JP2021085714A - Detection device and detector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a detection device capable of reliably detecting an object to be detected, which is secreted into body liquid of a subject, and enabling repetitive measurement, and a detector applied to the detection device.SOLUTION: A substrate 30 is fitted into a suction part 15 so as to be substantially at the center of the suction part 15 in a thickness direction, and the inside of the suction part 15 is separated into a first chamber 15a and a second chamber 15b, which are one surface side of the substrate 30, while maintaining a watertight state. A sensor unit 31 is provided on one surface of the substrate 30 at an appropriate position in a longitudinal direction, and the saliva of a subject introduced into the first chamber 15a is supplied to the sensor unit 31. A plurality of discharge holes 32 is penetrated around the sensor unit 31 of the substrate 30, and the saliva having passed through the discharge holes 32 and been discharged into the second chamber 15b is discharged from a discharge passage to the outside of the second chamber 15b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a detection device for detecting an object to be detected secreted into the body fluid of a subject, and a detector applied to the detection device.

It is known that certain substances are released into body fluids such as saliva and / or blood in response to causes such as stress. Known stress-responsive substances include cortisol, a steroid hormone released from the bundled layer of the adrenal cortex, and dehydroepiandrosterone, a steroid hormone produced in the reticulated layer of the adrenal cortex. The amount released increases as the amount of stress applied increases.

Therefore, the following portable terminal device is disclosed in Patent Document 1 described later.
That is, the main body of the mobile terminal device is in the form of a general mobile phone, and a voice acquisition unit that acquires the user's voice and a voice acquisition unit that acquires the user's voice at a position placed near the user's mouth of the main body There is also a saliva collection unit that collects scattered saliva.

The saliva collected by the saliva collection unit is given to the sensor unit, and the sensor unit measures the change over time in the α-amylase activity contained in the given saliva and sends the result to the stress analysis unit. give away. The stress analysis unit stores multiple standard results that analyze changes in α-amylase activity over time in association with the degree of stress, and the stress analysis unit stores the stored standard results and the sensor unit. The results are compared with each other, the closest standard result is selected, and the corresponding stress level is displayed on the display unit and stored in the memory unit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-136456

However, in such a conventional device, it is not guaranteed that a detectable amount of saliva is surely scattered from the user's mouth to the saliva collecting part while the user is using the device. The reliability as a device is low. In addition, since it uses the main body of a mobile phone, it cannot be applied when the subject is an infant, and stress at rest or during work, or stress of a patient lying on the bed, etc. It cannot be applied to detection. On the other hand, in order to analyze changes in α-amylase activity over time, it is necessary to supply a substrate over time, which makes repeated detection operations difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is used in a detection device capable of reliably detecting an object to be detected secreted in a subject's body fluid and capable of repeated measurement, and a detection device. Provide a detector to apply.

(1) The detection device according to the present invention includes a detector for detecting an object to be detected contained in a subject's body fluid, a main body for operating the detector, and a storage unit for accommodating the detector. The detector is provided on a substrate having an appropriately shaped shape, a sensor unit provided on the substrate to capture the object to be detected, and an electrode unit provided on the substrate for detecting an electrical change in the sensor unit. On the other hand, the storage unit is provided with one or a plurality of introduction holes for introducing the body fluid of the subject into the sensor unit, and the storage unit is immersed in the body fluid of the subject or , The body fluid of the subject is configured to be guided to the introduction hole of the storage portion.

The detection device of the present invention includes and stores a detector for detecting an object to be detected contained in the body fluid of a subject, a main body for operating the detector, and a storage unit for storing the detector. Since one or more introduction holes for introducing the subject's body fluid into the sensor portion are provided in the portion, the storage portion is inserted into the subject's oral cavity and the storage portion is immersed in the subject's body fluid. By letting the subject's body fluid be guided to the introduction hole of the storage part by, or by guiding the subject's body fluid to the introduction hole of the storage part with a tube or the like inserted into the oral cavity of the subject, the body fluid is used from the introduction hole opened in the storage part to the sensor part of the detector. A certain saliva can be surely introduced, and thereby the detected object secreted in the body fluid of the subject can be surely detected.

Here, the above-mentioned detector includes a substrate molded into an appropriate shape, and on this substrate, a sensor unit that captures the object to be detected and an electrode unit for detecting an electrical change of the sensor unit are formed on the substrate. It is provided. A voltage is applied to the sensor unit, and when the object to be detected is captured by the sensor unit according to the concentration of the object to be detected in the body fluid and a voltage is applied to the sensor unit in that state, An electrical change can be obtained according to the amount of supplementary material to be detected. As a result, it is possible to repeatedly obtain the detection result according to the amount of the object to be detected captured in the sensor unit.

(2) The detection device according to the present invention is characterized in that one or a plurality of through holes for passing body fluid are provided in the vicinity of the sensor portion of the substrate.

In the detection device of the present invention, since one or a plurality of through holes for passing body fluid are provided in the vicinity of the sensor portion of the substrate described above, fresh body fluid is supplied to the sensor portion. to continue. Thereby, the state of the subject can be recognized over time without causing a time difference through the detection of the object to be detected.

(3) The detection device according to the present invention is characterized in that the inner diameter of the through hole is large on the side where the body fluid is introduced into the sensor unit and small on the side where the body fluid is discharged from the sensor unit.

In the detection device of the present invention, the inner diameter of the through hole is large on the side where the body fluid is introduced into the sensor unit and small on the side where the body fluid is discharged from the sensor unit. When a viscous body fluid such as saliva is the detection target, the inner diameter of the through hole is large on the side where the body fluid is introduced into the sensor unit and small on the side where the body fluid is discharged from the sensor unit. It is possible to prevent backflow to the side to be introduced, and it is possible to detect the object to be detected over time with high accuracy.

(4) In the detection device according to the present invention, the inside of the storage portion is separated into two chambers by the substrate, and the body fluid introduced into one of the chambers penetrates the sensor portion of the substrate while contacting the sensor portion. It is characterized in that it is configured to pass through the hole, be introduced into the other chamber, and be discharged from the other chamber to the outside of the storage unit.

In the detection device of the present invention, the inside of the storage portion is separated into two chambers by the substrate, and the body fluid introduced into one of the chambers is in contact with the sensor portion of the substrate and inside the through hole. Since it is configured so that it is introduced into the other chamber through the above and discharged from the other chamber to the outside of the storage unit, the body fluid introduced into one chamber and the body fluid discharged into the other chamber are collected. Mixing is prevented, and the detection of the object to be detected over time can be performed with high accuracy.

(5) In the detection device according to the present invention, the storage portion constitutes a pacifier and is composed of a flexible mouthpiece portion, and the substrate is composed of a flexible material. It is a feature.

In the detection device of the present invention, the storage portion constitutes a pacifier and is composed of a flexible mouthpiece, and the substrate housed in the storage portion is composed of a flexible material. There is. When such a pacifier is inserted into the oral cavity of an infant who is a subject, it exhibits a function as a so-called pacifier. On the other hand, with such a detection device, even a subject who cannot express his / her intention in words can detect the state over time and take immediate action according to the state. it can.

(6) In the detection device according to the present invention, the storage portion is composed of a container that maintains watertightness, and a collection tube for collecting body fluid from a subject is introduced in one of the chambers in the container. It is characterized in that it is connected to a hole and a discharge pipe for discharging body fluid is connected to the other chamber.

In the detection device of the present invention, the storage portion is composed of a container that maintains watertightness, and in one chamber in the container, a collection tube for collecting body fluid from the subject is provided in the introduction hole. The body fluid of the subject, which is connected and collected by the collection tube, is guided to the introduction hole of the storage portion, and is introduced from the introduction hole into the sensor unit of the detector housed in the storage portion. When the collection tube is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject, saliva can be collected, and when it is connected to a urinary catheter, urine, which is a body fluid, can be collected. When connected, blood, which is a body fluid, can be collected. Then, the body fluid discharged into the other chamber is discharged to the outside from the discharge pipe connected to the other chamber. The body fluid discharged to the outside may be configured to be returned to the subject's body.

(7) The detection device according to the present invention is characterized in that the discharge pipe is connected to a suction pump.

In the detection device of the present invention, since the discharge pipe is connected to the suction pump, the inside of the container can be depressurized by the operation of the suction pump, and the body fluid can be actively collected by the collection pipe. .. Thereby, the saliva of the subject can be easily collected.

(8) The detection device according to the present invention is further provided with a tank for storing body fluid discharged from the discharge pipe.

The detection device of the present invention further includes a tank for storing the body fluid discharged from the discharge pipe. Here, the tank may be a plastic container, a resin bag, or the like. In such a detection device, the subject can be freely acted by attaching the detection device to the subject, whereby, for example, the state of the subject at work can be detected over time.

(9) The detection device according to the present invention is further provided with a support for supporting the collection tube so as to attach the collection tube to a predetermined position of the subject.

The detection device of the present invention further includes a support for supporting the collection tube so that the collection tube can be attached to a predetermined position of the subject. Here, as the support, for example, a spectacle frame, a neck pad, or the like can be applied. Such a detection device can reduce the influence of the sampling tube on the subject, such as stress, as much as possible.

(10) In the detection device according to the present invention, the main body has an adjusting unit that adjusts to a predetermined voltage, a control unit that controls an operation of applying the voltage adjusted by the adjusting unit to the electrode unit, and an electrode unit. The control unit includes a conversion circuit that converts the current responsive to the voltage into a voltage and supplies the current to the control unit, and the control unit has a peak value determining means for determining the peak value of the current responsive from the electrode unit. And.

In the detection device of the present invention, the main body described above includes an adjusting unit that adjusts to a predetermined voltage, and the control unit performs an operation of applying the voltage adjusted by this adjusting unit to the electrode unit, for example. Control to sweep the voltage. The current responded from the electrode portion of the detector is converted into a voltage by the conversion circuit and given to the control unit, and the current responded from the electrode portion by the peak value determining means provided in the control unit. The peak value of is determined. The peak value of such a current corresponds to the concentration of the object to be detected, and the concentration of the object to be detected can be obtained from this peak value.

(11) The detection device according to the present invention is characterized in that the main body further includes a transmission unit that transmits a determined peak value to the outside.

In the detection device of the present invention, since the main body further includes a transmission unit that transmits the determined peak value to the outside, the peak value is transmitted from the transmission unit to, for example, a mobile terminal. And. By presetting a mathematical formula indicating the relationship between the peak value of the current and the concentration of the object to be detected in the mobile terminal, the concentration of the object to be detected or the level value corresponding to the concentration is set on the display of the mobile terminal. Etc. can be displayed. As a result, the configuration of the detection device can be made compact, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

(12) The detector according to the present invention includes a detector for detecting an object to be detected contained in a subject's body fluid, a main body for operating the detector, and a storage unit for accommodating the detector. A detector provided in a device, which has an appropriately shaped substrate, a sensor unit provided on the substrate to supplement the object to be detected, and a sensor unit provided on the substrate to detect an electrical change in the sensor unit. It is characterized in that it is provided with an electrode portion for performing the above.

The detector of the present invention includes a detector for detecting an object to be detected contained in a subject's body fluid, a main body for operating the detector, and a storage unit for accommodating the detector. A detector provided in the apparatus, which is provided on a substrate having an appropriately shaped shape, a sensor unit provided on the substrate to capture the object to be detected, and a sensor unit provided on the substrate to detect an electrical change in the sensor unit. Since the sensor unit is provided with an electrode unit for the purpose, when the detection device is provided, the detection result can be repeatedly obtained according to the amount of the object to be detected captured in the sensor unit, as described above.

(13) The detector according to the present invention is characterized in that one or a plurality of through holes for passing body fluid are provided in the vicinity of the sensor portion of the substrate.

In the detector of the present invention, since one or a plurality of through holes for passing body fluid are provided in the vicinity of the sensor portion of the substrate, fresh body fluid is supplied to the sensor portion as described above. Continue to be done. Thereby, the state of the subject can be recognized over time without causing a time difference through the detection of the object to be detected.

(14) The detector according to the present invention is characterized in that the inner diameter of the through hole is large on the side where the body fluid is introduced into the sensor portion and small on the side where the body fluid is discharged from the sensor portion.

In the detector of the present invention, the inner diameter of the through hole is large on the side where the body fluid is introduced into the sensor portion and small on the side where the body fluid is discharged from the sensor portion. When the body fluid to be detected is the detection target, the inner diameter of the through hole is large on the side where the body fluid is introduced into the sensor unit and small on the side where the body fluid is discharged from the sensor unit. It is possible to prevent backflow to the object, and it is possible to detect the object to be detected over time with high accuracy.

(15) In the detector according to the present invention, the sensor unit is an electrode layer to which a voltage is applied, and a film layer provided on the electrode layer and having a plurality of molecular templates formed according to the molecule to be detected. It is characterized by having.

In the detector of the present invention, the sensor unit comprises an electrode layer to which a voltage is applied and a film layer provided on the electrode layer on which a plurality of molecular templates corresponding to the molecules to be detected are formed. Therefore, even if a trace amount of the object to be detected is present in the body fluid, the object to be detected can be detected with high accuracy.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows the case where the detection apparatus which concerns on this invention is applied to a pacifier. It is a perspective view which shows the detector which constitutes this detection apparatus together with a cover part. It is a partial plan view which shows the part of the mouthpiece part of the detection device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of the mouthpiece shown in FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the main body of this detection apparatus. It is a schematic partial longitudinal sectional view which shows the mouthpiece portion part of the detection device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the usage mode of the detection apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the usage mode of the detection apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a cyclic voltamograph obtained by sweeping each concentration of cortisol. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the concentration of cortisol and the peak current value. It is a cyclic voltamograph obtained by sweeping saliva collected from a subject at each time. It is a graph which shows the result of having obtained the cortisol contained in the saliva of a subject from the peak current value obtained by the cyclic voltamograph.

The detector and the detection device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
It should be noted that the detector and the detection device described in the present embodiment are examples for explaining the gist of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes modifications and modifications within a range not deviating from the gist. ..

(First mode for carrying out the invention)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a case where the detection device according to the present invention is applied to a pacifier. In the figure, 1A is a pacifier body and 15 is a hollow nipple formed of a flexible material such as silicon rubber. It is a mouthpiece (storage part). Further, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the detector 3 constituting the detection device 1 together with the cover portion 12 described later.

The pacifier body 1A has a box-shaped cover portion 12 detachably attached to one side of a stop plate portion 11 having a through hole formed substantially in the center of the heart-shaped plate. Inside the cover portion 12, the main body 2 of the detection device 1 is arranged in a watertight state. On the other hand, on the other surface side of the stop plate portion 11, a mouthpiece portion 15 inserted into the oral cavity of the subject who is an infant is projected from the through hole in a posture substantially orthogonal to the stop plate portion 11, and the mouthpiece portion 11. The open base portion of the portion 15 passes through the through hole from the other surface side of the stop plate portion 11 and is fixed to the peripheral portion of the through hole on one surface side of the stop plate portion 11.

A plate piece-shaped base 13 is detachably fixed to the main body 2 in a posture parallel to the stop plate portion 11, and a material having appropriate flexibility is attached to the base 13 in a short strip plate. One end of the substrate 30 formed into a shape is fixed so as to be substantially orthogonal to the base 13. The substrate 30 is fitted into the mouthpiece (storage part) 15 so as to be substantially at the center position in the thickness direction of the mouthpiece 15, whereby the inside of the mouthpiece 15 is on one side of the substrate 30. The first chamber 15a and the second chamber 15b on the other side of the substrate 30 are separated from each other while maintaining a watertight state.

A sensor unit 31 for detecting trace substances in body fluid such as saliva is provided on one surface of the substrate 30 at an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction, and the sensor unit 31 is inside the first chamber 15a as described later. The saliva of the subject introduced in is supplied. Further, around the sensor unit 31 of the substrate 30, there are a plurality of discharge holes (through holes) 32, 32, ... For discharging saliva supplied from the first chamber 15a to the sensor portion 31 to the second chamber 15b. , The substrate 30 is penetrated in the circumferential direction of the sensor unit 31 at appropriate distances from each other, and saliva discharged into the second chamber 15b through the discharge holes 32, 32, ... Is the first of the mouthpiece portion 15. It is discharged to the outside of the second chamber 15b from the discharge path provided in the portion facing the second chamber 15b, or the discharge path provided in the stop plate portion 11 or the stop plate portion 11 and the cover portion 12 (neither is shown). It has become so.

On one surface of the substrate 30, three electrode portions 33, 34, 35 extending from the base end side of the substrate 30 by printing or the like are wired in the width direction of the substrate 30 at a distance from each other, and each electrode portion. The base end sides of 33, 34, and 35 penetrate the base 30 described above and are connected to the main body 2. On the other hand, the tip of the central electrode portion 34 is connected to the sensor portion 31 to form a working electrode, and the tips of the electrode portions 33 and 35 on both sides thereof are molded so as to surround the sensor portion 31, and one of them is formed. The reference electrode is opposite to the other. As the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode, for example, carbon, silver, and platinum can be used in this order.

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view showing a portion of the mouthpiece portion 15 of the detection device 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of the mouthpiece portion 15 shown in FIG. In both figures, the parts corresponding to the parts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are numbered the same. Further, in FIG. 3, the electrode portions 33, 34, and 35 described above are omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the saliva of the subject who inserted the mouthpiece 15 into the oral cavity is introduced into the first chamber 15a 1 or in the portion of the mouthpiece 15 facing the first chamber 15a. A plurality of wedge-shaped introduction holes 17, 17, 17, 17 (four in FIG. 3) are provided from the ceiling to the side of the mouthpiece 15, and the introduction holes 17, 17, 17, 17 are provided. The saliva introduced into the first chamber 15a through the substrate 30 is supplied onto the sensor unit 31 via one surface of the substrate 30.

Around the sensor unit 31 of the substrate 30, one or more wedge-shaped plan views (four in FIG. 3) in order to discharge saliva introduced into the first chamber 15a to the second chamber 15b. The discharge holes 32, 32, 32, 32 of the above are penetrated in the circumferential direction of the sensor unit 31 at appropriate distances from each other. Each of these discharge holes 32, 32, 32, 32 is formed so that the inner diameter thereof decreases from the first chamber 15a side toward the second chamber 15b side. Since saliva has viscosity, it is prevented that saliva discharged into the second chamber 15b flows back to the first chamber 15a side through the discharge holes 32, 32, 32, 32. Then, as described above, the saliva discharged to the second chamber 15b is a discharge path provided in a portion of the mouthpiece 15 facing the second chamber 15b, or a stop plate portion 11, or a stop plate portion 11 and a cover portion 12. It is discharged to the outside of the second chamber 15b from the discharge passage (none of which is shown) provided in.

In this embodiment, the case where the wedge-shaped introduction hole 17 is provided has been described, but it goes without saying that the shape of the introduction hole 32 may be various shapes such as a circular shape, a polygonal shape, and an amorphous shape. Further, the position where the introduction hole 32 is opened may be a position separated from the position vertically facing the sensor unit 31 as in the present embodiment, but the position facing the sensor unit 31 in the vertical direction may be set. It may be. On the other hand, by making the portion of the ceiling region of the mouthpiece 15 around the introduction holes 17, 17, 17, 17 into a recess, saliva is temporarily stored in the recess to temporarily collect saliva, and the introduction holes 17, 17, 17 , 17 can be easily introduced. Further, the means for temporarily collecting saliva can be provided at an appropriate position inside the mouthpiece 15.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the inside of the mouthpiece portion 15 is divided into the first chamber 15a and the second chamber 15b by the substrate 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the width and length of the substrate 30 are not limited to this. The width and length of the inside of the mouthpiece 15 may be made smaller so that the inside of the mouthpiece 15 is partially communicated with each other. In this case, the introduction hole 17 can be provided from the region of the mouthpiece 15 facing one surface of the substrate 30 to the region of the mouthpiece 15 facing the other surface of the substrate 30. On the other hand, the sensor unit 31 may be provided at an intermediate position in the thickness direction of the substrate 30. At this time, the discharge holes 32, 32, ... Can be inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the substrate 30.

Next, the sensor unit 31 will be described.
The sensor unit 31 according to the present invention can be formed, for example, as follows.

That is, in order to form the sensor unit 31, an electrode layer is formed at an appropriate position on one surface of the substrate 30 with the same material as the working electrode described above, and then immersed in a 0.5 M sulfuric acid aqueous solution to sweep the voltage. The surface of the electrode layer is washed with water, and then the aqueous electrode layer is washed with deionized water to remove the sulfuric acid aqueous solution, and the electrode layer is dried. The voltage may be swept about 10 times using, for example, an electrochemical analyzer (ALS-660B manufactured by BAS) in the range of −1.5V to 1.5V and at a sweeping speed of 100 mV / s. Cyclic voltammetry may be used as the sweeping method.

Next, for example, a reaction solution is prepared by dissolving in a 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) so that pyrrole is 0.2 M, cortisol is 5 mM, and potassium chloride is 0.1 M. Cortisol is applied to the surface of the electrode layer by immersing the washed electrode layer as described above in this reaction solution and sweeping the surface of the electrode layer, for example, about 7 times at a sweep rate of 50 mV / s in the range of 0 V to 0.9 V. Form a film layer containing. When a substance other than cortisol is detected as a substance to be detected secreted into the body fluid of the subject, a reaction solution in which the substance is dissolved is used instead of cortisol.

After forming the film layer containing cortisol in this manner, for example, the film layer is immersed in an elution solution in which ethanol is added so as to be 10% by volume in a 10 mM phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4). For example, cortisol to be detected is eluted by sweeping about 20 times at a sweep rate of 50 mV / s in the range of −0.2 V to 0.8 V. As a result, a sensor unit 31 having a film layer and an electrode layer in which a plurality of molecular templates corresponding to the molecules of the object to be detected are formed is obtained.

In such a sensor unit 31, when the object to be detected is captured by the molecular template provided on the film layer, the current value in response to the voltage sweep changes significantly, so that a small amount of the object to be detected can be accurately detected. Can be detected. Further, when the body fluid is supplied to the sensor unit 31, the detected object is captured in a number of molecular templates corresponding to the concentration of the detected object in the body fluid, so that the concentration of the detected object can also be detected. Here, as the sweep conditions at the time of detection, for example, a range of −0.1 V to 0.6 V, a sweep speed of 50 mV / s, and a number of sweeps of about 3 to 5 times can be applied. At this time, the first one or two sweep results are not used for detecting the concentration of the object to be detected in order to stabilize the detection operation, and the concentration of the object to be detected is detected using the subsequent sweep results. It is good to do so.

Next, the main body 2 of the detection device 1 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the main body 2 of the detection device 1, and in the figure, 22 is a power supply unit such as a battery. The power supply unit 22 is connected to the adjustment unit 23, and the output from the power supply unit 22 is adjusted to a voltage predetermined by the adjustment unit 23 and given to the control unit 21 that controls the operation of each unit described later in the main body 2. It is supposed to be.

The control unit 21 is provided with a timer function, and the control unit 21 applies a voltage to the sensor unit 31 described above so as to satisfy the sweep condition at the time of detection described above each time a predetermined time elapses. For example, a low-pass filter 25 having a cutoff frequency of about 16 MHz is interposed between the sensor unit 31 and the control unit 21, and the voltage from which noise is removed by the low-pass filter 25 is the above-mentioned electrode units 33, 34. , 35 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) so as to be given to the sensor unit 31.

The response current from the voltage-swept sensor unit 31 is applied to the IV conversion amplifier circuit 26 via the electrode units 33, 34, 35 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the IV is applied to the amplifier circuit 26. The conversion amplifier circuit 26 converts a given response current into a corresponding voltage and amplifies it. Then, it is analog-digitally converted by a converter (not shown) and given to the control unit 21 as a value corresponding to the response current. Since the control unit 21 has a voltage value swept by the sensor unit 31, the peak value determining means 21a provided in the control unit 21 is given this voltage value via the IV conversion amplifier circuit 26. A cyclic voltammogram is created from the value corresponding to the response current, and the peak current value is determined.

On the other hand, the control unit 21 is preset with a calibration formula showing the relationship between the current value and the concentration of the object to be detected, and the control unit 21 is a subject based on this calibration formula and the peak current value detected as described above. The concentration of the object to be detected in saliva is obtained, and the value of the obtained concentration is transmitted to the outside from the transmission unit 24 which transmits a signal by an appropriate communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The concentration value of the object to be detected transmitted from the transmission unit 24 over time is given to a mobile terminal having the same communication protocol, such as a smartphone and a tablet. The mobile terminal can display the state of the subject such as stress in stages according to the concentration value of the object to be detected on its own display unit, and as described above, the transmission unit 24 of the detection device 1 Each time the value of the concentration of the object to be detected transmitted from is received, the state of the subject is divided into stages and displayed on its own display unit.

As a result, the owner, such as parents who possess the mobile terminal, can grasp the state of the subject by visually recognizing the display part of the mobile terminal even if he / she cannot talk with the subject who is an infant, and is delayed. You can take appropriate measures without any problems.

Further, in such a detection device, since a substrate or the like is not required, the substance to be detected secreted in the body fluid of the subject can be reliably detected, and a fresh substance to be detected is supplied over time. Therefore, the object to be detected can be repeatedly detected over time.

In the present embodiment, the determination of the state of the subject is performed by the portable terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the determination is performed by the control unit 21 of the main body 2 described above, and the result is predetermined. The main body 2 may be provided with an output unit that outputs the corresponding colors or sounds from a plurality of colors or sounds.

Further, in the present embodiment, the concentration value of the object to be detected is transmitted from the transmission unit 24, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the current value given to the control unit 21 from the IV conversion amplifier circuit 26. May be transmitted from the transmission unit 24 as it is. In this case, the portable terminal is provided with a peak current value detection function and a calibration formula in advance so that the concentration value of the object to be detected can be obtained each time the current value is received.

Further, the power supply can be configured to be supplied from the outside.

(Second mode for carrying out the invention)
FIG. 6 is a schematic partial vertical sectional view showing a mouthpiece portion of the detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the direction in which saliva is introduced and discharged is opposite to that in the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, the portions corresponding to the portions shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated by the same numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor unit 31 is provided at an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction on the other surface of the substrate 30. Each of the above-mentioned electrode portions is wired on the other surface of the substrate 30 in the same manner as before, but is omitted in FIG. On the other hand, in the portion of the mouthpiece 15 (storage part) facing the second chamber 15b, one or more saliva of the subject who inserted the mouthpiece 15 into the oral cavity is introduced into the second chamber 15b (FIG. 6). One) introduction hole 17a is provided facing the sensor unit 31, and saliva introduced into the second chamber 15b through the introduction hole 17a can be supplied onto the sensor unit 31. It has become like.

Around the sensor unit 31 of the substrate 30, one or more (plural) discharge holes (through holes) for discharging saliva introduced into the second chamber 15b to the first chamber 15a. 32a, 32a, ... Are penetrated in the circumferential direction of the sensor unit 31 at appropriate distances from each other. Each of the discharge holes 32a, 32a, ... Is formed so that the inner diameter thereof decreases from the second chamber 15b side toward the first chamber 15a side, whereby saliva discharged into the first chamber 15a is discharged into the discharge holes. Backflow to the second chamber 15b side through 32a, 32a, ... Is prevented.

It should be noted that the first portion of the mouthpiece 15 facing the first chamber 15a, preferably at a position near the substrate 30, or the stop plate portion 11, the stop plate portion 11 and the cover portion 12 (both refer to FIG. 1) are first. A drainage channel (none of which is shown) for draining saliva in the chamber 15a is provided. At this time, the discharge holes forming the discharge path may be provided in the portions of the suction port portion 15 where the suction holes 18, 18, ... Are provided.

On the other hand, one or a plurality (plurality in FIG. 6) suction holes 18, 18, ... Penetrate to the first chamber 15a in a portion of the mouthpiece 15 facing an appropriate position on one surface side of the substrate 30. is there. As a result, when the subject who inserted the mouthpiece 15 into the oral cavity sucks the mouthpiece 15, the inside of the first chamber 15a becomes negative pressure through the suction holes 18, 18, ..., And further, the discharge hole 32a, Since the inside of the second chamber 15b becomes negative pressure through the 32a, ..., the saliva of the subject is introduced into the second chamber 15b from the introduction hole 17a, and the saliva passes through the discharge holes 32a, 32a, ... It is discharged into the chamber 15a and supplied to the sensor unit 31, and the sensor unit 31 detects the object to be detected in saliva in the same manner as before. Then, the saliva in the first chamber 15a is discharged from the above-mentioned drainage channel.

As in the previous case, such a detection device does not require a substrate or the like, so that the substance to be detected secreted in the body fluid of the subject can be reliably detected, and a fresh substance to be detected can be detected over time. Since it can be supplied, the object to be detected can be repeatedly detected over time.

On the other hand, since the object to be detected is supplied to the sensor unit 31 by the sucking motion of the subject, a fresher object to be detected can be detected.

In the present embodiment, the case where the introduction hole 17a is provided at a position facing the sensor portion 31 of the mouthpiece portion 15 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the introduction hole 17a is not limited to this, and is from a position facing the sensor portion 31 of the mouthpiece portion 15. Needless to say, it may be located at a distance.

(Third mode for carrying out the invention)
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a usage mode of the detection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in which a suction tube is used instead of the pacifier described above. In FIG. 7, the same numbers are assigned to the portions corresponding to the portions shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

As shown in FIG. 7, since it is possible for a subject of infants or older to wear spectacles, the first support 5 composed of a spectacle-shaped frame corresponding to these subjects is worn on the face of the subject M. Has been done. A part of the collection tube 4 for collecting saliva from the subject M is fixed to the portion extending from one of the vine portions 52 to the rim portion 51 of the first support 5, and one end of the collection tube 4 is It is hung from the lower edge of the rim portion 51 and inserted into the oral cavity of the subject M. The region hung from the rim portion 51 of the collection tube 4 is made of a resin material or a metal material so as to be able to maintain its shape and posture, and the tip of the collection tube 4 to be inserted into the oral cavity of the subject M. The part is made of a relatively soft material.

On the other hand, the other end of the collection tube 4 extends outward from one of the vine portions 52 of the first support 5 and is connected to the thick plate shell-shaped housing (storage portion) 10. The inside of the housing 10 is watertightly divided into two regions by partition walls 10d arranged at appropriate positions in the length direction thereof, and the main body 2 described above is stored in one region.

Further, the other region of the housing 10 is connected to the first chamber 10a, which is one side of the substrate 30, by the substrate 30 (see FIG. 2) of the detector 3 detachably arranged at a position in the middle of the thickness direction. , It is separated from the second chamber 10b on the other side of the substrate 30 while maintaining a watertight state. In the substrate 30 shown in FIG. 7, although the electrodes 33, 34, and 35 shown in FIG. 2 are omitted, power is supplied from the main body 2 to each electrode.

The other end of the collection tube 4 described above is connected to an introduction hole formed in a region facing the first chamber 10a of the housing 10, and saliva collected from the subject into the collection tube 4 is contained in the first chamber 10a. It has been introduced to. On the other hand, one end of the suction pipe (discharge pipe) 7 is connected to the second chamber 10b, and the other end of the suction pipe 7 is connected to the tank 8 for storing the waste liquid. A suction pump P is interposed at the middle position of the suction tube 7, and the suction pump P operates to create a negative pressure in the housing 10 and the collection tube 4 connected to the housing 10 to collect the sample from the oral cavity of the subject. The saliva is introduced into the first chamber 10a of the housing 10, and the saliva discharged into the discharge holes 32, 32, ... And the second chamber 10b provided in the substrate 30 is discharged into the tank 8. ..

In such a detection device 1a, as in the previous case, since a substrate or the like is not required, the detected object secreted into the body fluid of the subject can be reliably detected, and a fresh detected object can be detected over time. It is possible to repeatedly detect the object to be detected over time.

On the other hand, the detection device 1a provided with the first support 5 as described above can be applied to a wide range of subjects M from infants to adults, and is also applied to the subject M during work. The state of M can be detected in real time. Further, since the subject M can carry the housing 10, the suction pump P, and the tank 8, the detection can be performed for 24 hours.

(Fourth mode for carrying out the invention)
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a usage mode of the detection device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, and shows a case where another support is used. In FIG. 8, the portions corresponding to the portions shown in FIG. 7 are given the same numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the detection device 1b shown in FIG. 7 is provided with a second support 6 in place of the first support 5 (see FIG. 7) described above. It has the same configuration as that of the device 1a.

The second support 6 has a substantially U-shape, and is fitted from the back of the subject M to the neck of the subject M and placed on both shoulders of the subject M. A part of the collection tube 4 is fixed to the second support 6, and one end of the collection tube 4 is raised from an appropriate position near one end of the second support 6 and inserted into the oral cavity of the subject M. It is designed to be.

On the other hand, the other end of the collection tube 4 extends outward from an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction of the second support 6 and is connected to the housing 10 of the detection device 1b.

As in the previous case, such a detection device does not require a substrate or the like, so that the substance to be detected secreted in the body fluid of the subject can be reliably detected, and a fresh substance to be detected can be detected over time. Since it can be supplied, the object to be detected can be repeatedly detected over time.

On the other hand, the detection device 1b provided with the second support 6 as described above can be applied to a wide range of subjects M from infants to adults as before, and is also applied to the subject M during work. The state of the subject M can be detected in real time. Further, since the subject M can carry the housing (storage unit) 10, the suction pump P, and the tank 8, the detection can be performed for 24 hours.

On the other hand, since the second support 6 is worn on the neck and both shoulders of the subject M as described above, it can be detected without giving more stress to the subject who is not good at spectacles or who does not wear spectacles. The operation can be performed.

Needless to say, the detector and the detection device according to the present invention can be applied not only to the saliva of the subject but also to other body fluids such as urine and blood. For example, when the collection tube 4 is connected to a urinary catheter, urine, which is a body fluid, can be collected, and when the collection tube 4 is connected to an artificial heart-lung machine, a dialysis machine, or the like, blood, which is a body fluid, can be collected. it can. The body fluid discharged to the outside may be configured to be returned to the subject's body. Here, since body fluids such as urine and blood have a lower viscosity than saliva, a check valve can be applied to prevent backflow.

(Example 1)
Next, the result of detecting cortisol by the detector according to the present invention will be described.

[Creation of sensor part]
The sensor part was created as follows.
That is, an electrode layer of a carbon material and a working electrode portion were formed at appropriate positions on one surface of a plastic substrate, while a reference electrode was made of silver and a counter electrode was made of platinum. The surface of the electrode layer was washed by immersing this substrate in a 0.5 M aqueous sulfuric acid solution and sweeping the voltage, and then the aqueous sulfuric acid solution was removed by washing the electrode layer with deionized water to remove the sulfuric acid aqueous solution. Was dried. The voltage was swept 10 times using an electrochemical analyzer (ALS-660B manufactured by BAS) in the range of −1.5V to 1.5V and at a sweeping speed of 100 mV / s. Cyclic voltammetry was used as the sweeping method.

Next, the electrode layer washed as described above was placed in a reaction solution prepared by dissolving pyrol at 0.2 M, cortisol at 5 mM, and potassium chloride at 0.1 M in 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). A film layer containing cortisol was formed on the surface of the electrode layer by immersing and sweeping 7 times at a sweep rate of 50 mV / s in the range of 0 V to 0.9 V. After forming the film layer containing cortisol in this manner, the film layer was immersed in an elution solution in which ethanol was added so as to be 10% by volume in a 10 mM phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4), and the film layer was immersed in-. An electrode in which cortisol, which is a substance to be detected, is eluted by sweeping 20 times at a sweep rate of 50 mV / s in the range of 0.2 V to 0.8 V to form a plurality of molecular templates according to the substance to be detected. A sensor unit having a film layer on the layer was obtained.

[Quantification of cortisol]
First, the sensor unit was calibrated.
_{That is, measurement in which K 3} [Fe (CN) ₆ ] and K ₂ [Fe (CN) ₆ ] were dissolved in 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) so as to be 5 mM and potassium chloride was 0.1 M, respectively. Immerse the sensor in the solution for use, and use an electrochemical analyzer (ALS-660B manufactured by BAS) to sweep multiple times in the range of -0.1V to 0.6V and at a sweep rate of 50 mV / s. After confirming that there is no change in the peak current value, a cortisol solution prepared in advance at concentrations of 0.003 μg / ml, 0.004 μg / ml, and 0.005 μg / ml is added dropwise to the sensor unit and allowed to stand, and the sensor unit is placed. Was washed and dried with deionized water. After drying, the sensor unit was immersed in the measurement solution, swept three times in the range of −0.1 V to 0.6 V and at a sweep rate of 50 mV / s, and the peak current value was obtained by the cyclic voltammetry method. The relationship between the obtained peak current value and the cortisol concentration was determined.

FIG. 9 is a cyclic voltamograph obtained by sweeping each concentration of cortisol described above, and the vertical axis represents current and the horizontal axis represents voltage. Further, in FIG. 9, A shows the result of cortisol concentration of 0.005 μg / ml, B shows the result of cortisol concentration of 0.004 μg / ml, and C shows the result of cortisol concentration of 0.003 μg / ml. There is.

As is clear from FIG. 9, the peak current value increases according to the concentration of cortisol.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the cortisol concentration and the peak current value. The vertical axis shows the peak current value, and the horizontal axis shows the cortisol concentration.

As is clear from FIG. 10, the cortisol concentration and the peak current value were in a linear direct proportional relationship. Therefore, it can be seen that the concentration of cortisol can be detected from the measured peak current value by obtaining such a relationship in advance as a calibration formula.

(Example 2)
Next, the result of detecting cortisol in the subject will be described.
Using a healthy adult male as a subject, saliva was collected at an appropriate time from 8:00 to 23:00, and cortisol was detected by the sensor unit in the same manner as before.

FIG. 11 is a cyclic voltamograph obtained by sweeping saliva collected from a subject at each time, and the vertical axis represents a current and the horizontal axis represents a voltage. Further, in FIG. 11, a is the result of performing the detection operation at 8 o'clock, b is the result of performing the detection operation at 9 o'clock, c is the result of performing the detection operation at 10 o'clock, and d is the result of performing the detection operation at 15:00. E is the result of performing the detection operation at 17:00, f is the result of performing the detection operation at 19:00, g is the result of performing the detection operation at 21:00, and h is the result of performing the detection operation at 23:00. Are shown respectively.

Further, FIG. 12 is a graph showing the result of obtaining cortisol contained in the saliva of the subject from the peak current value obtained by the cyclic voltamograph, and the vertical axis represents the concentration of cortisol in saliva and the horizontal axis represents the concentration of cortisol in saliva. The time when saliva was collected is shown.

As is clear from FIGS. 11 and 12, even in the same subject, a relatively large change in the cortisol concentration was observed depending on the time of day.

1 Detection device 1a Detection device 1b Detection device 2 Main body 3 Detector 4 Collection pipe 5 1st support 6 2nd support 7 Suction pipe (exhaust pipe)
10 Housing (storage unit)
15 Mouthpiece (storage part)
17 Introduction hole 17a Introduction hole 18 Suction hole 30 Substrate 31 Sensor part 32 Discharge hole (through hole)
32a Discharge hole (through hole)
33 Electrode part 34 Electrode part 35 Electrode part M Subject

Claims (15)

A detector for detecting an object to be detected contained in a subject's body fluid, a main body for operating the detector, and a storage unit for accommodating the detector are provided.
The detector includes a substrate having an appropriately shaped shape, a sensor unit provided on the substrate to capture the object to be detected, and an electrode unit provided on the substrate for detecting an electrical change in the sensor unit. Equipped with
On the other hand, the storage unit is provided with one or more introduction holes for introducing the body fluid of the subject into the sensor unit.
A detection device characterized in that the storage portion is immersed in the body fluid of the subject or the body fluid of the subject is guided to an introduction hole of the storage portion. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein one or a plurality of through holes for passing body fluid are provided in the vicinity of the sensor portion of the substrate. The detection device according to claim 2, wherein the inner diameter of the through hole is large on the side where the body fluid is introduced into the sensor unit and small on the side where the body fluid is discharged from the sensor unit. The inside of the storage portion is separated into two chambers by the substrate.
The body fluid introduced into one chamber is configured to pass through the through hole and be introduced into the other chamber while being in contact with the sensor portion of the substrate, and is discharged from the other chamber to the outside of the storage portion. The detection device according to claim 2 or 3. The storage portion constitutes a pacifier and is composed of a flexible mouthpiece portion.
The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the substrate is made of a flexible material. The storage portion is composed of a container that maintains watertightness.
Claim that a collection tube for collecting body fluid from a subject is connected to the introduction hole in one chamber in the container, and a discharge tube for discharging body fluid is connected to the other chamber. The detection device according to any one of 1 to 4. The detection device according to claim 6, wherein the discharge pipe is connected to a suction pump. The detection device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a tank for storing body fluid discharged from the discharge pipe. The detection device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a support for supporting the collection tube so as to attach the collection tube to a predetermined position of a subject. The main body includes an adjusting unit that adjusts to a predetermined voltage, a control unit that controls an operation of applying the voltage adjusted by the adjusting unit to the electrode unit, and a current that is responded to by the electrode unit to convert the voltage into a voltage. It is equipped with a conversion circuit to be given to the control unit.
The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit includes a peak value determining means for determining a peak value of a current responded from the electrode unit. The detection device according to claim 10, wherein the main body further includes a transmission unit that transmits a determined peak value to the outside. A detector provided in a detection device including a detector for detecting an object to be detected contained in a subject's body fluid, a main body for operating the detector, and a storage unit for accommodating the detector.
It is characterized by including an appropriately shaped substrate, a sensor unit provided on the substrate to capture the object to be detected, and an electrode unit provided on the substrate for detecting an electrical change in the sensor unit. Detector. The detector according to claim 12, wherein one or a plurality of through holes for passing body fluid are provided in the vicinity of the sensor portion of the substrate. The detector according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the inner diameter of the through hole is large on the side where the body fluid is introduced into the sensor unit and small on the side where the body fluid is discharged from the sensor unit. Any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the sensor unit includes an electrode layer to which a voltage is applied and a film layer provided on the electrode layer on which a plurality of molecular templates corresponding to the molecules to be detected are formed. The detector described in Crab.

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