JP5306030B2 - Electrophoresis device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis apparatus, and more particularly to a thermostatic chamber of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

  A capillary used in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus is filled with a separation medium, and a high voltage is applied to both ends of the capillary in order to perform electrophoresis. The separation medium is heated by Joule heat, and the separation ability of the sample decreases due to thermal diffusion.

  Conventionally, in order to suppress the heat generation of the separation medium and keep the temperature of the separation medium constant, the capillary is disposed in a thermostatic chamber equipped with a temperature control mechanism.

  In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a part of the capillary array is covered with a cover having a shape corresponding to the length and number of capillaries in order to reduce the variation in the migration time between the capillaries. By circulating the temperature-adjusted air through a cover having a shape optimized for the length and number of capillaries, the temperature of the capillaries can be adjusted efficiently.

JP2007-064774

  The length and number of capillaries are not constant, i.e., vary. However, the conventional capillary electrophoresis apparatus uses the same thermostat even if the length or number of capillaries changes. In the thermostat, the temperature of only the capillary region cannot be controlled, so the temperature of the entire thermostat is controlled. Therefore, the temperature is adjusted by circulating the temperature-controlled wind in the thermostat. However, if the wind speed varies in the thermostatic chamber, the capillary temperature varies, and the sample separation ability decreases.

  An object of the present invention is to adjust the temperature of the entire capillary at a uniform wind speed even if the length or number of the capillaries changes in the thermostat of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

  The present invention relates to one or a plurality of capillaries, an optical system for detecting fluorescence from the sample by irradiating the sample separated and electrophoresed in the capillary, and a thermostatic chamber for holding the capillary at a constant temperature. And a capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

  The constant temperature bath includes a temperature control plate, a fan, and a curved wall extending from the discharge port of the fan to the suction port. The capillary is configured to be disposed in a storage portion formed by a wall. The storage portion is provided with a removable wind direction control plate. The airflow direction control plate forms a flow path for the air that has exited from the fan outlet to swirl.

  According to the present invention, in the thermostat of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus, variation in capillary temperature can be reduced even if the length or number of capillaries changes.

The figure which shows the example of a structure of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus The figure for demonstrating the flow of the air in a thermostat when using a capillary with a short dimension in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus The figure which shows the 1st example of the wind direction control board provided in a thermostat when using a capillary with a short dimension in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus. The figure for demonstrating the flow of the air in a thermostat when using a capillary with a long dimension in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus The figure which shows the 2nd example of the wind direction control board provided in a thermostat when using a capillary with a long dimension in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus. The figure which shows the case where the wind direction control board used for the thermostat of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus is formed in a ring shape The figure which shows the case where the wind direction control board used for the thermostat of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus is formed in strip shape The figure which shows the example of the capillary with a short dimension in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus The figure which shows the 3rd example of the wind direction control board provided in a thermostat when using a capillary with a short dimension in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus. The figure which shows the example of the capillary with a long dimension in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus The figure which shows the 4th example of the wind direction control board provided in a thermostat when using a capillary with a long dimension in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus includes a capillary array including one or a plurality of capillaries 101, a pump mechanism 103 for injecting a polymer into the capillaries 101, and a detection for detecting fluorescence from the sample by irradiating the sample in the capillary 101 with light. Part 104, high-voltage power source 105 for applying a high voltage to capillary 101, thermostat 106 for keeping the main part of capillary 101 at a constant temperature, and autosampler 107 for transporting a container containing a sample, a solution, and the like.

  The capillary 101 is a replaceable member, and is replaced when the measurement method is changed or when the capillary 101 is damaged or deteriorated in quality. The capillary 101 is composed of a glass tube having an inner diameter of several tens to several hundreds of microns and an outer diameter of several hundreds of microns, and the surface is coated with polyimide. The inside of the capillary 101 is filled with a separation medium for giving a migration speed difference during electrophoresis. The separation medium includes both a fluid medium and a non-fluid medium. In this embodiment, a fluid polymer is used.

  A capillary head 116 is provided at one end of the capillary array, and a capillary cathode end 117 is formed at the other end. The capillary head 116 is a bundle of end portions of the capillary array, and has a function of connecting the pump mechanism 103 and the capillary array. The capillary cathode end 117 is in contact with a sample, a solution, or the like. The capillary array is fixed by the load header 102 on the capillary cathode end side.

  The detection unit 104 includes an irradiation system and a detection system. The irradiation system of the detection unit 104 has a function of irradiating excitation light to a portion of the capillary 101 where the polyimide coating is removed, that is, a detection region. The detection system has a function of detecting fluorescence from the sample in the detection region of the capillary 101. The sample is analyzed by the light detected by the detection system.

The pump mechanism 103 is connected to the syringe 108, the block 109, the check valve 110, the polymer container 111 and the anode buffer container 112. By connecting the capillary head 116 to the block 109, the capillary 101 and the flow path in the block 109 are connected. By the operation of the syringe 108, the polymer in the polymer container 111 is filled into the capillary 101 via the flow path in the block 109 or refilled. The refilling of the polymer in the capillary 101 is performed for each measurement in order to improve the measurement performance.

  An anode electrode 113 is disposed in the anode buffer container 112. The high voltage power source 105 applies a high voltage between the anode electrode 113 and the cathode electrode 114. The thermostatic chamber 106 keeps the capillary temperature constant by sandwiching the capillary array in a planar shape from a temperature control plate 115 to which a heat insulating material and a heater are attached. A temperature sensor for feedback is attached to the temperature control plate 115. Further, by fixing the load header 102 of the capillary array to the thermostatic chamber 106, the tip of the capillary head 116 can be fixed at a desired position.

  The autosampler 107 includes three electric motors and a linear guide for moving the moving stage, and can move the moving stage in three axial directions, ie, up and down, left and right, and depth. The moving stage can transport the buffer container, the cleaning container, the waste liquid container, and the sample plate to the capillary cathode end 117 as necessary.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the example of the structure of the thermostat 106 of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus is demonstrated. Inside the thermostatic chamber 106, a fan 201, a wall 204, and a temperature control plate 115 are provided. The fan 201 may be a turbo fan, a sirocco fan or the like, and is preferably a sirocco fan. The wall 204 extends in a curved manner from the vicinity of the discharge port 202 of the fan 201 to the vicinity of the suction port 203 of the fan 201, and a storage portion 205 for storing the capillary 101 is formed inside thereof. The temperature control plate 115 is composed of a heat insulating material and a heater. The inside of the storage unit 205 is adjusted to a constant temperature by the temperature control plate 115. The capillary 101 is supported by a load header 102. The load header 102 is attached to a predetermined position of the thermostatic chamber 106.

  FIG. 2 shows the inside of the thermostatic chamber 106, and actually, the storage portion 205 of the thermostatic chamber 106 is a space sealed from both sides by the temperature control plate 115. The outer shape of the constant temperature bath 106 is a thin box shape. In the storage part 205 of the thermostatic chamber 106, the capillary 101 is arranged along one plane.

  The air flow from the discharge port 202 of the fan 201 flows curvedly along the wall 204 as shown by the arrow, forming a swirling flow. A part of the swirling flow is sucked into the suction port 203 of the fan 201. In the storage unit 205, the air flow rate is relatively large and constant in the region 206 near the wall 204, but in the region 207 far from the wall 204, that is, in the center of the swirl flow, Small. Further, the air flow direction is not constant at the center of the swirl flow.

  As the types of capillaries 101, a type having a relatively short size and a type having a relatively long size will be described here. However, the capillary 101 is not limited to these two types.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the capillary 101 having a short dimension is disposed in the storage unit 205 of the thermostatic chamber 106. In this case, the capillary 101 is disposed inside the air swirl flow. The capillary 101 is preferably arranged in the swirling flow instead of inside the swirling flow of air. By arranging the capillary 101 in the swirling flow of air, the temperature of the capillary 101 can be kept constant. Therefore, in the thermostatic chamber 106 of this example, the capillary 101 is configured to be disposed in a swirling flow of air, as will be described below.

  An example of the thermostatic chamber 106 will be described with reference to FIG. In the thermostat of this example, the wind direction control plate 301 is disposed on the outer periphery of the capillary 101 in the storage unit 205. The air direction control plate 301 is curved and disposed along the outer periphery of the capillary 101. The air flow from the discharge port 202 of the fan 201 flows along the wind direction control plate 301 as shown by an arrow to form a swirling flow. A part of the swirling flow is sucked into the suction port 203 of the fan 201. In this example, the swirling flow of air flows along the wind direction control plate 301. Accordingly, the capillary 101 is disposed in the swirling flow.

  FIG. 4 shows a case where a capillary 101 having a long dimension is used. The capillary 101 having a long dimension is disposed in the storage unit 205 of the thermostatic chamber 106. In this case, the capillary 101 is placed along the wall 204 and is therefore placed in a swirling flow of air. Therefore, in this example, the temperature of the capillary 101 can be kept constant as compared with the case of the capillary 101 having a short dimension shown in FIG. In this example, the portion of the capillary 101 disposed in the region 206 close to the wall 204 is disposed in the swirling flow of air, but the portion disposed in the region 207 distant from the wall 204 has the air flow. It is arranged inside the swirl flow. Furthermore, the capillary 101 does not exist in the central region of the swirl flow, but a vortex or stagnation occurs. The energy imparted to the air flow by the fan 201 is consumed by the vortex or stagnation at the center of the swirl flow.

  Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, a ring-shaped wind direction control plate 301 is arranged in the central region of the swirling flow. Thereby, a flow path is formed between the wall 204 and the wind direction control plate 301. The air flow from the discharge port 202 of the fan 201 flows along the flow path between the wall 204 and the wind direction control plate 301 as shown by an arrow, and forms a swirling flow. A part of the swirling flow is sucked into the suction port 203 of the fan 201. Therefore, in this example, the energy imparted to the air flow by the fan 201 is efficiently converted into a swirl flow. Accordingly, the entire capillary 101 is disposed in the swirling flow.

  As illustrated, a separator 211 may be provided in the storage unit 205. The separator 211 is provided with a plurality of through holes. One capillary passes through each of the through holes. Thus, the capillaries are separated and supported by the separator 211 at predetermined intervals. In this example, the separator 211 is provided between the discharge port 202 and the suction port 203 of the fan 201. However, if the swirl flow along the flow path between the wall 204 and the wind direction control plate 301 is maintained, the separator 211 can be provided at an arbitrary position in the storage unit 205.

  The wind direction control plate 301 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. The wind direction control plate 301 is detachable and is formed of a thin belt-like member that can be elastically deformed. As shown in FIG. 6A, by joining both ends of the band-shaped member, as shown in FIG. 5, a ring-shaped wind direction control plate 301 is formed. As shown in FIG. 6B, by opening both ends of the band-shaped member, the band-shaped wind direction control plate 301 is formed as shown in FIG.

  The air direction control plate 301 is attached to the side surface of the thermostatic chamber. A temperature control plate 115 is provided on the side surface of the constant temperature bath. The air direction control plate 301 may be fixed to the temperature control plate 115.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of a capillary 101 with a short dimension. The end of the capillary 101 on the cathode side is supported by the load header 102. A frame 210 is attached to the load header 102. The frame 210 is composed of a plurality of members. A ring-shaped wind direction control plate 302 and a strip-shaped wind direction control plate 303 are attached to the frame 210. The wind direction control plates 302 and 303 can be removed, and the positions of the two wind direction control plates 302 and 303 can be adjusted. The frame 210 may be provided with a separator as shown in FIG. As described above, the separator is provided so that the swirl flow along the flow path between the wall 204 and the wind direction control plate 301 is maintained.

  FIG. 7B shows an example in which the capillary 101 having the short dimension shown in FIG. 7A is attached to the storage unit 205 of the thermostatic chamber 106. In the storage part 205 of the thermostatic chamber 106 of this example, a flow path is formed between the ring-shaped wind direction control plate 302 and the strip-shaped wind direction control plate 303. The air flow from the discharge port 202 of the fan 201 flows along the flow path between the two wind direction control plates 302 and 303 as shown by the arrows to form a swirling flow. A part of the swirling flow is sucked into the suction port 203 of the fan 201. Therefore, when the thermostat 106 of this example is compared with the thermostat shown in FIG. 3, in this example, the energy imparted to the air flow by the fan 201 is efficiently converted into a swirl flow. Accordingly, the entire capillary 101 is disposed in the swirling flow.

  FIG. 8A shows an example of a capillary 101 with long dimensions. The end of the capillary 101 on the cathode side is supported by the load header 102. A frame 210 is attached to the load header 102. The frame 210 is composed of a plurality of members. A ring-shaped wind direction control plate 304 is attached to the frame 210. The wind direction control plate 304 can be removed, and the position of the wind direction control plate 304 can be adjusted. The frame 210 may be provided with a separator as shown in FIG. As described above, the separator is provided so that the swirl flow along the flow path between the wall 204 and the wind direction control plate 301 is maintained.

  FIG. 8B shows an example in which the capillary 101 having a long dimension shown in FIG. 8A is attached to the storage unit 205 of the thermostatic chamber 106. In the thermostat 106 of this example, a flow path is formed between the wall 204 and the strip-shaped air direction control plate 304. The air flow from the discharge port 202 of the fan 201 flows along a flow path between the wall 204 and the wind direction control plate 304 as shown by an arrow, and forms a swirling flow. A part of the swirling flow is sucked into the suction port 203 of the fan 201. Therefore, in the thermostat 106 of this example, the energy imparted to the air flow by the fan 201 is efficiently converted into a swirl flow, as in the thermostat shown in FIG. Accordingly, the entire capillary 101 is disposed in the swirling flow.

  In the above description, the shape of the wind direction control plate has been described for the case where the dimensions of the capillary 101 are short and long. However, the shape of the wind direction control plate may be changed when the number of capillaries 101 changes.

  The example of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described example, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims. Will be easily understood.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Capillary, 102 ... Load header, 103 ... Pump mechanism, 104 ... Detection part, 105 ... High voltage power supply, 106 ... Constant temperature bath, 107 ... Autosampler, 108 ... Syringe, 109 ... Block, 110 ... Check valve, 111 ... Polymer container, 112 ... Anode buffer container, 113 ... Anode electrode, 114 ... Cathode electrode, 115 ... Temperature control plate, 116 ... Capillary head, 117 ... Capillary cathode end, 201 ... Fan, 202 ... Discharge port, 203 ... Suction port, 204 ... Wall, 205 ... Storage section, 206, 207, 208 ... Area, 210 ... Frame, 211 ... Separator, 301, 302, 303, 304 ... Wind direction control plate

Claims (19)

One or a plurality of capillaries, a load header that supports the end of the capillary on the cathode side, and an optical system that irradiates the sample separated and migrated in the capillary with excitation light and detects fluorescence from the sample A capillary electrophoresis apparatus having a thermostat that holds the capillary at a constant temperature,
The constant temperature bath includes a temperature control plate, a fan, and a curved wall extending from the discharge port of the fan to the suction port. The curved wall extends from the discharge port of the fan to the suction port . Or a second wall constituted by at least one wind direction control plate formed of a wall or a removable strip member,
The capillary is configured to be disposed in a storage portion formed by the first wall, and the curved wall is provided with a band-shaped air direction control plate in the storage portion according to the shape of the capillary. a configuration that can change the position in the case of not providing the case of providing, capillary electrophoresis, characterized in that by the wind direction control plate, a flow path for air exiting from the discharge port of the fan to pivot is formed apparatus. 2. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow path is formed between the first wall and the wind direction control plate. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow path includes a wind direction control plate before Symbol strip, capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized by being formed between the ring-shaped the wind direction control plate. 2. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the wind direction control plates is formed in a ring shape. 2. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wind direction control plate is formed of an elastically deformable band member, a ring-shaped wind direction control plate is formed by joining both ends, and a band-shaped wind direction is formed by opening both ends. capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized by control plates are formed.   2. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fan is a sirocco fan.   2. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the capillary is supported by a frame, and the wind direction control plate is mounted on the frame and can be changed in position to change the wind direction. Capillary electrophoresis apparatus.   2. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the capillary is supported by a frame, and the frame is attached to the load header.   2. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a separator having a plurality of holes is provided in the storage section of the thermostatic bath, and the capillary is supported by being inserted through the holes of the separator. Capillary electrophoresis device. In a thermostat for a capillary electrophoresis device,
A temperature control plate, a fan, and a curved wall extending from the discharge port of the fan to the suction port and having a variable position depending on the shape of the capillary, and the curved wall extends from the discharge port of the fan. A first wall extending to the suction port or a second wall constituted by at least one wind direction control plate formed of a removable belt-like member;
Wherein and accommodating portion for accommodating the capillary by a first wall is formed, the curved wall is not provided with the case where Ru is provided a strip of the wind direction control plate in the storage portion according to the shape of the capillary a case and at the position can be changed configuration, the該風direction control plate, that for capillary electrophoresis apparatus, characterized in that air exiting from the discharge port of the fan flow path for turning is formed thermostatic Tank. The thermostat for a capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the flow path is formed between the first wall and the wind direction control plate. In a constant temperature bath of claim 10 for capillary electrophoresis apparatus according, the channel is pre-Symbol belt-shaped air direction control board, characterized in that it is formed between the ring-shaped said air direction control board capillary Constant temperature bath for electrophoresis equipment. 11. The thermostat for a capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the wind direction control plate is formed of an elastically deformable belt-like member, and a ring-shaped wind direction control plate is formed by joining both ends, and both ends are opened. A thermostat for a capillary electrophoresis apparatus, wherein a band-shaped wind direction control plate is formed by the step. The thermostat for a capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the fan is a sirocco fan. 11. The thermostat for a capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the storage unit is configured to be able to mount a capillary supported by a frame, and the wind direction control plate is mounted to the frame. A constant temperature bath for a capillary electrophoresis apparatus. 11. The thermostat for a capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the storage unit is configured to be fitted with a capillary supported by a load header. Constant temperature bath. In the temperature control method of the capillary in the thermostat of the capillary electrophoresis device,
Providing a temperature control plate and a fan in the thermostat;
Disposing a capillary in the storage section of the thermostatic chamber;
The extending in a constant temperature bath until the suction port from the discharge port of the fan, the method comprising and providing a curved wall capable of the position variable depending on the shape of the capillary, the curved wall, the suction from the discharge port of the fan It is composed from the second wall constituted by at least one air direction control board is formed in the first wall or a removable strip extending to the mouth, said housing portion, and mounting the air direction control board, the wind direction Forming a flow path for the air exiting from the outlet of the fan to swirl by the control plate ;
By the air from the previous SL fan, and generating a swirling flow through the flow channel,
Only including,
The method of controlling a temperature of a capillary, wherein the position of the curved wall can be changed depending on whether or not the belt-shaped air direction control plate is provided depending on the shape of the capillary. The temperature control method for a capillary according to claim 17 ,
The capillary is formed between the first wall and the wind direction control plate and / or between the strip-shaped wind direction control plate and the ring-shaped wind direction control plate. Temperature control method. 18. The temperature control method for a capillary according to claim 17 , wherein the wind direction control plate is formed by an elastically deformable band-shaped member, a ring-shaped wind direction control plate is formed by joining both ends, and a band-like shape is formed by opening both ends. A method for adjusting the temperature of a capillary, wherein a wind direction control plate is formed.

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