

According to such a configuration, the flow direction of the particles flowing in the fluid is deflected to the right by the first columnar structure row 10, so that the target path Ct located on the right side of the first columnar structure row 10 Get closer to. Further, the particles flowing in the fluid approach the target path Ct located on the left side of the second columnar structure row 20 by deflecting the flowing direction to the left side by the second columnar structure row 20.

Therefore, the flow direction of the particles such as Cp1 and Cp2 is controlled so that the particles passing between the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20 flow while asymptotically approaching the target path Ct. .. By controlling the particles flowing in the fluid to flow while asymptotically approaching the target path Ct, it becomes easy for the particles to pass on the target region R.

Further, the arrangement position of the columnar structure 11a included in the first columnar structure row 10 and closest to the target path Ct and the closest to the target path Ct included in the second columnar structure row 20 The arrangement position of the columnar structure 21a does not overlap with the arrangement position in the direction parallel to the target path Ct. Specifically, a line segment that passes through the center of the columnar structure 11a and is orthogonal to the target path Ct and an intersection with the target path Ct passes through the closest point P1 and the center of the columnar structure 21a and is orthogonal to the target path Ct. Assuming that the intersection of the line segment and the target path Ct is the closest point P2, the first columnar structure rows 10 and the second columnar structure rows 10 and the second are such that the closest point P1 and the closest point P2 do not overlap. The columnar structure row 20 is arranged.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20 are symmetrical with respect to the target path Ct in the flow path 7, that is, the closest approach in FIG. When the point P1 and the closest point P2 overlap and are arranged so as to be the same closest point P, the distance between the columnar structure 11a and the columnar structure 21a becomes narrow. Therefore, when particles larger than the average size of the particles to be analyzed, particle agglomerates in which a plurality of particles are aggregated, or the like flow in the fluid, they are clogged between the columnar structure 11a and the columnar structure 21a. It will be easier.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the arrangement position of the second columnar structure row 20 is moved toward the direction parallel to the target path Ct with respect to the arrangement position of the first columnar structure row 10. As a result, the distance between the closest point P1 and the closest point P2 is increased, and the distance between the columnar structure 11a and the columnar structure 21a is also increased accordingly.

For example, when the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20 are arranged with Dc = 10 μm, λ = 50 μm, Δλ = 13.8 μm, and Dpost = 30 μm, and the width of the target region R is 50 μm. The distance between the columnar structure 11a and the columnar structure 21a in the flow path 7 of FIG. 4 is 30 μm. On the other hand, in the flow path 7 of FIG. 1, the columnar structure 11a, which is the position where the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20 are closest to each other, are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the target path Ct. The distance from the columnar structure 21 is 60 μm, and it is possible to secure a distance at which particles are less likely to be clogged.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent particles in the fluid from being clogged between the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20 without increasing the flow velocity of the fluid. Further, since it is not necessary to increase the flow velocity of the fluid in order to suppress clogging, damage to particles in the fluid can be prevented.

In the direction parallel to the target path Ct, the columnar structure 11a and the columnar structure 21a are preferably separated from each other by the length of the diameter Dpost of the columnar structure 11a or the columnar structure 21a. According to such a configuration, it is possible to more effectively prevent particles in the fluid from being clogged between the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20.

Such a flow path device 1 may be provided in a fluid particle analysis system such as a flow cytometer or a cell sorter. According to such a configuration, the particles to be analyzed by the fluid particle analysis system can be efficiently analyzed with less damage. Further, the flow path device 1 may be a chip type flow cell or the like. According to such a configuration, when performing analysis by a flow cytometer or the like, the optimum flow path device 1 can be selected according to the size of the particles to be analyzed.

[Embodiment 2]
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, the members having the same functions as the members described in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

In the flow path device 2 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the flow path 7 is the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row, similarly to the flow path device 1 according to the first embodiment. It has 20. However, in the flow path device 2, the number of columnar structures 11 included in the first columnar structure row 10 and the number of columnar structures 21 included in the second columnar structure row 20 are different. Further, the first columnar structure rows 10 and the second columnar structures are arranged so that the arrangement positions of the plurality of columnar structures 11 and the arrangement positions of the plurality of columnar structures 21 do not overlap in any direction parallel to the target path Ct. It differs from the flow path device 1 in that the columnar structure row 20 is arranged.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the second columnar structure row 20 included in the flow path device 2 is the columnar structure 11 from the second columnar structure row 20 included in the flow path device 1 shown in FIG. And the three columnar structures 21 whose arrangement positions overlap in the direction parallel to the target path Ct are removed. Therefore, in the flow path device 2, the number of columnar structures 21 is smaller than the number of columnar structures 11.

Therefore, in the flow path 7, the arrangement positions of the columnar structure 11 and the columnar structure 21 do not overlap in the direction parallel to the target path Ct. Specifically, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 6, there are no other columnar structures 11 and 21 on the cross section that passes through the center of one columnar structure 11 and is orthogonal to the target path Ct. .. Therefore, only one columnar structure 11 and 21 is arranged on the cross section orthogonal to the target path Ct in the flow path 7 at any position in the flow path 7.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the cross-sectional area of the cross section in the flow path 7 from changing significantly depending on whether or not the columnar structures 11 and 21 are arranged, so that particles such as Cp1 and Cp2 shown in FIG. 6 flow. It is easy to maintain linearity in the direction. Therefore, it becomes easy to match the flow direction of the particles with the target path Ct, and it becomes easy to pass the target region R for the particles.

In the flow path device 2, the number of columnar structures 11 included in the first columnar structure row 10 is larger than the number of columnar structures 21 included in the second columnar structure row 20, but the columnar structures The number of 11 and the columnar structure 21 is not limited to this. As long as the columnar structure 11 and the columnar structure 21 do not overlap in the direction parallel to the target path Ct, the numbers of the columnar structure 11 and the columnar structure 21 may be the same. Further, unlike FIG. 6, the number of columnar structures 21 may be larger than the number of columnar structures 11.

[Embodiment 3]
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, in the flow path device 3 according to the present embodiment, the arrangement position of one columnar structure 11b in the columnar structure 11 included in the first columnar structure row 10 and the first columnar structure row The arrangement position of one columnar structure 21b in the columnar structure 21 included in the second columnar structure row 20 paired with 10 overlaps in the direction parallel to the target path Ct, and each overlapping columnar column The structures 11b and 21b are different from the flow path device 2 in that the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the other columnar structures 11 and 21.

Specifically, in the flow path device 3, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 7, the columnar structure 21b is arranged on a cross section that passes through the center of the columnar structure 11b and is orthogonal to the target path Ct. ing. Further, the columnar structure 11b and the columnar structure 21b have a substantially semicircular shape such that the cross section orthogonal to the stretching direction has a curved surface facing the target path Ct.

As a result, while the columnar structures 11b and 21b give control by DLD to the particles in the fluid, the cross-sectional area of the columnar structures 11b and 21b in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction is the other columnar structure 11 and 21b. Can be smaller than 21. The shape of the cross section of the columnar structures 11b and 21b is not limited to a substantially semicircular shape, and the cross-sectional area of the cross section may be smaller than that of the columnar structures 11 and 21.

According to such a configuration, in the flow path 7, the columnar structures 11b and 21b overlapping in the direction parallel to the target path Ct have a cross-sectional area in a direction orthogonal to the stretching direction as compared with the other columnar structures 11 and 21. Is small. Therefore, on the cross section orthogonal to the target path Ct in the flow path 7, the cross-sectional area of the columnar structure existing on the cross section is the two columnar structures regardless of the position of the flow path 7. It is smaller than the total area of the cross-sectional areas of 11.21.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the width of the cross section in the flow path 7 from being significantly changed by the columnar structures 11 and 21 or the columnar structures 11b and 21b, so that particles such as Cp1 and Cp2 shown in FIG. 7 flow. It is easy to maintain linearity in the direction. Therefore, it becomes easy to match the flow direction of the particles such as Cp1 and Cp2 with the target path Ct, and it becomes easy to pass the target region R more reliably for the particles.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of the columnar structures 11b and 21b is approximately half of the cross-sectional area of the other columnar structures 11 and 21. According to such a configuration, on the cross section orthogonal to the target path Ct in the flow path 7, the cross-sectional area of the columnar structure existing on the cross section is formed at any position in the flow path 7. It is equal to or less than the cross-sectional area of one columnar structure 11 or columnar structure 21. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively maintain the linearity in the flow direction of the particles such as Cp1 and Cp2. Further, it becomes easier to match the flow direction of the particles such as Cp1 and Cp2 with the target path Ct, and the target region R can be more reliably passed through the particles.

[Embodiment 4]
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in the flow path device 4 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of pairs of first columnar structure rows 10a, 10b, 10c and second columnar structure rows 20a, 20b, 20c are provided in the flow path 7. It is different from the flow path device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it is provided.

The flow path device 4 causes the particles in the fluid to flow through either the target path Cta passing over the target region Ra, the target path Ctb passing over the target region Rb, or the target path Ctc passing over the target region Rc. , A plurality of pairs of columnar structure rows corresponding to these target paths Cta, Ctb, and Ctc are arranged side by side. Therefore, the flow path device 4 can efficiently process more particles while suppressing the flow velocity of the fluid and suppressing damage to the particles.

Further, a pair of the first columnar structure row 10a and the second columnar structure row 20a, a pair of the first columnar structure row 10b and the second columnar structure row 20b, and the first columnar structure row 10c and the second columnar structure row 20b. The pair of columnar structure rows 20c may be arranged so as to deflect the flow direction of particles having different sizes. According to such a configuration, a single wide flow path 7 allows a plurality of particles of different sizes to pass over the corresponding target regions Ra, Rb or Rc, respectively. Therefore, according to the flow path device 4, particles of different sizes can be efficiently processed while suppressing the flow velocity of the fluid and suppressing damage to the particles.

Note that FIG. 8 shows an example in which the flow path 7 includes three pairs of columnar structure rows, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the flow path 7 may have two pairs of columnar structure rows and four pairs. It may be the above.

[Embodiment 5]
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the flow path device 5 according to the present embodiment is different from the flow path device 4 according to the fourth embodiment in that photodiodes are arranged in the target regions Ra, Rb, and Rc, respectively.

The photodiode 40 is a member that generates a photocurrent according to the detected light intensity. The photodiode 40 detects light such as fluorescence emitted by particles passing through the target regions Ra, Rb, and Rc. Therefore, the flow path device 5 can be more preferably used in a fluid particle analysis system such as a flow cytometer used for analyzing particles.

[Embodiment 6]
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the flow path device 6 according to the present embodiment, one second columnar structure row 20 provided in the flow path 7 has a second columnar structure subsequence 20x and a second columnar structure. It differs from the flow path device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it consists of a body subsequence 20y.

The second columnar structure subsequence 20x is formed by arranging the columnar structures 21x in a straight line. Further, the second columnar structure subsequence 20y is formed by arranging the columnar structures 21y in a straight line. However, the second columnar structure subsequence 20x and the second columnar structure subsequence 20y are formed so as to be arranged on different straight lines. As described above, all the columnar structures included in the second columnar structure row 20 do not necessarily have to be arranged in a straight line. This also applies to the first columnar structure row 10.

According to the second columnar structure row 20, the degree of freedom in arranging the columnar structures 21x and 21y is increased. Therefore, by devising the arrangement of the columnar structures 21x and 21y, the flow direction of the particles such as Cp1 and Cp2 shown in FIG. 10 can be controlled more finely. Therefore, it becomes easier for the particles to pass over the target region R.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the larger the number of each of the columnar structure 11 and the columnar structures 21x and 21y, the wider the distance between the first columnar structure row 10 and the second columnar structure row 20. This makes it easier to control the flow direction of particles flowing in a wider range in the flow path 7. Therefore, it becomes easy to pass more particles on the target region R. The flow path device 6 according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of pairs of columnar structures in the flow path 7 as in the flow path device 4 according to the fourth embodiment. Thereby, the flow direction of the particles flowing in a wider range in the flow path 7 can be easily controlled.

[Summary]
The flow path device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a flow that controls the flow direction of the particles so that the particles flowing in the fluid flow while gradually approaching the target path passing over the target region in the flow path of the particles. In the path device, the flow path includes a first columnar structure row including a plurality of columnar structures arranged so that the flow direction of the particles is deflected to one side of the flow path, and the above. A pair of second columnar structure rows including a plurality of columnar structures arranged so that the flow direction of the particles is deflected to the side opposite to the one side in the flow path is provided. The arrangement position of the columnar structure closest to the target path included in the first columnar structure row and the closest to the target path included in the second columnar structure row. The arrangement position of the columnar structure does not overlap in the direction parallel to the target path.

In the flow path device according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, both the first columnar structure row and the second columnar structure row have a plurality of the columnar structures in the direction in which the particles flow. They may be arranged in a row at predetermined intervals determined according to the size of the particles so that the distance from the target path is gradually reduced.

In the first or second aspect, the flow path device according to the third aspect of the present invention includes the columnar column closest to the target path, which is included in the first columnar structure row in a direction parallel to the target path. The structure and the columnar structure included in the second columnar structure row and closest to the target path may be separated from the length of the diameter of the columnar structure.

In the flow path device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects, the arrangement position of the plurality of the columnar structures included in the first columnar structure row and the pair with the first columnar structure row. The first columnar structure row and the second columnar structure so that the arrangement positions of the plurality of columnar structures included in the second columnar structure row do not overlap with each other in a direction parallel to the target path. Structure rows may be arranged.

In the first to third aspects, the flow path device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is paired with the arrangement position of any of the columnar structures included in the first columnar structure row and the first columnar structure row. The arrangement position of any of the columnar structures included in the second columnar structure row is overlapped in a direction parallel to the target path, and each of the overlapping columnar structures is stretched. The cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the direction may be smaller than the cross-sectional area in the other columnar structure.

In the flow path device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects, the flow path may include a plurality of pairs of the first columnar structure row and the second columnar structure row.

In the flow path device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects, the photodiode is arranged in the target region, and the photodiode may detect the fluorescence generated from the particles.

The in-fluid particle analysis system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention includes the flow path device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[Additional notes]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

R, Ra, Rb, Rc Target region Ct, Cta, Ctb, Ctc Target route 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Channel device 7 Channel 11, 11a, 21, 21a, 21x, 21y Column structure 10 10a, 10b, 10c First columnar structure sequence 20, 20a, 20b, 20c Second columnar structure sequence 20x, 20y Second columnar structure subsequence Dpost diameter 40 photodiode

Claims (8)

A flow path device that controls the flow direction of the particles so that the particles flowing in the fluid flow while asymptotically approaching the target path passing over the target region in the flow path of the particles.
The flow path is
A first columnar structure row including a plurality of columnar structures arranged so that the flow direction of the particles is deflected to one side in the flow path.
A pair of second columnar structure rows including a plurality of columnar structures arranged so that the flow direction of the particles is deflected to the side opposite to the one side in the flow path is provided. ,
The position of the columnar structure closest to the target path included in the first columnar structure row and the position closest to the target path included in the second columnar structure row. A flow path device characterized in that the arrangement position of the columnar structure does not overlap in a direction parallel to the target path. In both the first columnar structure row and the second columnar structure row, the particles are such that the distance between the plurality of columnar structures and the target path in the flow direction of the particles is gradually reduced. The flow path device according to claim 1, wherein the flow path devices are arranged in a row at predetermined intervals determined according to the size of the above. In a direction parallel to the target path, the columnar structure included in the first columnar structure row and closest to the target path and the target path included in the second columnar structure row The flow path device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the columnar structure closest to the columnar structure is separated from the columnar structure by a length longer than the diameter of the columnar structure. Arrangement positions of the plurality of columnar structures included in the first columnar structure row and arrangement of the plurality of columnar structures included in the second columnar structure row paired with the first columnar structure row. Claims 1 to 3 are characterized in that the first columnar structure row and the second columnar structure row are arranged so that none of them overlap in a direction parallel to the target path. The flow path device according to any one of the above items. The arrangement position of any of the columnar structures included in the first columnar structure row and any of the columnar structures included in the second columnar structure row paired with the first columnar structure row. The arrangement position of is overlapped in the direction parallel to the target path.
Any of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the overlapping columnar structures has a cross-sectional area in a direction orthogonal to the stretching direction smaller than the cross-sectional area of the other columnar structures. The flow path device according to item 1. The flow path device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flow path includes a plurality of pairs of the first columnar structure row and the second columnar structure row. The flow path device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a photodiode is arranged in the target region, and the photodiode detects fluorescence generated from the particles. An in-fluid particle analysis system comprising the flow path device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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