KR20130107119A - Bio sensor and processing method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A biosensor is provided to enable simple preparation without a separate driving force for transferring a sample, for example a pump. CONSTITUTION: A biosensor (100) comprises: a body part (110) which has a first channel in which a sample flows and a sample injection hole (121) for injecting the sample to the first channel; a bent hole part which is formed at the body part and discharges air in the first channel to the outside by being connected to the outside; and a valve (170) which is connected to the sample injection hole and/or the inlet of the bent hole part and opens and closes the sample injection hole and/or the inlet according to a predetermined time. A method for operating the biosensor comprises the steps of: placing the sample at the inlet of the first channel and moving the sample along the first channel; measuring the flow rate of the sample; and controlling the sample injection hole and/or the bent hole part based on the measured flow rate of the sample.

Description

Bio sensor and its operation method {Bio sensor and Processing method of 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, various kinds of diseases are accompanied, and various diagnostic devices and diagnostic systems for the prevention and diagnosis of diseases are being developed.

Among them, in vitro diagnostic devices use body fluids such as blood and urine as samples, detect substances to be analyzed, and quickly determine the presence or absence of diseases through quantitative analysis. It has such advantages.

On the other hand, biosensors that can be used in a variety of ways, from diagnosis of pregnancy to screening for various diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis, use microscopic proteins such as antibodies and DNA. have.

On the other hand, in the biosensor as described above, the time that the specimen stays in the detection unit is closely related to the accuracy of the sensor. At this time, it is a very important issue whether the time the sample stays in the detection unit is long enough for the detection unit and the sample to react. As described above, when the sample moves in the channel, air may exist in the channel. In particular, when the vent hole connected to the channel is closed, the sample flowing in the channel may be subject to air pressure due to the air inside the channel, and the sample may not move when the resistance due to the air pressure is equal to the capillary force caused by the channel. . Therefore, 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 Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-0108428 (name of the invention: a second channel-nanofluidic biochip for analyzing a biological sample, Applicant: Inc., Inc.).

Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-0108428

Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a biosensor with accurate and simple analysis and a method of operating the same by adjusting the speed of a sample flowing through the first channel.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a first channel through which a sample flows is formed, a body part in which a sample injection hole for injecting the sample into the first channel is formed, and the body part is formed in the first channel and the outside. A sample injection hole connected to at least one of a vent hole part connected to a vent hole for discharging air inside the first channel to the outside, and an inlet part of the sample injection hole and the vent hole part exposed to the outside; It is possible to provide a biosensor including a valve for opening and closing at least one of the inlet of the vent hole.

The body part may include an upper plate and a first channel groove formed to be drawn into one surface, and a lower plate coupled to the upper plate to cover the first channel groove to form the first channel. Can be.

In addition, the vent hole may be formed in the upper plate.

In addition, 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 valve to at least one of the specimen injection hole and the inlet of the vent hole.

In addition, the control unit for controlling the operation of the valve may further include.

In addition, the body portion may further include a flow rate measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of the sample flowing through the first channel.

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

The on signal and the off signal may be alternately applied to the valve.

In addition, the time for which the on signal and the off signal are applied may be different from each other.

In addition, the time when the on signal is applied may be shorter than the time when the off signal is applied.

In addition, at least one of the time when the on signal is applied and the time when the off signal is applied may vary depending on the length direction of the first channel which is the moving direction of the specimen.

In addition, as the sample flows and the shape of the sample becomes longer, the time for which the on signal and the off signal are applied may increase.

The flow rate measuring part may be provided in plural, and the plurality of flow rate measuring parts may be installed in the first channel to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.

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

The first channel may include a detector configured to detect the specimen, and the detector may be formed at at least one of an inlet of the first channel, a center of the first channel, and an outlet of the first channel. .

In addition, the flow rate measuring unit may be installed spaced apart from the detection unit a predetermined interval.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a first step of seating a sample in the inlet of the first channel and the sample moves along the first channel, and measuring the flow rate of the sample moving along the first channel in the flow rate measuring unit And controlling opening and closing of at least one of the sample injection hole and the vent hole part connected to the first channel based on the flow rate of the sample measured by the flow rate measuring part. Can be.

The controlling of opening and closing of at least one of the sample injection hole and the vent hole part may include applying an on signal and an off signal to a valve installed at at least one of the sample injection hole and the vent hole part. Can be controlled.

Embodiments of the present invention may be easy to manufacture because it does not require a separate driving force, for example, a pump, etc. to move the sample. In particular, embodiments of the present invention may be easy to install and manufacture by installing a valve for opening and closing the vent hole.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can accurately and precisely control the movement of the sample through the valve. In particular, the embodiments of the present invention can easily control the time to hold the specimen in the detection unit is applicable to various types of specimens, and do not install a separate structure for delaying the flow of the specimen to increase the production cost and production time 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.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1.
4 is a block diagram illustrating a control flow of the biosensor illustrated in FIG. 4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the flow of the sample in the lower plate shown in 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. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the biosensor 100 shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Fig.

1 to 3, the biosensor 100 may include a body part 110 in which a first channel 140 through which a sample flows is formed. In this case, the body part 110 may include a lower plate 130 having an upper plate 120 and a first channel groove 131 formed to be drawn into one surface.

Here, the sample means a detection target solution, and means a substance suspected of containing an analyte. For example, the sample may contain any biological source such as physiological fluids, including blood, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, sweat, urine, milk, ascites, mucus, nasal fluid, hemoptysis, arterial blood, peritoneal fluid, and the like ( For example, humans, animals, etc.).

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

On the other hand, the upper plate 120 may be formed so that the sample injection hole 121 penetrates so that the sample is injected from the outside. The sample injection hole 121 is a place for injecting a sample into the biosensor 100, and may be an opening formed by removing a portion of the upper plate 120. The sample injection hole 121 is formed to correspond to the position of a filter (not shown) to be described later.

In addition, the upper plate 120 may be formed of a light transmissive material. When the upper plate 120 is formed of a light transmissive material, it is possible to check both the flow of the sample and the results of the detection unit (not shown) on the first channel 140, and particularly, the upper plate 120 is formed at a position corresponding to the detection unit. The viewing window can be omitted.

On the other hand, although not shown in the drawings, the sample injection hole 121 may be coupled to the cover (not shown) having a hole in the center. A cover (not shown) prevents the filter from being exposed to the outside to prevent contamination of the filter, and when the sample is introduced through the sample injection hole 121, for example, an end portion of the pipette and the filter directly The contact can be prevented from being damaged.

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

The lower plate 130 may be combined with the upper plate 120 to cover the first channel groove 131 to form the first channel 140. In this case, the longitudinal shape of the first channel 140 through which the sample flows may be formed in various forms. For example, the longitudinal shape of the first channel 140 may be formed in a straight shape. In addition, the longitudinal shape of the first channel 140 may be formed in a straight shape and bent at an end thereof. In detail, when the first channel 140 is bent and formed, 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 in which a sample is injected to flow the first channel 140 by capillary force. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a description will be given of a case where the longitudinal shape of the first channel 140 has a 'c' shape.

Meanwhile, the first channel groove 131 may include a seating portion 132 in which the specimen is injected and stored for a predetermined time. The seating part 132 may have a shape that gradually decreases in width along the flow direction of the specimen. In this case, as the width of the seating portion 132 decreases, the capillary force may be increased to move the specimen stored in the seating portion 132. In addition, the filter to be described later may be located in the seating portion 132.

At this time, the seating portion 132 may be formed to have a height lower than one surface of the lower plate 130, but is not limited thereto. For example, the mounting portion 132 may have the same height as the lower plate 130, but a lower portion 130 may be formed with a wall portion (not shown) for partitioning them.

The seating portion 132 is an area in which the filter corresponding to the groove (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 120 is located. In the seating portion 132, the specimen passing through the filter is in only one direction. In order to be able to move, the remaining three sides have a closed structure.

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

As such, when the first filler 132a and the second filler 132b come into contact with the lower surface of the filter, the condensation of the sample occurring on the lower surface of the filter can be prevented, and the sample can quickly escape from the filter. have. In particular, the second filler 132b may be formed at a position proximate to the first channel 140 in the seating portion 132 to allow the rapid introduction of the sample into the first channel 140.

The lower plate 130 may include the detector formed in the first channel groove 131. The detector may be formed at various locations. For example, the detector may be formed in the seating portion 132 and may be formed in the first flow groove 133. In addition, the detector may be formed in the storage chamber groove 134. However, hereinafter, the detection unit will be described based on the case where the detection unit is formed in the mounting unit 132 for convenience of description.

 The detection unit may include a detection material that reacts with an analyte included in a sample that is 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 chromogenic source such as fluorescence or gold nanobeads, and when a specific reaction of the analyte included in the sample and the detection material in the detection unit emits a signal such as color or fluorescence, such a The signal can be detected with the naked eye or a detector, or the light intensity can be measured using a detection system. Thus, the presence or absence of analyte contained in the sample can be known.

The first channel groove 131 may include a first flow groove 133 extending from the seating portion 132 to which the specimen flows. In this case, the first flow groove 133 is drawn in from one surface of the lower plate 130 may allow the sample to flow by capillary force.

The first channel groove 131 may include a storage chamber groove 134 connected to the first flow groove 133 to store the unreacted residue in the detection unit to be 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 sample to increase the capillary force to promote the introduction of the residue.

In addition, the first channel groove 131 may include a second flow groove 135 connected to the storage chamber groove 134. In this case, the second flow groove 135 may prevent the sample from accumulating in the storage chamber groove 134 by flowing a portion 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 a predetermined angle. In detail, the second flow groove 135 may be connected to be bent from the storage chamber groove 134. In this case, the second flow groove 135 may be formed in parallel with the first flow groove 133 in the direction of the seating portion 132 from the storage chamber groove 134. In addition, the second flow groove 135 may form an end portion of the first channel 140, and may be connected to the vent hole 160, which will be described later.

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

The lower plate 130 may include a first protrusion 132c formed to be adjacent to the seating portion 132 along the flow direction of the specimen. The first protrusion 132c diffuses the sample passed through the filter in left and right directions to adjust the flow rate of the sample and to allow the sample to be constantly introduced into the first channel 140. For example, the first protrusion 132c may be formed in an embossed shape, and the sample moving toward the first channel 140 is prevented from traveling in the straight direction by the first protrusion 132c, and is moved from side to side. By expanding and proceeding, the first channel 140 may be constantly introduced into the first channel 140 with respect to the width of 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 also extend the sample to the left and right so that the sample can be constantly introduced into the first channel 140.

The lower plate 130 may further include a second protrusion (not shown) formed in the storage chamber groove 134. The second protrusion may be formed in the storage chamber groove 134 and may prevent backflow of the residue stored in the storage chamber groove 134. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, the second protrusion may be formed in the storage chamber groove 134 in a similar form to the first protrusion 132c in some cases.

The lower plate 130 may include a second channel groove 136 formed in the first channel groove 131. In detail, the second channel groove 136 may be formed between the first flow groove 133 and the second flow groove 135. In this case, the second channel groove 136 may be formed in the form of a partition wall between the first flow groove 133 and the second flow groove 135. In particular, the second channel groove 136 may be formed higher than the depth of the first flow groove 133 and the second flow groove 135.

Meanwhile, when the lower plate 130 is coupled to the upper plate 120, the second channel groove 136 is a space between the upper plate 120 and the lower surface of the second channel groove 136. Can be formed. In this case, the second channel 150 may assist the movement of the sample flowing through the first channel 140 by moving a portion of the sample by capillary force.

On the other hand, the upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 is a non-reactive material that does not react with the sample, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate ( It is preferably formed of a polymer material such as PMMA).

In addition, the upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 may be bonded by hot bonding, epoxy bonding, chemical bonding, ultrasonic bonding, plasma bonding, solvent bonding, etc., the upper plate 120 and the lower The plate 130 may be surrounded by a label (not shown) in a coupled state.

In addition, although the upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 are shown as having the same size in the drawings, but is not limited to this, the first movement path of the sample between the upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 If the channel 140 is formed, a stepped portion having a concave shape is formed on the upper surface of the lower plate 130, and the upper plate 120 having a smaller size than the lower plate 130 may be seated and coupled to the stepped portion. . Alternatively, on the contrary, the upper plate 120 may be larger than the lower plate 130.

Meanwhile, the biosensor 100 may include the filter installed in the first channel 140. In this case, the filter may be installed in the seating portion 132. In addition, the filter may be a porous membrane such as, for example, paper, nitrocellulose, cellulose, polyvinyllidene fluoride (PVDF), poly (ethyleneterephthalate) (PET), polyethersulfone (PES), glass fiber, nylon, or the like. It is not limited.

On the other hand, the biosensor 100 may include a vent hole 160 formed in the body 110 to be connected to the first channel 140 and the outside to discharge the air of the first channel 140 to the outside. . In this case, the vent hole 160 may be formed to penetrate 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.

The vent hole 160 may be formed at various positions. For example, the vent hole 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 of the upper plate 120. In addition, the vent hole 160 may be formed in the lower plate 130. In this case, the vent hole 160 may be formed on the side surface or the bottom surface of the lower plate 130.

The vent hole 160 may be formed in various positions without being limited to the above, and for the convenience of description, the following description will be made with reference to a case in which the vent hole 160 is formed on the upper surface of the upper plate 120. .

On the other hand, the biosensor 100 is connected to at least one of the sample injection hole 121 and the inlet of the vent hole 160 exposed to the outside in accordance with a predetermined time, the sample injection hole 121 and the vent hole 160 It may include a valve 170 for opening and closing at least one of the inlet of. In this case, the valve 170 may be installed to be detachable from at least one of the inlet portion of the sample injection hole 121 and the vent hole 160. In addition, the valve 160 may be connected to at least one of the specimen injection hole 121 and the inlet of the vent hole 160 through a separate medium. Hereinafter, the valve 170 will be described in detail with reference to a case where the valve 170 is installed in the vent hole 160.

The valve 170 may be formed in various forms. 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 any device for opening and closing the inlet of the vent hole 160 for a predetermined time. However, hereinafter, the valve 170 will be described based on the case of the solenoid type for convenience of description.

The biosensor 100 may include a flow rate measuring unit 180 installed in the body 110 to measure the flow rate of the sample flowing through the first channel 140. In this case, the flow rate measuring unit 180 may be installed to be spaced apart from the detection unit at a predetermined interval. In particular, the flow rate measuring unit 180 may be installed at various positions. For example, the flow rate measuring unit 180 may be installed at at least one of an inlet of the first channel 140, a center of the first channel 140, and an inlet of the vent hole 160. However, hereinafter, the flow rate measuring unit 180 is installed in the center of the first channel 140, that is, the first flow groove 133, for convenience of description.

The flow rate measuring unit 180 may be variously formed. For example, the flow rate measuring unit 180 may include a light source unit 181 for emitting light to the outside and a light receiving unit 182 for detecting light emitted from the light source unit 181. In addition, the flow rate measuring unit 180 may include a device for measuring the flow rate of the sample using the ultrasonic wave. However, hereinafter, the flow rate measuring unit 180 will be described based on the case of including the light source unit 181 and the light receiving unit 182 for convenience of description.

When 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 upper plate 120, and the light receiving unit 182 may be installed on the lower plate 130. Can be. In addition, 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. However, hereinafter, for convenience of description, the light source unit 181 will be described based on the case where the light receiving unit 182 is installed on the lower plate 130 on the upper plate 120.

In this case, the light emitted from the light source unit 181 may be detected by the light receiving unit 182 after passing through the first channel 140 through a portion of the upper plate 120.

On the other hand, the flow rate measuring unit 180 may be provided in plurality. In this case, the plurality of flow rate measuring units 180 may be installed in the first channel 140 to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. In particular, the plurality of flow rate measuring units 180 may be installed at various positions of the first channel 140.

For example, one of the plurality of flow rate measuring units 180 may be installed at a portion where the first flow groove 133 and the seating portion 132 are connected. In addition, another one of the plurality of flow rate measuring units 180 may be installed at a portion where the first flow groove 133 and the storage chamber groove 134 are connected or at a central portion of the first flow groove 133. Another one of the plurality of flow rate measuring unit 180 may be installed in the second flow groove (135). At this time, the plurality of flow rate measuring unit 180 may measure the flow rate of each portion and transmit it to a controller (not shown) to be described later.

When the plurality of flow rate measuring unit 180 is installed as described above, the present invention is not limited to the above position and may be installed at various positions. In particular, the plurality of flow rate measuring unit 180 may be installed in the body portion 110 can be installed at any position capable of measuring the flow rate of the sample flowing through the first channel 140. However, hereinafter, the flow rate measuring unit 180 is provided as one for convenience of description, and the flow rate measuring unit 180 will be described based on the case where the first flow groove 133 is installed.

Meanwhile, the biosensor 100 may include a controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of the valve 170. In this case, the controller may control the operation of the valve 170. In more detail, the controller may apply an on signal for opening the valve 170 and an off signal for closing the valve 170. In this case, the controller may control to vary the time for which the on signal and the off signal are applied.

The biosensor 100 may further include a tube 195 connecting the valve 170 and the inlet of the vent hole 160. In this case, the tube 195 may not be installed. In particular, when the tube 195 is not installed, the valve 170 may be directly installed at the inlet of the vent hole 160. However, hereinafter, the tube 195 is installed for convenience of description and the case where the inlet portion of the valve 170 and the vent hole 160 is connected will be described.

On the other hand, the operation method of the biosensor 100 will be described in detail below.

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

4 and 5, when the biosensor 100 is operated, the sample may be injected into the sample injection hole 121. In this case, when the cover is present, the sample may be injected by opening the cover or through a hole formed in the cover.

When the sample is injected as described above, the sample may be seated on the filter through the sample injection hole 121. The sample passing through the filter may contact the first filler 132a, the second filler 132b, and the first protrusion 132c. In this case, the first filler 132a and the second filler 132b may be in contact with the lower surface of the filter to prevent condensation of a specimen generated on the lower surface of the filter.

In addition, the specimen may contact the first protrusion 132c while passing through the filter. In this case, as described above, the first protrusion 132c diffuses the sample in the left and right directions so that the sample flows into the first channel 140 at the same time as the sample flow rate is controlled.

On the other hand, when the sample flows into the seating portion 132 as described above, it may move to the first flow groove 133 connected to the seating portion 132. In this case, a part of the sample stored in the seating part 132 may move through the second channel groove 136. In particular, a portion of the sample may flow through the second channel groove 136 by the capillary force of the second channel 150.

In this case, the first flow groove 133 may be moved by capillary forces along the first channel 140 formed by the first flow groove 133 and the upper plate 120. In particular, when a portion of the sample is flowed by the capillary force of the second channel 150, by applying a traction force to the portion of the sample flowing through the first flow groove 133 may further increase the flow rate of the sample. .

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 formed smaller than the width of the first channel groove 131, in particular, the width of the second channel groove 136 is smaller than the width of the first flow groove 133. Can be formed.

When the sample moves the first flow groove 133 as described above, the flow rate measuring unit 180 may measure the flow rate of the sample. In detail, the light source unit 181 may spray light to the outside. In this case, the light receiving unit 182 may detect whether the light reaches. In particular, the light source unit 181 and the light receiving unit 182 may be provided in plurality, respectively, to detect 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 receiver 182 may include the first and second light receivers 182 respectively matched with the first and second light source units 181. have. In this case, when the sample moves the first flow groove 133, the sample may reach a portion where the first light source 181 and the first light receiver 182 are located.

When the sample arrives as described above, the intensity of light of the first light source unit 181 detected by the first light receiver 182 may vary or light may not be detected. In addition, when the sample continues to move the first flow groove 133, the sample may reach a portion where the second light source 181 and the second light receiver 182 are positioned. In this case, the second light receiver 182 may operate similarly to the first light receiver 182.

As described above, the controller 190 may calculate the time between the signals detected by the first light receiver 182 and the second light receiver 182 while the specimen is moving. In this case, the first light receiver 182 and the second light receiver 182 may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and the distance between the first light receiver 182 and the second light receiver 182 may be stored in advance in the controller 190. .

The controller 190 may calculate the flow rate of the sample based on the time and the distance. At this time, the flow rate of the sample may be different depending on the nature of the sample. For example, the flow rate of the sample may be different depending on the provision for providing the sample, the type of the sample, the component of the sample, the viscosity of the sample, and the case where a separate mixture is diluted in the sample.

Therefore, the controller 190 may measure the property of the sample at the flow rate of the sample and set the on signal and the off signal of the valve 170 based on the flow rate of the sample. In more detail, the controller 190 may determine an application time, an application frequency, an application order of the on signal and the off signal. In particular, the control unit 190 may be stored in the table, the application time, the number of times, the order of the application of the on signal and the off signal of the valve 170 according to the flow rate of the sample.

On the other hand, when the on signal and the off signal of the valve 170 is determined according to the flow rate of the sample as described above, the control unit 190 may control the valve 170. In detail, the controller 190 may alternately apply the on signal and the off signal to the valve 170.

In addition, the controller 190 may set the time at which the on signal is applied and the signal at which the off signal is applied to be different from each other. In more detail, a time for which the on signal is applied may be shorter than a signal for applying the off signal.

For example, when the flow rate of the sample is the first flow rate, the controller 190 may apply the on signal to the valve 170 for a first time. In addition, the controller 190 may apply the off signal to the valve 170 for a second time. In this case, the first time and the second time may be formed differently 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 may move to the first flow groove 133. On the other hand, when the second time is applied, the sample may not move the first flow groove 133.

While being controlled as described above, the controller 190 may alternately apply the on signal to the valve 170 by alternately transmitting the first signal and the off signal for the second time. In this case, the sample may move forward without repeatedly moving the first flow groove 133 according to the on signal and the off signal.

The controller 190 may vary at least one of a time for which the on signal is applied and a time for which the off signal is applied while the sample continuously moves the first flow groove 133.

In detail, the controller 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. In this case, the third time may be longer than the first time.

In addition, the controller 190 may vary the time for which the off signal is applied from the second time to the fourth time along the longitudinal direction of the first channel 140 which is the moving direction of the specimen. In this case, the fourth time may be longer than the second time.

On the other hand, in addition to being controlled as described above, the controller 190 may change only the first time and not change the second time, or may change only the second time and not change the first time. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the case where only the first time is changed to the third time will be described.

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

At this time, the controller 190 changes the first time to the third time to increase the time for the air in the first channel 140 to escape through the valve 170 to apply the capillary force applied to the sample. Losing time can increase. At this time, when the time for which the capillary force is applied increases as described above, it is possible to prevent the flow rate of the sample due to the frictional force of the first flow groove 133 to decrease. Therefore, the speed of the sample moving the first flow groove 133 may be maintained at a constant speed to move the first flow groove 133.

On the other hand, when controlled as described above, the detector may inspect the sample. Specifically, when the off signal is applied, the movement of the sample may be stopped and inspection of the sample may be performed. On the other hand, when the on signal is applied, the sample may be prevented from being solidified by moving the sample.

In this case, the off signal may be set to a time sufficient to allow the sample to be audited by the detection unit. In detail, the second time or the fourth time during which the off signal is applied may be preset in the controller 190.

Therefore, the biosensor 100 does not require a separate driving force, for example, a pump, etc. to move the sample, so the manufacturing may be simple. In particular, the biosensor 100 may be easily installed and manufactured by installing a valve 170 that opens and closes the vent hole 160.

In addition, the biosensor 100 may accurately and precisely control the movement of the sample through the valve 170. In particular, since the biosensor 100 can easily control the time of staying the specimen in the detection unit, it can be applied to various kinds of specimens and does not install a separate structure for delaying the flow of the specimen. Can be reduced.

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

Referring to FIG. 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. In this case, since the vent hole 260, the flow rate measuring unit 280, and the control unit are similar to those described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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

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

Meanwhile, the biosensor 200 may include an upper plate 220 that is coupled to the lower plate 230. In this case, 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). In particular, since the first channel and the second channel are the same as described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The body portion 210 may include a sample injection hole 221 into which the sample is injected. In this case, the sample injection hole 221 may be formed in the upper plate 220 or the lower plate 230. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the sample injection hole 221 will be described based on the case where the upper plate 220 is formed.

At this time, the sample injection hole 221 may be provided with a single or a plurality. Specifically, the plurality of sample injection holes 221 may include a sample moving hole (not shown) into which the sample is injected and the air moving hole (not shown) connecting the sample moving hole to the outside. However, hereinafter, the sample injection holes 221 will be described based on the singular number for convenience of description.

On the other hand, the biosensor 200 may include a sample injection hole cover (not shown) installed in the upper plate 220 when a plurality of sample injection holes 221 are provided. Specifically, the sample injection hole cover may include a sample moving hole cover (not shown) for closing the sample moving hole and an air moving hole cover (not shown) for closing the air moving hole.

The biosensor 200 is connected to at least one of the sample injection hole 221 and the inlet of the vent hole 260 exposed to the outside and according to a predetermined time, the inlet of the sample injection hole 221 and the vent hole 260. It may include a valve 270 for opening and closing at least one of the parts. At this time, the valve 270 may be installed to be detachable to at least one of the inlet portion of the sample injection hole 221 and the vent hole 260.

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

The biosensor 200 may include a tube 295 connecting the valve 270 and the sample injection hole 221. In this case, the tube 295 may not be installed similarly as described above. In particular, when the tube 295 is not installed, the valve 270 may be directly installed in the sample injection hole 221.

However, hereinafter, the case where the tube 295 is installed will be described for the convenience of description. In particular, the tube 295 is installed between the valve 270 and the sample injection hole 221 will be described with reference to the case connecting the valve 270 and the sample injection hole 221.

Meanwhile, when the biosensor 200 is operated, the sample may be injected through the sample injection hole 221. At this time, the valve 270 may be kept open. On the other hand, when a plurality of specimen injection holes 221 are provided, when the specimen is injected into the specimen movement hole, the specimen movement hole may be closed through the specimen movement hole cover. When the specimen movement hole is closed as described above, the valve 270 may be maintained in an open state so that the specimen may be injected through the specimen movement hole.

When the sample is injected, the sample may move through the first channel. In this case, while the sample is moved through the first channel, the flow rate may be measured by the flow rate measuring unit 280. The method of measuring the flow rate of the sample in the flow rate measuring unit 280 is the same as described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, when the flow rate of the sample is measured by the flow rate measuring unit 280, the control unit may control the on signal and the off signal of the valve 270. In this case, the method of controlling the valve 270 by the controller is the same as or similar to that described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, when the controller controls the valve 270, air introduced through the sample injection hole 221 may be controlled. Specifically, while the sample moves the first channel, a vacuum may be formed in the first channel portion connected to the sample injection hole 221. In detail, a vacuum may be formed in a portion of the seating portion 232 connected to the sample injection hole 221. In particular, when the pressure is formed as described above, the sample may not move the first channel. In this case, even when the valve 270 is installed in the air movement hole, the sample may similarly move or stop.

In this case, the controller may control the time, the number, the number of the at least one of the on signal and the off signal as described above. In particular, when the control unit adjusts the on signal and the off signal as described above, the specimen may move according to the on signal, and may be stopped when the off signal is applied.

Therefore, since the biosensor 200 does not need a separate driving force, for example, a pump, to move the sample, it may be easy to manufacture. In particular, the biosensor 200 may be easily installed and manufactured by installing a valve 270 that opens and closes the sample injection hole 221.

In addition, the biosensor 200 may accurately and precisely control the movement of the sample through the valve 270. In particular, since the biosensor 200 can easily control the time of staying the specimen in the detection unit, it can be applied to various kinds of specimens and does not install a separate structure for delaying the flow of the specimen. 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 or 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 portion 140: first channel
120,220: upper plate 150: second channel
121,221: Sample injection hole 160,260: Vent hole
130,230: Lower plate 170,270: Valve
131,231: first channel groove 180,280: flow rate measuring unit
132,232 seating part 181,281 light source part
133,233: first flow groove 182,282: light receiver
134,234: storage chamber groove 190: control unit
135,235 Second flow groove 195,295 Tube

Claims (20)

A body part having a first channel through which a sample flows and a sample injection hole for injecting the sample into the first channel;
A vent hole portion formed in the body portion and connected to the first channel and the outside to discharge the air in the first channel to the outside; And
And a valve connected to at least one of the specimen injection hole and the inlet of the vent hole exposed to the outside and opening and closing at least one of the specimen injection hole and the inlet of the vent hole according to a predetermined time. . The method of claim 1,
The body part
Upper plate; And
And a lower plate having a first channel groove formed on one side thereof and coupled to the upper plate to cover the first channel groove to form the first channel. 3. The method of claim 2,
The vent hole is formed in the upper plate. 3. The method of claim 2,
The vent hole is formed in the lower plate. The method of claim 1,
And a second channel formed in the body portion. The method of claim 1,
And a tube connecting the valve to at least one of the specimen injection hole and the inlet of the vent hole. The method of claim 1,
And a controller for controlling the operation of the valve. The method of claim 1,
And a flow rate measuring unit installed on the body to measure a flow rate of a sample flowing through the first channel. The method of claim 8,
The on-off signal and the off-signal applied to the valve are controlled based on the flow rate of the sample measured by the flow rate measuring unit. The method of claim 9,
And the on signal and the off signal are alternately applied to the valve. The method of claim 9,
And a time at which the on signal and the off signal are applied are different. The method of claim 11,
And a time for which the on signal is applied is shorter than a time for applying the off signal. The method of claim 9,
And at least one of a time when the on signal is applied and a time when the off signal is applied varies according to a length direction of the first channel which is a moving direction of the specimen. The method of claim 13,
The biosensor, wherein the time the on-signal and the off-signal is applied increases as the sample flows and the shape of the sample becomes longer. The method of claim 8,
The flow rate measuring unit is provided in plurality,
The plurality of flow rate measuring unit is installed in the first channel so as to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The method of claim 8,
And the flow rate measuring part is installed at at least one of an inlet of the first channel, a center of the first channel, and an inlet of the vent hole. The method of claim 8,
The first channel is provided with a detector for detecting the sample,
The detector is formed in at least one of the inlet of the first channel, the central portion of the first channel and the outlet of the first channel. The method of claim 17,
The flow rate measuring unit is a biosensor installed at a predetermined interval from the detection unit. A first step of placing the sample in the inlet of the first channel and the sample moving along the first channel;
Measuring a flow rate of a sample moving along the first channel in a flow rate measuring unit; And
And controlling the opening and closing of at least one of the sample injection hole and the vent hole part connected to the first channel based on the flow rate of the sample measured by the flow rate measuring part. The method of claim 19,
Controlling the opening and closing of at least one of the specimen injection hole and the vent hole part,
The method of operating the biosensor to control by applying an On (On) signal and an Off (Off) signal to a valve installed in at least one of the specimen injection hole and the vent hole.

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