JPWO2017203744A1 - Nucleic acid testing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A nucleic acid test apparatus (1) including a pretreatment unit (10) and a chip unit (20), wherein the pretreatment unit (10) includes a sample injection port (11) for injecting a sample, and a sample injection port A capture unit (12) for capturing the measurement object contained in the sample injected from (11) and a nucleic acid extraction reagent for extracting nucleic acid from the measurement object captured by the capture unit (12) are injected A reagent injection port (13) for extracting, a liquid extraction port (14) for discharging a nucleic acid extract containing nucleic acid extracted from the object to be measured by the nucleic acid extraction reagent, and a sample waste liquid The waste liquid discharge port (15), and the nucleic acid test apparatus (1) is a liquid feed channel for feeding the nucleic acid extract discharged from the extract liquid discharge port (14) to the chip part (20). (16) and an opening / closing mechanism for opening or closing the liquid feeding flow path (16). Closing mechanism unit, when the feeding nucleic acid extract to the tip portion (20), to unplugging the Okuekiryuro (16).

Description

  The present invention relates to a nucleic acid test apparatus for testing nucleic acids (deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid) contained in a specimen.

  When testing nucleic acids such as bacteria or genes contained in foods, first obtain a nucleic acid extract from which the nucleic acid has been extracted from the sample by performing a predetermined pretreatment using a pretreatment device, and then prepare a test separately. A method for inspecting nucleic acid by introducing a nucleic acid extract into a chip is known.

  Conventionally, as a pretreatment, a specimen (specimen stock solution) is filtered through a filter to capture an object to be measured (test object) such as bacteria contained in the specimen, and nucleic acid is extracted from the object to be measured by a nucleic acid extraction reagent. A method is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, after a test object is filtered and concentrated through a filter in a syringe containing a specimen, the filter is removed and attached to another syringe containing a nucleic acid extraction reagent to elute the test object. Thus, nucleic acid is extracted.

  The nucleic acid extract from which the nucleic acid has been extracted is put into a test chip, and the nucleic acid is amplified by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or the like, and then the nucleic acid is tested by a predetermined method.

JP-A-4-36197

  However, in the conventional nucleic acid test method, the nucleic acid extract obtained by the pretreatment is manually put into a test chip (usually by manual work such as a pipette). In addition, the pretreatment method disclosed in Patent Document 1 involves an operation of preparing a separate container for each process, such as a filtration process and a nucleic acid extraction process, and transferring a liquid for each process. That is, it is necessary to transfer to another container when moving to each processing step.

  For this reason, in the conventional nucleic acid test | inspection method, work is complicated and there exists a problem that impurities, such as a microbe different from a test object, mix in a nucleic acid extract during a work, and are contaminated.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and in a series of processing steps from a sample pretreatment step to a nucleic acid inspection step, the workability is simple and the nucleic acid extract is contaminated. It aims at providing the nucleic acid test | inspection apparatus which can suppress this.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of a nucleic acid test apparatus according to the present invention includes a preprocessing unit for preprocessing a sample, and a chip unit for testing a nucleic acid of an object to be measured included in the sample A sample injection port for injecting the sample, and for capturing the object to be measured contained in the sample injected from the sample injection port. A capture unit, a reagent injection port for injecting a nucleic acid extraction reagent for extracting nucleic acid from the measurement object captured by the capture unit, and a nucleic acid extracted from the measurement object by the nucleic acid extraction reagent The nucleic acid test apparatus has an extraction liquid discharge port for discharging the nucleic acid extract contained therein and a waste liquid discharge port for discharging the waste liquid of the specimen, and the nucleic acid test apparatus is configured to output the nucleic acid discharged from the extraction liquid discharge port. Deliver the extract to the tip A liquid supply flow path for opening and closing the liquid supply flow path, and the open / close mechanism part is configured to supply the nucleic acid extract to the chip part when the liquid supply is supplied to the chip part. Open the liquid channel.

  According to the present invention, in a series of processing steps from a sample pretreatment step to a nucleic acid inspection step, it is possible to easily perform work and to suppress contamination of the nucleic acid extract.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a nucleic acid test apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the peripheral structure of the nucleic acid test unit in the nucleic acid test apparatus according to the embodiment is viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the peripheral structure of the nucleic acid test unit in the nucleic acid test apparatus according to the embodiment is viewed from the rear. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the nucleic acid test unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the nucleic acid test unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the nucleic acid test apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship among the chip portion, the opening / closing member, and the first to third movable members in the nucleic acid test apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a concentration step (filtration step) of a pretreatment step in the nucleic acid test method according to the embodiment. FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the nucleic acid extraction step of the pretreatment step in the nucleic acid test method according to the embodiment. FIG. 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a nucleic acid extract storage step in the nucleic acid test method according to the embodiment. FIG. 8D is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a mixed solution feeding step in the nucleic acid test method according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps (steps) and order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and limit the present invention. It is not the purpose to do. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional constituent elements.

  Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily shown strictly. Accordingly, the scales and the like do not necessarily match in each drawing. In each figure, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[Nucleic acid testing equipment]
The configuration of the nucleic acid test apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a nucleic acid test apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the peripheral structure of the nucleic acid test unit 100 in the nucleic acid test apparatus 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view when viewed from the front, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view when viewed from the rear. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the nucleic acid test unit 100 in the nucleic acid test apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the nucleic acid test unit 100. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the nucleic acid test apparatus 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a positional relationship among the chip unit 20, the opening / closing member 30, and the first to third movable members 41 to 43 in the nucleic acid test apparatus 1. In FIG. 7, the broken line overlapping the tip portion 20 indicates the positions of the opening / closing member 30 and the first to third movable members 41 to 43. In FIG. 7, the second substrate 20b is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the nucleic acid test apparatus 1 includes a preprocessing unit 10 for performing pretreatment of a sample, and a chip unit 20 (test chip for testing nucleic acid of an object to be measured included in the sample. ). The specimen includes, for example, microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or tissue cells as a measurement object (test object) for testing nucleic acid.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the nucleic acid test apparatus 1 further includes an opening / closing member 30, a first movable member 41, a second movable member 42, a third movable member 43, and a fourth movable member 44. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the opening / closing member 30 includes a first opening / closing member 30a, a second opening / closing member 30b, and a third opening / closing member 30c. In the present embodiment, the first opening / closing member 30a, the second opening / closing member 30b, and the third opening / closing member 30c are configured by the same common member. That is, the first opening / closing member 30 a, the second opening / closing member 30 b, and the third opening / closing member 30 c are configured as one opening / closing member 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the pretreatment unit 10 and the chip unit 20 are integrated as a nucleic acid test unit 100. In the present embodiment, the nucleic acid test unit 100 includes a pretreatment unit 10, a chip unit 20, and an opening / closing member 30, and these are integrated as one unit.

  In addition, the pretreatment unit 10, the chip unit 20, and the opening / closing member 30 are detachable from the nucleic acid test apparatus 1 in an integrated state as the nucleic acid test unit 100. For example, the nucleic acid test unit 100 is a replaceable cartridge, and is replaced every time processing is performed. One treatment is, for example, a series of treatment steps from a sample pretreatment step to a nucleic acid inspection step.

  The pretreatment unit 10 shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 is a processing apparatus used for pretreatment before testing nucleic acid. In the pretreatment unit 10, a pretreatment process for extracting nucleic acids from a specimen is performed. The nucleic acid extracted by the pretreatment unit 10 is collected as a nucleic acid extract, and the collected nucleic acid extract is continuously fed from the pretreatment unit 10 to the chip unit 20.

  The specimen injected into the preprocessing unit 10 is a liquid specimen sample (specimen stock solution). Therefore, when the specimen containing bacteria or the like of the object to be measured is a liquid, this liquid is used as a specimen sample as it is. When the specimen containing bacteria or the like of the object to be measured is a solid, Suspend to make a liquid sample.

  The pretreatment unit 10 is a processing container for performing a nucleic acid extraction process from a specimen. Although the material of the pre-processing part 10 is not specifically limited, For example, resin materials with high heat resistance, such as a polypropylene (PP) or a polycarbonate (PC), metal materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, or glass or ceramics Inorganic materials such as

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the pretreatment unit 10 includes a sample injection port 11, a capture unit 12, a reagent injection port 13, an extract liquid discharge port 14, and a waste liquid discharge port 15. The pretreatment unit 10 further includes an insertion hole 17, a test reagent injection hole 18, and a mounting screw 19.

  The sample injection port 11 is a first injection port for injecting a sample into the preprocessing unit 10. The sample injection port 11 is provided, for example, at the top of the preprocessing unit 10.

  The capturing unit 12 is a belonging member for capturing an object to be measured included in the sample injected from the sample injection port 11, and at least a part of the capturing unit 12 is disposed inside the preprocessing unit 10.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the capturing unit 12 includes a main body 12a for capturing and holding an object to be measured, and a support 12b that supports the main body 12a. The main body 12a is placed on a plate-like support 12b.

  The main body portion 12a is a filtration filter for capturing a measurement object (microorganism) contained in the sample by filtering the sample injected into the preprocessing unit 10. That is, the main body 12a has a plurality of fine eyes (holes) smaller than the size of the object to be measured included in the sample, and the object to be measured can be captured by passing the sample through the main body 12a. . That is, the sample to be measured can be concentrated by filtering the sample with the main body 12a.

  In the present embodiment, the nucleic acid is extracted from the measurement object by injecting the nucleic acid extraction reagent while the measurement object is captured in the main body 12a. At this time, the nucleic acid extraction reagent containing the nucleic acid is allowed to pass through the main body 12a. For this reason, the size of the hole of the main body portion 12a is preferably made larger than the size of the extracted nucleic acid. The nucleic acid extraction reagent containing the nucleic acid extracted from the specimen is discharged from the pretreatment unit 10 as a nucleic acid extract.

  As the main body 12a, a membrane filter made of a material such as cellulose acetate, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), or the like can be used. Moreover, you may use the capture filter which has the function to adsorb the to-be-measured object contained in the specimen as the main-body part 12a. By using such a capture filter, the speed of capturing the object to be measured from the specimen can be improved. In addition, in this Embodiment, although the main-body part 12a is a planar filter, it is not restricted to this, The filter of other shapes, such as cylindrical shape, may be sufficient.

  A plurality of through holes are formed in a central portion corresponding to the main body portion 12a of the support portion 12b. At least a part of the support portion 12b may be made of a metal material or a high thermal conductive resin. Thereby, the nucleic acid extraction reagent can be heated via the support part 12b by a heater or the like.

  The reagent inlet 13 is a second inlet for injecting a nucleic acid extraction reagent. The reagent injection port 13 is provided, for example, in the upper part of the capturing unit 12 in the pretreatment unit 10. The nucleic acid extraction reagent is a liquid reagent for extracting the nucleic acid from the measurement object captured by the capturing unit 12, and for example, the nucleic acid of the measurement object is extracted by eluting the cell membrane of the measurement object (such as bacteria). Have

  The reagent injection port 13 is a through hole provided in the pretreatment unit 10. The reagent inlet 13 is provided with a nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 as an example of a nucleic acid extraction reagent storage unit for storing a nucleic acid extraction reagent. That is, the pretreatment unit 10 includes a nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50. The nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 is provided with, for example, a rubber bag, and the nucleic acid extraction reagent stored in the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 can be pushed out by pushing the rubber bag. The nucleic acid extraction reagent stored in the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 is injected into the pretreatment unit 10 through the reagent injection port 13 at a predetermined timing.

  The extract outlet 14 is a first outlet for discharging the nucleic acid extract containing the nucleic acid extracted from the object to be measured by the nucleic acid extraction reagent. The extraction liquid discharge port 14 is provided in the lower part of the pre-processing part 10, for example. In the present embodiment, the extraction liquid discharge port 14 is located closer to the tip portion 20 than the waste liquid discharge port 15.

  The extraction liquid discharge port 14 is connected to the liquid supply flow path 16, and the nucleic acid extract discharged from the extraction liquid discharge port 14 is sent to the liquid supply flow path 16.

  The waste liquid discharge port 15 is a second discharge port for discharging the sample waste liquid from the pretreatment unit 10. From the waste liquid discharge port 15, the waste liquid of the specimen injected into the pretreatment unit 10 is discharged. That is, the sample that has been injected from the sample injection port 11 and passed through the capturing unit 12 is discharged from the waste liquid discharge port 15 as waste liquid. The waste liquid discharge port 15 is provided in the side part of the pre-processing part 10, for example.

  Although not shown, the waste liquid discharge port 15 is connected to a collection container for collecting the waste liquid by piping or the like, and the waste liquid (specimen) discharged from the waste liquid discharge port 15 is connected to the waste liquid discharge port 15. It is collected in the collection container through the pipe. For example, the waste liquid is discharged from the pretreatment unit 10 by a vacuum pump installed in the nucleic acid test apparatus.

  The liquid feed channel 16 is a channel for feeding the nucleic acid extract discharged from the extract discharge port 14 to the chip unit 20. The liquid feeding flow path 16 is a space surrounded by a groove formed on the bottom surface of the pretreatment unit 10 and the opening / closing member 30, for example. The nucleic acid extract sent from the extract outlet 14 to the feed channel 16 is sent to the storage part 23 of the chip part 20 through the first through hole 31 formed in the opening / closing member 30.

  The insertion hole 17 is a through hole for inserting the stirring dropper 60 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The insertion hole 17 is provided in the upper part of the capture part 12 in the pre-processing part 10, for example. When the nucleic acid extraction reagent is injected into the pretreatment unit 10, the tip of the stirring dropper 60 inserted through the insertion hole 17 is located in the nucleic acid extraction reagent. In this state, the nucleic acid extraction liquid in the pretreatment unit 10 can be stirred by sucking or discharging the nucleic acid extraction reagent with the stirring dropper 60. By stirring the nucleic acid extract, elution of the cell membrane of the measurement object captured by the capturing unit 12 can be promoted. Thereby, the time required for extracting nucleic acid from the object to be measured can be shortened, and the nucleic acid extraction process can be performed efficiently.

  The test reagent injection hole 18 is a through hole for injecting the nucleic acid test reagent into the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24 of the chip unit 20. The test reagent injection hole 18 communicates the outside of the pretreatment unit 10 and the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the attachment screw 19 connects and fixes the pretreatment unit 10, the chip unit 20, and the opening / closing member 30. Specifically, the pretreatment unit 10, the chip unit 20, and the opening / closing member 30 are fixed by tightening four mounting screws 19 with the opening / closing member 30 sandwiched between the pretreatment unit 10 and the chip unit 20. doing. In the present embodiment, the preprocessing unit 10 is divided into two members with the capturing unit 12 as a boundary, and the mounting screw 19 also connects and fixes the two members and the capturing unit 12.

  The chip unit 20 shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 is a testing device for testing nucleic acids. In the chip unit 20, an inspection process for inspecting a nucleic acid contained in the nucleic acid extract is performed. In the present embodiment, the chip unit 20 is a microfluidic device having a channel through which the nucleic acid extract obtained in the pretreatment unit 10 is sent. In the chip unit 20, the nucleic acid extract is sent to the channel. By immersing, the nucleic acid is amplified and the nucleic acid is examined. Specifically, nucleic acid is amplified by flow PCR.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, the chip unit 20 includes a first substrate 20 a and a second substrate 20 b, a test channel 21, a mixing channel 22, a storage unit 23, and a nucleic acid test reagent storage. Part 24.

  The first substrate 20a is a flat lower substrate. The first substrate 20a is provided with a test channel 21, a mixing channel 22, a storage unit 23, and a nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24. Further, the first substrate 20a is provided with a first through hole 25, a second through hole 26, a third through hole 27, and a fourth through hole 28.

  The second substrate 20b is a flat upper substrate and is a lid substrate (sealing substrate) that covers the first substrate 20a. The inspection channel 21 and the mixing channel 22 of the first substrate 20a are sealed by the second substrate 20b. That is, the flow path is a closed system.

  The second substrate 20b is provided with a first through hole 29a, a second through hole 29b, a third through hole 29c, and a fourth through hole 29d. Further, the second substrate 20b is provided with a fifth through hole 22e and a sixth through hole 20f.

  For example, a resin substrate, a glass substrate, a silicon substrate, or the like is used as the first substrate 20a and the second substrate 20b. The first substrate 20a and the second substrate 20b are, for example, transparent substrates, but are not limited thereto.

  The inspection channel 21 is a channel for inspecting nucleic acids. The inspection flow path 21 is a meandering flow path, and is configured to repeatedly pass through a high temperature region (for example, 95 ° C.) and a low temperature region (for example, 60 ° C.) of the heater unit 70 a plurality of times alternately. A mixed solution of a nucleic acid extract and a nucleic acid test reagent for testing nucleic acid flows through the test channel 21. The mixed solution sent to the inspection channel 21 repeatedly passes through the high temperature region and the low temperature region, whereby the nucleic acid contained in the mixed solution is amplified by PCR. That is, the test channel is a nucleic acid amplification channel for performing amplification of nucleic acid contained in the liquid to be sent.

  The mixing channel 22 is a channel for mixing the nucleic acid extract discharged from the extract outlet 14 of the pretreatment unit 10 with a nucleic acid test reagent for testing nucleic acid. The nucleic acid test reagent (PCR reagent) includes, for example, a nucleic acid staining fluorescent reagent for testing the amount of nucleic acid with fluorescence emission intensity, a reaction reagent for amplifying nucleic acid, and the like. The reaction reagent is, for example, a PCR primer, a polymerase enzyme, a buffer or the like. Note that an uneven structure or the like may be formed on the side wall of the mixing channel 22 so that the nucleic acid extract and the nucleic acid test reagent can be easily mixed.

  The reservoir 23 is a recess that is provided between the liquid feeding channel 16 and the mixing channel 22 and stores a nucleic acid extract that is fed through the liquid feeding channel 16. The nucleic acid extract discharged from the extract discharge port 14 of the pretreatment unit 10 passes through the liquid supply channel 16 and passes through the first through hole 31 of the opening / closing member 30 and is stored in the storage unit 23. . That is, the storage unit 23 is a collection unit for collecting the nucleic acid extract obtained by the pretreatment unit 10.

  The nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24 is a recess for storing a nucleic acid test reagent. In the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24, the nucleic acid test reagent is injected and stored in advance before the nucleic acid test in the chip unit 20 is performed. The nucleic acid test reagent is injected from the test reagent injection hole 18 of the pretreatment unit 10 with a dropper or the like.

  The first through hole 25 of the first substrate 20 a and the first through hole 29 a of the second substrate 20 b are provided corresponding to the first movable member 41. When the first movable member 41 moves upward, the first movable member 41 is inserted into the first through holes 25 and 29a, penetrates through the first through holes 25 and 29a, and applies pressure to the first opening / closing member 30a (opening / closing member 30).

  Similarly, the second through holes 26 and 29 b and the third through holes 27 and 29 c are provided corresponding to the first movable member 41 and the second movable member 42. When the second movable member 42 moves upward, the second movable member 42 is inserted into the second through holes 26 and 29b, penetrates through the second through holes 26 and 29b, and applies pressure to the second opening / closing member 30b (opening / closing member 30). Further, when the third movable member 43 moves upward, the third movable member 43 is inserted into the third through holes 27 and 29c, penetrates through the third through holes 27 and 29d, and applies pressure to the third opening / closing member 30c (opening / closing member 30). To do.

  The fourth through hole 28 of the first substrate 20 a and the fourth through hole 29 d of the second substrate 20 b are provided corresponding to the mounting screw 19. In the present embodiment, since four mounting screws 19 are used, four fourth through holes 28 and 29d are provided. A mounting screw 19 is inserted through the fourth through holes 28 and 29d. By inserting the attachment screw 19 through the fourth through holes 28 and 29d, the pretreatment unit 10, the chip unit 20, and the opening / closing member 30 are connected and fixed.

  The fifth through hole 29e of the second substrate 20b is formed corresponding to the storage portion 23 of the first substrate 20a and communicates with the storage portion 23. The sixth through hole 20f of the second substrate 20b is formed corresponding to the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24 of the first substrate 20a and communicates with the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24.

  In the chip part 20 configured as described above, the liquid flowing in the flow path of the chip part 20 is fed by the capillary force generated at the gas-liquid interface. Specifically, the reaction solution, which is a mixed solution of the nucleic acid extract sent from the pretreatment unit 10 and the nucleic acid test reagent stored in the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24, passes through the test channel 21 by capillary force. The inside of the inspection flow path 21 is automatically conveyed by self-propelled flow (Self-propelled flow). Then, the mixed solution (reaction solution) is meandered in the inspection flow path 21 and sent periodically, so that a periodic temperature change is given by the heater unit 70 (see FIG. 2), and is thereby included in the mixed solution. The nucleic acid is amplified.

  The opening / closing member 30 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is made of an elastically deformable material. The opening / closing member 30 is made of, for example, a resin material having elasticity, such as an elastomer. The opening / closing member 30 is elastically deformed when a pressure is applied, and is restored to an original shape by an elastic restoring force when the pressure is not applied. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing member 30 is a flat thin plate-like rectangular rubber film, and is made of, for example, silicone rubber. The opening / closing member 30 is elastically deformed to open or close the liquid or gas flow path.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the opening / closing member 30 includes a first opening / closing part that functions as a film-like first opening / closing member 30a, a second opening / closing part that functions as a film-like second opening / closing member 30b, and a film-like first opening / closing part. And a third opening / closing part functioning as the three opening / closing member 30c.

  The first opening / closing member 30a opens or closes the liquid feeding flow path 16 by elastic deformation.

  The second opening / closing member 30b opens or closes the first air hole communicating the end 21a of the inspection channel 21 and the atmosphere by elastic deformation. As shown in FIG. 7, the 1st air hole and the test | inspection flow path 21 are connected spatially by the groove | channel.

  The third opening / closing member 30c is elastically deformed to open or close the second air hole that communicates the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24 with the atmosphere. As shown in FIG. 7, the second air hole and the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24 are spatially connected by a groove.

  The opening / closing member 30 is provided with a first through hole 31 and a second through hole 32. The first through-hole 31 is provided between the liquid feeding channel 16 and the storage unit 23 of the chip unit 20, and is extracted from the pretreatment unit 10 and fed to the liquid feeding channel 16. Is fed to the reservoir 23 through the first through hole 31. The second through holes 32 are provided corresponding to the fourth through holes 28 and 29d of the chip portion 20 and the mounting screw 19, and four are provided in the present embodiment. A mounting screw 19 is inserted into the second through hole 32.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first movable member 41, the second movable member 42, and the third movable member 43 are respectively a first opening / closing member 30a, a second opening / closing member 30b, and a third opening / closing member 30c. It is movable to elastically deform.

  The first movable member 41, the second movable member 42, and the third movable member 43 are, for example, solenoids, and move in a direction approaching the opening / closing member 30 or in a direction away from the opening / closing member 30. The 1st movable member 41, the 2nd movable member 42, and the 3rd movable member 43 are comprised by the metal material, for example.

  The first opening / closing member 30a and the first movable member 41 function as a first opening / closing mechanism for opening or closing the liquid feeding flow path 16. The first opening / closing mechanism portion is provided in the vicinity of the waste liquid discharge port 15 in the liquid supply passage 16.

  The first opening / closing mechanism (the first opening / closing member 30 a and the first movable member 41) closes the liquid supply channel 16 and sends the nucleic acid extract to the chip unit 20 when injecting the sample into the pretreatment unit 10. In the case of liquid, the liquid supply channel 16 is opened.

  Specifically, the first through-holes 25 and 29a are injected until the sample is injected into the pretreatment unit 10 and the sample contained in the sample is captured by the capturing unit 12 and the sample as waste liquid is discharged. The first movable member 41 is inserted, and the first movable member 41 applies pressure to the first opening / closing member 30a (opening / closing member 30). Thereby, the 1st opening-and-closing member 30a is elastically deformed, and the extract outlet 14 is obstruct | occluded with the 1st opening-and-closing member 30a. As a result, the liquid supply flow path 16 is closed. That is, the liquid supply flow path 16 is closed by the first opening / closing member 30 a being elastically deformed by the first movable member 41.

  On the other hand, when the nucleic acid extract obtained by injecting the nucleic acid extraction reagent into the pretreatment unit 10 is discharged from the pretreatment unit 10 and sent to the storage unit 23 of the chip unit 20, the first opening / closing member 30 a ( The opening / closing member 30) is not pressed by the first movable member 41. Thus, the first opening / closing member 30a is not elastically deformed, and the extract outlet 14 is not closed by the first opening / closing member 30a. As a result, the liquid supply flow path 16 is opened. That is, the liquid supply passage 16 is opened by the first opening / closing member 30a not being elastically deformed.

  The second opening / closing member 30b and the second movable member 42 function as a second opening / closing mechanism for opening or closing the first air hole that communicates the end 21a of the inspection channel 21 and the atmosphere.

  The third opening / closing member 30c and the third movable member 43 function as a third opening / closing mechanism for opening or closing the second air hole that communicates the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24 with the atmosphere.

  In the present embodiment, the second opening / closing member 30b is elastically deformed by the second movable member 42, and the third opening / closing member 30c is elastically deformed by the third movable member 43 to open the first air hole and the second air hole. Thus, the mixed solution of the acid extract and the nucleic acid test reagent is sent to the test channel 21 by capillary force.

  The fourth movable member 44 moves to push the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 when the nucleic acid extraction reagent stored in the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 is injected into the pretreatment unit 10. The fourth movable member 44 is, for example, a solenoid, and moves in a direction approaching the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 or moves away from the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50. When the fourth movable member 44 moves and pushes the rubber bag of the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50, the nucleic acid extraction reagent stored in the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 is pushed out.

[Nucleic acid testing method]
Next, a nucleic acid test method using the nucleic acid test apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8D with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8D are schematic cross-sectional views showing each step of the nucleic acid test method according to the embodiment. FIG. 8A shows the concentration step (filtration step) of the pretreatment step, FIG. 8B shows the nucleic acid extraction step of the pretreatment step, FIG. 8C shows the nucleic acid extract storage step, and FIG. 8D shows the mixed solution feeding step. 8A to 8D are enlarged cross-sectional views of main parts of the nucleic acid test apparatus 1.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8A, the specimen 200 is injected into the preprocessing unit 10. Specifically, the sample 200 (sample stock solution) including the object to be measured 201 is injected into the pretreatment unit 10 from the sample injection port 11. The specimen 200 injected into the preprocessing unit 10 passes through the capturing unit 12.

  At this time, the specimen 200 is filtered and concentrated by the capturing unit 12. That is, the specimen 200 is concentrated by filtering the specimen 200 with the capturing unit 12. Specifically, when the sample 200 passes through the capturing unit 12, the measurement object 201 included in the sample 200 is captured by the capturing unit 12. In the present embodiment, the object to be measured 201 included in the specimen 200 is captured by the main body 12a and stays on the main body 12a when passing through the main body 12a (filter) of the capturing unit 12. The specimen 200 that has passed through the capturing unit 12 is discharged from the preprocessing unit 10 through the waste liquid discharge port 15 as waste liquid.

  In this step, the inside of the pretreatment unit 10 may be decompressed with a vacuum pump or the like. Thereby, since the specimen 200 can be suction filtered, the specimen 200 injected into the pretreatment unit 10 can quickly pass through the capturing unit 12 and be discharged from the pretreatment unit 10.

  Further, when performing this step, the extract opening 14 is closed by the first opening / closing member 30a by moving the first movable member 41 upward and elastically deforming the first opening / closing member 30a (opening / closing member 30). Keep it. That is, the liquid supply flow path 16 is closed by pressing the elastically deformed first opening / closing member 30 a against the extract outlet 14.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the nucleic acid is extracted from the measurement object 201 captured by the capturing unit 12 by injecting the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 into the preprocessing unit 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 is injected into the pretreatment unit 10 from the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 installed in the pretreatment unit 10. In this case, the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 is injected into the pretreatment unit 10 through the reagent injection port 13 by moving the fourth movable member 44 and pushing the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when this step is performed, the first movable member 41 is moved downward, the first opening / closing member 30a (opening / closing member 30) is returned to the original position, and the extract outlet 14 is opened to send the liquid. The channel 16 is opened.

  In this step, when the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 is injected into the pretreatment unit 10, the measurement object 201 captured by the capture unit 12 reacts with the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300. Thereby, the nucleic acid can be extracted from the object to be measured 201. Specifically, the nucleic acid is eluted from the DUT 201 to the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300, and the nucleic acid extract 400 containing the nucleic acid is generated.

  In addition, when extracting a nucleic acid from the to-be-measured object 201, you may carry out by hold | maintaining the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 on the capture part 12. FIG. Thereby, since the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 stays on the capturing unit 12, the measurement object 201 is immersed in the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 for a certain time, and nucleic acid extraction (elution) can be performed efficiently. In this way, when the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 is held on the capture unit 12, for example, the pressure in the lower space of the capture unit 12 of the pretreatment unit 10 may be made higher than the pressure in the upper space by a vacuum pump. After the nucleic acid extraction process is completed, the nucleic acid extract can be passed through the capture unit 12 by its own weight by stopping the vacuum pump.

  Further, when the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 is injected into the pretreatment unit 10, the nucleic acid extraction reagent 300 may be stirred with the stirring dropper 60 (see FIG. 3). Thereby, nucleic acid can be extracted more efficiently.

  Furthermore, the nucleic acid extract in the pretreatment unit 10 may be heated via the first movable member 41 by the heater unit 90 that heats the first movable member 41. Therefore, in order to efficiently conduct the heat of the heater unit 90 to the nucleic acid extract, the first movable member 41 may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as a metal material.

  When all the nucleic acid extraction reagents 300 have passed through the capture unit 12, the nucleic acid extract 400 containing nucleic acids passes through the first through-hole 31 of the opening / closing member 30 through the liquid supply channel 16 as shown in FIG. 8C. And stored in the storage part 23 of the chip part 20.

  At this time, the 1st air hole (refer FIG. 7) which connects the terminal 21a of the test | inspection flow path 21 and air | atmosphere, and the 2nd air hole (FIG. 7) which connects the nucleic acid test reagent storage part 24 of the chip | tip part 20 and air | atmosphere. 7) is closed. For this reason, the nucleic acid extract 400 in the storage unit 23 is not sent before the storage unit 23, and remains in the storage unit 23.

  Thereafter, the second opening / closing member 30b is elastically deformed by the second movable member 42, thereby opening the first air hole that communicates the end 21a of the inspection channel 21 and the atmosphere. Although not shown, the third opening / closing member 30c is elastically deformed by the third movable member 43, thereby opening the second air hole that communicates the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24 of the chip unit 20 with the atmosphere.

  By opening the first air hole and the second air hole in this manner, the nucleic acid extract 400 and the nucleic acid test reagent stored in the storage unit 23 are fed by capillary force. As a result, the nucleic acid extract 400 and the nucleic acid test reagent are mixed in the mixing channel 22, and the mixed solution 500 of the nucleic acid extract 400 and the nucleic acid test reagent is subjected to the test channel 21 by capillary force as shown in FIG. The liquid is sent to The mixed solution 500 is sent to the end 21a of the inspection channel 21.

  At this time, the mixed solution 500 passes through the meandering inspection flow path 21 and sequentially passes through two temperature regions of the heater part 70, ie, a high temperature region and a low temperature region, alternately. As a result, heating and cooling are alternately and repeatedly applied to the mixed solution 500. As a result, the nucleic acid contained in the mixed solution 500 can be amplified by PCR. That is, the nucleic acid contained in the mixed solution 500 is amplified by repeating the denaturation reaction in the high temperature region and the annealing / extension reaction in the low temperature region.

  Thereafter, the amount of nucleic acid amplified is measured using the optical detection device 80 shown in FIG. Specifically, the optical detection device 80 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1 to irradiate the mixed solution 500 in the inspection channel 21 while scanning the laser beam and receive the reflected light. Based on the received reflected light, the amplification amount of the nucleic acid in the mixed solution 500 in the test channel 21 is calculated. As an example, by irradiating the mixed solution 500 with blue laser light, the phosphor contained in the nucleic acid in the mixed solution 500 is caused to emit green light, and the amount of fluorescence of this green light (reflected light) is measured. Thus, the amount of nucleic acid amplification can be calculated.

  As described above, the nucleic acid of the measurement object (microorganism) contained in the specimen can be examined.

[Summary]
As described above, the nucleic acid test apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the preprocessing unit 10 for preprocessing the sample, the chip unit 20 for testing the nucleic acid of the object to be measured included in the sample, and the preprocessing unit 10. A liquid supply flow channel 16 for supplying the nucleic acid extract discharged from the extract liquid discharge port 14 to the chip unit 20, and an opening / closing mechanism unit for opening or closing the liquid supply flow channel 16. The opening / closing mechanism part opens the liquid supply flow path 16 when supplying the nucleic acid extract to the chip part 20.

  As a result, pre-processing such as processing for capturing an object to be measured from a specimen and processing for eluting nucleic acid from the captured object to be measured can be performed without an operation of transferring to each container. The nucleic acid extract obtained through the pretreatment can be sent from the pretreatment unit 10 to the chip unit 20. At this time, the pretreatment in the pretreatment unit 10 and the delivery of the nucleic acid extract to the chip unit 20 can be performed continuously by simply opening or closing the liquid delivery channel 16. Therefore, in a series of processing steps from the sample pretreatment step to the nucleic acid inspection step, the operation can be easily performed, and contamination of the nucleic acid extract can be suppressed. In addition, since there is no transfer work to another container in the series of processing steps, the work time can be shortened.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the pre-processing part 10 and the chip | tip part 20 are integrated, and the pre-processing part 10 and the chip | tip part 20 become detachable with respect to the nucleic acid test | inspection apparatus 1 in the integrated state. Yes.

  Thereby, a series of processing steps from the sample pretreatment step to the nucleic acid inspection step can be performed more easily, and contamination of the nucleic acid extract can be further suppressed. Moreover, the pre-processing part 10 and the chip | tip part 20 can be replaced | exchanged easily by making the integrated pre-processing part 10 and the chip | tip part 20 removable. Thereby, workability | operativity can be improved further.

  In the present embodiment, the extract liquid outlet 14 is located closer to the tip part 20 than the waste liquid outlet 15, and the opening / closing mechanism that opens or closes the liquid supply flow path 16 In the path 16, it is provided in the vicinity of the waste liquid discharge port 15.

  As described above, by providing the opening / closing mechanism portion for opening or closing the liquid supply flow path 16 in the vicinity of the waste liquid discharge port 15, the space between the opening / closing mechanism portion and the waste liquid discharge port 15 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress a part of the waste liquid of the specimen from remaining in the space, and the waste liquid of the specimen can be reliably discharged to the outside through the waste liquid discharge port 15.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism section elastically deforms the membrane-like first opening / closing member 30a that opens or closes the liquid feeding flow path 16 and elastically deforms the first opening / closing member 30a. And a first movable member 41. In this case, the liquid supply passage 16 is closed by the first opening / closing member 30 a being elastically deformed by the first movable member 41.

  Thereby, the liquid supply flow path 16 can be opened and closed with a simple structure. For this reason, the integrated pre-processing part 10 and the chip | tip part 20 can be made smaller. In particular, the opening / closing mechanism can be easily provided near the waste liquid discharge port 15 by simplifying the opening / closing mechanism. As a result, the space between the opening / closing mechanism and the waste liquid discharge port 15 can be further reduced, and it is possible to reliably prevent a part of the waste liquid of the specimen from remaining in the space.

  The nucleic acid test apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a heater unit 90 that heats the first movable member 41, and the heater unit 90 heats the nucleic acid extract via the first movable member 41. Yes.

  In order to inhibit nucleic acid amplification, the nucleic acid extraction reagent itself in the nucleic acid extract solution should have the activity of the nucleic acid extraction reagent lost. For this reason, usually, the nucleic acid extraction reagent is heated at a predetermined temperature (for example, 70 ° C.) in order to promote the extraction of the nucleic acid from the object to be measured by heating the capture unit 12 or the like. In order to lose the activity, the nucleic acid extraction reagent (nucleic acid extract) further containing a nucleic acid may be heated at a predetermined temperature (for example, 90 ° C.) to raise the temperature of the nucleic acid extraction reagent. Therefore, the nucleic acid extract is heated by the heater 90 via the first movable member 41, so that the heating process of the nucleic acid extract can be performed via the film-like first opening / closing member 30a (opening / closing member 30). Thus, the nucleic acid extract can be efficiently heated. In addition, since the nucleic acid extract can be heated without using a special heating mechanism by using the first movable member 41, the nucleic acid test apparatus 1 can be simplified and reduced in cost.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the chip unit 20 includes a mixing channel 22 for mixing the nucleic acid extract discharged from the extract outlet 14 and a nucleic acid test reagent for testing nucleic acid, and a liquid feed flow A reservoir 23 is provided between the channel 16 and the mixing channel 22 and stores a nucleic acid extract that is fed through the solution feeding channel 16.

  Thereby, the nucleic acid extract can be once stored in the storage unit 23 and then poured into the mixing channel 22. That is, the nucleic acid extract and the nucleic acid test reagent can be sent to the mixing channel 22 at an appropriate timing. As a result, the nucleic acid extract and the nucleic acid test reagent can be sufficiently mixed. In other words, if the storage unit 23 is not provided, for example, one of the nucleic acid extract and the nucleic acid test reagent is sent to the mixing channel 22 prior to the other, and the nucleic acid extraction nucleus and the nucleic acid test reagent are sufficiently separated. Although there is a possibility of not mixing, once the nucleic acid extract is stored in the storage unit 23, such a situation can be suppressed.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the chip | tip part 20 has the nucleic acid test reagent storage part 24 for storing a nucleic acid test reagent.

  Thereby, when inject | pouring a nucleic acid test reagent into the chip | tip part 20, it can suppress that a nucleic acid test reagent is contaminated.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the chip | tip part 20 has the test | inspection flow path 21 for test | inspecting a nucleic acid. The nucleic acid test apparatus 1 is elastically deformed by a first air hole that communicates the end 21a of the test flow channel 21 and the atmosphere, and a second air hole that communicates the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 24 and the atmosphere. A membrane-like second opening / closing member 30b for opening or closing the first air hole, a second movable member 42 for elastically deforming the second opening / closing member 30b, and opening the second air hole by elastic deformation. Alternatively, it includes a film-like third opening / closing member 30c to be plugged and a third movable member 43 for elastically deforming the third opening / closing member 30c. Then, the second opening / closing member 30b is elastically deformed by the second movable member 42 and the third opening / closing member 30c is elastically deformed by the third movable member 43 to open the first air hole and the second air hole, A mixed solution of the nucleic acid extract and the nucleic acid test reagent is sent to the test channel 21 by capillary force.

  Accordingly, a mixed solution of the nucleic acid extract and the nucleic acid test reagent can be easily fed to the test flow path 21 of the chip unit 20 without using a separate liquid feed mechanism such as a pump.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the 1st opening / closing member 30a, the 2nd opening / closing member 30b, and the 3rd opening / closing member 30c are comprised by the same common member. Specifically, the first opening / closing member 30 a, the second opening / closing member 30 b, and the third opening / closing member 30 c are configured by one opening / closing member 30.

  Thereby, since the first opening / closing member 30a, the second opening / closing member 30b, and the third opening / closing member 30c can be shared, the structure of the nucleic acid test apparatus 1 can be simplified and the apparatus itself can be downsized. Can be achieved.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the pre-processing part 10 has the nucleic acid extraction reagent container 50 as a nucleic acid extraction reagent storage part for storing a nucleic acid extraction reagent.

  Thereby, when inject | pouring a nucleic acid extraction reagent into the pre-processing part 10, it can suppress that a nucleic acid extraction reagent is contaminated.

(Modification)
The nucleic acid test apparatus and the like according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the storage unit 23 is provided in the chip unit 20, but may be provided in the preprocessing unit 10. That is, the storage unit 23 may be provided in any of the preprocessing unit 10 and the chip unit 20.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the mixed solution 500 was sent with capillary force, it does not restrict to this. For example, the mixed solution 500 may be fed by connecting a syringe pump to the inspection channel 21, or the mixed solution 500 may be fed by a method other than capillary force.

  In addition, a form obtained by making various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art with respect to each embodiment and modification, and any combination of components and functions in the embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention Forms to be made are also included in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Nucleic acid test apparatus 10 Pretreatment part 11 Sample injection port 12 Capture part 13 Reagent injection port 14 Extraction liquid discharge port 15 Waste liquid discharge port 16 Liquid supply flow path 20 Chip part 21 Test flow path 21a Terminal 22 Mixing flow path 23 Reservation part 24 Nucleic acid test reagent storage unit 30a First opening / closing member 30b Second opening / closing member 30c Third opening / closing member 41 First movable member 42 Second movable member 43 Third movable member 70 Heater unit 200 Sample 201 Measured object 300 Nucleic acid extraction reagent 400 Nucleic acid Extract 500 mixed solution

Claims (11)

A nucleic acid test apparatus comprising a pre-processing unit for pre-processing a sample and a chip unit for testing a nucleic acid of a measurement object contained in the sample,
The pre-processing unit is captured by the sample injection port for injecting the sample, a capture unit for capturing the measurement object contained in the sample injected from the sample injection port, and the capture unit. A reagent inlet for injecting a nucleic acid extraction reagent for extracting nucleic acid from the object to be measured, and a nucleic acid extract containing the nucleic acid extracted from the object to be measured by the nucleic acid extraction reagent. An extraction liquid discharge port, and a waste liquid discharge port for discharging the waste liquid of the specimen,
The nucleic acid test apparatus comprises:
A liquid feed flow path for feeding the nucleic acid extract discharged from the extract discharge port to the chip part;
An opening and closing mechanism for opening or closing the liquid flow path,
The nucleic acid test apparatus, wherein the opening / closing mechanism part opens the liquid supply channel when the nucleic acid extract is supplied to the chip part. The pre-processing unit and the chip unit are integrated,
The nucleic acid test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pretreatment unit and the chip unit are detachable from the nucleic acid test apparatus in an integrated state. The extraction liquid discharge port is located on the tip side from the waste liquid discharge port,
The nucleic acid test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing mechanism is provided in the vicinity of the waste liquid discharge port in the liquid supply channel. The opening / closing mechanism is
A membrane-like first opening / closing member that opens or closes the liquid flow path by elastic deformation;
The nucleic acid test apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first movable member for elastically deforming the first opening / closing member. The nucleic acid test apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the liquid feeding channel is closed by the first opening / closing member being elastically deformed by the first movable member. A heater portion for heating the first movable member;
The nucleic acid test apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the heater unit heats the nucleic acid extract via the first movable member. The tip portion is
A mixing channel for mixing the nucleic acid extract discharged from the extract outlet and a nucleic acid test reagent for testing the nucleic acid;
A storage unit that is provided between the liquid supply channel and the mixing channel and stores the nucleic acid extract that is supplied through the liquid supply channel. 2. The nucleic acid test apparatus according to claim 1. The nucleic acid test apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the chip unit includes a nucleic acid test reagent storage unit for storing the nucleic acid test reagent. The chip portion has a test flow path for testing the nucleic acid,
The nucleic acid test apparatus comprises:
A first air hole communicating the end of the inspection channel and the atmosphere;
A second air hole communicating the nucleic acid test reagent storage unit and the atmosphere;
A film-like second opening / closing member that opens or closes the first air hole by elastic deformation;
A second movable member for elastically deforming the second opening / closing member;
A film-like third opening / closing member that opens or closes the second air hole by elastic deformation;
A third movable member for elastically deforming the third opening / closing member,
The second opening and closing member is elastically deformed by the second movable member and the third opening and closing member is elastically deformed by the third movable member, thereby opening the first air hole and the second air hole. The nucleic acid test apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the mixed solution of the nucleic acid extract and the nucleic acid test reagent is sent to the test channel by capillary force. The nucleic acid test apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first opening / closing member, the second opening / closing member, and the third opening / closing member are configured by the same common member. The nucleic acid test apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pretreatment unit includes a nucleic acid extraction reagent storage unit for storing the nucleic acid extraction reagent.

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