JP2021131239A - Particle analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a particle analyzer which can improve reliability of particle analysis.SOLUTION: A particle analyzer includes: a liquid space; a first hole which is open in an upper surface; a second hole and a third hole which extend from the upper surface to the liquid space; a connecting hole extending vertically to connect the first hole and the liquid space; a first electrode which applies an electric potential to the liquid in the first hole through the first hole; and a second electrode which applies an electric potential to the liquid in the second hole through the second hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a particle analyzer for analyzing particles contained in a liquid.

In order to analyze particles such as exosomes, pollen, viruses, and bacteria, a particle analyzer having two spaces has been proposed (Patent Documents 1 to 3). This type of particle analyzer has holes connecting the two spaces, one of which stores the liquid and the other of which contains the liquid containing the particles to be analyzed. Different potentials are applied to these spaces, and electrophoresis causes particles to pass through the pores. As the particles pass through the pores, the value of the current flowing through the liquid changes. By observing changes in the current value, the characteristics (eg, type, shape, size) of the particles that have passed through the pores are analyzed. For example, it is possible to measure the number of certain types of particles contained in a liquid.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-174022 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-156168 International Publication No. 2013/136430

In the use of this type of particle analyzer, it is desired to improve the certainty of particle analysis.

Therefore, the present invention provides a particle analysis apparatus capable of improving the certainty of particle analysis.

A particle analyzer according to an aspect of the present invention includes a liquid space in which a liquid is stored, a first hole that opens on the upper surface, a second hole that opens on the upper surface and extends from the upper surface to the liquid space, and a second hole. It has a hole 3, a vertically extending connection hole connecting the first hole and the liquid space, and a flat portion intersecting the first hole, and the first hole is formed through the first hole. A first electrode that applies a potential to the liquid inside, and a second electrode that has a flat portion that intersects the second hole and applies a potential to the liquid in the second hole through the second hole. To be equipped with.

In this embodiment, the liquid can be injected into the first hole and other types of liquid can be injected into the second hole, the third hole and the liquid space. The first hole is opened on the upper surface of the particle analyzer, and the second hole and the third hole are opened on the upper surface and extend from the upper surface to the liquid space. Bubbles are hard to remain. Bubbles reduce the contact area between the electrode and the liquid and interfere with particle analysis. However, in this aspect, it is possible to improve the certainty of particle analysis by making it difficult for bubbles to remain. Further, the first hole is opened on the upper surface of the particle analyzer, and the second hole and the third hole are opened on the upper surface and extend from the upper surface to the liquid space. It is easy to apply a surface treatment to the peripheral surface to increase the hydrophilicity and further prevent bubbles from remaining.

It is a perspective view which shows the particle analysis apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the particle analysis apparatus of FIG. It is a top view of the particle analysis apparatus of FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the analysis principle of a particle using the particle analysis apparatus of FIG. It is an exploded view of the particle analysis apparatus of FIG. 1 seen from obliquely above. It is an exploded view of the particle analysis apparatus seen from diagonally below. It is an enlarged plan view which shows a part of the plate on which the electrode of the particle analysis apparatus of FIG. 1 was formed. It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII which shows the plate of FIG. 7 and the plate above it in an enlarged manner. It is sectional drawing which shows the plate of the comparative example and the plate above it enlarged. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII showing an enlarged view of the plate of FIG. 7 and the plate above it in a modified example of the embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII which shows the plate of another modification of the embodiment and the plate on the plate in an enlarged manner. It is an enlarged plan view of the plate of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the scale does not necessarily accurately represent the product of the embodiment, and some dimensions may be exaggerated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the particle analyzer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the lengths of the four side surfaces 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are equal. That is, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 3, the particle analyzer 1 has a square outline. FIG. 2 is a side view of the particle analyzer 1 showing the two side surfaces 1A and 1C.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the particle analyzer 1 has a liquid space 22, a first hole 20A, a second hole 22A, a third hole 22B, and a connection hole 26. The liquid space 22 extends straight in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 3, in the plan view, the liquid space 22 extends in the diagonal direction of the contour of the particle analyzer 1.

The first hole 20A opens on the upper surface of the particle analyzer 1 and extends vertically. The second hole 22A and the third hole 22B are opened at the upper surface of the particle analyzer 1 and extend vertically from the upper surface to the liquid space 22. The connection hole 26 extends vertically and connects the first hole 20A and the liquid space 22. The first hole 20A forms one storage tank for the liquid 37. The second hole 22A, the third hole 22B and the liquid space 22 form another storage tank for the liquid 38. In FIG. 2, the liquid 37 and the liquid 38 are shown by different hatching.

Further, the particle analyzer 1 has a first electrode 28 and a second electrode 30. The first electrode 28 applies an electric potential to the liquid 37 in the first hole 20A through the first hole 20A. The second electrode 30 gives the liquid 38 in the second hole 22A and the liquid space 22 through the second hole 22A a potential different from that of the first electrode 28. For example, the second electrode 30 is an anode and the first electrode 28 is a cathode. Since the first hole 20A and the liquid space 22 communicate with each other through the connection hole 26, a current flows through the liquids 37 and 38 inside the first hole 20A and the liquid space 22.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the principle of particle analysis using the particle analysis device 1. The liquid 37 containing the particles 40 to be analyzed is stored in the first hole 20A. The liquid 38, which originally does not contain the particles 40, is stored in the liquid space 22. However, the liquid 38 stored in the liquid space 22 may contain the particles 40. The first hole 20A and the liquid space 22 are connected to each other by a connection hole 26 which is a through hole formed in the replaceable chip 24. A DC power supply 35 and an ammeter 36 are connected to the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30. The DC power supply 35 is, for example, a battery, but is not limited to the battery.

By electrophoresis due to the potential difference given to the electrodes 28 and 30, the particles 40 contained in the liquid 37 in the first hole 20A pass through the connection hole 26 and flow into the liquid 38 in the liquid space 22. When the particle 40 passes through the connection hole 26, the value of the current flowing through the liquids 37 and 38 changes. The change in the current value can be observed using the ammeter 36. By observing the change in the current value, the characteristics (for example, type, shape, size) of the particles 40 that have passed through the connection hole 26 are analyzed. For example, it is possible to measure the number of particles 40 of a certain type contained in the liquid 37. The particle analyzer 1 can be used to analyze various particles such as exosomes, pollen, viruses, and bacteria.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the particle analyzer 1 includes a plurality of stacked square plates 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Preferably, some or all of these plates are made of a transparent or translucent material and the cavity of the particle analyzer 1 (first hole 20A, second hole 22A and third hole 22B, and The state of storage of the liquid 37 or 38 in the liquid space 22) can be observed from the outside of the particle analyzer 1. However, the storage state of the liquid does not necessarily have to be observable, and these plates may be opaque.

Also, the plates 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 are made of electrically and chemically inert and insulating materials. Each plate may be formed of a rigid material or an elastic material. Preferred rigid materials include resin materials such as polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylics, cyclic olefins, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride and the like. Preferred elastic materials include silicone rubbers or urethane rubbers containing elastomers such as PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane).

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, no groove or hole is formed in the bottom plate 2. The plate 2 is formed, for example, from the above-mentioned preferable rigid material.

Neither a groove nor a hole is formed in the next plate 4. The plate 4 may be formed from the above-mentioned rigid material, but is preferably formed from the above-mentioned elastic material.

A rectangular parallelepiped recess 6h is formed in the center of the upper surface of the next plate 6. The recess 6h accommodates the chip 24 having the connection hole 26. The tip 24 is fitted in the recess 6h. The tip 24 may be removable from the recess 6h or may not be removable. A horizontal groove 6g is formed in the center of the lower surface of the plate 6. When the plates 6 and 8 are joined, the groove 6g forms a liquid space 22. A communication hole 6t penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the center of the groove 6g. The communication hole 6t communicates the liquid space 22 (groove 6g) with the connection hole 26 of the chip 24. The cross section of the communication hole 6t and the connection hole 26 is circular, but it does not have to be circular.

Further, the plate 6 is formed with circular through holes 6a and 6c penetrating in the vertical direction. The through holes 6a and 6c have the same diameter as each other. The through hole 6a communicates with one end of the groove 6g, and the through hole 6c communicates with the other end of the groove 6g. The plate 6 may be formed from the above-mentioned rigid material, but is preferably formed from the above-mentioned elastic material.

The chip (nanopore chip) 24 is a rectangular parallelepiped, for example, a square plate. A connection hole 26 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the center of the chip 24. The chip 24 may be made of an electrically and chemically inert and insulating material such as glass, sapphire, ceramics, resin, elastomer, SiO ₂ , SiN, or Al ₂ O ₃ . Preferably, the chip 24 is made of a material that is harder than the material of the plates 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, such as glass, sapphire, ceramics, SiO ₂ , SiN, or Al ₂ O ₃ , but a resin or elastomer. The chip 24 may be formed with. The user can select an appropriate chip 24 according to the application of the particle analyzer 1. For example, the particles 40 to be analyzed can be changed by preparing a plurality of chips 24 having connection holes 26 having different dimensions or shapes and selecting the chips 24 to be fitted in the recesses.

The next plate 8 is formed with circular through holes 8a, 8b, 8c penetrating in the vertical direction. The through holes 8a, 8b, 8c have the same diameter as the through holes 6a, 6c. The through hole 8a communicates with the through hole 6a of the plate 6 directly below, and the through hole 8c communicates with the through hole 6c of the plate 6. The through hole 8b communicates with the connection hole 26 of the chip 24. Electrodes 28 and 30 are arranged on the upper surface of the plate 8, the first electrode 28 applies an electric potential to the liquid 37 in the through hole 8b, and the second electrode 30 applies an electric potential to the liquid 38 in the through hole 8a. give. The plate 8 may be formed from the above-mentioned rigid material, but is preferably formed from the above-mentioned elastic material.

Circular through holes 10a, 10b, and 10c penetrating in the vertical direction are formed in the uppermost plate 10. The through holes 10a and 10b have a diameter larger than that of the through holes 8a, 8b and 8c, and the through holes 10c have the same diameter as the through holes 8a, 8b and 8c. The through holes 10a, 10b, 10c communicate with the through holes 8a, 8b, 8c of the plate 8 directly below, respectively.

Further, on one side surface of the uppermost plate 10, a first notch 32 in which the lower first electrode 28 is exposed and a second notch 34 in which the second electrode 30 is exposed are formed. .. The cutouts 32 and 34 are horseshoe-shaped, that is, inverted U-shaped, but the shape is not limited to the illustrated examples. The plate 10 may be formed from the above-mentioned rigid material, but is formed from the above-mentioned elastic material.

The first hole 20A is composed of through holes 10b and 8b, penetrates the plates 10 and 8, and reaches the connection hole 26 of the chip 24. A first electrode 28 is provided in the middle of the first hole 20A.

The second hole 22A is composed of through holes 10a, 8a, 6a, penetrates the plates 10, 8 and 6, and reaches the groove 6g of the plate 6, that is, one end of the liquid space 22. A second electrode 30 is provided in the middle of the second hole 22A. The third hole 22B is composed of through holes 10c, 8c, 6c, penetrates the plates 10, 8 and 6, and reaches the groove 6g of the plate 6, that is, the other end of the liquid space 22.

These plates 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 can be joined with an adhesive. However, in order to prevent or reduce the undesired inflow of organic substances into the liquid space 22, it is preferable to join the plates 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 using vacuum ultraviolet rays, oxygen plasma irradiation or the like. When joining the plates 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, preferably the plates 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 are compressed in the vertical direction, and after joining, from the holes 20A, 22A, 22B and the liquid space 22. Leakage of liquid is suppressed as much as possible.

When the chip 24 is made of a brittle material, it is preferable that at least one of the plates 6 and 8 around the chip 24 is made of the above elastic material in order to prevent the chip 24 from being damaged. Further, the plate 6 into which the chip 24 is fitted is preferably formed of the above elastic material so that the liquid in the connection hole 26 of the chip 24 does not leak, and the chip 24 is tightened in the recess 6h of the plate 6. It is preferable to have dimensions suitable for fitting (horizontal dimensions). Further, the depth of the recess 6h is preferably the same as or slightly larger than the height of the chip 24 so that no gap is generated between the upper surface of the chip 24 and the lower surface of the plate 8.

The electrodes 28 and 30 are made of a material having high conductivity. For example, electrodes 28 and 30 can be formed of silver silver chloride (Ag / AgCl), platinum, and gold. Alternatively, the electrodes 28, 30 may be formed from a material containing any or all of these metals and an elastomer.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the electrodes 28 and 30 formed on the plate 8 is around a through hole 8b or 8a (a part of the first hole 20A or the second hole 22A) of the plate 8. It has a flat portion 42 formed in.

The flat portion 42 of each electrode is orthogonal to the first hole 20A or the second hole 22A. The flat portion 42 has an annular overlapping portion 43, a rectangular exposed portion 44, and a long connecting portion 46. The overlapping portion 43 is formed substantially concentrically with the through hole 8b or 8a, and substantially concentrically overlaps with the through hole 10b or 10a of the plate 10 directly above the overlapping portion 43. In FIG. 7, through holes 10a and 10b are shown by virtual lines. The exposed portion 44 overlaps the notch 34 or 32 of the plate 10 directly above. In FIG. 7, the cutouts 34 and 32 are shown by virtual lines. The connecting portion 46 connects the overlapping portion 43 and the exposed portion 44. The width of the connecting portion 46 is smaller than the outer diameter of the overlapping portion 43 and smaller than the width of the exposed portion 44. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 46 of the electrode 30 is straight, and the connecting portion 46 of the electrode 28 is bent at a right angle, but the shape of the connecting portion 46 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

The first hole 20A has a through hole 10b which is an upper portion above the flat portion 42 of the first electrode 28 and a through hole 8b which is a lower portion below the flat portion 42 of the first electrode 28. The inner peripheral surface of the through hole 8b has a diameter and thus an area larger than that of the through hole 8b. The outer diameter of the overlapping portion 43 of the flat portion 42 of the first electrode 28 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 10b directly above.

The second hole 22A has a through hole 10a which is an upper portion above the flat portion 42 of the second electrode 30 and a through hole 8a which is a lower portion below the flat portion 42 of the second electrode 30. The inner peripheral surface of the through hole 8a has a diameter and thus an area larger than that of the through hole 8a. The outer diameter of the overlapping portion 43 of the flat portion 42 of the second electrode 30 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 10a directly above.

In this way, the overlapping portion 43 of the flat portion 42 of each electrode overlaps the through hole 10b or 10a having an opening area larger than that of the through hole 8b, 8a. Therefore, a large contact area between the liquid injected into the pores and the electrode is secured, and it is possible to improve the certainty of particle analysis. As shown in FIG. 8, the second electrode 30 is in contact with the liquid 38 inside the second hole 22A (through holes 10a, 8a) in a large area, and the first electrode 28 is in contact with the first hole 20A. It comes into contact with the liquid 37 inside (through holes 10b, 8b) in a large area.

Further, since the outer diameter of the overlapping portion 43 is larger than the diameter of the through holes 10b and 10a directly above, even if the position of the overlapping portion 43 deviates slightly from the desired position, that is, the position of the overlapping portion 43. Even if the accuracy is inaccurate, the overlapping portion 43 overlaps the through hole 10b or 10a with high certainty. Therefore, in the plurality of particle analysis devices 1, the contact area between the liquid injected into the pores and the electrode is constant, and it is possible to improve the certainty of particle analysis.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the plate 8 of the comparative example and the plate 10 above it, and corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7 as in FIG. Contrary to the embodiment, in this comparative example, the upper through holes 10a and 10b have a diameter and thus an area smaller than those of the lower through holes 8a and 8b. In this case, the overlapping portions 43 of the electrodes concentric with the through holes 8a, 10a or the through holes 8b, 10b do not overlap the upper through holes 10a or 10b, so that each electrode is the edge of the hole of the overlapping portion 43. Only will come into contact with liquid 37 or liquid 38. Therefore, the contact area between the electrode and the liquid is small. Further, since the upper through holes 10a and 10b have a diameter smaller than that of the lower through holes 8a and 8b, the upper corners of the through holes 8a and 8b after the liquids 37 and 38 are injected into the holes 22A and 20A. Bubbles 49 may remain in the air. Such bubbles 49 further reduce the contact area between the electrode and the liquid. Even if the upper through holes 10a and 10b have the same diameter as the lower through holes 8a and 8b, these disadvantages occur. In this embodiment, these disadvantages that may occur in the comparative example of FIG. 9 can be eliminated.

In this embodiment, preferably, the plate 8 on which the electrodes 28 and 30 are formed is made of an elastic material. Each flat portion 42 of the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 is covered on the upper surface of a plate 8 made of an elastic material. Since the flat portion 42 of each electrode is covered on the upper surface of the plate 8 formed of the elastic material, when the flat portion 42 is subjected to an upward load by the uppermost plate 10, the flat portion 42 is as shown in FIG. The plate 8 immediately below the 42 is elastically deformed. Each electrode is adjacent to the hole 20A or 22A into which the liquid is injected, but the plate 8 is elastically deformed and the overlapping portion 43 on the plate 8 is also elastically deformed. Therefore, when the thickness of the overlapping portion 43 of the flat portion 42 is large. However, there is little risk of liquid leaking between the plate 8 and the plate 10 on the plate 8.

Alternatively or additionally, the plate 10 directly above the plate 8 may be formed of an elastic material. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, when the flat portion 42 receives an upward load, the plate 10 immediately above the flat portion 42 is elastically deformed. Therefore, even when the thickness of the overlapping portion 43 of the flat portion 42 is large, there is little possibility that the liquid leaks between the plate 8 and the plate 10.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the plate 8 of the modified example of the embodiment and the plate 10 on the plate 8, and corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7 as in FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of the plate 8. Similar to the embodiment, in this comparative example, the upper through holes 10a, 10b have a larger diameter and thus an area than the lower through holes 8a, 8b. In the modified example of FIG. 11, these disadvantages that may occur in the comparative example of FIG. 9 can be eliminated. Further, even if the accuracy of the position of the overlapping portion 43 is inaccurate, the overlapping portion 43 overlaps the through hole 10b or 10a with high certainty.

However, in the modified examples of FIGS. 11 and 12, the outer diameter of the overlapping portion 43 of the flat portion 42 of the electrode is smaller than the diameter of the through holes 10b and 10a directly above. Therefore, the contours of the through holes 10b and 10a overlap both the electrode and the portion without the electrode, and the lower ends of the through holes 10b and 10a have a step. Due to this step, a gap between the plates 8 and 10 may occur at a portion L where both end edges of the connecting portion 46 of the flat portion 42 of the electrode intersect the contours of the through holes 10b and 10a. Therefore, there is a possibility that the liquid in the hole 22A or 20A will flow out from the portion L and leak through the outflow path LP at both end edges of the connecting portion 46 and further through both end edges of the exposed portion 44. In FIG. 12, the liquid outflow path LP is shown by a broken line.

However, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the liquid by compressing the particle analyzer 1 in the vertical direction and eliminating the gap at the portion L. Therefore, for example, this modification may be used by using a compression mechanism (not shown) that constantly compresses the particle analyzer 1 in the vertical direction. Examples of such a compression mechanism include a clamp mechanism, a screw, and a pinch. Alternatively, the plates 8 and 10 may be plastically deformed to suppress the occurrence of gaps between the plates 8 and 10 at the location L.

On the other hand, according to the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer diameter of the overlapping portion 43 of the flat portion 42 of the electrode is larger than the diameter of the through holes 10b and 10a directly above. Therefore, the contours of the through holes 10b and 10a overlap only the overlapping portion 43 of the electrodes. Therefore, the lower ends of the through holes 10b and 10a are sealed by the overlapping portion 43 on the same plane without having a step. In this case, the outflow of the liquid in the holes 22A or 20A can be suppressed without the above-mentioned compression mechanism or the plastic deformation of the plates 8 and 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the uppermost plate 10 has a first notch 32 in which the flat portion 42 of the first electrode 28 (particularly the entire exposed portion 44) is exposed, and a first notch 32. A second notch 34 is formed in which the flat portion 42 (particularly the entire exposed portion 44) of the electrode 30 of 2 is exposed. In this way, since the notches 32 and 34 that expose the flat portion 42 of each electrode are provided, the user can access the electrodes 28 and 30 (for example, a member that connects the electrode and the ammeter 36 and the like). It is easy to connect the power supply (DC power supply 35, see FIG. 4) to the electrodes 28 and 30.

In this embodiment, the first hole 20A is opened on the upper surface of the particle analysis device 1, and the second hole 22A and the third hole 22B are opened on the upper surface of the particle analysis device 1, and the liquid space 22 is opened from the upper surface. Since it extends to, air bubbles are unlikely to remain inside these holes 20A, 22A, and 22B after the liquid is injected. As mentioned above, bubbles reduce the contact area between the electrode and the liquid and interfere with particle analysis. However, in this embodiment, it is possible to improve the certainty of particle analysis by making it difficult for bubbles to remain. In this regard, the holes 20A, 22A, 22B are preferably elongated vertically as in the illustrated embodiment, but the holes 20A, 22A, 22B may be inclined.

Further, since the first hole 20A is opened on the upper surface of the particle analysis device 1, the second hole 22A and the third hole 22B are opened on the upper surface of the particle analysis device 1 and extend from the upper surface to the liquid space 22. If desired, it is easy to surface-treat the inner peripheral surfaces of these holes 20A, 22A, and 22B to increase the hydrophilicity and further prevent air bubbles from remaining. Surface treatments that enhance hydrophilicity include vacuum ultraviolet rays, plasma irradiation, and the like. This surface treatment may be performed before shipping the particle analysis device 1 at the manufacturing plant of the particle analysis device 1, or may be performed immediately before use at the place where the particle analysis device 1 is used. For ease of surface treatment to increase hydrophilicity, the holes 20A, 22A, 22B are preferably extended straight as in the illustrated embodiment, but may be slightly curved.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above description does not limit the present invention, and various modifications including deletion, addition, and replacement of components can be considered within the technical scope of the present invention. ..

For example, the sealing property between the plates of the particle analyzer may be improved by using a compression mechanism (for example, a clamp mechanism, a screw, a pinch) that constantly compresses the particle analyzer in the vertical direction.

Aspects of the invention are also described in the numbered clauses below.

Clause 1. The liquid space where the liquid is stored and
The first hole that opens on the top surface and
A second hole and a third hole that are opened at the upper surface and extend from the upper surface to the liquid space.
A vertically extending connection hole connecting the first hole and the liquid space,
A first electrode having a flat portion intersecting the first hole and applying an electric potential to the liquid in the first hole through the first hole.
A particle analyzer comprising a flat portion intersecting the second hole and a second electrode for applying an electric potential to the liquid in the second hole through the second hole.

Clause 2. The first hole has an upper portion above the flat portion of the first electrode and a lower portion below the flat portion of the first electrode, and the upper portion has a larger opening than the lower portion. Has an area,
The flat portion of the first electrode has an overlapping portion that overlaps the upper portion of the first hole.
The second hole has an upper portion above the flat portion of the second electrode and a lower portion below the flat portion of the second electrode, and the upper portion has a larger opening than the lower portion. Has an area,
The particle analysis apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the flat portion of the second electrode has an overlapping portion that overlaps the upper portion of the second hole.

In this case, the flat portion of each electrode intersects the hole and overlaps the upper part of the hole, which has a larger opening area than the lower part of the hole. Therefore, a large contact area between the liquid injected into the pores and the electrode is secured, and it is possible to improve the certainty of particle analysis.

Clause 3. The contour of the upper portion of the first hole overlaps only the overlapping portion of the first electrode.
The particle analyzer according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the contour of the upper portion of the second hole overlaps only the overlapping portion of the second electrode.

In this case, since the contour of the upper part of the hole overlaps only the overlapping part of the electrodes, the lower end of the upper part of the hole is sealed by the overlapping part on the same plane without having a step. Therefore, the outflow of the liquid in the hole can be suppressed.

Clause 4. The upper portion of the first hole has a circular cross section, the lower portion of the first hole has a circular cross section, and the overlapping portion of the flat portion of the first electrode is circular. The diameter of the upper part of the hole 1 is larger than the diameter of the lower part of the first hole, and the outer diameter of the overlapping portion of the flat portion of the first electrode is larger than the diameter of the upper part of the first hole. big,
The upper portion of the second hole has a circular cross section, the lower portion of the second hole has a circular cross section, and the overlapping portion of the flat portion of the second electrode is circular. The diameter of the upper portion of the second hole is larger than the diameter of the lower portion of the second hole, and the outer diameter of the overlapping portion of the flat portion of the second electrode is larger than the diameter of the upper portion of the second hole. The particle analyzer according to clause 1 or 3, characterized in that it is large.

In this case, since the outer diameter of the overlapping portion of each electrode is larger than the diameter of the upper part of the hole directly above, the overlapping portion has high certainty even if the accuracy of the position of the overlapping portion is inaccurate. It overlaps the top of the hole. Therefore, in a plurality of particle analysis devices, the contact area between the liquid injected into the pores and the electrode is constant, and it is possible to improve the certainty of particle analysis. Further, since the outer diameter of the overlapping portion of each electrode is larger than the diameter of the upper portion of the hole, the contour of the upper portion of the hole overlaps only the overlapping portion of the electrodes, and the outflow of the liquid in the hole can be suppressed.

Clause 5. The particle analysis device according to any one of Articles 1 to 4, wherein the connection hole is formed in a chip fitted in a recess formed in the particle analysis device.

In this case, the particles to be analyzed can be changed, for example, by preparing a plurality of chips having connection holes having different dimensions or shapes and selecting the chips to be fitted in the recesses.
Clause 6. Any of Articles 1 to 5, further comprising a first notch that exposes the flat portion of the first electrode and a second notch that exposes the flat portion of the second electrode. The particle analyzer according to item 1.

In this case, since each electrode has a tubular portion coated on the inner peripheral surface of the hole, a large contact area between the liquid injected into the hole and the electrode is secured, and the reliability of particle analysis is improved. It is possible.

Clause 7. The flat portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode is sandwiched between two laminated plates, and at least one of the two plates is made of an elastic material. The particle analyzer according to any one of Articles 1 to 6, characterized in that.

In this case, since the particle analyzer is provided with a notch that exposes the flat portion of each electrode, it is easy to connect the power supply to the electrode.

Clause 8. The flat portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode is sandwiched between two laminated plates, and at least one of the two plates is made of an elastic material. The particle analyzer according to any one of Articles 1 to 9, wherein the particle analyzer is characterized by.

In this case, since at least one of the plates directly above and below the flat portion of each electrode is made of an elastic material, the plate formed of the elastic material is elastically deformed when a load is applied above the flat portion. .. Each electrode is adjacent to the hole into which the liquid is injected, but because the plate made of elastic material is elastically deformed, even if the thickness of the flat portion is large, it is between the plates directly above and below the flat portion. There is little risk of liquid leaking.

Clause 9. Equipped with multiple laminated boards,
The intermediate plate, which is one of the plates, has a recess into which the chip in which the connection hole is formed is fitted, the liquid space, and a communication hole for communicating the connection hole of the chip and the liquid space. death,
The particle analysis apparatus according to any one of Articles 1 to 8, wherein the recess and the liquid space are formed on surfaces opposite to each other of the intermediate plate.

In this case, since the recess and the liquid space in which the chip is fitted are formed in one intermediate plate, the number of plates can be reduced.

1 Particle analyzer 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 Plate 22 Liquid space 20A First hole 22A Second hole 22B Third hole 24 Chip 26 Connection hole 28 First electrode 30 Second electrode 37 Liquid 38 Liquid 40 particles

Claims (2)

The liquid space where the liquid is stored and
The first hole that opens on the top surface and
A second hole and a third hole that are opened at the upper surface and extend from the upper surface to the liquid space.
A vertically extending connection hole connecting the first hole and the liquid space,
A first electrode having a flat portion intersecting the first hole and applying an electric potential to the liquid in the first hole through the first hole.
A particle analyzer comprising a flat portion intersecting the second hole and a second electrode for applying an electric potential to the liquid in the second hole through the second hole. The first hole has an upper portion above the flat portion of the first electrode and a lower portion below the flat portion of the first electrode, and the upper portion has a larger opening than the lower portion. Has an area,
The flat portion of the first electrode has an overlapping portion that overlaps the upper portion of the first hole.
The second hole has an upper portion above the flat portion of the second electrode and a lower portion below the flat portion of the second electrode, and the upper portion has a larger opening than the lower portion. Has an area,
The particle analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flat portion of the second electrode has an overlapping portion that overlaps the upper portion of the second hole.

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