KR101816933B1 - Bio sensor and Processing method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a biosensor and a method of operating the same. The present invention relates to a blood sampling device comprising a body part in which a first channel through which a specimen flows and a specimen injection hole for injecting the specimen into the first channel are formed and a body part formed in the body part, A vent hole portion for discharging the air inside the first channel to the outside and an inlet portion of the vent hole portion exposed to the outside to be connected to at least one of the sample injection hole and the vent hole And a valve for opening and closing at least one of the inlet portions.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a biosensor and a method of operating the same,

The present invention relates to a biosensor and a method of operating the same, and more particularly, to a biosensor capable of controlling the speed of a sample flowing through a first channel and a method of operating the same.

As the life expectancy of modern people increases, the kinds of diseases that accompany them have also become diverse, and various diagnosis devices and diagnosis systems for the prevention and diagnosis of diseases have been developed.

Among them, the in vitro diagnostic apparatuses can detect the substance to be analyzed using the body fluids of the human body such as blood and urine as a sample, and can quantitatively analyze the presence or absence of the disease quickly, so that promptness, efficiency, And so on.

On the other hand, the biosensor, which can be used variously from the diagnosis of pregnancy to the inspection of various diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis, uses minute proteins and DNA such as antibodies, so that the accuracy of the biosensor becomes an important task have.

Meanwhile, in the above-described biosensor, the time during which the specimen remains in the detection unit is closely related to the accuracy of the sensor. At this time, whether or not the time for which the specimen remains in the detection section is sufficient for the specimen to react with the detection section is a very important problem. When the specimen moves inside the channel as described above, air may be present inside the channel. In particular, when the vent hole connected to the channel is closed, air pressure is applied to the sample flowing in the channel, and the sample may not move if the resistance due to the air pressure becomes equal to the capillary force due to the channel . Accordingly, various structures may be formed in the channel to discharge the air inside the channel to the outside.

Specifically, a general biosensor is disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-0108428 (entitled Second Channel for Biological Sample Analysis - Nanofluidic Biochip, Applicant: In-Sight Co., Ltd.).

Korean Patent Publication No. 2009-0108428

The embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a biosensor that is accurate and easy to analyze by controlling the speed of a sample flowing through a first channel and a method of operating the same.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blood pressure monitor comprising: a body part having a first channel through which a sample flows and having a sample injection hole for injecting the sample into the first channel; And a vent hole part connected to at least one of the sample injection hole and the inlet part of the vent hole part exposed to the outside, And a valve for opening and closing at least one of inlet portions of the vent hole portion.

The body portion may include an upper plate and a lower plate having a first channel groove formed by being drawn in one side and a lower plate coupled with the upper plate to cover the first channel groove to form the first channel .

The vent hole may be formed in the upper plate.

The vent hole may be formed in the lower plate.

The apparatus may further include a second channel formed in the body portion.

The apparatus may further include a tube connecting the at least one of the specimen injection hole and the inlet portion of the vent hole portion to the valve.

The control unit may further include a control unit for controlling the operation of the valve.

The apparatus may further include a flow rate measuring unit installed in the body and measuring a flow rate of the sample flowing through the first channel.

In addition, an On signal and an Off signal applied to the valve can be controlled based on the flow rate of the sample measured by the flow rate measuring unit.

In addition, the ON signal and the OFF signal can be alternately applied to the valve.

In addition, the ON signal and the OFF signal may be different in time.

Also, the ON signal may be applied for a shorter time than the OFF signal.

In addition, at least one of a time when the ON signal is applied and a time when the OFF signal is applied may vary according to the length direction of the first channel, which is the moving direction of the sample.

Also, as the specimen flows and the shape of the specimen becomes longer, the time for which the ON signal and the OFF signal are applied may increase.

In addition, a plurality of the flow velocity measuring units may be provided, and the plurality of flow velocity measuring units may be installed on the first channel to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

The flow rate measuring unit may be installed in at least one of an inlet portion of the first channel, a central portion of the first channel, and an inlet portion of the vent hole portion.

Further, the first channel may include a detection unit for detecting the specimen, and the detection unit may be formed on at least one of an inlet of the first channel, a center of the first channel, and an outlet of the first channel .

The flow rate measuring unit may be spaced apart from the detector by a predetermined distance.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for measuring a flow rate of a sample, comprising the steps of: placing a specimen on an inlet of a first channel and moving the specimen along a first channel; measuring a flow rate of the specimen moving along the first channel And controlling the opening and closing of at least one of the sample injection hole and the vent hole portion connected to the first channel based on the flow rate of the sample measured by the flow rate measuring portion .

In addition, controlling the opening and closing of at least one of the specimen injector hole and the vent hole portion may include applying an On signal and an Off signal to a valve installed in at least one of the specimen injector hole and the vent hole portion .

Embodiments of the present invention do not require a separate driving force, for example, a pump, for moving a specimen, and thus can be manufactured easily. Particularly, in the embodiments of the present invention, a valve for opening and closing the vent hole portion is provided, so that installation and manufacture can be simplified.

Further, the embodiments of the present invention can precisely and precisely control the movement of the specimen through the valve. Particularly, the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various kinds of specimens because the time for allowing the specimen to stay in the detecting unit can be easily controlled, and a separate structure for delaying the flow of the specimen is not installed. Can be reduced.

1 is a perspective view showing a biosensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the biosensor shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Fig.
4 is a block diagram showing a control flow of the biosensor shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the flow of a specimen in the lower plate shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
6 is an exploded perspective view showing a biosensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the present specification, the singular form includes plural forms unless otherwise specified in the specification. It is noted that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in the specification are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the components, steps, operations, and / Or additions. The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by terms. Terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

1 is a perspective view showing a biosensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the biosensor 100 shown in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Fig.

1 to 3, the biosensor 100 may include a body 110 in which a first channel 140 through which a specimen flows is formed. At this time, the body 110 may include an upper plate 120 and a lower plate 130 having a first channel groove 131 drawn in one side.

Here, a specimen means a solution to be detected, which means a substance suspected of containing an analyte. For example, the sample may be any biological source such as a physiological fluid, including blood, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, sweat, urine, milk, ascites, mucus, nasal fluid, hemoptysis, joint blood, peritoneal fluid, For example, a person, an animal, etc.).

In addition, a sample can be obtained directly from a biological source, or can be used after pretreatment to modify the characteristics of the sample. The pretreatment may include filtration, precipitation, dilution, mixing, concentration, inactivation of interference components, lysis, addition of reagents, and the like. As an example, measures such as separating plasma from blood may be performed.

Meanwhile, the upper plate 120 may be formed to penetrate the sample injection hole 121 to inject the sample from the outside. The specimen injection hole 121 may be an opening formed by removing a part of the upper plate 120 to inject the specimen into the biosensor 100. The sample injection hole 121 is formed to correspond to the position of a filter (not shown) to be described later.

Further, the upper plate 120 may be formed of a light-transmitting material. When the upper plate 120 is formed of a light transmitting material, it is possible to confirm both the flow of the specimen and the results of the detection unit (not shown) on the first channel 140, Can be omitted.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, a cover (not shown) having a hole at its center may be coupled to the specimen injection hole 121. A cover (not shown) prevents the filter from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing contamination of the filter. When a specimen is injected through the specimen injection hole 121, for example, It is possible to prevent the filter from being damaged by the contact.

In addition, since a hole is formed in the center of the cover (not shown), the inserted specimen is always absorbed by the filter at a predetermined position, thereby reducing the error of the inspection result and increasing the accuracy, thereby improving the reliability of the biosensor 100 . To this end, the cover (not shown) may have a concave shape at the central portion where the holes are formed.

The lower plate 130 may be coupled with the upper plate 120 to cover the first channel groove 131 to form the first channel 140. At this time, the longitudinal shape of the first channel 140 through which the specimen flows can be formed in various shapes. For example, the longitudinal shape of the first channel 140 may be a straight line. In addition, the longitudinal shape of the first channel 140 may be formed in a straight shape and then bent at an end portion. Specifically, when the first channel 140 is formed by bending, the first channel 140 may be formed in a 'C' shape.

However, the longitudinal shape of the first channel 140 is not limited to the above, and may include any shape formed by injecting the sample and flowing the capillary force of the first channel 140. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case where the longitudinal shape of the first channel 140 is 'C' shape will be mainly described.

Meanwhile, the first channel groove 131 may include a seating part 132 in which the sample is injected and stored for a predetermined time. The seating part 132 may have a shape gradually narrowed along the flow direction of the specimen. At this time, the width of the seating part 132 may be reduced, and the capillary force may be increased to move the specimen stored in the seating part 132. Further, the seat portion 132 may be provided with the filter described below.

At this time, the seating part 132 may be formed to have a lower height than one surface of the lower plate 130, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the seating part 132 may have the same height as the lower plate 130, and a wall part (not shown) may be formed on the lower plate 130 to define the seating part 132.

The seating part 132 is a region in which the filter corresponding to a groove (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 120 is positioned, and the seating part 132 is a region in which the sample passing through the filter is located only in one direction The remaining three sides have a clogged structure so that they can move.

Fillers 132a and 132b may be formed on the seating part 132. [ The fillers 132a and 132b may include a first filler 132a having a uniform size and a second filler 132b having a larger size than the first filler 132a. The second pillar 132b is in contact with the lower surface of the filter.

When the first pillar 132a and the second pillar 132b are in contact with the lower surface of the filter, the sample is prevented from being formed on the lower surface of the filter, so that the sample can quickly come out of the filter have. In particular, the second pillar 132b may be formed in the seating part 132 at a position close to the first channel 140 for rapid introduction of the sample into the first channel 140. [

Meanwhile, the lower plate 130 may include the detection part formed in the first channel groove 131. The detection portion may be formed at various positions. For example, the detection part may be formed in the seating part 132 and may be formed in the first flow groove 133. Also, the detection part may be formed in the storage chamber groove 134. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case where the detection unit is formed on the seat part 132 will be mainly described.

 On the other hand, the detection unit includes a detection substance that reacts with an analyte contained in a specimen as a detection target solution. For example, the detection unit may be formed by fixing a coloring reagent such as a fluorescent reagent or a gold reagent on the first channel 140.

For example, the detection unit is mixed with a color source such as fluorescence or gold nano-beads. When the analyte contained in the specimen reacts specifically with the detection substance in the detection unit, a signal such as color development or fluorescence is emitted. The signal can be detected with the naked eye or a detector, or the intensity of light can be measured using a detection system. Therefore, the presence or absence and the amount of the analyte contained in the specimen can be known.

The first channel groove 131 may include a first flow groove 133 extending from the seating part 132 and flowing the sample. At this time, the first flow grooves 133 are formed by being drawn from one side of the lower plate 130, so that the specimen can flow by the capillary force.

The first channel groove 131 may include a storage chamber groove 134 connected to the first flow groove 133 to store unreacted residue in the detection unit described later. At this time, the storage chamber groove 134 may have a shape in which the storage chamber groove 134 is gradually widened along the flow direction of the specimen so as to increase the capillary force and promote the inflow of the residue.

In addition, the first channel groove 131 may include a second flow groove 135 connected to the storage chamber groove 134. At this time, the second flow groove 135 can prevent a sample from being accumulated in the storage chamber groove 134 by flowing and storing a part of the sample stored in the storage chamber groove 134.

The second flow groove 135 may be connected to the storage chamber groove 134 at an angle. Specifically, the second flow groove 135 may be connected to be bent from the storage chamber groove 134. At this time, the second flow grooves 135 may be formed parallel to the first flow grooves 133 from the storage chamber grooves 134 toward the seating portions 132. The second flow channel 135 may form an end portion of the first channel 140 and may be connected to the vent hole portion 160 to be described later.

Meanwhile, the first channel groove 131 may be formed to have a lower height than one surface of the lower plate 130, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first channel groove 131 may have the same height as that of the lower plate 130, and a wall portion (not shown) may be formed on the lower plate 130 to partition the first channel groove 131 and the lower plate 130.

The lower plate 130 may include a first protrusion 132c formed to be adjacent to the seating part 132 along the flow direction of the specimen. The first protrusion 132c diffuses the specimen passed through the filter in the right and left directions to adjust the flow rate of the specimen and allows the specimen to flow into the first channel 140 uniformly. For example, the first protrusion 132c may be formed in an embossed form. The sample moving toward the first channel 140 is prevented from proceeding in a linear direction by the first protrusion 132c, So that the first channel 140 can be uniformly flowed into the first channel 140.

As another example, unlike the drawing, the first protrusion 132c may be a line pattern formed in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the specimen. A plurality of line patterns may be formed along the flow direction of the specimen. Such a plurality of line patterns can extend the specimen left and right so that the specimen can flow into the first channel 140 uniformly.

The lower plate 130 may further include a second projection (not shown) formed in the storage chamber groove 134. The second projection may be formed in the reservoir chamber groove 134 to prevent the backflow of the residue stored in the reservoir chamber groove 134. At this time, the second protrusion is not shown in the drawing, but may be formed in the storage chamber groove 134 in a form similar to the first protrusion 132c as the case may be.

The lower plate 130 may include a second channel groove 136 formed in the first channel groove 131. Specifically, the second channel groove 136 may be formed between the first flow groove 133 and the second flow groove 135. At this time, the second channel groove 136 may be formed as a partition wall of the first flow groove 133 and the second flow groove 135. Particularly, the second channel groove 136 may be formed higher than the depth of the first flow groove 133 and the second flow groove 135.

When the lower plate 130 is coupled with the upper plate 120, the second channel groove 136 is formed in a space between the upper plate 120 and the lower surface of the second channel groove 136, Can be formed. At this time, the second channel 150 may assist the movement of the specimen flowing through the first channel 140 by moving part of the specimen by the capillary force.

The upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 may be formed of a non-reactive material that does not react with a sample such as polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate PMMA), or the like.

The upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 may be joined together by a hot bonding method, an epoxy bonding method, a chemical bonding method, an ultrasonic bonding method, a plasma bonding method, a solvent bonding method, The plates 130 may be surrounded by a label (not shown) in a state where they are coupled to each other.

Although the upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 are shown as having the same size in the figure, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first plate 120 and the lower plate 130 may be provided between the upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130, When the channel 140 is formed, a concave stepped portion is formed on the upper surface of the lower plate 130, and an upper plate 120 having a smaller size than the lower plate 130 is seated on the stepped portion, . Alternatively, the upper plate 120 may be formed larger than the lower plate 130.

Meanwhile, the biosensor 100 may include the filter installed in the first channel 140. At this time, the filter may be installed in the seating part 132. The filter may be a porous membrane such as paper, nitrocellulose, cellulose, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), poly (ethyleneterephthalate), polyethersulfone (PES), glass fiber or nylon. Not limited.

The biosensor 100 may include a first channel 140 formed in the body 110 and a vent hole 160 connected to the outside to discharge the air of the first channel 140 to the outside . At this time, the vent hole 160 may be formed to pass through the body 110. In addition, the vent hole 160 may be connected to the second flow groove 135. In particular, the vent hole 160 may be connected to the end of the second flow groove 135.

Meanwhile, the vent hole portion 160 may be formed at various positions. For example, the vent hole portion 160 may be formed in the upper plate 120. In particular, the vent hole 160 may be formed on the upper surface or the side surface of the upper plate 120. The vent hole 160 may be formed in the lower plate 130. At this time, the vent hole 160 may be formed on a side surface or a bottom surface of the lower plate 130.

The vent hole portion 160 is not limited to the above but may be formed at various positions. Hereinafter, the vent hole portion 160 is formed on the upper surface of the upper plate 120 for convenience of description .

The biosensor 100 is connected to at least one of a specimen injection hole 121 and an inlet portion of a vent hole portion 160 that is exposed to the outside and is connected to the specimen injection hole 121 and the vent hole portion 160, And a valve 170 that opens and closes at least one of the inlet portions. At this time, the valve 170 may be detachably attached to at least one of the inlet of the specimen injection hole 121 and the inlet of the vent hole 160. The valve 160 may be connected to at least one of the specimen injection hole 121 and the inlet portion of the vent hole portion 160 through a separate medium. Hereinafter, the valve 170 will be described in detail with respect to a case where the valve 170 is installed in the vent hole 160 for convenience of explanation.

The valve 170 may be formed in various shapes. For example, the valve 170 may be formed in the form of a solenoid. In addition, the valve 170 may be formed in the form of a check valve. At this time, the valve 170 may include all the devices for opening and closing the inlet portion of the vent hole portion 160 for a predetermined time. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the valve 170 will be described mainly in the case of a solenoid type.

The biosensor 100 may include a flow rate measuring unit 180 installed in the body 110 to measure a flow rate of a sample flowing through the first channel 140. At this time, the flow velocity measuring unit 180 may be spaced apart from the detector by a predetermined distance. Particularly, the flow rate measuring unit 180 can be installed at various positions. For example, the flow rate measuring unit 180 may be installed on at least one of the inlet of the first channel 140, the center of the first channel 140, and the inlet of the vent hole 160. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the flow channel measuring unit 180 is installed at the center of the first channel 140, that is, the first flow channel 133.

The flow velocity measuring unit 180 may be variously formed. For example, the flow velocity measuring unit 180 may include a light source unit 181 that emits light to the outside, and a light receiving unit 182 that detects light emitted from the light source unit 181. In addition, the flow rate measuring unit 180 may include an apparatus for measuring the flow rate of the sample using ultrasonic waves. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the flow velocity measuring unit 180 will be described mainly with reference to a case including the light source unit 181 and the light receiving unit 182. FIG.

The light source unit 181 may be installed on the upper plate 120 and the light receiving unit 182 may be installed on the lower plate 130. The light source unit 181 may be mounted on the lower plate 130. In the case where the flow rate measuring unit 180 includes the light source unit 181 and the light receiving unit 182, . The light source unit 181 may be installed on the lower plate 130 and the light receiving unit 182 may be installed on the upper plate 120. Hereinafter, the light source unit 181 will be described with reference to the case where the light receiving unit 182 is installed on the upper plate 120 and the light receiving unit 182 is installed on the lower plate 130 for convenience of explanation.

At this time, the light emitted from the light source unit 181 passes through a part of the upper plate 120, passes through the first channel 140, and can be detected by the light receiving unit 182.

On the other hand, a plurality of flow velocity measuring units 180 may be provided. At this time, the plurality of flow velocity measuring units 180 may be installed on the first channel 140 so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In particular, a plurality of flow velocity measuring units 180 may be installed at various positions of the first channel 140.

For example, one of the plurality of flow velocity measurement units 180 may be installed at a portion where the first flow groove 133 and the seating portion 132 are connected. The other one of the plurality of flow rate measuring units 180 may be installed at a portion where the first flow grooves 133 and the storage chamber grooves 134 are connected or at a central portion of the first flow grooves 133. And may be installed in the second flow groove 135 which is another one of the plurality of flow velocity measuring units 180. At this time, the plurality of flow velocity measuring units 180 may measure the flow velocity of each part and transmit the measured flow velocity to a control unit (not shown) to be described later.

When a plurality of flow velocity measuring units 180 are installed as described above, they may be installed at various positions without being limited to the above-mentioned positions. In particular, the plurality of flow velocity measuring units 180 may be installed at all positions where the flow rate of the sample flowing through the first channel 140 can be measured. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the case where the flow velocity measuring unit 180 is provided as one and the case where the flow velocity measuring unit 180 is installed in the first flow groove 133 will be described.

Meanwhile, the biosensor 100 may include a controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of the valve 170. At this time, the control unit may control the operation of the valve 170. Specifically, the control unit may apply an On signal for opening the valve 170 and an Off signal for closing the valve 170. At this time, the controller may control the time for which the ON signal and the OFF signal are applied to be varied.

The biosensor 100 may further include a tube 195 connecting the inlet of the valve 170 and the vent hole 160. At this time, the tube 195 may not be installed. In particular, when the tube 195 is not installed, the valve 170 may be installed directly at the inlet of the vent hole 160. Hereinafter, the valve 195 and the inlet of the vent hole 160 are connected to each other for convenience of explanation.

Hereinafter, a method of operating the biosensor 100 will be described in detail.

4 is a block diagram showing the control flow of the biosensor 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the flow of a specimen in the lower plate 130 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, when the biosensor 100 is operated, the specimen can be injected into the specimen injection hole 121. At this time, if the cover is present, the cover may be opened or the specimen may be injected through a hole formed in the cover.

When the specimen is injected as described above, the specimen can be seated on the filter through the specimen injection hole 121. The specimen that has passed through the filter can contact the first pillar 132a, the second pillar 132b, and the first protrusion 132c. At this time, the first pillar 132a and the second pillar 132b come into contact with the lower surface of the filter to prevent the sample from being formed on the lower surface of the filter.

In addition, the specimen may contact the first protrusion 132c while passing through the filter. At this time, the first protrusion 132c diffuses the specimen in the left-and-right direction as described above to adjust the flow rate of the specimen so that the specimen can flow into the first channel 140 uniformly.

Meanwhile, when the specimen flows into the seating part 132 as described above, the specimen can be moved to the first flow groove 133 connected to the seating part 132. At this time, a part of the specimen stored in the seating part 132 can be moved through the second channel groove 136. Particularly, a part of the specimen may flow through the second channel groove 136 by the capillary force of the second channel 150.

At this time, the first flow grooves 133 can be moved by the capillary force along the first channel 140 formed by the first flow grooves 133 and the upper plate 120. Particularly, when a part of the specimen flows by the capillary force of the second channel 150, the flow velocity of the specimen can be further increased by applying a pulling force to a part of the specimen flowing through the first flow groove 133 .

The size of the second channel 150 may be smaller than the size of the first channel 140. Specifically, the width of the second channel groove 136 may be smaller than the width of the first channel groove 131, and in particular, the width of the second channel groove 136 may be smaller than the width of the first flow groove 133 .

When the specimen moves in the first flow groove 133 as described above, the flow velocity measuring unit 180 can measure the flow velocity of the specimen. Specifically, the light source unit 181 can emit light to the outside. At this time, the light receiving unit 182 can detect whether or not the light reaches. In particular, a plurality of light source units 181 and a plurality of light receiving units 182 may be provided to sense the flow rate of the sample.

For example, the light source unit 181 may include the first and second light source units 181, and the light receiving unit 182 may include the first and second light receiving units 182 matching the first and second light source units 181, respectively. have. At this time, when the specimen moves in the first flow groove 133, the specimen can reach the portion where the first light source unit 181 and the first light receiving unit 182 are located.

When the specimen is reached as described above, the light intensity of the first light source unit 181 sensed by the first light receiving unit 182 may vary or light may not be sensed. Further, when the specimen continuously moves through the first flow grooves 133, the specimen can reach the portion where the second light source unit 181 and the second light receiving unit 182 are located. At this time, the second light receiving unit 182 may operate in a manner similar to the first light receiving unit 182.

The control unit 190 may calculate the time between the first and second light receiving units 182 and 182 during the movement of the specimen. The first light receiving unit 182 and the second light receiving unit 182 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and the distance between the first light receiving unit 182 and the second light receiving unit 182 may be previously stored in the controller 190 .

The control unit 190 may calculate the flow rate of the specimen based on the time and the distance. At this time, the flow rate of the specimen may be different depending on the properties of the specimen. For example, the flow rate of the sample may be different depending on the providing object providing the sample, the kind of the sample, the component of the sample, the viscosity of the sample, the case where a separate mixture is diluted with the sample, and the like.

Therefore, the control unit 190 can measure the property of the specimen at the flow rate of the specimen, and set the on signal and the off signal of the valve 170 based on the flow rate of the specimen. Specifically, the controller 190 can determine the time, the number of times, and the application order of the ON signal and the OFF signal. In particular, the control unit 190 may store the time of applying the ON signal and the OFF signal of the valve 170 according to the flow rate of the specimen, the number of times of application, and the application order thereof in a table form.

On the other hand, when the ON signal and the OFF signal of the valve 170 are determined according to the flow rate of the sample, the controller 190 can control the valve 170. Specifically, the control unit 190 may alternately apply the ON signal and the OFF signal to the valve 170.

Also, the control unit 190 may set the time when the ON signal is applied and the signal to which the OFF signal is applied to be different from each other. Specifically, the ON signal period may be shorter than the OFF signal period.

For example, the control unit 190 may apply the on-signal to the valve 170 for a first time when the flow rate of the sample is the first flow rate. Also, the controller 190 may apply the off signal to the valve 170 for a second time. At this time, the first time and the second time may be different from each other as described above. In particular, the first time may be shorter than the second time.

As described above, when the first time is applied, the specimen can move through the first flow channel 133. On the other hand, when the second time is applied, the specimen may not move in the first flow groove 133.

While being controlled as described above, the controller 190 may apply the ON signal to the valve 170 alternately for the first time and the OFF signal for the second time. At this time, the specimen can be moved forward without repeatedly moving through the first flow grooves 133 according to the ON signal and the OFF signal.

Meanwhile, the control unit 190 may change at least one of the time during which the ON signal is applied and the time during which the OFF signal is applied while the sample continuously moves through the first flow groove 133. [

Specifically, the control unit 190 may vary the time for which the ON signal is applied from the first time to the third time according to the length direction of the first channel 140, which is the moving direction of the specimen. At this time, the third time may be longer than the first time.

In addition, the control unit 190 may vary the time for which the OFF signal is applied from the second time to the fourth time along the length direction of the first channel 140, which is the moving direction of the specimen. At this time, the fourth time may be longer than the second time.

Meanwhile, in addition to being controlled as described above, the controller 190 may change the first time only, do not change the second time, change only the second time, and may not change the first time. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the case where only the first time is varied to the third time will be mainly described.

As described above, when the first time is changed to the third time, the specimen can maintain a constant flow rate. Specifically, when the specimen flows, the frictional force between the specimen and the wall forming the first flow groove 133 may increase as the area of the specimen increases in the first flow groove 133.

At this time, the control unit 190 changes the first time to the third time and increases the time for the air in the first channel 140 to escape through the valve 170, so that the capillary force applied to the specimen is applied It is possible to increase the losing time. At this time, if the time during which the capillary force is applied is increased as described above, the flow velocity of the specimen due to the frictional force of the first flow channel 133 can be prevented from decreasing. Accordingly, the velocity of the specimen moving through the first flow groove 133 can be maintained at a constant speed at which the first flow groove 133 is moved.

On the other hand, when the control is performed as described above, the detection unit can inspect the specimen. Specifically, when the off signal is applied, the movement of the specimen is stopped and the specimen can be inspected. On the other hand, when the on-signal is applied, the specimen can be prevented from being solidified by moving the specimen.

At this time, the off signal may be set to a time sufficient for the sample to be audited by the detection unit. Specifically, the second time or the fourth time when the OFF signal is applied may be preset in the controller 190.

Therefore, the biosensor 100 does not need a separate driving force for moving the specimen, for example, a pump, and thus the biosensor 100 can be manufactured easily. In particular, the biosensor 100 can be easily installed and manufactured by providing a valve 170 for opening and closing the vent hole 160.

Also, the biosensor 100 can precisely and precisely control the movement of the specimen through the valve 170. In particular, since the biosensor 100 can easily control the time for the specimen to remain in the detection unit, the biosensor 100 can be applied to various kinds of specimens and a separate structure for delaying the flow of the specimen is not installed. Can be reduced.

6 is an exploded perspective view showing a biosensor 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6, the biosensor 200 may include a body 210, a vent hole 260, a valve 270, a flow rate measuring unit 280, a controller (not shown), and a tube 295 have. At this time, the vent hole portion 260, the flow velocity measuring portion 280, and the control portion are similar to those described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The body 210 may include an upper plate 220 and a lower plate 230. At this time, the lower plate 230 includes a first channel groove 231, a seating portion 232, a second channel groove 236, a first pillar 132a, a second pillar 132b, a first projection 232c, The first channel groove 231 may include a first flow groove 233, a storage chamber groove 234, and a second flow groove 235. The first flow groove 233 may include a first flow groove 233 and a second projection (not shown). At this time, the first channel groove 231, the seating portion 232, the second channel groove 236, the first pillar 232a, the second pillar 232b, the first projection 232c, Are formed in the same manner as described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted. The first flow channel 233, the storage chamber channel 234, and the second flow channel 235 are formed in the same manner as described above, and thus their detailed description is omitted.

The flow rate measuring unit 280 may include a light source unit 281 and a light receiving unit 282. Since the light source unit 281 and the light receiving unit 282 are the same as those described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Meanwhile, the biosensor 200 may include an upper plate 220 coupled to the lower plate 230. At this time, the upper plate 220 may be combined with the lower plate 230 to form a first channel (not shown) and a second channel (not shown). Particularly, since the first channel and the second channel are the same as those described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The body 210 may include a sample injection hole 221 through which the sample is injected. At this time, the sample injection hole 221 may be formed in the upper plate 220 or the lower plate 230. Hereinafter, the case where the sample injection hole 221 is formed in the upper plate 220 will be described for convenience of explanation.

At this time, the number of the sample injection holes 221 may be one or more. Specifically, the plurality of sample injection holes 221 may include a sample movement hole (not shown) through which the sample is injected and an air movement hole (not shown) connecting the sample movement hole to the outside. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the description will be made mainly on the case where the number of sample injection holes 221 is a single number.

Meanwhile, the biosensor 200 may include a sample injection hole cover (not shown) installed on the upper plate 220 when the sample injection holes 221 are provided in plurality. Specifically, the specimen injection hole cover may include a specimen transfer hole cover (not shown) for closing the specimen transfer hole and an air transfer hole cover (not shown) for closing the air transfer hole.

The biosensor 200 is connected to at least one of the specimen injection hole 221 and the inlet portion of the vent hole portion 260 exposed to the outside and is connected to the inlet of the specimen injection hole 221 and the vent hole portion 260 And a valve 270 for opening and closing at least one of the valves. At this time, the valve 270 may be detachably attached to at least one of the specimen injection hole 221 and the inlet portion of the vent hole portion 260.

In addition, the valve 270 may be connected to at least one of the sample injection hole 221 and the inlet portion of the vent hole portion 260 through a separate medium. Hereinafter, the valve 270 will be described in detail with reference to the case where the valve 270 is provided in the sample injection hole 221 for convenience of explanation.

The biosensor 200 may include a tube 295 connecting the valve 270 and the sample injection hole 221. At this time, the tube 295 may not be installed in a manner similar to that described above. In particular, when the tube 295 is not provided, the valve 270 can be directly installed in the sample injection hole 221.

Hereinafter, the case where the tube 295 is installed will be described for convenience of explanation. The case where the tube 295 is installed between the valve 270 and the sample injection hole 221 and connects the valve 270 and the sample injection hole 221 will be mainly described.

On the other hand, when the biosensor 200 is operated, the specimen can be injected through the specimen injection hole 221. At this time, the valve 270 can be kept open. On the other hand, when a plurality of sample injection holes 221 are provided, the specimen moving hole can be closed through the specimen moving hole cover when the specimen is injected into the specimen moving hole. When the specimen moving hole is closed as described above, the valve 270 remains open and the specimen can be injected through the specimen moving hole.

When the specimen is injected, the specimen can move through the first channel. At this time, the specimen moves through the first channel, and the flow velocity can be measured by the flow velocity measuring unit 280. The method of measuring the flow velocity of the specimen by the flow velocity measuring unit 280 is the same as that described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, when the flow velocity of the specimen is measured by the flow velocity measuring unit 280 as described above, the controller can control the ON signal and the OFF signal of the valve 270. At this time, the method of controlling the valve 270 by the control unit is the same as or similar to that described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, when the control unit controls the valve 270, the air introduced through the sample injection hole 221 can be controlled. Specifically, a vacuum may be formed in the first channel portion connected to the specimen injection hole 221 while the specimen moves through the first channel. Specifically, a vacuum may be formed in the seating part 232 connected to the sample injection hole 221. Particularly, when the pressure is formed as described above, the specimen may not move on the first channel. At this time, when the valve 270 is installed in the air transfer hole, the specimen can similarly move or stop.

At this time, the controller can control at least one of the ON signal and the OFF signal as described above. In particular, when the controller controls the ON signal and the OFF signal as described above, the specimen may move according to the ON signal and may stop when the OFF signal is applied.

Therefore, the biosensor 200 does not require a separate driving force, for example, a pump, to move the specimen, so that the biosensor 200 can be manufactured easily. In particular, the biosensor 200 can be easily installed and manufactured by providing a valve 270 for opening and closing the sample injection hole 221.

Also, the biosensor 200 can precisely and precisely control the movement of the specimen through the valve 270. In particular, since the biosensor 200 can easily control the time for the specimen to remain in the detection unit, the biosensor 200 can be applied to various kinds of specimens and a separate structure for delaying the flow of the specimen is not installed. Can be reduced.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, it is possible to make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

100, 200: Biosensor 136, 236: Second channel groove
110, 210: Body part 140: First channel
120, 220: upper plate 150: second channel
121, 221: Specimen injection hole 160, 260: Vent hole
130, 230: Lower plate 170, 270: Valve
131, 231: first channel groove 180, 280:
132, 232: seat part 181, 281:
133, 233: first flow grooves 182, 282:
134, 344: Storage chamber groove 190:
135,235: second flow groove 195,295: tube

Claims (20)

A body formed with a first channel through which a sample flows and in which a sample injection hole for injecting the sample into the first channel is formed;
A vent hole formed in the body and connected to the first channel and the outside to discharge air inside the first channel to the outside; And
And a valve connected to at least one of the specimen injector hole and the inlet portion of the vent hole portion exposed to the outside to open and close at least one of the specimen injector hole and the inlet portion of the vent hole portion according to a predetermined time, . The method according to claim 1,
The body part
An upper plate; And
And a lower plate coupled to the upper plate so as to cover the first channel groove to form the first channel. 3. The method of claim 2,
And the vent hole portion is formed on the upper plate. 3. The method of claim 2,
And the vent hole portion is formed on the lower plate. The method according to claim 1,
And a second channel formed on the body part. The method according to claim 1,
And a tube for connecting the valve to at least one of the sample injection hole and the inlet portion of the vent hole portion. The method according to claim 1,
And a control unit for controlling operation of the valve. The method according to claim 1,
And a flow rate measuring unit installed in the body and measuring a flow rate of the sample flowing through the first channel. 9. The method of claim 8,
And an on signal and an off signal applied to the valve are controlled based on the flow rate of the sample measured by the flow rate measuring unit. 10. The method of claim 9,
And the on-signal and the off-signal are alternately applied to the valve. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the ON signal and the OFF signal are different in time from each other. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the time when the ON signal is applied is shorter than the time when the OFF signal is applied. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein at least one of a time when the ON signal is applied and a time when the OFF signal is applied varies in accordance with a length direction of the first channel which is the moving direction of the specimen. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the time for which the ON signal and the OFF signal are applied increases as the specimen flows and the shape of the specimen becomes longer. 9. The method of claim 8,
A plurality of flow velocity measurement units are provided,
Wherein the plurality of flow velocity measuring units are installed on the first channel so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the flow rate measuring unit is installed in at least one of an inlet portion of the first channel, a central portion of the first channel, and an inlet portion of the vent hole portion. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the first channel includes a detection unit for detecting the specimen,
Wherein the detection unit is formed on at least one of an inlet of the first channel, a center of the first channel, and an outlet of the first channel. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the flow velocity measuring unit is spaced apart from the detecting unit by a predetermined distance. delete delete

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