JP6619286B2 - Analysis tools and analysis systems - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an analysis tool and an analysis system.

  As a method for analyzing a liquid sample, various examples have been proposed in which an analysis system is constructed in which an analysis device is loaded after the sample has been collected in an analysis device, and the sample is analyzed by the analysis device. Yes. An example of such an analysis system is an analysis system that uses electrophoresis. Patent Document 1 discloses an analysis method using an analysis tool including a capillary tube and a preliminary flow path orthogonal to the capillary tube. A sample staying at the connection portion between the capillary tube and the preliminary flow path is an analysis target in the electrophoresis method. This is intended to more accurately quantify a very small amount of sample.

  In the analysis system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a diluting solution or electrophoresis solution stored in an analyzer is introduced into an analysis tool. In this introduction, for example, a stored dilution solution or electrophoresis solution is sucked by a nozzle or the like in an amount necessary for analysis. Next, the nozzle is connected to a predetermined portion of the analysis tool, and a predetermined amount of diluent or electrophoresis solution is introduced from the nozzle into the analysis tool.

  The above-described analysis tool is replaced with a new one each time analysis is performed. However, the nozzle of the analyzer is used repeatedly. For this reason, when performing a certain analysis, there is a possibility that a sample or the like in the previous analysis may adhere to the tip of the nozzle. If such contamination of the nozzle or the like occurs, the analysis result becomes inappropriate. For this reason, measures such as cleaning the nozzle are forced. Further, the analyzer needs a mechanism for driving a nozzle or the like. As a result, the analysis apparatus becomes complicated and expensive. In the case of a system using a large analyzer, a dedicated bottle for storing the diluted solution and the electrophoresis solution is required. For this reason, there is a concern that an unnecessary space is inevitably generated along with the arrangement of these bottles, resulting in an increase in cost. In addition, since it is necessary to store a sufficient amount of diluent and electrophoresis solution that can be measured multiple times, there is a problem that the cost per measurement increases.

JP-A-11-337521

  The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above, and appropriately analyzes while avoiding the complexity and contamination of the analyzer, and suppresses the generation of unnecessary space. It is an object of the present invention to provide an analysis tool and an analysis system capable of performing the above.

  The analysis tool provided by the first aspect of the present invention is an analysis tool used for analyzing a sample, and can be connected to the first unit having an analysis unit in which the analysis is performed, and the first unit. A second unit having a specific liquid tank in which an amount of the specific liquid used for a predetermined number of analyzes is sealed, and in the connected state in which the first unit and the second unit are connected, The specific liquid formed from any one of only one unit, only a part of the second unit, only a part of the first unit and only a part of the second unit is removed from the specific liquid tank. A communication channel for introduction into the first unit is formed.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second unit has a sealing member that seals the specific liquid tank, and the sealing member is connected when the first unit and the second unit are connected. Are opened and the communication channel is formed.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first unit has a sample collection unit for collecting the sample in a separated state separated from the second unit.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sample collection unit collects the sample using capillary force.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is used as a disposable analysis tool.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is used for analysis by electrophoresis, and the analysis section is a capillary tube.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, further comprising a cylindrical conductor portion, the inner surface of the cylindrical conductor portion constitutes a voltage application flow path for applying a voltage to the filled liquid, The outer surface of the cylindrical conductor portion is exposed to the outside.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical conductor portion is formed in the second unit.

  An analysis system provided by the second aspect of the present invention includes the analysis tool provided by the first aspect of the present invention, and an analysis apparatus loaded with the analysis tool.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the analyzer performs pressure control for realizing the flow of liquid including flowing the specific liquid through the communication channel.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the communication channel is configured when the analysis tool is changed from the separated state to the connected state. The communication channel is configured by only one part of the first unit, only part of the second unit, only part of the first unit, and part of the second unit. For this reason, when introducing the specific liquid stored in the second unit into the first unit, it is not necessary to perform dispensing using, for example, a nozzle provided in the analyzer other than the analysis tool. For this reason, even if the specific liquid is introduced from the second unit to the first unit in order to perform analysis, the analyzer does not need to touch the specific liquid at all. Therefore, it is possible to perform analysis appropriately while avoiding complication and contamination of the analysis apparatus.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a principal part top view which shows the analysis tool based on 1st Embodiment of this invention in a isolation | separation state. It is sectional drawing which follows the II-II line | wire of FIG. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the analysis tool of FIG. 1 in the isolation | separation state. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the analysis tool of FIG. 1 in the isolation | separation state. It is sectional drawing which shows the analysis tool of FIG. 1 in a connection state. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the analysis tool of FIG. 1 in a connection state. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the analysis tool of FIG. 1 in a connection state. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an analysis system based on a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal part top view which shows an analysis preparation process. It is principal part sectional drawing which follows the XX line of FIG. It is a principal part top view which shows an analysis process. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which follows the XII-XII line | wire of FIG. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the analysis tool based on 2nd Embodiment of this invention in the isolation | separation state. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the analysis tool shown in FIG. 13 in a connection state. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the analysis tool based on 3rd Embodiment of this invention in a connection state. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the analysis tool based on 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 1-7 has shown the analytical tool based on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The analysis tool A1 of this embodiment includes a first unit 11 and a second unit 12.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of a main part showing the analysis tool A1 in a separated state. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing the analysis tool A1 in a separated state. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing the analysis tool A1 in a separated state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the analysis tool A1 in a connected state. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing the analysis tool A1 in a connected state. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing the analysis tool A1 in a connected state. In FIG. 1, for convenience of understanding, a sealing member 73, a sealing member 77, a diluent Ld, and an electrophoretic solution Lm, which will be described later, are omitted.

  The analysis tool according to the present invention is used in various analysis methods for various samples, and the analysis method and the like are not particularly limited. As the sample, specimens such as biological blood, urine, sweat and the like, and samples subject to environmental investigations such as water quality investigation and geological investigation can be widely applied. In this embodiment, a case where the sample is blood collected from a human body will be described as an example. Further, an example will be described in which hemoglobin contained in blood is analyzed using electrophoresis.

  Among the components contained in blood, components to be analyzed in electrophoresis include hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (Alb), globulins (α1, α2, β, γ globulins), fibrinogen, and the like. Examples of the hemoglobin include normal hemoglobin (HbA0), glycated hemoglobin, modified hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin (HbF), mutant hemoglobin, and the like. Examples of the glycated hemoglobin include hemoglobin A1a (HbA1a), hemoglobin A1b (HbA1b), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and GHbLys. Examples of the hemoglobin A1c include stable HbA1c (s-HbA1c), unstable HbA1c (1-HbA1c), and the like. Examples of the modified hemoglobin include carbamylated Hb and acetylated Hb.

  The analysis tool A1 takes a separated state in which the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are separated from each other and a connected state in which the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are connected to each other. 2 to 4 show the analysis tool A1 in a separated state. 5 to 7 show the analysis tool A1 in a connected state.

  The first unit 11 includes a first upper substrate 111 and a first lower substrate 112. Each of the first upper base 111 and the first lower base 112 is, for example, a substantially long rectangular plate-like member, and is bonded to each other. The first upper substrate 111 and the first lower substrate 112 are made of, for example, glass, fused silica, plastic, or the like. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the first unit 11 may be integrally formed.

  The first unit 11 includes connection parts 31, 32, 33, 34, a sample collection part 41, an introduction flow path 42, an analysis part 43, an introduction flow path 44, an entrance recess 51 and an exit recess 52.

  Each of the connecting portions 31, 32, 33, and 34 is a portion that is connected to an appropriate place of the second unit 12, and is for realizing the connection between the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 in each portion. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the present embodiment, the connecting portions 31, 32, 33, and 34 are each convex portions protruding upward in the figure, and each is in the vertical direction in the figure. A through hole penetrating therethrough is formed.

  The sample collection unit 41 is a part for collecting a predetermined amount of sample in the separated state and maintaining the predetermined amount of sample until the analysis tool A1 is connected. In the present embodiment, the sample collection unit 41 is a fine channel connected to the connection unit 31. In particular, in the present embodiment, a predetermined amount of sample is allowed to stay in the sample collection unit 41 using capillary force. Is intended.

  Although the size of the sample collection part 41 is not specifically limited, If the example is given, the width | variety is 100 micrometers-1000 micrometers, the depth is 100 micrometers-1000 micrometers, and the length is 1 mm-20 mm. The amount of the sample collected by the sample collection unit 41 is 0.01 μL to 20 μL. In the present embodiment, the sample collection unit 41 is provided by the first upper substrate 111 closing a fine groove formed in the first lower substrate 112.

  The introduction channel 42 is a channel that is connected from the sample collection unit 41 to the connection unit 32 via one end of the analysis unit 43. The introduction flow path 42 is a flow path for introducing a diluted sample Sm obtained by diluting a sample Sa described later with the diluent Ld into the analysis unit 43 and the connection unit 31. In the present embodiment, the introduction channel 42 has a portion along the width direction (vertical direction in the drawing in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the analysis tool A1, and the portion along the width direction. The analysis unit 43 is connected to the above. The introduction flow path 42 is provided, for example, when the first lower base material 112 blocks a bent groove formed in the first upper base material 111.

  The analysis unit 43 is a place where analysis is performed, and functions as a so-called capillary tube in the present embodiment in which electrophoresis is employed. The analysis unit 43 extends linearly along the longitudinal direction of the analysis tool A1. One end of the analysis unit 43 is connected to the introduction flow path 42, and the other end of the analysis unit 43 is connected to the introduction flow path 44.

  Although the size of the analysis part 43 is not specifically limited, For example, the width is 25 μm to 100 μm, the depth is 25 μm to 100 μm, and the length is 5 mm to 150 mm. In the present embodiment, the analysis unit 43 is provided by the first upper substrate 111 closing a fine groove formed in the first lower substrate 112.

  The introduction channel 44 is connected to the other end of the analysis unit 43 at an intermediate portion, one end connected to the connection unit 32, and the other end connected to the connection unit 34. The introduction flow path 44 is a flow path for introducing the electrophoretic liquid Lm described later into the analysis unit 43 and the connection unit 32. In the present embodiment, the introduction flow path 44 is provided by closing the bent groove formed in the first upper base material 111 with the first lower base material 112.

  The incident concave portion 51 is for making light used for analysis enter when performing analysis by electrophoresis. In the present embodiment, the incident recess 51 is recessed from the upper surface in the drawing of the first upper base material 111 and overlaps the analysis unit 43 in plan view. The incident recess 51 is, for example, a substantially cylindrical recess.

  The exit recess 52 is for emitting light used for analysis when performing analysis by electrophoresis. In the present embodiment, the exit recess 52 is recessed inward from the lower surface of the first lower base material 112 in the drawing, and overlaps with the analysis unit 43 in plan view, and the center of the entrance recess 51 coincides with each other. Yes. The exit recess 52 is, for example, a substantially conical recess.

  The second unit 12 includes a second base material 121. The second substrate 121 is made of, for example, glass, fused silica, plastic, or the like. Unlike the present embodiment, the second unit 12 may be formed of an assembly of a plurality of members.

  The second unit 12 includes a through-hole 122, a diluent bath 71, an electrophoretic solution bath 75, sealing members 72, 73, 76, 77, cylindrical conductor portions 81, 85, and electrode recesses 82, 86.

  The through hole 122 penetrates the second base material 121 in the thickness direction. The through-hole 122 overlaps with the incident recess 51 of the first unit 11 in plan view, and defines an integral space together with the incident recess 51.

  The diluent tank 71 is provided near one end in the longitudinal direction of the second unit 12, and corresponds to an example of a specific liquid tank in which a diluent Ld as an example of the specific liquid referred to in the present invention is enclosed. In the present embodiment, the diluent tank 71 is configured using a through hole formed in the second base 121.

  Here, the diluent Ld is used to generate the diluted sample Sm by being mixed with the sample Sa. The main agent of the diluent Ld is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include water and physiological saline. Preferred examples include liquids having components similar to the electrophoresis solution Lm described later. Further, the diluting liquid Ld is, for example, one obtained by adding a cathodic group-containing compound to the main agent. The anionic group-containing compound is, for example, an anionic group-containing polysaccharide. The anionic group-containing polysaccharide is, for example, at least one polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of sulfated polysaccharides, carboxylated polysaccharides, sulfonated polysaccharides and phosphorylated polysaccharides. The carboxylated polysaccharide is preferably alginic acid or a salt thereof (for example, sodium alginate). The sulfated polysaccharide is, for example, chondroitin sulfate. There are seven types of chondroitin sulfate, A, B, C, D, E, H, and K, and any of them may be used. The concentration of the anionic group-containing compound (chondroitin sulfate) is, for example, in the range of 0.01 to 5% by weight.

  The diluent tank 71 is sealed by a sealing member 72 and a sealing member 73. The sealing member 72 and the sealing member 73 are fixed to the surface of the second substrate 121 by a technique that can maintain a sealed state such as adhesion. The specific configuration of the sealing member 72 and the sealing member 73 is not particularly limited, and a plate-like member or a film-like member acts as appropriate. In the present embodiment, a case where film members are employed as the sealing member 72 and the sealing member 73 will be described as an example. An example of such a film-like member is a so-called laminate film in which a resin layer and an aluminum layer are laminated.

  The connection part 61 is provided below the diluent tank 71 and is a part connected to the connection part 31 of the first unit 11. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 61 protrudes downward in the figure, and is provided with a through hole penetrating the inside in the vertical direction in the figure. In the present embodiment, a sealing member 72 is fixed to the lower end of the connecting portion 61.

  The electrophoretic liquid tank 75 is provided near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second unit 12 and corresponds to another example of the specific liquid tank in which the electrophoretic liquid Lm as another example of the specific liquid referred to in the present invention is enclosed. To do. In the present embodiment, the electrophoresis solution tank 75 is configured using a through hole formed in the second base material 121.

  Here, the electrophoretic liquid Lm is a medium that fills the analysis unit 43 and generates an electroosmotic flow in the electrophoretic method in the analyzing step by the electrophoretic method. The electrophoretic liquid Lm is not particularly limited, but is preferably one using an acid. Examples of the acid include citric acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, malonic acid, and malic acid. Moreover, it is preferable that the electrophoresis solution Lm contains a weak base. Examples of the weak base include arginine, lysine, histidine, and tris. The pH of the electrophoresis solution Lm is, for example, in the range of pH 4.5-6. Examples of the buffer of the electrophoresis solution Lm include MES, ADA, ACES, BES, MOPS, TES, and HEPES. Further, the cathodic group-containing compound described in the description of the diluent Ld may also be added to the electrophoresis solution Lm. The concentration of the anionic group-containing compound (such as chondroitin sulfate) is, for example, in the range of 0.01 to 5% by weight.

  The electrophoretic solution tank 75 is sealed by a sealing member 76 and a sealing member 77. The sealing member 76 and the sealing member 77 are fixed to the surface of the second substrate 121 by a technique that can maintain a sealed state such as adhesion. The specific configuration of the sealing member 76 and the sealing member 77 is not particularly limited, and a plate-like member or a film-like member acts as appropriate. In the present embodiment, a case where film members are employed as the sealing member 76 and the sealing member 77 will be described as an example. An example of such a film-like member is a so-called laminate film in which a resin layer and an aluminum layer are laminated.

  The connection part 62 is provided below the electrophoresis solution tank 75 and is a part connected to the connection part 32 of the first unit 11. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 62 protrudes downward in the figure, and is provided with a through hole penetrating the inside in the vertical direction in the figure. In the present embodiment, a sealing member 76 is fixed to the lower end of the connecting portion 62.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the cylindrical conductor portions 81 and 85, the electrode recesses 82 and 86, and the connecting portions 63 and 64 have substantially the same configuration. Below, the cylindrical conductor part 81, the recessed part 82 for electrodes, and the connection part 63 are demonstrated. The cylindrical conductor portion 81 is provided in a through-hole penetrating in the thickness direction formed in the second base material 121. The cylindrical conductor portion 81 is made of a conductive material, for example, metal. If the cylindrical conductor part 81 is cylindrical, the shape will not be specifically limited, In this embodiment, the case where it is cylindrical is demonstrated to an example.

  The electrode recess 82 is recessed inwardly from one end surface in the width direction of the second substrate 121. The electrode recess 82 accommodates a portion of the cylindrical conductor portion 81 near the center in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, both ends of the cylindrical conductor portion 81 are located inside the second base material 121 avoiding the electrode recess 82. The shape of the electrode recess 82 is not particularly limited, and is a triangular shape in plan view in the present embodiment.

  The inner surface of the cylindrical conductor portion 81 constitutes a voltage application channel 811. The voltage application channel 811 is a channel for applying a voltage to the diluted sample Sm, which is a liquid flowing inside. The cylindrical conductor portion 81 has an outer surface 812. Since the cylindrical conductor portion 81 is accommodated in the electrode recess 82 described above, a part of the outer surface 812 is exposed to the outside.

  The connecting part 63 is a part that is connected to the connecting part 33 of the first unit 11. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 63 protrudes downward in the drawing and has a through hole.

  2 and 3 show a state where the sample Sa is collected by the sample collection unit 41 in the separated state where the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are separated from each other. The sample Sa is collected by spotting the sample Sa toward one end of the sample collection unit 41 from a dropper or the like (not shown) containing blood collected from a human body. Alternatively, the sample Sa is collected by spotting fingertip blood or the like directly on one end of the sample collection unit 41. As described above, since the sample collection unit 41 is a fine flow path that can exhibit capillary force, a predetermined amount of sample Sa is collected in the sample collection unit 41 by capillary force. The predetermined amount of sample Sa collected remains in the sample collection unit 41.

  5 to 7 show a connected state in which the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are connected after the sample Sa is collected in the sample collection unit 41. As shown in FIG. 5, the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are connected so as to constitute an integral elongated analysis tool A1. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, the connection part 31 of the 1st unit 11 and the connection part 61 of the 2nd unit 12 are connected. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the connection portion 31 is connected so as to enter the through hole provided in the connection portion 61. At this time, the connecting portion 31 enters the connecting portion 61 so that the connecting portion 31 breaks through the sealing member 72 provided on the lower surface of the connecting portion 61 in the drawing. Further, the through hole provided in the connecting portion 31 constitutes the communication channel 21 through which the diluent Ld can be introduced from the diluent tank 71 to the sample collection portion 41. In this way, when the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are connected, the sealing member 72 is opened and the communication channel 21 is formed. In the present embodiment, the communication channel 21 is configured only by the connecting portion 31 that is a part of the first unit 11.

  The configuration at the time of such connection is the same for the electrophoresis solution tank 75, the sealing member 76, the connection part 32, and the connection part 62. That is, when the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are connected, the sealing member 76 is opened and the communication channel 22 through which the electrophoretic liquid Lm can be introduced into the first unit 11 is formed. In the present embodiment, the communication channel 22 is configured only by the connecting portion 32 that is a part of the first unit 11.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting portions 33 and 34 of the first unit 11 and the 63 and 64 of the second unit 12 are connected. Thereby, the voltage application flow paths 811 and 815 of the cylindrical conductor portions 81 and 85 are configured as flow paths connected to the introduction flow paths 42 and 44 of the first unit 11. Further, in the present embodiment, the upper ends of the voltage application flow channels 811 and 815 are connected to an open state or an appropriate position of the analyzer B described later.

  FIG. 8 shows an analysis system based on the first embodiment of the present invention using the analysis tool A1. The analysis system C of this embodiment includes an analysis tool A1 and an analysis device B.

  The analyzer B is an apparatus that performs analysis by electrophoresis by loading the analysis tool A1. The analyzer B includes an electrode 91, an electrode 92, a light emitting unit 93, a light receiving unit 94, a pressure nozzle 95, a pressure nozzle 96, a pump 97, and a control unit 98.

  The electrode 91 and the electrode 92 are for applying a predetermined voltage to the analysis unit 43 as a capillary tube in the electrophoresis method. The electrode 91 applies a voltage by contacting the outer surface 812 of the cylindrical conductor portion 81 of the analysis tool A1. The electrode 92 applies a voltage by contacting the outer surface 852 of the cylindrical conductor portion 85 of the analysis tool A1. Although the voltage applied to the electrode 91 and the electrode 92 is not specifically limited, For example, it is 0.5 kV-20 kV. In addition, arrangement | positioning of the electrode 91 and the electrode 92 in FIG. 8 is shown typically. Actually, the electrode 91 and the electrode 92 are configured to freely move toward and away from the analysis tool A1 in the width direction.

  The light emitting part 93 is a part that emits light for measuring absorbance in electrophoresis. The light emitting unit 93 includes an optical filter and a lens, such as an LED chip that emits light in a predetermined wavelength range. This optical filter attenuates light of a predetermined wavelength out of light from an LED chip or the like, and transmits light of other wavelengths. The lens is for condensing the light transmitted through the optical filter onto the analysis portion of the analysis unit 43 of the analysis tool A1. Moreover, the light emission part 93 may be equipped with the slit. The slit is for removing excess light that may cause scattering or the like from the light collected by the optical filter.

  The light receiving unit 94 receives light transmitted through the analysis unit 43 of the analysis tool A1, and includes, for example, a photodiode or a photo IC.

  The pressure nozzle 95 is a part that is in close contact with the diluent tank 71 of the analytical tool A1 and applies a predetermined pressure (positive pressure or negative pressure) to the diluent tank 71. In addition to the pressure nozzle 95 itself or in addition to the pressure nozzle 95, the analyzer B includes an opening means for opening the sealing member 73 of the analysis tool A1.

  The pressure nozzle 96 is a part that is in close contact with the electrophoresis solution tank 75 of the analysis tool A1 and applies a predetermined pressure (positive pressure or negative pressure) to the electrophoresis solution tank 75. In addition to the pressure nozzle 96 itself or in addition to the pressure nozzle 96, the analyzer B includes an opening means for opening the electrophoresis solution tank 75 of the analysis tool A1.

  The pump 97 is connected to the pressure nozzle 95 and the pressure nozzle 96 and is a pressure generation source for realizing pressure application from the pressure nozzle 95 and the pressure nozzle 96. In addition to the pressure nozzle 95 and the pressure nozzle 96, the pump 97 may be connected to a pressure nozzle (not shown) for applying pressure from another part of the analysis tool A1.

  The control unit 98 controls each unit in the analyzer B. The control unit 98 includes, for example, a CPU, a memory, an interface, and the like.

  Next, the analysis method based on 1st Embodiment of this invention using the analysis system C is demonstrated below. This analysis method includes, for example, a sample collection process, an electrophoresis liquid filling process, a mixing and introducing process, and an electrophoresis process.

<Sample collection process>
First, a sample Sa is prepared. In the present embodiment, the sample Sa is blood collected from a human body. The blood may be whole blood or hemolyzed blood. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a predetermined amount of sample Sa is collected in the sample collection unit 41 in the analysis tool A <b> 1 in the separated state by the technique using the capillary force described above. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, when the analytical tool A <b> 1 is connected, the sealing member 72 and the sealing member 76 are opened and the communication channel 21 and the communication channel 22 are formed. . In FIG. 8, the analysis tool A <b> 1 in this connected state is loaded in the analyzer B.

<Electrophoresis solution filling step>
Next, the electrophoresis solution Lm is filled in the analysis unit 43. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a positive pressure is applied from the pressure nozzle 96 through the opened sealing member 77 in a state where the communication channel 22 is formed in the analysis tool A1 in the connected state. As a result, the electrophoretic liquid Lm in the electrophoretic liquid tank 75 is introduced into the introduction flow path 44 of the first unit 11 through the communication flow path 22 and further filled in the analysis unit 43.

<Mixing introduction process>
Next, the sample Sa and the diluent Ld are mixed. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a positive pressure is applied from the pressure nozzle 95 through the opened sealing member 73 in a state where the communication channel 21 is formed in the analysis tool A1 in the connected state. Thereby, the diluent Ld in the diluent tank 71 is introduced into the sample collection part 41 of the first unit 11 through the communication channel 21. A predetermined amount of sample Sa remains in the sample collection unit 41. For this reason, the diluent Ld and the sample Sa are mixed with the flow of the diluent Ld. Thereby, the diluted sample Sm obtained by diluting the sample Sa with the diluent Ld is obtained. The diluted sample Sm is filled into the introduction channel 42 by the positive pressure from the pressure nozzle 95. Further, the diluted sample Sm reaches the cylindrical conductor portion 81 via the connecting portion 31 from the introduction channel 42j. The sample Sa and the diluent Ld may be mixed by any technique. For example, a reciprocating flow may be generated in the sample collection part 41 and the introduction flow path 42 by alternately applying a positive pressure and a negative pressure from the pressure nozzle 95. Alternatively, unlike the present embodiment, a configuration may be provided in which a mixing tank for mixing the sample Sa and the diluent Ld is provided between the sample collection unit 41 and one end of the analysis unit 43.

<Electrophoresis process>
Next, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the electrode 91 is brought into contact with the cylindrical conductor portion 81, and the electrode 92 is brought into contact with the cylindrical conductor portion 85. Subsequently, a voltage is applied to the cylindrical conductor portion 81 and the cylindrical conductor portion 85 according to an instruction from the control unit 98. This voltage is, for example, 0.5 kV to 20 kV. As a result, an electroosmotic flow is generated, and the diluted sample Sm is gradually moved in the analysis unit 43 as a capillary tube. At this time, since the diluted sample Sm is filled in the introduction channel 42, electrophoresis is performed in a state where the diluted sample Sm is continuously supplied in the analysis unit 43. In addition, light emission from the light emitting unit 93 is started, and absorbance is measured by the light receiving unit 94. Then, the relationship between the elapsed time and the absorbance from the start of voltage application from the electrodes 91 and 92 is measured. Here, an absorbance peak corresponding to a component having a relatively fast moving speed in the diluted sample Sm appears when the elapsed time from the start of voltage application is relatively short. On the other hand, an absorbance peak corresponding to a component having a relatively slow moving speed in the diluted sample Sm appears when the elapsed time from the start of voltage application is relatively long. Thereby, analysis (separation measurement) of each component in diluted sample Sm is performed. Furthermore, an electropherogram is created by subjecting the measured absorbance to arithmetic processing (for example, differential processing, difference processing, etc. by the control unit 98). By calculating the peak height and peak area of this electropherogram, the component ratio and the like in the diluted sample Sm are obtained. Through the above steps, the analysis for the sample Sa (diluted sample Sm) is completed.

  Next, the operation of the analysis tool A1 and the analysis device B will be described.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, when the analysis tool A1 is changed from the separated state to the connected state, the communication channel 21 is configured. The communication channel 21 is configured only by the connecting portion 31 that is a part of the first unit 11. For this reason, when introducing the diluent Ld as the specific liquid stored in the second unit 12 into the first unit 11, it is necessary to perform dispensing using, for example, a nozzle provided in the analyzer B other than the analysis tool A 1. There is no. For this reason, even if the diluent Ld is introduced from the second unit 12 to the first unit 11 in order to perform the analysis, the analyzer B need not touch the diluent Ld at all. Therefore, it is possible to perform analysis appropriately while avoiding complication and contamination of the analysis apparatus B. Further, dedicated bottles for storing the diluted solution Ld and the electrophoresis solution LM are not necessary. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of unnecessary space due to the arrangement of these bottles and avoid an increase in cost. In addition, since it is not necessary to store an amount of the diluent Ld and the electrophoresis solution LM that can be measured multiple times, the cost per measurement can be reduced.

  Further, by opening the analysis tool A1 from the separated state to the connected state, the sealing member 72 is opened and the second unit 12 is connected at the same time. Thereby, in the separated state, the diluent Ld in the diluent tank 71 can be properly stored in a sealed state, while in the connected state facing the analysis, the sealed state of the diluent tank 71 can be immediately opened. Moreover, the analyzer B has an advantage that it is not necessary to provide a dedicated opening means for opening the sealing member 72. The same applies to the opening of the sealing member 76 of the electrophoresis solution tank 75.

  By using the analysis tool A1 as a disposable type analysis tool used for analysis using electrophoresis, the amount of dilution liquid Ld and electrophoresis liquid Lm stored in the second unit 12 is required for one analysis. Just store it. In addition, the analysis using the electrophoresis method can be achieved by preparing the diluting liquid Ld and the electrophoretic liquid Lm, and there is an advantage that it is not necessary to further prepare other types of liquids and reagents.

  By collecting the sample Sa in the sample collection unit 41 using the capillary force, a predetermined amount of the sample Sa can be accurately collected. The analysis tool A1 used for the analysis using the electrophoresis method is formed with an analysis unit 43 as a capillary tube. Such an analysis unit 43 is a fine flow path, and can be provided by the same processing procedure as that of the sample collection unit 41.

  A voltage is applied from the electrode 91 brought into contact with the outer surface 812 of the cylindrical conductor portion 81 to a voltage application channel 811 formed by the inner surface of the cylindrical conductor portion 81. Thereby, the electrode 91 which is a terminal member for applying a voltage in the analyzer B does not need to touch the diluted sample Sm or the like at all. For this reason, when performing the next analysis after finishing a certain analysis, it is not forced to perform cleaning or replacement of the electrode 91. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the analyzer B from being contaminated and to efficiently perform a plurality of analyzes. This also applies to the electrode 92 that contacts the cylindrical conductor portion 85.

  13 to 16 show another embodiment of the present invention. In these drawings, the same or similar elements as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment.

  13 and 14 show an analysis tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The analysis tool A2 of the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the communication channel 21, the connection part 31, and the connection part 61. FIG. 13 shows the analysis tool A2 in the separated state, and FIG. 14 shows the analysis tool A2 in the connected state. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 31 and the connecting portion 61 are formed with through holes having substantially the same inner diameter. In the connected state shown in FIG. 14, the connecting part 31 and the connecting part 61 are pressed against each other with the sealing member 72 interposed therebetween. Then, the sealing member 72 is opened by opening means such as a laser irradiation device provided in the analyzer B. Then, the communication flow path 21 is formed by the through hole of the connecting portion 31 and the through hole of the connecting portion 61. Thus, in the present embodiment, the communication flow path 21 is configured by the connecting portion 31 that is a part of the first unit 11 and the connecting portion 61 that is a part of the second unit 12.

  Also according to such an embodiment, it is possible to perform analysis appropriately while avoiding complication and contamination of the analysis apparatus B.

  FIG. 15 shows an analysis tool according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the analysis tool A3 of the present embodiment, the connecting portion 61 enters the through hole of the connecting portion 31 in the connected state. Further, the sealing member 72 is provided in a portion of the diluent tank 71 above the connection portion 61 in the drawing. When the sealing member 72 is opened by the opening means such as the laser irradiation device described above, the through hole of the connecting portion 61 constitutes the communication channel 21. Thus, in the present embodiment, the communication channel 21 is configured only by the connecting portion 61 that is a part of the second unit 12.

  Also according to such an embodiment, it is possible to perform analysis appropriately while avoiding complication and contamination of the analysis apparatus B.

  FIG. 16 shows an analysis tool according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The analysis tool A4 of this embodiment is different from the analysis tool A1 described above in the configuration of the cylindrical conductor portions 81 and 85. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical conductor portions 81 and 85 are provided in the first unit 11. Correspondingly, electrode concave portions 82 and 86 for accommodating the cylindrical conductor portions 81 and 85 are also formed in the first unit 11. An opening is provided above the cylindrical conductor portions 81 and 85 in the first unit 11 in the drawing, and is connected to a through hole (or a flow path) of the second unit 12.

  Also according to such an embodiment, it is possible to perform analysis appropriately while avoiding complication and contamination of the analysis apparatus B.

  The analysis tool and the analysis system according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of each part of the analysis tool and the analysis system according to the present invention can be varied in design in various ways.

C analysis systems A1 to A4 analysis tools 21, 22 communication channel 11 first unit 111 first upper substrate 112 first lower substrate 31 connection unit 41 sample collection unit 42 introduction channel 43 analysis unit 44 introduction channel 51 incident Concave part 52 Outgoing concave parts 32 to 34 Connecting part 12 Second unit 121 Second base material 122 Through hole 71 Diluent tank 72 Sealing member 73 Sealing member 61 Connecting part 75 Electrophoretic liquid tank 76 Sealing member 77 Sealing member 62 Connecting part 81 Cylindrical shape Conductor portion 811 Voltage application flow path 812 External surface 82 Electrode recess 63 Connection portion 85 Tubular conductor 851 Voltage application flow path 852 External surface 86 Electrode recess 64 Connection portion B Analyzer 91, 92 Electrode 93 Light emission portion 94 Light reception portion 95 Pressure Nozzle 96 Pressure nozzle 97 Pump 98 Control unit Sa Sample Sm Diluted sample Ld Diluted solution Lm Electrophoretic solution

Claims (9)

An analytical tool used for analyzing a sample,
A first unit having an analysis unit for analysis;
A second unit having a specific liquid tank that is connectable to the first unit and encloses an amount of the specific liquid used for a predetermined number of analyzes;
A cylindrical conductor portion, and
In a connected state in which the first unit and the second unit are connected, only a part of the first unit, only a part of the second unit, a part of the first unit, and one of the second units. A communication channel that introduces the specific liquid from the specific liquid tank to the first unit, formed by any one of the parts,
The inner surface of the cylindrical conductor portion constitutes a voltage application channel for applying a voltage to the filled liquid,
An analysis tool , wherein an outer surface of the cylindrical conductor portion is exposed to the outside . The second unit has a sealing member that seals the specific liquid tank,
The analysis tool according to claim 1, wherein when the first unit and the second unit are connected, the sealing member is opened and the communication channel is formed.   The analysis tool according to claim 1, wherein the first unit has a sample collection unit that collects the sample in a separated state separated from the second unit.   The analysis tool according to claim 3, wherein the sample collection unit collects the sample using capillary force. Used as disposable analysis tool, the analysis tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Used for analysis by electrophoresis,
The analysis unit is a capillary tube, the analysis tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The analytical tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the cylindrical conductor portion is formed in the second unit. And analysis tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An analyzer loaded with the analysis tool;
An analysis system comprising: The analysis system according to claim 8 , wherein the analysis device performs pressure control for realizing a flow of a liquid including flowing the specific liquid through the communication channel.

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