WO2001011364A1 - Method for automatic labeling using dispenser, method for automatically separating target substance, method for determining base sequence, and automatic dispensing system - Google Patents

Method for automatic labeling using dispenser, method for automatically separating target substance, method for determining base sequence, and automatic dispensing system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001011364A1
WO2001011364A1 PCT/JP2000/005305 JP0005305W WO0111364A1 WO 2001011364 A1 WO2001011364 A1 WO 2001011364A1 JP 0005305 W JP0005305 W JP 0005305W WO 0111364 A1 WO0111364 A1 WO 0111364A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
genetic material
liquid passage
magnetic particles
labeled
dispenser
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2000/005305
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Sumihare Noji
Hideji Tajima
Original Assignee
Precision System Science Co., Ltd.
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Publication date
Application filed by Precision System Science Co., Ltd. filed Critical Precision System Science Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2001011364A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001011364A1/en

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    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/02Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
    • G01N35/028Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations having reaction cells in the form of microtitration plates
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12QMEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/68Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
    • C12Q1/6869Methods for sequencing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automatic labeling method using a dispenser, a method for automatically selecting a target substance, a method for determining a base sequence, and an automatic dispensing system.
  • the present invention relates to various fields such as genetic manipulation, medical treatment, medicine, physiological hygiene, health, living organisms, food or materials in fields such as agriculture, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, or science such as chemistry or biology. It is used for inspection, measurement, reaction, production, extraction or observation.
  • the operator uses a pipette from a container containing the relevant reagents or the like. Depending on the method, it was necessary to aspirate, transfer, and discharge a predetermined volume to mix the reagents to obtain a reaction solution. In addition, in order to purify the target substance, it was necessary to control the temperature by separating using a centrifugal separator or controlling the temperature of the solution contained in a variable-temperature bath capable of changing the temperature. By the way, in the conventional labeling method, each step is directly controlled and operated by an operator, so that the processing result greatly depends on the presence or absence of the operator's operability.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a labeling method, a method for automatically selecting a target substance, a method for determining a base sequence, and an automatic dispensing system.
  • the use of a dispenser with a simple structure, compactness, and multifunctional integrated devices enables the use of a dispenser that can perform highly efficient processing without increasing the scale of the device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a chemical conversion method, a method for automatically selecting a target substance, a method for determining a base sequence and an automatic dispensing system.
  • an automatic labeling method using a highly reliable dispenser suitable for handling a small amount of genetic material an automatic sorting method for the target substance, a base sequence determination method, and an automatic dispensing system.
  • a liquid passage a magnetic portion for applying and removing a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure control for absorbing and discharging a fluid by controlling a pressure in the liquid passage.
  • a dispensing machine having a container, a moving unit for relatively moving the dispensing machine or the liquid passage and the container, and a container comprising a large number of storage units.
  • a separation step of separating the magnetic particles a separation step of resuspending the separated magnetic particles to generate and elute the labeling-related genetic material fragment, and mixing the eluted labeling-related genetic material fragment with the new magnetic particles.
  • the labeled genetic material fragment is captured by the magnetic particles, and is applied to the inner wall of the liquid passage by applying a magnetic field when the suspension containing the magnetic particles passes.
  • a purification step of purifying the labeling-related genetic material fragment by repeating once or twice or more the process of resuspending the separated and separated magnetic particles to elute the labeling-related genetic material fragment.
  • the term “related genetic material” refers to a genetic material having a specific nucleotide sequence and a genetic material having a certain association.
  • DNA ⁇ RNA having a specific nucleotide sequence it refers to DNA or RNA having a complementary base sequence, or DNA or RNA having a base sequence capable of binding to the DNA or RNA with a predetermined probability.
  • Labeled-related genetic material refers to related genetic material that has been labeled in combination with a labeling material.
  • the “liquid passage” there is a nozzle of the dispenser itself, or Jt ⁇ formed on a chip detachably mounted on the nozzle as shown in the sixth invention.
  • the extraction step comprises mixing a bacterial colony such as Escherichia coli, into which the vector has been introduced, with a DNA extract, solubilizing the DNA extract, and mixing the DNA by mixing magnetic particles.
  • a washing step of washing the magnetic particles and the liquid passage by sucking the washing liquid through the liquid passage, and eluting the vector while the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner wall of the liquid passage.
  • Vector includes plasmids, bacteriophages, and the like.
  • the cleavage step is performed through a liquid passage from each of the accommodating portions accommodating the vector containing the cDNA having the specific base sequence and the predetermined reagent.
  • I is a step of moving to a storage section having a temperature function and discharging and cutting the annular vector, wherein the synthesizing step is a DNA polymerase.
  • the label corresponding to the cDNA that has been aspirated from each of the storage sections containing the predetermined reagents including RNA polymerase and the labeling substance via the liquid passage moved to the storage section having a constant temperature function, and discharged and cut to be discharged.
  • the separation step is a step in which a binding substance that specifically binds to the labeled DNA or labeled RNA is added to a reaction solution containing the labeled DNA or labeled RNA.
  • a binding substance that specifically binds to the labeled DNA or labeled RNA is added to a reaction solution containing the labeled DNA or labeled RNA.
  • the suspension is separated by applying a magnetic field when passing the suspension through a liquid passage.
  • the suspension is sucked from the storage part containing the new magnetic particles, transferred to the storage part having a constant temperature function, discharged, and the labeled DNA fragment or labeled RNA fragment is captured.
  • the magnetic particles are adsorbed and separated on the inner wall of the liquid passage, the labeled DNA fragment or the labeled RNA fragment is eluted from the magnetic particles with a predetermined reagent, and only the magnetic particles are adsorbed and separated into the liquid passage.
  • This is a step of purifying the labeled DNA fragment or labeled RNA fragment by discarding.
  • the predetermined reagents in the cleavage step are water, a cleavage buffer and a cleavage enzyme, and the predetermined reagents in the synthesis step are template, water, RNace inhibition Reagent, synthesis buffer, labeling substance and DNA polymerase or DNA polymerase;
  • the binding substance in the separation step is silica gel;
  • the predetermined reagent in the separation step is a buffer such as acetate; Ethanol, the hydrolyzate in the splitting step is an alkaline hydrolysate, the predetermined reagents in the purification step are water, a buffer, and ethanol, and the binding substance is silica gel. It is something that is.
  • the labeling substance is a compound of one of a pair of specifically binding compound pairs such as a fluorescent substance, biotin and avidin, and DIG. Substances, isotopes, or chemiluminescent substances.
  • the liquid passage is detachably provided to the dispenser.
  • a seventh aspect of the present invention provides a liquid passage, a magnetic force portion that applies and removes a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure control that controls the pressure in the liquid passage to absorb and discharge the fluid.
  • a target substance is selected using a dispenser having a portion, a moving portion for relatively moving the dispenser or the liquid passage and the container, and a container including a large number of storage portions.
  • Amplification process and amplified multiple related genes Each containing a fragment, a labeled genetic material fragment labeled with one of a pair of compounds having a specific base sequence and specifically binding, and a magnetic particle coated with the other of the pair of compounds;
  • the target related genetic material fragment is captured by the magnetic particles via the labeled genetic material fragment by sucking the suspension I from the part, moving, discharging, and mixing, and passes through the captured magnetic particles.
  • a separation step of selecting a target related genetic material fragment by applying a magnetic field to the liquid passage and separating the target genetic material fragment.
  • the genetic material in the extracting step is RNA
  • the synthesizing step is a step of synthesizing cDNA as the related genetic material using a reverse transcriptase.
  • the labeled genetic material fragment in the capturing step is a labeled DNA fragment or a labeled RNA fragment
  • the compound pair is a labeled compound such as biotin and avidin, DIG, and an antibody specifically binding thereto.
  • the liquid passage is provided detachably with respect to the dispenser.
  • a tenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a liquid passage, a magnetic force portion that applies and removes a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure control that controls a pressure in the liquid passage to absorb and discharge the fluid.
  • the base sequence is determined using a dispenser having a portion, a moving portion for relatively moving the dispenser or the liquid passage and the container, and a container including a large number of storage portions.
  • the “SBH method” refers to a technique for determining a base sequence by hybridization using a large number of oligonucleotides. An unknown DNA fragment is paired with millions of oligonucleotide 'probes immobilized on a panel (DNA chip), and the nucleotide sequence of the DNA fragment is determined from the pairing pattern.
  • the genetic material is DNA.
  • the liquid passage is detachably provided to the dispenser.
  • a thirteenth invention is directed to a liquid passage, a storage unit communicating with the liquid passage, a magnetic unit for applying a magnetic field to and removing the liquid passage, and a pressure adjusting unit for adjusting the pressure in the storage unit.
  • Target substance using a dispenser having a dispenser, a moving unit for changing a relative position between the dispenser or the liquid passage and the container, and a container comprising a large number of storage units.
  • the labeling-related genetic material is captured by magnetic particles by moving and discharging into a container having a constant temperature function, and a magnetic field is applied when the suspension passes through the liquid passage.
  • the genetic material is RNA
  • the related genetic material is cDNA
  • the labeling material is a fluorescent material.
  • the liquid passage is detachably provided to the dispenser.
  • a plurality of liquid passages a magnetic force portion for applying and removing a magnetic field from the outside to each of the liquid passages, and controlling the pressure in each of the liquid passages to suction and discharge the fluid.
  • a dispensing machine having a pressure control unit for performing the following steps: a dispensing machine or a moving unit that relatively moves between the dispensing machine or the liquid passage and the container; and the plurality of liquid passages can be simultaneously inserted.
  • a control unit for controlling operations of the dispenser and the moving unit, and the container stores a suspension in which magnetic particles are suspended.
  • An accommodating section accommodating an unused or reusable chip provided with the liquid passage so that the dispenser can be mounted thereon and the chip for disposal detached from the dispenser, and accommodating waste liquid And a dispenser system having an accommodating section.
  • the “container having an accommodation portion provided so that the plurality of liquid passages can be simultaneously inserted” is, for example, a matrix in which the number of rows is equal to the number of rows. And / or the plurality of housings arranged in a
  • the liquid passage includes a storage portion having a width that can be inserted all at once.
  • matrix includes a case in which one row includes a plurality of columns or a plurality of rows includes one column.
  • the moving unit that moves the liquid passage with respect to the container may be included in the dispenser.
  • control unit comprises: setting means for setting the dispenser, the moving unit, and the container; and Or display means for displaying data including the set arrangement of the accommodation sections of the containers.
  • ⁇ settings '' include the setting of various operation procedures by the dispenser, the designation or arrangement of the storage section to be used, the bow I, the presence or absence of discharge, the suction amount, the discharge amount, the suction and discharge speed, Includes presence / absence, temperature setting, incubation time, moving direction, moving distance, etc.
  • control unit is configured to control a type of the liquid to be discharged from the liquid passage of the dispenser, a liquid amount thereof, and a discharge destination storage unit. Based on the state or based on selection by the setting means, control is performed so as to perform ejection in the landing mode, in liquid, or in the air.
  • the “state in the storage section” refers to a state such as whether the storage section is empty, whether the liquid is stored, whether the type of the stored liquid is the same as or different from the type of the liquid to be discharged, and the like.
  • the ⁇ landing mode '' means that the tip of the pipette tip or nozzle is once brought into contact with the inner bottom of the container to check the position of the inner bottom, and then the liquid can be ejected from the tip.
  • the liquid is discharged from the pit tip or nozzle at a position slightly raised from the inner bottom so that the discharged liquid can move to the inner bottom.
  • “In liquid” means that the liquid is discharged while the tip of the pipette tip or nozzle is inserted in the liquid. Thus, even if the amount of liquid to be discharged is minute, the liquid can be reliably transferred to the storage section. “In the air” refers to discharging from the air without putting the tip of the pipe tip or nozzle in the liquid. In this case, the amount of liquid to be discharged is relatively large, and the liquid can be transferred without using the surface tension. This is useful when precision of the liquid amount does not matter. Can be used. In this case, there is an advantage that the bit tip or the nozzle is not contaminated. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it discharges a minute amount of liquid or discharges a large amount of liquid, each can be performed reliably and with high reliability.
  • a liquid passage a magnetic force unit for applying and removing a magnetic field from the liquid passage to the liquid passage, and a pressure absorption in the liquid by controlling the pressure in the liquid passage.
  • a labeling process by using a dispenser having a pressure control unit for performing I and discharge, a moving unit for relatively moving between the dispenser and the container, and a container having a large number of storage units. The burden on the operator can be reduced by consistently automating the process of selecting the target substance and determining the base sequence.
  • highly efficient processing can be performed without increasing the scale of the device by using a device having a simple structure and a compact but multifunctional and integrated.
  • highly reliable labeling treatment, selection treatment and base sequence determination suitable for handling a trace amount of genetic material can be performed.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a stage according to an i-th embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart according to the second embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
  • FIG. 1 shows an entire automatic dispensing system according to the present embodiment.
  • the automatic dispensing system according to the present embodiment has a stage 10 and a dispenser (not shown).
  • the dispenser is equipped with a nozzle head provided with eight nozzles to which a detachable tip is attached, and a suction head for sucking and discharging liquid. It has a pull-discharge mechanism and eight magnetic force parts capable of applying or removing a magnetic field from outside the liquid passage of the tip mounted on the nozzle.
  • the dispenser has a moving unit that can move the nozzle head of the dispenser in parallel with the plane of the stage 10 and in the vertical direction.
  • the stage 10 includes a group of storage units for storing all substances (including magnetic particles), reagents, and liquids such as water necessary for the labeling process, and a constant temperature function for cooling or heating.
  • a group of storage units each having an unused or reusable pipe tip that can be mounted on the nozzle of the dispenser and a group of storage units that respectively store the chips for disposal detached from the dispenser.
  • a plurality of containers in which chips and racks are arranged in a matrix are prepared in advance.
  • the system has a control unit for controlling the suction and discharge of the suction and discharge mechanism, controlling the magnetic field of the magnetic force unit, and controlling the movement.
  • the control unit includes a processing unit with a built-in computer, an output unit such as a display unit such as a CR and a liquid crystal, and a printer, and a key for setting and instructing various processing procedures, inputting data, and the like. It has input means such as a reading device for reading a recording medium on which programs and data such as a board, a mouse, a floppy disk, a CD and a M ⁇ are recorded, and a communication unit connected to a communication network.
  • stage 10 in Fig. 1 there are a number of bit chips. Are arranged and held in a matrix of 8 rows x 12 columns. 'Rack 11 a, lib, 11 c, 11, and a large number of storage units (pells), each containing a cutting buffer, a synthesizing buffer, and a labeling buffer solution in each row, 4 8 Microplates (vessels) 17 arranged in rows and columns of X12 columns, ethanol tanks 12 containing ethanol, and magnetic particles containing a suspension in which 5 ⁇ particles are suspended Tank 13, water, 3 M acetic acid aqueous solution, Nut buffer solution are stored in each column, and a microplate 15 of 8 rows x 3 columns is provided, and a waste liquid tank 16 for storing waste liquid is provided. You.
  • a heating thermostat i8 for performing amplification by the PCR method and a thermostat 19 for cooling (a storage unit having a thermostat function) are provided. Have been killed. Except for the thermostats 18 and 19, the temperature was kept at room temperature (RT).
  • RT room temperature
  • the necessary bit chips, reagents, magnetic particles, samples, and the like are prepared in a storage unit or a rack in advance, so that time and effort for gene manipulation and the like are required. This process can be performed consistently and efficiently.
  • a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
  • FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the process according to the present embodiment.
  • the processing according to the present embodiment includes an extraction step (S 1 -S 2) of extracting cDNA, which is a genetic material having a specific base sequence, and a fluorescent substance, which binds to the cDNA and is a labeling substance.
  • a separation step (S8 to S1OA, S11) of adsorbing and separating on the inner wall of the substrate, and a fragmentation in which the magnetic particles are resuspended in a hydrolysis solution to generate and elute labeled RNA fragments
  • the labeled RNA fragment is obtained by repeating the steps (S 1 OB, S 1, S 13, S 14 B) and repeating the capture, separation, and elution of the eluted labeled RNA fragment with new magnetic particles at least once.
  • a purification step (S14A, S16) for purification.
  • Step S1 and step S2 are cutting steps for cutting the extracted plasmid.
  • step S1 the reusable tip rack 11 A pipe tip held in 8 rows x 1 column of 1d is attached to each of the eight nozzles of the dispenser. Then, from the 960-liter to the lm-liter of water (1) contained in the cassette-shaped container 15, each 10-liter was aspirated by the dispenser, and the heating thermostat 18 was used. Dispense into each of the 8 rows x 3 columns of storage units ([1]) in [1]. At this time, each tip of the tip is once brought into contact with the inner bottom of the empty storage part to confirm the inner bottom position, and then the liquid is discharged from the tip so that the liquid can be discharged.
  • the liquid in the pipette tip is ejected at a position slightly raised, for example, about 0.1 mm from the inner bottom so that the liquid can move to the inner bottom.
  • an extremely small amount of liquid sucked into the pipette tip is moved to the storage part by utilizing the adhesive force due to the surface tension of the inner bottom of the storage part having a larger surface area than the pipette tip. (Hereinafter referred to as “landing mode”). Since the tip is not in contact with other reagents or the like, the tip is detached and held at the position where the force of the tip was held on the reusable tip '11d. .
  • the pipe tip in the row next to the row where the detached chips are arranged in the reusable tip rack 11 d is attached to the nozzle of the dispenser, and further cut.
  • 4 liters of the buffer solution for cutting (2) is sucked from the microplate 17 containing the buffer solution for heating (2), and is pipetted into the [1] of the thermostatic bath 18 for heating. Discharge with the tip of the tip inserted into the liquid (hereinafter referred to as “in the liquid”).
  • in the liquid After detaching the tip chip from the reusable chip rack 1Id and holding it in the rack 1Id, dispensing a new tip chip from the tip rack 11c.
  • the nozzle (3) attached to each nozzle of the machine was used to suck 5 liters of the plasma (3) housed in the cooling oven 19 maintained at a temperature of 40 ° C. using the pit tip. Dispense the liquid into each of the 8 rows x 3 columns of [1] of the heating oven 18 [1].
  • the bit tip is attached to and detached from the rack 11c holding the bit tip, and is retained for disposal.
  • one unused row of tip tips is attached to each nozzle of the dispenser from the reusable rack 11 d, and is used for the cutting stored in the cooling thermostat 19.
  • the suspension in which the enzyme (4) is suspended is aspirated by 2 u liter, and discharged into a pair of cells [1] of a heating constant temperature bath 18. d It is detached and held in its original position.
  • step S2 a total of 21 liters of the suspension contained in the heating thermostat 18 is heated at 37 ° C for about 1 to 3 hours. This results in cleavage of the circular plasmid into which the cDNA having the specific nucleotide sequence has been incorporated.
  • Step S3 to Step S7 are a synthesis step of synthesizing the labeled RNA. The details will be described below.
  • step S3 after being used in step S1, the water (1) pipe tip held in the reuse rack 1 1d is attached again, and the water (1) is stored.
  • Eight liters are sucked from the cassette-shaped container 15 and discharged to the pool (housing part) group [2] of the heating thermostat 18 in the landing mode.
  • the bit tip is detached and attached to the reuse rack 11 d again.
  • An unused pipe tip held in the re-use rack 11d is attached to the nozzle of the dispenser, and a cooling thermostat containing an RN ace inhibitor (7) is attached.
  • a 2 u liter is sucked from 19 and discharged into a liquid [2] of the heating thermostat 18 in a liquid.
  • the pipe chip is an unused pipe chip from the rack 11c after being detached and held at the original position of the reuse rack 11d. Is attached, the synthesis buffer (5) contained in the microplate 17 is sucked in by 4 u liter, and is discharged in the liquid into the well [2] of the heating thermostat 18. The pit tip. Is detached at the original position of the rack 11c where the chip was held, and is discarded. An unused pipe tip held in the rack 11c was attached to the nozzle of the dispenser, and the microplate 17 containing a mixed solution of the labeled substance (6) was attached to the pipette nozzle. Aspirate the liquid by 2 liters and discharge it into the liquid [2] of the heating oven 18. The pit chip.
  • step S4 Aspirate and discharge the liquid in the liquid [2] of the heating oven 18 in step S4.
  • step S4 the heating oven 18 containing 4 liters of 20 liters obtained in this manner is placed in the heating oven 18. Heat at 37 ° C for about 1 hour to accelerate the reaction, synthesize RNA and label with fluorescent material.
  • step S5 the pipe tip mounted on the dispenser for sampling is detached and held at the original position where the pipe tip was held.
  • An unused pit tip held in the rack I1a is provided in the dispenser.
  • the reaction solution contained in the well [2] of the heating thermostat 18 is sucked in by 2 u liter, and discharged into the chiller [3] of the cooling bath 19 for reaction. Stop.
  • the reaction solution is used to confirm probe synthesis by electrophoresis (2% agarose gel).
  • step S6 the dispenser removes and holds the bit tip at the original position of the rack 11a where the tip was held, and then uses the rack 11 in step S3.
  • 2 liters of air were sucked from the cooling bath 19 containing the RN ace inhibitor (7), and the heating bath was heated.
  • 18 Discharge in liquid in well [2].
  • the unused pipette tip held in the rack 11d is mounted, and a cooling thermostat in which four RN ace polymerases (8) are stored. From 19, two liters of suction are sucked and discharged in liquid into the well [2] of the heating thermostat 18.
  • step S7 the well [2] containing a total of 22 liters of the suspension is maintained at a temperature of 37 ° C for about 1 hour for incubation.
  • a labeled RNA labeled with a fluorescent substance is synthesized.
  • Step S8 to Step S10A and Step S11 the synthesized labeled RNA is captured by magnetic particles, and the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner wall of the pipet chip of the dispenser.
  • This is a separation process that separates Huff.
  • Steps S12, S13 and S14B are separation steps in which the separated magnetic particles are resuspended in a hydrolyzate to purify and elute the labeled RNA fragment.
  • Step 14A and step S16 are a purification step of purifying the labeled RNA fragment by repeating capture, separation, and elution of the eluted labeled RNA fragment with new magnetic particles at least once. The details will be described below.
  • step S8 the pipette tip is detached and held at the original position of the rack 11d, and then the pipette tip used in step S6 is attached again, and the RN ace inhibitor (7) is stored.
  • a 2 u liter of the cooled thermostat 19 was sucked out and discharged in liquid into the heating thermostat 18 well [2], and the pipe tip was placed at the original position of the rack 11 d.
  • step S9 a total of 26 liters of the suspension contained in the well [2] of the heating oven 18 is heated at 37 ° C for 15 minutes.
  • step S1OA after the pipe tip is attached to and detached from the rack 11a, an unused bit chip held in the rack i1b.
  • the 3M acetic acid solution (11) contained in the force-set container 15 is sucked in by 3 liters, and discharged into the heating thermostat 18 in the liquid [2].
  • the pit tip The unused bit chips that are held in the original rack 11a and then held in the reusable rack 11d.
  • the pipette tip is not contaminated by contact with the liquid and the relatively large liquid volume of “100 w liters” allows the liquid to be transferred to the tip even if it is not settled in the bottom mode or discharged in the liquid. This is because they can be moved from the container to the storage unit, and the liquid volume does not need to be so precise.
  • the pit tip is used for reuse. 1 1d is detached and held in its original position. After attaching an unused pipe tip held in the reuse rack 11 d to the dispenser, the magnetic particle suspension contained in the magnetic particle suspension tank 13 was added to the dispenser. Absorbs 50 liters and discharges it in the air to the heating chamber 18 [2]. This is also because, as mentioned above, to prevent contamination due to contact and because it is a relatively large amount of “50 liters”, it is not necessary to perform the landing mode.
  • step S10B the pipe tip is attached and detached at the original position of the reusable rack 11d, and the unused bit tip held in the rack 11b is removed. Attached, 200 ⁇ l of the alkaline hydrolyzed solution contained in the alkaline hydro tank 14 is suctioned and discharged into the heating thermostat tank 18 [4].
  • step S11 the pipette tip of the dispenser is attached to and detached from the reuse rack 11d to its original position, and then the unused pipe tips held in the rack 11b are removed. A pet tip was attached, and the liquid of the pipe tip was applied to the suspension of 179 u liters contained in the heating thermostat i8 using magnetic means provided in the dispenser. When suction and discharge are performed in a state where a magnetic field is applied in the passage, or by repeating suction and discharge, the magnetic particles are adsorbed and separated on the inner wall of the pipe tip.
  • step S12 the magnetic particles are transferred to the container [4] containing the ethanol (12) of the thermostat 18 for caro heating while being held by the piget tip, and the magnetic force means applies a magnetic field.
  • the magnetic particles are resuspended in ethanol (12) by repeatedly sucking and discharging the ethanol under the condition that the magnetic particles are not affected.
  • the magnetic particles are resuspended in ethanol (12), and DNA having a predetermined base sequence, which is the target substance, is eluted from the magnetic particles.
  • the dispenser repeats suction and discharge of the liquid while the magnetic force exerts a magnetic field inside the bit tip, so that only the magnetic particles are deposited on the inner wall of the bit tip.
  • the magnetic particles are separated and transferred to a waste liquid tank 16 while adsorbing the magnetic particles, and the magnetic particles are discarded by suction and discharge in a state where the magnetic force means does not apply a magnetic field.
  • step S 13 after that, it was stored in the well [4] of the heating oven 18.
  • the eluate was incubated at a temperature of about 60 ° C for about 10-60 minutes.
  • step S14A the dispenser attaches and detaches the pipet tip to and from the original position of the rack 11b, and then repeats step S held in the reusable rack 11d. Re-attach the bit tip used in 3 etc. again, aspirate 20 liters of water (1) contained in the cassette 15 and discharge it to the microwell 17 [5] .
  • step S14B with the pipet tip attached, 20 liters of suction from the cassette-like container 15 containing the buffer solution for neutralization was sucked, and the well of the thermostatic bath 18 for heating [4] Then, eject the tip in the air without immersing the tip of the tip in the reaction solution.
  • the pit chip Is attached to and detached from the reusable rack 11d.
  • a pipe tip held in the reusable rack 11 d is mounted, and the magnetic particles are suspended from a magnetic particle suspension tank 13 containing a suspension in which the magnetic particles are suspended.
  • the suspension is suctioned at 50 liters and discharged into the heating thermostat 18 in the air.
  • the pipe tip is detached from the reuse rack 11 d and held.
  • the pit chip used in step S10 held in the reuse rack 11d. Is re-attached, and the ethanol solution contained in the ethanol tank 12 is suctioned at 400 uL and discharged into the heating thermostat tank 18 [4] in the air.
  • the pit tip Is detached and held by the reusable rack 11d in which the bit tip was held.
  • Step S15 the suspension (4) of the heating thermostatic bath 18 containing a total amount of 670 uL was heated at 60 ° C and held in the rack 11b.
  • the pipet tip is mounted on the nozzle of the dispenser, and the suction tip I and the discharge are repeated in a state where a magnetic field is applied to the inside of the pipet tip by a magnetic force means.
  • the magnetic particles are separated by being adsorbed on the inner wall of the substrate.
  • step S16 with the magnetic field applied by the magnetic means, the magnetic particles are transferred to the microplate 17 with the magnetic particles kept separated, and the magnetic field by the magnetic means is removed.
  • the water contained in the well [5] is repeatedly suspended and dissolved in the water by repeating suction and discharge.
  • a magnetic field is applied to the inside of the pipe tip by magnetic force means, and only the magnetic particles from which the target substance has separated are separated on the inner wall of the pipe tip.
  • the chip is transported to the waste tank 16 and the magnetic particles are discarded in the waste tank 16 by repeating suction and discharge without applying a magnetic field by magnetic means.
  • the automatic target substance sorting method is performed using the dispenser according to the first embodiment.
  • a chip rack in which a large number of bit chips are arranged, a tank containing pure water, a container containing a suspension in which cells and tissues are suspended, an oligo dT A tank for holding a suspension in which the first magnetic particles coated with, and a suspension in which the second magnetic particles coated with one of the specific binding compound pairs are suspended.
  • An accommodating section or the like for accommodating is prepared on the stage.
  • an extraction step (S21) of extracting RNA, which is a genetic material, from cells or tissues, and cDN, a related genetic material of the RNA, using a reverse transcriptase is a method of extracting RNA, which is a genetic material, from cells or tissues, and cDN, a related genetic material of the RNA, using a reverse transcriptase.
  • A and a cDNA synthesis step (S22) for synthesizing cDNA fragments, which are various types of related genetic material fragments, and a PCR primer that binds to the cDNA fragment via an adapter
  • a piotinylated RNA fragment labeled with piotin and a second magnetic particle coated with streptavidin the other side of the compound pair.
  • RNA is extracted from cells and tissues.
  • SDS and protease the necessary reagents
  • the first magnetic particles are applied to the suspension of the sample in which the protein or the like is dissolved, and the suspension is accommodated in a state where a magnetic field is applied to the inner wall of the pipe tip by the magnetic force means.
  • the sample is sucked from the container, adsorbed, moved, and discharged into the sample suspension to be mixed.
  • the genetic material such as RNA is captured by the first magnetic particles.
  • a magnet M provided as a magnetic force outside the pipe tip, for example, a magnet M which can be freely attached and detached is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pipette tip.
  • the first magnetic particles on which RNA and the like are captured are made to adhere to the inner surface of the pit chip.
  • an ethanol solution was added to the solution, and the suction and discharge were repeated to precipitate in the ethanol solution.
  • step S22 the pit tip is mounted from the tip rack, and a reverse transcriptase suspension is sucked from a storage section in which reverse transcriptase is stored, and only the RNA and the like are suspended.
  • a cDNA fragment complementary to the RNA is synthesized in a state of forming a double strand with the RNA fragment.
  • the RNA degrading enzyme is discharged into the suspension to obtain a single-chain cDNA.
  • step S23 the primer for PCR is bound to the cDNA via the T4RNA ligase (ligase) which is an adapter to the single-stranded cDNA fragment. Thereafter, the cDNA is amplified by a PCR method.
  • T4RNA ligase ligase
  • step S24 the amplified cDNA fragments and the specific nucleotide sequence A biotinylated RNA having a specific base sequence labeled with biotin, which is one of a pair of compounds that specifically binds (using the labeled RNA obtained according to the second embodiment).
  • a biotinylated RNA having a specific base sequence labeled with biotin which is one of a pair of compounds that specifically binds (using the labeled RNA obtained according to the second embodiment).
  • Is aspirated from the container containing the liquid in which is suspended discharged into the container containing the cDNA suspension, and mixed.
  • the above-mentioned dispenser discharges the second magnetic particles into the storage portion storing the suspension, thereby capturing the force of the second magnetic particles.
  • the dispenser repeats the suction and discharge of the suspension while attaching a new bit tip and then applying a magnetic field to the liquid passage of the bit tip by magnetic means.
  • the second magnetic particles are adsorbed on and separated from the inner wall of the pipe tip. After the residual liquid is discarded, the liquid is resuspended by repeatedly adding and discharging the ethanol liquid without applying the magnetic field by the magnetic force means, and the second magnetic particles are precipitated in the ethanol liquid. Let it. Thereafter, the eluate is added to elute the cDNA fragment as the target substance from the second magnetic particles.
  • the suspension is repeatedly suctioned and discharged while a magnetic field is applied to the pipet tip of the pipettor by a magnetic force means, so that only the second magnetic particles from which the cDNA fragments have been eluted are pipetted.
  • a magnetic force means By adsorbing on the inner wall of the chip and separating and discarding, the target cDNA is selected.
  • the method according to the fourth embodiment uses a dispenser and a DNA chip, which have already been described, to determine a base sequence. Is what you do.
  • the method comprises an extraction step (S31) of extracting RNA, which is a genetic material, from a sample such as a cell or a tissue, and a fluorescently labeled cDNA that is complementary to the RNA as a labeling-related genetic material.
  • the labeled cDNA is captured by magnetic particles by sucking each liquid from the storage part and moving and discharging the liquid into a thermostat, and the suspension passes through the liquid passage.
  • a purification step (S33) in which a magnetic field is applied during the passage to perform adsorption and separation on the inner surface of the liquid passage and elution is performed several times, and the labeled cDNA suspension is aspirated.
  • step S31 The extraction process in step S31 is the same as the process described in the third embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.
  • step S32 is the same as the synthesizing step described in the step S22 of the third embodiment, and the description is omitted.
  • step of purifying step S33 in order to capture the labeled cDNA, the suspension is performed by mixing the magnetic particles and the ethanol coated with oligo dT that specifically binds to the cDNA and the suspension. To allow the magnetic particles to capture the labeled cDNA. Next, a magnetic field is applied to the inside of the tip by the magnetic means of the dispenser, and the suction and discharge of the suspension are repeated to adsorb and separate on the inner wall of the tip. I do.
  • the residual liquid is discarded, and the target cDNA is eluted from the magnetic particles with the pure water or the like. This separation process is repeated several times to purify the target substance, labeled cDNA.
  • the labeled cDNA purified in step S34 is discharged onto a DNA chip, and the base sequence of the cDNA is determined.
  • the transfer of a liquid or the like is performed by moving the dispenser, and the transfer of the liquid or the like is performed by moving the force, the stage or the container on the stage as described above.
  • the container and the dispenser may be movable.
  • the case of synthesizing cDNA using reverse transcriptase has been described.However, the DNA is amplified by PCR using the primary, and the amplified DNA is placed on a DNA chip. What discharges may be sufficient. Also, it is needless to say that the numerical values used are merely examples and are not limited to these numerical values.
  • the dispensing system is used in the case of eight nozzles
  • the case where a disposable tip is used has been described.
  • the number of a plurality of sets is not limited to this case, and a case where a cleaning nozzle is used instead of the disposable tip may be used.

Abstract

An automatic labeling method using a high-reliability dispenser which automatically performs high-efficiency processing with a lightened burden on the operator without increasing the device scale and is suitable to handle a genetic substance, a method for automatically separating a target substance, a method for determining a base sequence, and an automatic dispensing system are disclosed.

Description

明 細 書 分注機を利用した自動標識化方法、 目的物質自動選別方法、 塩基配列決定方 法および自動分注システム 技術分野  Description Automatic labeling method using dispenser, automatic selection method of target substance, base sequence determination method, and automatic dispensing system
本発明は、 分注機を利用した標識化自動化方法、 目的物質自動選別方法、 塩基配列決定方法および自動分注システムに関する。 本発明は、 農学、 工学 、 薬学、 医学、 または、 化学若しくは生物学等の理学等の分野で、 遺伝子操 作や、 医療、 薬品、 生理衛生、 保健、 生物、 食品または材料等の種々の領域 で、 検査、 測定、 反応、 生産、 抽出または観察等を行うために用いるもので ある。 技術的背景  The present invention relates to an automatic labeling method using a dispenser, a method for automatically selecting a target substance, a method for determining a base sequence, and an automatic dispensing system. The present invention relates to various fields such as genetic manipulation, medical treatment, medicine, physiological hygiene, health, living organisms, food or materials in fields such as agriculture, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, or science such as chemistry or biology. It is used for inspection, measurement, reaction, production, extraction or observation. Technical background
従来から、 特定の塩基配列をもつ D N A断片等と構造上の関連性の高い塩 基配列をもつ D N A断片等を選別し、 増幅し、 また、 該当する遺伝物質の塩 基配列を決定するためには、 標識化された R N A断片等を生成し、 該標識化 R N A断片を用いて該当する D N A断片等とハイブリダィズさせる必要があ つた。  Conventionally, to select, amplify, and determine the base sequence of the relevant genetic material, selecting and amplifying DNA fragments that have a base sequence that is highly structurally related to DNA fragments that have a specific base sequence, etc. It was necessary to generate labeled RNA fragments and the like, and to hybridize with the corresponding DNA fragments and the like using the labeled RNA fragments.
該標識化 R N Aを生成したり、 該標識化 R N Aを選別したり、 塩基配列を 決定するためには、 操作者は、 該当する試薬等カ収容された容器から、 ピぺ ッ トを用いて用手法によって、 所定の容量を吸引し、 移送し、 かつ吐出を行 つて、 試薬を混合して反応溶液を得る'必要があった。 また、 目的物質を精製 するには、 遠心分離機を用いて分離したり、 温度を変化できる変温槽に収容 した溶液の温度制御を行うことによつて温度の制御を行う必要があつた。 ところで、 従来の標識化の方法では、 各工程は、 操作者が直接管理し、 ま た、 操作するようにするものであったため、 操作者の操作能力の有無に処理 結果が大きく依存するとともに、 操作者に大きな負担をかけ、 また、 処理に 時間がかかるととともに、 クロスコンタミネ一ショ ンが生ずるおそれがある という問題点を有していた。 さらに、 遠心分離機を用いたり、 変温槽を としたり装置規模が拡大するおそれがあるという問題点を有していた。 そこで、 本発明の目的は、 第 1には、 処理を一貫して自動化することによ つて操作者にかける負担を軽減するとともに、 迅速に処理を行うことができ る分注機を利用した自動標識化方法、 目的物質自動選別方法、 塩基配列決定 方法および自動分注システムを提供することである。 To generate the labeled RNA, select the labeled RNA, and determine the nucleotide sequence, the operator uses a pipette from a container containing the relevant reagents or the like. Depending on the method, it was necessary to aspirate, transfer, and discharge a predetermined volume to mix the reagents to obtain a reaction solution. In addition, in order to purify the target substance, it was necessary to control the temperature by separating using a centrifugal separator or controlling the temperature of the solution contained in a variable-temperature bath capable of changing the temperature. By the way, in the conventional labeling method, each step is directly controlled and operated by an operator, so that the processing result greatly depends on the presence or absence of the operator's operability. It may put a heavy burden on the operator, may take a long time to process, and may cause cross-contamination. There was a problem that. In addition, there is a problem that there is a possibility that a centrifugal separator is used, a temperature change tank is used, and the scale of the apparatus is increased. Therefore, the object of the present invention is, firstly, to reduce the burden on the operator by consistently automating the processing, and to use an automatic dispensing machine that can perform the processing quickly. An object of the present invention is to provide a labeling method, a method for automatically selecting a target substance, a method for determining a base sequence, and an automatic dispensing system.
第 2には、 構造が簡単でコンパクトであるが多機能で集積された装置を用 いることによって、 装置規模を拡大することなく効率の高い処理を行うこと 力できる分注機を利用した自動標識化方法、 目的物質自動選別方法、 塩基配 列決定方法および自動分注システムを提供することである。  Second, the use of a dispenser with a simple structure, compactness, and multifunctional integrated devices enables the use of a dispenser that can perform highly efficient processing without increasing the scale of the device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a chemical conversion method, a method for automatically selecting a target substance, a method for determining a base sequence and an automatic dispensing system.
第 3には、 微量な物質である遺伝物質を扱うのに適した信頼性の高い分注 機を利用した自動標識化方法、 目的物質自動選別方法、塩基配列決定方法お よび自動分注システムを提供することである。 発明の開示  Third, an automatic labeling method using a highly reliable dispenser suitable for handling a small amount of genetic material, an automatic sorting method for the target substance, a base sequence determination method, and an automatic dispensing system. To provide. Disclosure of the invention
第一の発明は、 液通過路と、 該液通過路に外部から磁場を及ぼしかつ除去 する磁力部、 および該液通過路内の圧力を制御して流体の吸弓 Iおよび吐出を 行う圧力制御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機または前記液通過路と容器との 間を相対的に移動させる移動部と、 多数の収容部からなる容器とを用いて標 識化を行う方法であって、 特定の塩基配列を有する遺伝物質を抽出して収容 部に収容する抽出工程と、 該遺伝物質に関連しかつ標識化された標識化関連 遺伝物質を合成して収容部に収容する合成工程と、 磁性粒子と該標識化関連 遺伝物質とを混合して該磁性粒子に該標識化関連遺伝物質を捕獲させ、 該磁 性粒子を含む懸濁液が前記液通過路を通過する際に磁場を及ぼすことによつ て該液通過路の内壁に吸着して標識化関連遺伝物質を分離する分離工程と、 分離した該磁性粒子を再懸濁して標識化関連遺伝物質断片を生成しかつ溶出 する分断工程と、 溶出した標識化関連遺伝物質断片と新たな磁性粒子とを混 合して該標識化遺伝物質断片を該磁性粒子に捕獲し、 該磁性粒子を含む懸濁 液が通過する際に磁場を及ぼすことによって該液通過路の内壁に吸着して分 離し、 かつ分離した該磁性粒子を再懸濁して該標識化関連遺伝物質断片を溶 出する処理を 1回または 2回以上繰り返すことによつて標識化関連遺伝物質 断片を精製する精製工程とを有するものである。 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid passage, a magnetic portion for applying and removing a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure control for absorbing and discharging a fluid by controlling a pressure in the liquid passage. A dispensing machine having a container, a moving unit for relatively moving the dispensing machine or the liquid passage and the container, and a container comprising a large number of storage units. An extraction step of extracting a genetic material having a specific base sequence and storing the extracted genetic material in a storage unit; and synthesizing a labeled-related genetic material that is related to the genetic material and is labeled and stored in the storage unit. Mixing the magnetic particles with the labeling-related genetic material, causing the magnetic particles to capture the labeling-related genetic material, and causing a suspension containing the magnetic particles to pass through the liquid passage. By applying a magnetic field, it is adsorbed on the inner wall of the liquid passage and becomes labeled-related. A separation step of separating the magnetic particles, a separation step of resuspending the separated magnetic particles to generate and elute the labeling-related genetic material fragment, and mixing the eluted labeling-related genetic material fragment with the new magnetic particles. In combination, the labeled genetic material fragment is captured by the magnetic particles, and is applied to the inner wall of the liquid passage by applying a magnetic field when the suspension containing the magnetic particles passes. A purification step of purifying the labeling-related genetic material fragment by repeating once or twice or more the process of resuspending the separated and separated magnetic particles to elute the labeling-related genetic material fragment. Have
ここで、 「関連遺伝物質」 とは、 特定の塩基配列をもつ遺伝物質と、 一定 の関連をもつ遺伝物質を示すものであって、 例えば、 特定の塩基配列をもつ D N AゃR N Aに対して、 相補性のある塩基配列をもつ D N Aや R N Aや、 該 D N Aや R N Aと所定確率で結合可能な塩基配列をもつ D N Aや R N Aを 表すものである。  Here, the term “related genetic material” refers to a genetic material having a specific nucleotide sequence and a genetic material having a certain association. For example, for DNA ゃ RNA having a specific nucleotide sequence, It refers to DNA or RNA having a complementary base sequence, or DNA or RNA having a base sequence capable of binding to the DNA or RNA with a predetermined probability.
「標識化関連遺伝物質」 とは、 標識物質と結合して標識化された関連遺伝 物質を示す。  “Labeled-related genetic material” refers to related genetic material that has been labeled in combination with a labeling material.
「液通過路」 としては、 分注機のノズル自体、 または、 第六の発明に示す ようにノズルに着脱自在に装着されたチップに形成される Jt^がある。  As the “liquid passage”, there is a nozzle of the dispenser itself, or Jt ^ formed on a chip detachably mounted on the nozzle as shown in the sixth invention.
「流体」 であるから、 液体と気体の双方を含む。  Because it is a "fluid," it includes both liquids and gases.
第二の発明は、 第一の発明において、 前記抽出工程は、 ベクターが導入さ れた大腸菌等の細菌コロニーと D N A抽出液とを混合して可溶化させ、 磁性 粒子を混合することによって D N Aを磁性粒子に捕獲する捕獲工程と、 該 D N Aを捕獲した磁性粒子を含む懸濁液を液通過路を通過させる際に、 磁場を 及ぼすことによって、 液通過路の内壁に吸着させて分離する分離工程と、 洗 浄液を液通過路を通して吸引することによつて該磁性粒子および該液通過路 を洗浄する洗浄工程と、 前記磁性粒子を液通過路の内壁に吸着させたままべ クターを溶出する溶出工程と、 前記遺伝物質である特定の塩基配列を有する c D N Aが組み込まれた環状べクタ一について、 該環状べクタ一を切断する 切断工程とを有し、 前記合成工程における標識化関連遺伝物質は、 切断した c D N Aに対する標識化された標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N Aである。  In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the extraction step comprises mixing a bacterial colony such as Escherichia coli, into which the vector has been introduced, with a DNA extract, solubilizing the DNA extract, and mixing the DNA by mixing magnetic particles. A capture step of capturing the magnetic particles, and a separation step of adsorbing and separating the suspension containing the magnetic particles capturing the DNA on the inner wall of the liquid passage by applying a magnetic field when passing the suspension through the liquid passage. A washing step of washing the magnetic particles and the liquid passage by sucking the washing liquid through the liquid passage, and eluting the vector while the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner wall of the liquid passage. An elution step, and a cutting step of cutting the circular vector into which the cDNA having the specific base sequence that is the genetic material is incorporated, and a labeling-related genetic step in the synthesis step. Quality is being labeled for the cut c D N A labeled D N A or labeled R N A.
「ベクター」 には、 プラスミ ド、 バクテリオファージ等を含む。  “Vector” includes plasmids, bacteriophages, and the like.
第三の発明は、 第二の発明において、 前記切断工程は、 特定の塩基配列を 有する c D N Aが組み込まれたベクタ一と所定試薬を各々収容した各収容部 から液通過路を介して吸弓 Iし亘温機能を有する収容部に移動しかつ吐出して 環状べクタ一を切断する工程であり、 前記合成工程は、 D N Aポリメラ一ゼ もしくは R N Aボリメラ一ゼおよび標識化物質を含む所定試薬を収容する各 収容部から液通過路を介して吸引し該恒温機能を有する収容部に移動しかつ 吐出して切断した c D N Aに対応する標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N Aを合 成する工程であり、 前記分離工程は、 前記標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N A を含む反応液に、 該標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N Aと特異的に結合する結 合物質がコ一ティングされた磁性粒子、 および所定試薬の懸濁液を各々収容 した各収容部から液通過路を介して吸引し、 恒温機能を有する収容部に移動 して吐出することによつて磁性粒子に標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N Aを捕 獲させた後、 該懸濁液を液通過路を通過させる際に磁場を及ぼすことによつ て分離する工程であり、 前記分断工程は、 分離された磁性粒子を加水分解液 を収容した恒温機能を有する収容部に移送して再懸濁することによつて標識 化 R N A断片を生成しかつ該 R N A断片を磁性粒子から溶出し、 該磁性粒子 のみを分離して廃棄する工程であり、 前記精製工程は、 新たな前記磁性粒子 を収容した収容部から懸濁液を吸引し該恒温機能を有する収容部に移送して 吐出し該標識化 D N A断片または標識化 R N A断片を捕獲し、 該磁性粒子を 液通過路の内壁に吸着して分離し、 該磁性粒子から所定試薬によって標識化 D N A断片または標識化 R N A断片を溶出し、 磁性粒子のみを該液通路に吸 着して分離して廃棄することによつて標識化 D N A断片または標識化 R N A 断片を精製する工程である。 In a third aspect based on the second aspect, in the second aspect, the cleavage step is performed through a liquid passage from each of the accommodating portions accommodating the vector containing the cDNA having the specific base sequence and the predetermined reagent. I is a step of moving to a storage section having a temperature function and discharging and cutting the annular vector, wherein the synthesizing step is a DNA polymerase. Alternatively, the label corresponding to the cDNA that has been aspirated from each of the storage sections containing the predetermined reagents including RNA polymerase and the labeling substance via the liquid passage, moved to the storage section having a constant temperature function, and discharged and cut to be discharged. Is a step of synthesizing the labeled DNA or labeled RNA, and the separation step is a step in which a binding substance that specifically binds to the labeled DNA or labeled RNA is added to a reaction solution containing the labeled DNA or labeled RNA. Is sucked from each of the storage sections containing the coated magnetic particles and the suspension of the predetermined reagent through the liquid passage, moved to the storage section having a constant temperature function, and discharged, thereby obtaining the magnetic properties. After the labeled DNA or labeled RNA is captured by the particles, the suspension is separated by applying a magnetic field when passing the suspension through a liquid passage. Containing the hydrolyzed liquid A step of generating a labeled RNA fragment by transferring to a container having a constant temperature function and resuspending the same, eluting the RNA fragment from the magnetic particles, separating and discarding only the magnetic particles, In the purifying step, the suspension is sucked from the storage part containing the new magnetic particles, transferred to the storage part having a constant temperature function, discharged, and the labeled DNA fragment or labeled RNA fragment is captured. The magnetic particles are adsorbed and separated on the inner wall of the liquid passage, the labeled DNA fragment or the labeled RNA fragment is eluted from the magnetic particles with a predetermined reagent, and only the magnetic particles are adsorbed and separated into the liquid passage. This is a step of purifying the labeled DNA fragment or labeled RNA fragment by discarding.
第四の発明は、 第三の発明において、 前記切断工程の所定試薬とは、 水、 切断用バッファおよび切断酵素であり、 前記合成工程の所定試薬とは、 テン プレイ ト、 水、 R Nエース阻止剤、 合成用バッファ、 標識化物質および D N Aポリメラーゼもしくは D N Aポリメラ一ゼであり、 前記分離工程の結合物 質とは、 シリカゲルであり、 該分離工程の所定試薬とは、 酢酸塩等の緩衝剤 およびエタノ一ルであり、 前記分断工程の前記加水分解液はアル力リ加水分 解液であり、 前記精製工程の所定試薬とは、 水、 緩衝剤、 エタノールであり 、 前記結合物質とは、 シリカゲルであるものである。  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the predetermined reagents in the cleavage step are water, a cleavage buffer and a cleavage enzyme, and the predetermined reagents in the synthesis step are template, water, RNace inhibition Reagent, synthesis buffer, labeling substance and DNA polymerase or DNA polymerase; the binding substance in the separation step is silica gel; the predetermined reagent in the separation step is a buffer such as acetate; Ethanol, the hydrolyzate in the splitting step is an alkaline hydrolysate, the predetermined reagents in the purification step are water, a buffer, and ethanol, and the binding substance is silica gel. It is something that is.
第五の発明は、 第一の発明において、 前記標識化物質とは、 蛍光物質、 ビ ォチンおよびアビジン、 D I G等の特異的に結合する化合物対の一方の化合 物、 アイソトープ、 または化学発光物質であるものである。 In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the labeling substance is a compound of one of a pair of specifically binding compound pairs such as a fluorescent substance, biotin and avidin, and DIG. Substances, isotopes, or chemiluminescent substances.
ここで、 「アイソトープ」 としては、 32 Pや 35 Sを使用する。  Here, 32 P or 35 S is used as the “isotope”.
第六の発明は、 第一の発明において、 前記液通過路は、 前記分注機に対し て着脱自在に設けられたものである。  In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, the liquid passage is detachably provided to the dispenser.
第七の発明は、 液通過路と、 該液通過路に外部から磁場を及ぼしかつ除去 する磁力部、 および該液通過路内の圧力を制御して流体の吸弓 Iおよび吐出を 行う圧力制御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機または前記液通過路と容器との 間を相対的に移動させる移動部と、 多数の収容部からなる容器とを用いて目 的物質の選別を行う方法であつて、 細胞や組織等の微量試料から遺伝物質を 抽出して収容部に収容する抽出工程と、 該遺伝物質と関連する関連遺伝物質 を合成し、 該関連遺伝物質から多数種類の関連遺伝物質断片を合成して収容 部に収容する合成工程と、 該関連遺伝物質断片にアダプタを介して P C R用 プライマを結合し、 P C R法により関連遺伝物質断片を増幅して収容部に収 容する増幅工程と、 増幅した複数種類の関連遺伝物質断片と、 特定の塩基配 列をもち特異的に結合する化合物対の一方によって標識化された標識化遺伝 物質断片と、 該化合物対の他方によってコーティングされた磁性粒子とを各 々収容する各収容部から懸濁液を吸弓 Iし移動し吐出して混合することによつ て、 目的の関連遺伝物質断片を標識化遺伝物質断片を介して磁性粒子に捕獲 し、 捕獲した磁性粒子を通過させる際に磁場を及ぼして液通過路に吸着して 分離することによって目的の関連遺伝物質断片を選別する選別工程とを有す るものである。  A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a liquid passage, a magnetic force portion that applies and removes a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure control that controls the pressure in the liquid passage to absorb and discharge the fluid. A target substance is selected using a dispenser having a portion, a moving portion for relatively moving the dispenser or the liquid passage and the container, and a container including a large number of storage portions. A method of extracting genetic material from a small amount of sample such as a cell or tissue and storing the genetic material in a storage unit, synthesizing related genetic material related to the genetic material, and preparing a plurality of related genetic materials from the related genetic material. A synthesis step of synthesizing the genetic material fragment and accommodating the fragment in a container, coupling a primer for PCR to the relevant genetic material fragment via an adapter, amplifying the relevant genetic material fragment by PCR, and storing the fragment in the container. Amplification process and amplified multiple related genes Each containing a fragment, a labeled genetic material fragment labeled with one of a pair of compounds having a specific base sequence and specifically binding, and a magnetic particle coated with the other of the pair of compounds; The target related genetic material fragment is captured by the magnetic particles via the labeled genetic material fragment by sucking the suspension I from the part, moving, discharging, and mixing, and passes through the captured magnetic particles. And a separation step of selecting a target related genetic material fragment by applying a magnetic field to the liquid passage and separating the target genetic material fragment.
本発明によれば、 予め必要な試薬や物質を複数の収容部に収容しておき、 分注機を用いて、 吸弓 I、 移動、 吐出、 攪裕昆合等の作業を一貫して行うこと ができるので処理を効率良く、 迅速にかつ信頼、性高く行うことができる。 第八の発明は、 第七の発明において、 前記抽出工程の遺伝物質は、 R N A であり、 前記合成工程は、 逆転写酵素を用いて、 該関連遺伝物質である c D N Aを合成する工程であり、 前記捕獲工程の標識化遺伝物質断片は、 標識化 D N A断片または標識化 R N A断片であり、 前記化合物対は、 ピオチンとァ ビジン、 D I G等の標識化合物とそれに特異的に結合する抗体等である。 第九の発明は、 第七の発明において、 前記液通過路は、 前記分注機に対し て着脱自在に設けられたものである。 According to the present invention, necessary reagents and substances are stored in a plurality of storage sections in advance, and operations such as sucking I, moving, discharging, and shaking are consistently performed using a dispenser. Processing can be performed efficiently, promptly, reliably, and with high reliability. In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the genetic material in the extracting step is RNA, and the synthesizing step is a step of synthesizing cDNA as the related genetic material using a reverse transcriptase. The labeled genetic material fragment in the capturing step is a labeled DNA fragment or a labeled RNA fragment, and the compound pair is a labeled compound such as biotin and avidin, DIG, and an antibody specifically binding thereto. . In a ninth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the liquid passage is provided detachably with respect to the dispenser.
第十の発明は、 液通過路と、 該液通過路に外部から磁場を及ぼしかつ除去 する磁力部、 および該液通過路内に圧力を制御して流体の吸弓 Iおよび吐出を 行う圧力制御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機または前記液通過路と容器との 間を相対的に移動させる移動部と、 多数の収容部からなる容器とを用いて塩 基配列の決定を行う方法であって、 細胞や組織等の試料から遺伝物質を抽出 して収容部に収容する抽出工程と、 該遺伝物質を標識化して P C R法で増幅 して収容部に収容する増幅工程と、 増幅された標識化遺伝物質、 該遺伝物質 と特異的に結合する結合物質がコーティングされた磁性粒子および所定試薬 を収容した収容部からその液を吸引し、 恒温機能を有する収容部に移動吐出 することによって該標識化遺伝物質を磁性粒子に捕獲させ、 該懸濁液が液通 過路を通過する際に磁場を及ぼすことによって液通過路の内面に吸着分離し かつ分離した該磁性粒子から該標識化遺伝物質を溶出する処理を 1回または 2回以上行うことによつて精製する精製工程と、該標識化遺伝物質を吸引し 、 D N Aチップ上に移動吐出することによって S B H法によって該遺伝物質 の塩基配列を決定する決定工程とを有するものである。  A tenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a liquid passage, a magnetic force portion that applies and removes a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure control that controls a pressure in the liquid passage to absorb and discharge the fluid. The base sequence is determined using a dispenser having a portion, a moving portion for relatively moving the dispenser or the liquid passage and the container, and a container including a large number of storage portions. A method of extracting genetic material from a sample such as a cell or tissue and storing the genetic material in a storage unit, an amplification step of labeling the genetic material, amplifying the genetic material by PCR and storing the genetic material in a storage unit, Aspirating the labeled genetic material, a magnetic particle coated with a binding substance that specifically binds to the genetic material, and a container containing the predetermined reagent, and moving and discharging the liquid to a container having a constant temperature function. Turns the labeled genetic material into magnetic particles A magnetic field is applied when the suspension passes through the liquid passage, thereby adsorbing and separating the suspension onto the inner surface of the liquid passage and eluting the labeled genetic material from the separated magnetic particles once or once. A purification step of performing purification twice or more, and a determination step of aspirating the labeled genetic material, moving and discharging the labeled genetic material onto a DNA chip, and determining the base sequence of the genetic material by the SBH method It is.
ここで、 「S B H法」 とは、 多数のオリゴヌクレチォドを用いてハイプリ ダイゼ一ション法によって塩基配列を決定する技術をいう。 未知の D N A断 片と、 パネルに固定した何百万通りものオリゴヌクレチォド 'プローブを対 合させて (D N Aチップ) 、 その対合パターンから D N A断片の塩基配列を 決定するものである。  Here, the “SBH method” refers to a technique for determining a base sequence by hybridization using a large number of oligonucleotides. An unknown DNA fragment is paired with millions of oligonucleotide 'probes immobilized on a panel (DNA chip), and the nucleotide sequence of the DNA fragment is determined from the pairing pattern.
第十一の発明は、 第十の発明において、 前記遺伝物質は D N Aである。 第十二の発明は、 第十の発明において、 前記液通過路は、 前記分注機に対 して着脱自在に設けられたものである。  In an eleventh aspect based on the tenth aspect, the genetic material is DNA. In a twelfth aspect based on the tenth aspect, the liquid passage is detachably provided to the dispenser.
第十三の発明は、 液通過路、 該液通過路と連通する貯溜部、 該液通過路に 磁場を及ぼしかつ除去する磁力部、 および、 該貯溜部内の圧力を調整する圧 力調整部を有する分注機と、 該分注機または前記液通過路と容器との間の相 対的位置を変える移動部と、 多数の収容部からなる容器とを用いて目的物質 の決定を行う方法であって、 細胞や組織等の試料から遺伝物質を抽出して収 容部に収容する抽出工程と、 該遺伝物質に関連する標識化された標識化関連 遺伝物質を合成して収容部に収容する合成工程と、 合成された該標識化関連 遺伝物質と特異的に結合する結合物質がコ一ティングされた磁性粒子および 所定試薬を収容した収容部からその液を吸引し、 恒温機能を有する収容部に 移動吐出することによつて該標識化関連遺伝物質を磁性粒子に捕獲させ、 該 懸濁液が液通過路を通過する際に磁場を及ぼすことによつて液通過路の内面 に吸着分離しかつ分離した磁性粒子から該標識化関連遺伝物質を溶出する処 理を 1回または 2回以上行うことによつて精製する精製工程と、 該標識化関 連遺伝物質を吸引し、 D N Aチップ上に移動吐出することによって S B H法 によって該遺伝物質の塩基配列を決定する決定工程とを有するものである。 第十四の発明は、 第十三の発明において、 前記遺伝物質は R N Aであり、 関連遺伝物質は c D N Aであり、 標識化物質は、 蛍光物質である。 A thirteenth invention is directed to a liquid passage, a storage unit communicating with the liquid passage, a magnetic unit for applying a magnetic field to and removing the liquid passage, and a pressure adjusting unit for adjusting the pressure in the storage unit. Target substance using a dispenser having a dispenser, a moving unit for changing a relative position between the dispenser or the liquid passage and the container, and a container comprising a large number of storage units. A method of extracting genetic material from a sample such as a cell or tissue and storing the genetic material in a container, and synthesizing a labeled and related genetic material related to the genetic material. A synthesis step of containing the magnetic substance coated with a binding substance that specifically binds to the synthesized labeled labeling-related genetic material and a predetermined reagent, and aspirating the liquid from the storage section. The labeling-related genetic material is captured by magnetic particles by moving and discharging into a container having a constant temperature function, and a magnetic field is applied when the suspension passes through the liquid passage. A purification step in which the labeling-related genetic material is purified by performing one or more times a treatment of adsorbing and separating the labeled-related genetic material from the separated magnetic particles, and aspirating the labeled-related genetic material And transfer onto the DNA chip Those having a determination step of determining a nucleotide sequence of the genetic material by the SBH method by the. In a fourteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the genetic material is RNA, the related genetic material is cDNA, and the labeling material is a fluorescent material.
第十五の発明は、 第十三の発明において、 前記液通過路は、 前記分注機に 対して着脱自在に設けられたものである。  In a fifteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the liquid passage is detachably provided to the dispenser.
第十六の発明は、 複数連の液通過路、 該各液通過路に外部から磁場を及ぼ しかつ除去する磁力部、 および該各液通過路内の圧力を制御して流体の吸引 および吐出を行う圧力制御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機または前記液通過 路と容器との間を相対的に移動させる移動部と、 前記複数連の前記液通過路 が一斉に挿入可能となるように設けられた収容部をもつ容器と、 該分注機お よび移動部の動作を制御する制御部とを有するとともに、 該容器は、 磁性粒 子を懸濁した懸濁液を収容する収容部と、 処理に必要な各種物質または試薬 を収容する収容部と、 冷却用および加熱用の恒温機能を各々有する収容部と According to a sixteenth aspect, a plurality of liquid passages, a magnetic force portion for applying and removing a magnetic field from the outside to each of the liquid passages, and controlling the pressure in each of the liquid passages to suction and discharge the fluid. A dispensing machine having a pressure control unit for performing the following steps: a dispensing machine or a moving unit that relatively moves between the dispensing machine or the liquid passage and the container; and the plurality of liquid passages can be simultaneously inserted. And a control unit for controlling operations of the dispenser and the moving unit, and the container stores a suspension in which magnetic particles are suspended. A storage section, a storage section for storing various substances or reagents necessary for the processing, and a storage section having a constant temperature function for cooling and heating, respectively.
、 前記分注機が装着可能なように前記液通過路が設けられた未使用または再 使用可能なチップおよび該分注機から脱着した廃棄用の該チップを収容する 収容部と、 廃液を収容する収容部とを有する分注機システムである。 An accommodating section accommodating an unused or reusable chip provided with the liquid passage so that the dispenser can be mounted thereon and the chip for disposal detached from the dispenser, and accommodating waste liquid And a dispenser system having an accommodating section.
ここで、 「前記複数連の前記液通過路が一斉に揷入可能となるように設け られた収容部をもつ容器」 は、 例えば、 該複数連の数と同じ数を行または列 としたマトリクス状に配列された多数の収容部、 および/または、 該複数連 の液通過路が一斉に挿入可能な幅をもった収容部を含む。 「マトリクス状」 には、 1行で複数列または複数行で 1列の場合を含む。 液通過路を容器に対 して移動させる移動部は、 分注機に含まれるようにしてもよい。 Here, the “container having an accommodation portion provided so that the plurality of liquid passages can be simultaneously inserted” is, for example, a matrix in which the number of rows is equal to the number of rows. And / or the plurality of housings arranged in a The liquid passage includes a storage portion having a width that can be inserted all at once. The term “matrix” includes a case in which one row includes a plurality of columns or a plurality of rows includes one column. The moving unit that moves the liquid passage with respect to the container may be included in the dispenser.
第十七の発明は、 第十六の発明において、 前記制御部は、 前記分注機、 移 動部および前記容器に関する設定を行うための設定手段と、 該設定手段によ る設定の際に、 または、 設定された容器の収容部の配列を含むデータを表示 する表示手段とを有するものである。 ここで、 「設定」 には、 分注機による 各種動作の手順の設定や、 使用する収容部の指定または配置、 吸弓 I、 吐出の 有無、 吸引量、 吐出量、 吸引吐出速度、 磁場の有無、 温度の設定、 インキュ ベーシヨン時間、 移動方向、 移動距離等を含む。  In a seventeenth aspect based on the sixteenth aspect, the control unit comprises: setting means for setting the dispenser, the moving unit, and the container; and Or display means for displaying data including the set arrangement of the accommodation sections of the containers. Here, the `` settings '' include the setting of various operation procedures by the dispenser, the designation or arrangement of the storage section to be used, the bow I, the presence or absence of discharge, the suction amount, the discharge amount, the suction and discharge speed, Includes presence / absence, temperature setting, incubation time, moving direction, moving distance, etc.
第十八の発明は、 第十七の発明において、 前記制御部は、 前記分注機の前 記液通過路から吐出されるべき液の種類、 その液量、 および吐出先の収容部 内の状態に基づいて、 または設定手段による選択に基づいて、 着底モード、 液体中、 または空中のいずれかで吐出を行うように制御するものである。 ここで、 「収容部内の状態」 とは、 収容部が空なのか、 液体が収容されて いるのか、 収容されている液体の種類が吐出する液体の種類と同じなのか異 なるのかなどの状態をいう。 「着底モード」 とは、 ピペッ トチップまたはノ ズルの各先端を、 収容部の内底に一旦接触させて内底位置を確認した後、 そ の先端から液体の吐出が可能となるように、 かつ、 吐出した液体が内底に移 動できるように、 その内底から、 わずかに上昇させた位置で、 ピぺッ トチッ フ'またはノズルから液体の吐出を行うことである。 これによつて、 吐出する 液量が微小であっても、 表面張力を利用して液体をピぺッ トチップまたはノ ズルから空の収容部に確実に移行させることができる。  In an eighteenth aspect based on the seventeenth aspect, the control unit is configured to control a type of the liquid to be discharged from the liquid passage of the dispenser, a liquid amount thereof, and a discharge destination storage unit. Based on the state or based on selection by the setting means, control is performed so as to perform ejection in the landing mode, in liquid, or in the air. Here, the “state in the storage section” refers to a state such as whether the storage section is empty, whether the liquid is stored, whether the type of the stored liquid is the same as or different from the type of the liquid to be discharged, and the like. Say. The `` landing mode '' means that the tip of the pipette tip or nozzle is once brought into contact with the inner bottom of the container to check the position of the inner bottom, and then the liquid can be ejected from the tip. In addition, the liquid is discharged from the pit tip or nozzle at a position slightly raised from the inner bottom so that the discharged liquid can move to the inner bottom. Thus, even if the amount of the liquid to be discharged is very small, the liquid can be reliably transferred from the pit tip or the nozzle to the empty container using the surface tension.
「液体中で」 とは、 ピペッ トチップまたはノズルの先端を液体中に挿入し た状態で吐出を行うことをいう。 これによつて、 吐出する液量が微小であつ ても、 確実に収容部に液体を移行させることができる。 「空中で」 とは、 ピ ぺットチップまたはノズルの先端を液体中につけずに、 空中から吐出するこ とをいう。 この場合は、 吐出する液量が比較的大きく、 表面張力を利用せず に液の移行が行える場合であつて、 液量の精密さが問題とならない場合に利 用することができる。 この場合にはピぺッ トチップまたはノズルを汚染しな いという利点がある。 本発明によれば、 微小量の液体の吐出であっても、 ま た、 大量の液体の吐出であっても、 各々確実にかつ高い信頼性で行うことが できる。 "In liquid" means that the liquid is discharged while the tip of the pipette tip or nozzle is inserted in the liquid. Thus, even if the amount of liquid to be discharged is minute, the liquid can be reliably transferred to the storage section. “In the air” refers to discharging from the air without putting the tip of the pipe tip or nozzle in the liquid. In this case, the amount of liquid to be discharged is relatively large, and the liquid can be transferred without using the surface tension. This is useful when precision of the liquid amount does not matter. Can be used. In this case, there is an advantage that the bit tip or the nozzle is not contaminated. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it discharges a minute amount of liquid or discharges a large amount of liquid, each can be performed reliably and with high reliability.
以上説明したように、 本発明によれば、 液通過路、 該液通過路にタ部から 磁場を及ぼしかつ除去する磁力部、 および該液通過路内の圧力を制御して流 体の吸弓 Iおよび吐出を行う圧力制御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機と容器と の間を相対的に移動させる移動部と、 多数の収容部を有する容器を用いるこ とよって、 標識化処理、 目的物質の選別処理、 および塩基配列決定の処理を 一貫して自動化することによつて操作者にかける負担を軽減することができ る。  As described above, according to the present invention, a liquid passage, a magnetic force unit for applying and removing a magnetic field from the liquid passage to the liquid passage, and a pressure absorption in the liquid by controlling the pressure in the liquid passage. A labeling process by using a dispenser having a pressure control unit for performing I and discharge, a moving unit for relatively moving between the dispenser and the container, and a container having a large number of storage units. The burden on the operator can be reduced by consistently automating the process of selecting the target substance and determining the base sequence.
また、 本発明によれば、 構造が簡単でコンパクトであるが多機能で集積さ れた装置を用いることによって、 装置規模を拡大することなく効率の高い処 理を行うことができる。 さらに、 本発明によれば、 微量な物質である遺伝物 質を扱うのに適した信頼性の高い標識化処理、 選別処理および塩基配列の決 定を行うことができる。 図面の簡単な説明  Also, according to the present invention, highly efficient processing can be performed without increasing the scale of the device by using a device having a simple structure and a compact but multifunctional and integrated. Further, according to the present invention, highly reliable labeling treatment, selection treatment and base sequence determination suitable for handling a trace amount of genetic material can be performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
図 1は、 第 iの実施の形態に係るステージを示す図である。  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a stage according to an i-th embodiment.
図 2は、 第 2の実施の形態に係る流れ図である。 発明を実施するための最良の形態  FIG. 2 is a flowchart according to the second embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
本発明の第 1の実施の形態に係る分注機を利用した自動標識化方法を図 1 および図 2に基づいて説明する。 また、 この実施の形態は特に指定のない限 り本発明を制限するものではない。  An automatic labeling method using a dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment does not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified.
図 1は、 本実施の形態に係る自動分注システムの全体を示すものである。 本実施の形態に係る自動分注システムでは、 ステージ 1 0と、 分注機 (図 示せず) とを有する。 その分注機は、 着脱自在にピぺッ トチップが各々装着 される 8連のノズルが設けられたノズルへッ ドと、 液体の吸引吐出を行う吸 引吐出機構と、 該ノズルに装着したピぺッ 卜チップの液通過路の外部から磁 場を及ぼしまたは除去することが可能な 8個の磁力部とを有する。 また、 分 注機のノズルへッ ドをそのステージ 1 0の平面に平行におよび上下方向に沿 つて移動可能な移動部を具備している。 FIG. 1 shows an entire automatic dispensing system according to the present embodiment. The automatic dispensing system according to the present embodiment has a stage 10 and a dispenser (not shown). The dispenser is equipped with a nozzle head provided with eight nozzles to which a detachable tip is attached, and a suction head for sucking and discharging liquid. It has a pull-discharge mechanism and eight magnetic force parts capable of applying or removing a magnetic field from outside the liquid passage of the tip mounted on the nozzle. In addition, the dispenser has a moving unit that can move the nozzle head of the dispenser in parallel with the plane of the stage 10 and in the vertical direction.
さらに、 該ステージ 1 0には、 該標識化処理に処理に必要な全ての物質 ( 磁性粒子を含む) 、 試薬、 水等の液体を収容する収容部群、 冷却用または加 熱用の恒温機能を有する収容部群、 該分注機のノズルに装着可能なように未 使用または再使用可能なピぺッ トチップおよび該分注機から脱着した廃棄用 の該チップを各々収容する収容部群 (チップ 'ラック) を、 マトリクス状に 配列した容器を複数群予め用意している。 その他に、 空の収容部郡および廃 液を収容する廃液層が設けられている。  Further, the stage 10 includes a group of storage units for storing all substances (including magnetic particles), reagents, and liquids such as water necessary for the labeling process, and a constant temperature function for cooling or heating. A group of storage units each having an unused or reusable pipe tip that can be mounted on the nozzle of the dispenser and a group of storage units that respectively store the chips for disposal detached from the dispenser. A plurality of containers in which chips and racks are arranged in a matrix are prepared in advance. In addition, there is an empty reservoir group and a waste liquid layer for storing waste liquid.
また、 該システムは、 前記吸引吐出機構の吸引吐出の制御や、 磁力部の磁 場の制御、 および移動制御を行うための制御部を有する。 制御部には、 コン ピュータを内蔵する処理手段と、 C R丁、 液晶等の表示部やプリンタ等の出 力手段と、 種々の処理の手順の設定や指示、 データの入力等を行うためのキ 一ボード、 マウス、 フロッピ一、 C Dや M〇等のプログラムやデータが記録 された記録媒体を読み取る読取装置等の入力手段と、 通信網に接続する通信 部とを有している。  Further, the system has a control unit for controlling the suction and discharge of the suction and discharge mechanism, controlling the magnetic field of the magnetic force unit, and controlling the movement. The control unit includes a processing unit with a built-in computer, an output unit such as a display unit such as a CR and a liquid crystal, and a printer, and a key for setting and instructing various processing procedures, inputting data, and the like. It has input means such as a reading device for reading a recording medium on which programs and data such as a board, a mouse, a floppy disk, a CD and a M〇 are recorded, and a communication unit connected to a communication network.
図 1のステージ 1 0上には、 多数のピぺッ トチッフ。を 8行 X 1 2列のマト リクス状に配設して保持した 4台のチッフ。 'ラック 1 1 a , l i b , 1 1 c , 1 1 と、 切断用バッファ、 合成用バッファ、 および標識化用バッファ液 が各列毎に各々収容された多数の収容部 (ゥエル) 力、 4 8行 X 1 2列の行列状 に設けられたマイクロプレート (容器) 1 7と、 エタノールを収容したエタ ノール槽 1 2と、 5兹性粒子が懸濁する懸濁液が収容された磁性粒子収容槽 1 3と、 水、 3 Mの酢酸水溶液、 N u tバッファ液が各列毎に各々収容された 8行 X 3列のマイクロプレー卜 1 5と、 廃液を収容する廃液槽 1 6とを有す る。 On stage 10 in Fig. 1, there are a number of bit chips. Are arranged and held in a matrix of 8 rows x 12 columns. 'Rack 11 a, lib, 11 c, 11, and a large number of storage units (pells), each containing a cutting buffer, a synthesizing buffer, and a labeling buffer solution in each row, 4 8 Microplates (vessels) 17 arranged in rows and columns of X12 columns, ethanol tanks 12 containing ethanol, and magnetic particles containing a suspension in which 5 兹 particles are suspended Tank 13, water, 3 M acetic acid aqueous solution, Nut buffer solution are stored in each column, and a microplate 15 of 8 rows x 3 columns is provided, and a waste liquid tank 16 for storing waste liquid is provided. You.
さらに、 該ステージ 1 0上には、 P C R法による増幅を行うための加熱用 の恒温槽 i 8、 および冷却用の (恒温機能を有する収容部) 恒温槽 1 9が設 けられている。 尚、 該恒温槽 1 8、 1 9以外は、 室温 (RT)に保たれている。 第 1の実施の形態に係るステージ 1 0によれば、 必要なピぺッ トチップ、 試 薬、 磁性粒子や、 試料等が予め収容部やラックに用意されているので、 遺伝 子操作等の手間のかかる処理を、 一貫して効率良く行うことができる。 第 2の実施の形態について、 図 2に基づいて説明する。 Further, on the stage 10, a heating thermostat i8 for performing amplification by the PCR method and a thermostat 19 for cooling (a storage unit having a thermostat function) are provided. Have been killed. Except for the thermostats 18 and 19, the temperature was kept at room temperature (RT). According to the stage 10 according to the first embodiment, the necessary bit chips, reagents, magnetic particles, samples, and the like are prepared in a storage unit or a rack in advance, so that time and effort for gene manipulation and the like are required. This process can be performed consistently and efficiently. A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
図 2は、 本実施の形態に係る処理の流れ図を示すものである。  FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the process according to the present embodiment.
本実施の形態に係る処理は、 特定の塩基配列を有する遺伝物質である c D N Aを抽出する抽出工程 (S 1 ~ S 2 ) と、 該 c D N Aと結合するとともに 、 標識化物質である蛍光物質によつて標識化された R N Aを合成する合成ェ 程 (S 3〜S 7 ) と、 合成された該標識化 R N Aを磁性粒子に捕獲させ、 該 磁性粒子を分注機のピぺッ 卜チップの内壁に吸着して分離する分離工程 (S 8〜S 1 O A , S 1 1 ) と、 該磁性粒子を加水分解液に再懸濁させることに よって標識化 R N A断片を生成しかつ溶出する分断工程 (S 1 O B , S 1 , S 1 3 , S 1 4 B ) と、 溶出した標識化 R N A断片について新たな磁性粒 子による捕獲、 分離および溶出を 1回以上繰り返すことによって標識化 R N A断片を精製する精製工程 (S 1 4 A , S 1 6 ) とを有するものである。 以下にこれらの各工程について詳細に説明する。  The processing according to the present embodiment includes an extraction step (S 1 -S 2) of extracting cDNA, which is a genetic material having a specific base sequence, and a fluorescent substance, which binds to the cDNA and is a labeling substance. A synthesis step (S3 to S7) for synthesizing RNA labeled by the method, and causing the synthesized labeled RNA to be captured by magnetic particles, and distributing the magnetic particles to a bit tip of a dispenser. A separation step (S8 to S1OA, S11) of adsorbing and separating on the inner wall of the substrate, and a fragmentation in which the magnetic particles are resuspended in a hydrolysis solution to generate and elute labeled RNA fragments The labeled RNA fragment is obtained by repeating the steps (S 1 OB, S 1, S 13, S 14 B) and repeating the capture, separation, and elution of the eluted labeled RNA fragment with new magnetic particles at least once. And a purification step (S14A, S16) for purification. Hereinafter, each of these steps will be described in detail.
ベクタ一としてプラスミ ドが導入された大腸菌コ口二一 1個から培養した 菌体を D N A抽出液 ( 1 0 0 1 ) に可溶化させたものをエツペンドルフチ ュ一ブに入れる。 次にエタノール沈殿用に磁性粒子を混合させることによつ て D N Aを磁性粒子に捕獲させる。 該 D N Aを捕獲した磁性粒子を含む懸濁 液を液通過路を通過させる際に、 磁場を及ぼすことによって、 液通過路の内 壁に吸着させて分離し、 洗浄液を液通過路を通して吸引することによって洗 浄する。 前記磁性粒子は液通過路の内壁に吸着させたままプラスミ ドを溶出 する。 溶出されたプラスミ ド(3) は、 冷却用恒温槽 1 9に収容しておく。 ステップ S 1、 ステップ S 2は、 抽出したプラスミ ドを切断する切断工程 である。  As a vector, a cell cultivated from an Escherichia coli 21 into which plasmid was introduced is solubilized in a DNA extract (1001), and the solubilized cell is placed in an eppendorf tube. Next, the DNA is captured by the magnetic particles by mixing the magnetic particles for ethanol precipitation. When a suspension containing the magnetic particles capturing the DNA is passed through the liquid passage, a magnetic field is applied to the suspension so that the suspension is adsorbed and separated on the inner wall of the liquid passage, and the washing liquid is sucked through the liquid passage. Wash by. The magnetic particles elute the plasmid while being adsorbed on the inner wall of the liquid passage. The eluted plasmid (3) is stored in a cooling oven 19. Step S1 and step S2 are cutting steps for cutting the extracted plasmid.
ステップ S 1で、 前記分注機の 8連の各ノズルに、 再使用用チップ ·ラッ ク 1 1 dの 8行 X 1列に保持されたピぺッ トチップを 8連の各ノズルに装着 し、 カセット状容器 1 5に収容されている水(1) 960 〃リッ トル〜 lmリット ルの中から、 10〃リッ トルずつを前記分注機によって吸引し、 前記加熱用恒 温槽 1 8の 〔 1〕 の 8行 X 3列の各収容部 (ゥヱル) に吐出する。 その際、 ピぺッ トチップの各先端を、 空の収容部の内底に一旦接触させて内底位置を 確認した後、 その先端から液体の吐出が可能となるように、 かつ、 吐出した 液体が内底に移動できるように、 その内底から、 例えば、 約 0. 1mm程度わず かに上昇させた位置で、 ピペッ トチップ内の液体の吐出を行う。 これによつ て、 ピペッ トチップ内に吸引した極微小量の液体を、 ピペットチップよりも 広 、表面積をもつ収容部の内底の表面張力による付着力を利用して、 収容部 に移動させることができる (以後、 「着底モード」 という。 ) 。 そのピぺッ トチップは、 他の試薬等との接触がされていないので、 前記再使用用チップ 'ラック 1 1 dの該ピぺッ トチップ力保持されていた位置に脱着して保持し ておく。 次に、 該分注機のノズルに該再使用用チップ ·ラック 1 1 dの内、 脱着したチップが配列された列の次の列にあるピぺッ トチップを装着し、 さ らに、 切断用バッファ液(2) が収容されているマイクロプレート 1 7から、 前記切断用バッファ液 (2) を 4 リッ トル吸引し、 前記加熱用恒温槽 1 8の 〔 1〕 のゥヱルに、 ピぺッ トチップの先端を液体中に挿入した状態で (以下 、 「液体中で」 という。 ) 吐出する。 該ピぺッ トチップを前記再使用用チッ プ ·ラック 1 I dに脱着して、 該ラック 1 I dに保持した後、 チップ 'ラッ ク 1 1 cから新たなピぺッ トチップを該分注機の各ノズルに装着し、 該ピぺ ッ トチップを用いて、 4 ΐの温度に維持されている前記冷却用恒温槽 1 9に 収容されたプラスミ ド(3) を 5 リツ トル吸引し、 前記加熱用恒温槽 1 8の 〔 1〕 の 8行 X 3列の各ゥエルに液体中で吐出する。 該ピぺッ トチップは該 ピぺッ トチップが保持されていたラック 1 1 cに脱着して、 廃棄用として保 持する。 In step S1, the reusable tip rack 11 A pipe tip held in 8 rows x 1 column of 1d is attached to each of the eight nozzles of the dispenser. Then, from the 960-liter to the lm-liter of water (1) contained in the cassette-shaped container 15, each 10-liter was aspirated by the dispenser, and the heating thermostat 18 was used. Dispense into each of the 8 rows x 3 columns of storage units ([1]) in [1]. At this time, each tip of the tip is once brought into contact with the inner bottom of the empty storage part to confirm the inner bottom position, and then the liquid is discharged from the tip so that the liquid can be discharged. The liquid in the pipette tip is ejected at a position slightly raised, for example, about 0.1 mm from the inner bottom so that the liquid can move to the inner bottom. As a result, an extremely small amount of liquid sucked into the pipette tip is moved to the storage part by utilizing the adhesive force due to the surface tension of the inner bottom of the storage part having a larger surface area than the pipette tip. (Hereinafter referred to as “landing mode”). Since the tip is not in contact with other reagents or the like, the tip is detached and held at the position where the force of the tip was held on the reusable tip '11d. . Next, the pipe tip in the row next to the row where the detached chips are arranged in the reusable tip rack 11 d is attached to the nozzle of the dispenser, and further cut. 4 liters of the buffer solution for cutting (2) is sucked from the microplate 17 containing the buffer solution for heating (2), and is pipetted into the [1] of the thermostatic bath 18 for heating. Discharge with the tip of the tip inserted into the liquid (hereinafter referred to as “in the liquid”). After detaching the tip chip from the reusable chip rack 1Id and holding it in the rack 1Id, dispensing a new tip chip from the tip rack 11c. The nozzle (3) attached to each nozzle of the machine was used to suck 5 liters of the plasma (3) housed in the cooling oven 19 maintained at a temperature of 40 ° C. using the pit tip. Dispense the liquid into each of the 8 rows x 3 columns of [1] of the heating oven 18 [1]. The bit tip is attached to and detached from the rack 11c holding the bit tip, and is retained for disposal.
次に、 該分注機の各ノズルに、 前記再使用用ラック 1 1 dから、 未使用の 1列のピべッ トチップを装着して、 冷却用恒温槽 1 9に収容されている切断 用酵素(4) が懸濁する懸濁液を 2 uリツ トル吸引し、 加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥ ヱル群 〔 1〕 に吐出し、 該ピぺッ トチップは、 前記再使用用ラック 1 1 dの 元の位置に脱着して保持される。 Next, one unused row of tip tips is attached to each nozzle of the dispenser from the reusable rack 11 d, and is used for the cutting stored in the cooling thermostat 19. The suspension in which the enzyme (4) is suspended is aspirated by 2 u liter, and discharged into a pair of cells [1] of a heating constant temperature bath 18. d It is detached and held in its original position.
ステップ S 2で、 該加熱用恒温槽 1 8に収容された全 21 リツトルの懸濁 液を 37°Cで約 1 〜3 時間加熱する。 これによつて、 特定の塩基配列をもつ c D N Aが組み込まれた環状ブラスミ ドについて切断されることになる。  In step S2, a total of 21 liters of the suspension contained in the heating thermostat 18 is heated at 37 ° C for about 1 to 3 hours. This results in cleavage of the circular plasmid into which the cDNA having the specific nucleotide sequence has been incorporated.
続いて、 ステップ S 3〜ステップ S 7は、 標識化された R N Aを合成する 合成工程である。 以下、 詳細に説明する。  Subsequently, Step S3 to Step S7 are a synthesis step of synthesizing the labeled RNA. The details will be described below.
ステップ S 3において、 ステップ S 1で使用された後、 前記再使用用ラッ ク 1 1 dに保持されていた水(1) 用のピぺッ トチップを再度装着し、 水(1) が収容されているカセッ ト状容器 1 5から、 8 リツ トルを吸引し、 加熱用 恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル (収容部) 群 〔 2〕 に着底モードで吐出する。 該ピぺッ トチップは再度、 該再使用用ラック 1 1 dに脱着して保持させる。 該分注機 のノズルには、 該再使用用ラック 1 1 dに保持されていた未使用のピぺッ 卜 チップを装着し、 R Nエース阻止剤 (7) が収容されている冷却用恒温槽 1 9 から 2 u リ ツ トルを吸引し、 該加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔2〕 に液体中で 吐出する。 該ピぺットチッフ°は、 前記再使用用ラック 1 1 dの元の位置に脱 着して保持した後、 該ラック 1 1 cから未使用のピぺットチッフ。を装着し、 マイクロプレート 1 7に収容されている合成用バッファ(5) を 4 uリッ トル 吸引し、 前記加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥエル 〔2〕 に液体中で吐出する。 該ピぺ ッ トチッフ。は、 該チップが保持されていたラック 1 1 cの元の位置で脱着さ れ保持廃棄される。 該分注機のノズルには、 該ラック 1 1 cに保持されてい た未使用のピぺッ トチップを装着し、 標識化物質の混合液 (6) が収容されて いるマイクロプレート 1 7から該液を 2 〃リツ トル吸引し、 加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔 2〕 に液体中で吐出する。 該ピぺットチッフ。は、 該ピぺッ トチ ップが保持されていたラック 1 1 cの元の位置で脱着され保持廃棄される。 次に、 該分注機のノズルには該ラック 1 1 aから未使用のピべットチッフ。 を装着し、 前記加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔 1〕 に収容されていた前記反応 液を 2 uリッ トル吸引し、 該加熱用' I亘温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔 2〕 に液体中で吐 出する。 該ピぺッ トチッフ 'は、 該チップが保持されていた該ラック 1 1 aの 元の位置に脱着して保持廃棄される。 次に、 該分注機のノズルには、 ラック 1 1 dに保持されていた未使用のピぺッ トチップを装着し、 R Nエースポリ メラ一ゼ (8) の懸濁液が収容されている冷却用恒温槽 1 9から、 該液を 2 〃 リツトル吸引し、 前記加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥュル 〔 2〕 に液体中で吐出する ステップ S 4で、 このようにして得られた 20 リッ トルが 4又容されている 加熱用恒温槽 1 8を 37°Cの温度で約 1時間加熱して反応を促進させ、 R N A を合成しかつ蛍光物質で標識化する。 In step S3, after being used in step S1, the water (1) pipe tip held in the reuse rack 1 1d is attached again, and the water (1) is stored. Eight liters are sucked from the cassette-shaped container 15 and discharged to the pool (housing part) group [2] of the heating thermostat 18 in the landing mode. The bit tip is detached and attached to the reuse rack 11 d again. An unused pipe tip held in the re-use rack 11d is attached to the nozzle of the dispenser, and a cooling thermostat containing an RN ace inhibitor (7) is attached. A 2 u liter is sucked from 19 and discharged into a liquid [2] of the heating thermostat 18 in a liquid. The pipe chip is an unused pipe chip from the rack 11c after being detached and held at the original position of the reuse rack 11d. Is attached, the synthesis buffer (5) contained in the microplate 17 is sucked in by 4 u liter, and is discharged in the liquid into the well [2] of the heating thermostat 18. The pit tip. Is detached at the original position of the rack 11c where the chip was held, and is discarded. An unused pipe tip held in the rack 11c was attached to the nozzle of the dispenser, and the microplate 17 containing a mixed solution of the labeled substance (6) was attached to the pipette nozzle. Aspirate the liquid by 2 liters and discharge it into the liquid [2] of the heating oven 18. The pit chip. Is detached at the original position of the rack 11c where the pit tip was held and discarded. Next, unused pipette chips from the rack 11a were provided to the nozzle of the dispenser. The reaction solution contained in the pipe [1] of the thermostatic chamber 18 for heating was sucked in by 2 u liter, and the liquid was supplied to the pipe [2] of the thermostatic tank 18 for heating. To exhale. The pit chip 'is attached to and detached from the rack 11a where the chip was held, and is discarded. Next, the rack of the dispenser 1 Attach the unused bit tip held in 1 d, and add 2 μL of the solution from the cooling water bath 19 containing the suspension of RN Ace Polymerase (8). Aspirate and discharge the liquid in the liquid [2] of the heating oven 18 in step S4. In step S4, the heating oven 18 containing 4 liters of 20 liters obtained in this manner is placed in the heating oven 18. Heat at 37 ° C for about 1 hour to accelerate the reaction, synthesize RNA and label with fluorescent material.
ステップ S 5で、 サンプリングのために、 該分注機に装着されたピぺッ 卜 チップは、 該ピぺットチップが保持されていた元の位置で脱着して保持され る。 該分注機には、 該ラック I 1 aに保持されていた未使用のピぺッ トチッ フ。を装着し、 該加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥエル 〔 2〕 に収容された反応液を 2 u リッ トル吸引し、 前記冷却用' I亘温槽 1 9のゥニル 〔 3〕 に吐出して反応を止 める。 該反応液については、 電気泳動 (2 %ァガロースゲル) によりプロ一 ブ合成を確認するために用いる。  In step S5, the pipe tip mounted on the dispenser for sampling is detached and held at the original position where the pipe tip was held. An unused pit tip held in the rack I1a is provided in the dispenser. The reaction solution contained in the well [2] of the heating thermostat 18 is sucked in by 2 u liter, and discharged into the chiller [3] of the cooling bath 19 for reaction. Stop. The reaction solution is used to confirm probe synthesis by electrophoresis (2% agarose gel).
ステップ S 6で、 前記分注機は、 該ピぺッ トチップを該チップが保持され ていたラック 1 1 aの元の位置で脱着して保持した後、 ステップ S 3で使用 した後ラック 1 1 dに保持されていたピぺッ トチップを再度装着した後、 R Nエース阻止剤 (7) が収容されている冷却用' I亘温槽 1 9から、 2 リツ トル 吸引し、 前記加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥエル 〔 2〕 に液体中で吐出する。 該ピぺ ッ トチップを元の位置で脱着した後、 ラック 1 1 dに保持されていた未使用 のピペッ トチップを装着し、 R Nエースポリメラ一ゼ (8) が 4又容されている 冷却用恒温槽 1 9から、 2 リツ トル吸引し、 該加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥエル 〔 2〕 に液体中で吐出する。  In step S6, the dispenser removes and holds the bit tip at the original position of the rack 11a where the tip was held, and then uses the rack 11 in step S3. After re-attaching the bit tip held in d, 2 liters of air were sucked from the cooling bath 19 containing the RN ace inhibitor (7), and the heating bath was heated. 18 Discharge in liquid in well [2]. After detaching the pipet tip at the original position, the unused pipette tip held in the rack 11d is mounted, and a cooling thermostat in which four RN ace polymerases (8) are stored. From 19, two liters of suction are sucked and discharged in liquid into the well [2] of the heating thermostat 18.
ステップ S 7で、 懸濁液の全 22〃リッ トルが収容されたゥエル 〔 2〕 を 37 °Cの温度で約 1時間維持してインキュベーションを行う。 これによつて蛍光 物質で標識化された標識化 R N Aが合成されることになる。  In step S7, the well [2] containing a total of 22 liters of the suspension is maintained at a temperature of 37 ° C for about 1 hour for incubation. As a result, a labeled RNA labeled with a fluorescent substance is synthesized.
続いて、 ステップ S 8〜ステップ S 1 0 Aおよびステップ S 1 1は、 合成 された該標識化 R N Aを磁性粒子に捕獲し、 該磁性粒子を分注機のピぺッ 卜 チップの内壁に吸着して分離する分離工程であり、 ステップ S 1 0 B、 ステ ッフ。 S 1 2、 ステップ S 1 3およびステップ S 1 4 Bは、 分離した磁性粒子 を加水分解液に再懸濁することによつて標識化 R N A断片を精製しかつ溶出 する分断工程であり、 ステップ S 1 4 Aおよびステップ S 1 6は、 溶出した 標識化 R N A断片について新たな磁性粒子による捕獲、 分離および溶出を 1 回以上繰り返すことによつて標識化 R N A断片を精製する精製工程である。 以下、 詳細に説明する。 Subsequently, in Step S8 to Step S10A and Step S11, the synthesized labeled RNA is captured by magnetic particles, and the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner wall of the pipet chip of the dispenser. This is a separation process that separates Huff. Steps S12, S13 and S14B are separation steps in which the separated magnetic particles are resuspended in a hydrolyzate to purify and elute the labeled RNA fragment. Step 14A and step S16 are a purification step of purifying the labeled RNA fragment by repeating capture, separation, and elution of the eluted labeled RNA fragment with new magnetic particles at least once. The details will be described below.
ステップ S 8で、 前記ピぺッ トチップを該ラック 1 1 dの元の位置で脱着 して保持した後、 ステップ S 6で使用したピペットチップを再度装着し、 R Nエース阻止剤 (7) が収容された冷却用恒温槽 1 9力、ら 2 uリッ トルを吸引 し、 加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥエル 〔2〕 に液体中で吐出し、 該ピぺットチップ をラック 1 1 dの元の位置で脱着保持した後、 ラック 1 1 aに保持されてい た未使用のピぺッ トチップを装着する。 該ピぺッ トチップを用いて、 D Nェ —ス(9) が収容されている冷却用恒温槽 1 9から、 2 リツ トルを吸引し、 加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔 2〕 に液体中で吐出する。  In step S8, the pipette tip is detached and held at the original position of the rack 11d, and then the pipette tip used in step S6 is attached again, and the RN ace inhibitor (7) is stored. A 2 u liter of the cooled thermostat 19 was sucked out and discharged in liquid into the heating thermostat 18 well [2], and the pipe tip was placed at the original position of the rack 11 d. After attaching and detaching with, attach the unused bit tip held in the rack 11a. Using the bit tip, 2 liters are sucked from the cooling thermostat 19 containing the DNase (9), and the liquid is poured into the heating thermostat 18 in the column [2]. To discharge.
ステップ S 9で、 該加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥエル 〔 2〕 に収容された全 26 リットルの懸濁液を 37°Cで、 15分間加熱する。  In step S9, a total of 26 liters of the suspension contained in the well [2] of the heating oven 18 is heated at 37 ° C for 15 minutes.
ステップ S 1 O Aで、 該ピぺットチップをラック 1 1 aの元の位置に脱着し た後、 ラック i 1 bに保持されていた未使用のピぺッ トチッフ。を装着し、 力 セット状容器 1 5に収容されている 3M酢酸液(11)を 3 〃リッ トル吸引し、 該 加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔 2〕 に液体中で吐出する。 該ピぺッ トチッフ。は 、 ラック 1 1 aの元の位置で脱着保持された後、 再使用用ラック 1 1 dに保 持されている未使用のピぺッ トチッフ。を装着し、 エタノール槽 1 2からエタ ノールを 100 ju リ ツ トル吸引し、 該加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔 2〕 内の反 応液にピぺッ トチップを浸さずに、 容器内等で飛沫が発生しないように空中 から (以下、 「空中で」.という。 ) 吐出する。 これは、 液体に接触させてピ ベットチップを汚染させないためと、 「100 wリッ トル」 という比較的大き な液量なので、 着底モードまたは液体中で吐出させなくとも、 液体をピぺッ トチップから収容部に移動させることができることと、 液量についてそれ程 の精度が要求されない場合だからである。 該ピぺッ トチップは、 再使用用ラ ック 1 1 dの元の位置に脱着され保持される。 該分注機には、 再使用用ラッ ク 1 1 dに保持されている未使用のピぺットチップを装着した後、 磁性粒子 懸濁液槽 1 3に収容されている磁性粒子懸濁液を 50 リツ トル吸弓 Iし、 加熱 用恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔 2〕 に空中で吐出する。 これも前述したように接触 による汚染を防止するためと、 「50〃リッ トル」 という比較的大きな量なの で着底モード等を行う必要がないからである。 In step S1OA, after the pipe tip is attached to and detached from the rack 11a, an unused bit chip held in the rack i1b. The 3M acetic acid solution (11) contained in the force-set container 15 is sucked in by 3 liters, and discharged into the heating thermostat 18 in the liquid [2]. The pit tip. The unused bit chips that are held in the original rack 11a and then held in the reusable rack 11d. , And aspirate 100 jul of ethanol from the ethanol tank 12, and immerse the pipette tip in the reaction solution in the heating thermostatic chamber 18 [2]. Discharge from the air (hereinafter referred to as “in the air”) so that no droplets are generated. This is because the pipette tip is not contaminated by contact with the liquid and the relatively large liquid volume of “100 w liters” allows the liquid to be transferred to the tip even if it is not settled in the bottom mode or discharged in the liquid. This is because they can be moved from the container to the storage unit, and the liquid volume does not need to be so precise. The pit tip is used for reuse. 1 1d is detached and held in its original position. After attaching an unused pipe tip held in the reuse rack 11 d to the dispenser, the magnetic particle suspension contained in the magnetic particle suspension tank 13 was added to the dispenser. Absorbs 50 liters and discharges it in the air to the heating chamber 18 [2]. This is also because, as mentioned above, to prevent contamination due to contact and because it is a relatively large amount of “50 liters”, it is not necessary to perform the landing mode.
ステップ S 1 0 Bで、 該ピぺットチップを再使用用ラック 1 1 dの元の位 置で脱着して保持した後、 ラック 1 1 bに保持されている未使用のピぺッ ト チップを装着し、 アルカリ hydro槽 1 4に収容されているアルカリ加水分解 液を 200 uリットル吸引し、 加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔4〕 に吐出する。 ステップ S 1 1で、 該分注機のピぺットチップを再使用用ラック 1 1 dの 元の位置に脱着して保持させた後、 前記ラック 1 1 bに保持されている未使 用のピぺッ トチップを装着し、 該加熱用恒温槽 i 8に収容された全 179 uリ ッ トルの懸濁液に対して、 分注機に設けた磁力手段を用いて該ピぺットチッ プの液通過路内に磁場を及ぼした状態で、 吸引および吐出を行う際に、 また は吸引および吐出を繰り返すことによって、 磁性粒子を該ピぺッ トチップの 内壁に吸着して分離する。  In step S10B, the pipe tip is attached and detached at the original position of the reusable rack 11d, and the unused bit tip held in the rack 11b is removed. Attached, 200 µl of the alkaline hydrolyzed solution contained in the alkaline hydro tank 14 is suctioned and discharged into the heating thermostat tank 18 [4]. In step S11, the pipette tip of the dispenser is attached to and detached from the reuse rack 11d to its original position, and then the unused pipe tips held in the rack 11b are removed. A pet tip was attached, and the liquid of the pipe tip was applied to the suspension of 179 u liters contained in the heating thermostat i8 using magnetic means provided in the dispenser. When suction and discharge are performed in a state where a magnetic field is applied in the passage, or by repeating suction and discharge, the magnetic particles are adsorbed and separated on the inner wall of the pipe tip.
ステップ S 1 2で、 該磁性粒子は該ピべットチップに保持されたまま、 カロ 熱用恒温槽 1 8の前記ェタノール(12)が収容されたゥエル 〔 4〕 に移送され 、 磁力手段が磁場を及ぼさない状態にして、 該エタノールを吸引および吐出 を繰り返すことによって、 該磁性粒子をエタノール(12)中に再懸濁させる。 該磁性粒子をエタノール(12)中に再懸濁して、 該磁性粒子力、f獲した目的物 質である所定の塩基配列をもつ D N Aを該磁性粒子から溶出させる。 溶出し た後、 該磁力手段がピぺッ トチップ内に磁場を及ぼした状態で、 該分注機に よって該液の吸引および吐出を繰り返すことによって、 磁性粒子のみをピぺ ッ トチップの内壁に分離し、 該磁性粒子を吸着させたまま、 廃液槽 1 6に移 送し、 磁力手段が磁場を及ぼさない状態で、 吸引吐出を行うことによって磁 性粒子を廃棄する。  In step S12, the magnetic particles are transferred to the container [4] containing the ethanol (12) of the thermostat 18 for caro heating while being held by the piget tip, and the magnetic force means applies a magnetic field. The magnetic particles are resuspended in ethanol (12) by repeatedly sucking and discharging the ethanol under the condition that the magnetic particles are not affected. The magnetic particles are resuspended in ethanol (12), and DNA having a predetermined base sequence, which is the target substance, is eluted from the magnetic particles. After elution, the dispenser repeats suction and discharge of the liquid while the magnetic force exerts a magnetic field inside the bit tip, so that only the magnetic particles are deposited on the inner wall of the bit tip. The magnetic particles are separated and transferred to a waste liquid tank 16 while adsorbing the magnetic particles, and the magnetic particles are discarded by suction and discharge in a state where the magnetic force means does not apply a magnetic field.
ステップ S 1 3で、 その後、 加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥエル 〔4〕 に収容した 丄 6 該溶出液を約 6 0 °Cの温度で約 10〜60分間維持してインキュベーションを行 。 In step S 13, after that, it was stored in the well [4] of the heating oven 18. The eluate was incubated at a temperature of about 60 ° C for about 10-60 minutes.
ステップ S 1 4 Aで、 該分注機は、 該ピぺットチップを該ラック 1 1 bの 元の位置で脱着して保持した後、 再使用用ラック 1 1 dに保持されていたス テツプ S 3等で使用したピぺッ トチップを再々度装着し、 カセッ ト状容器 1 5に収容されていた水(1) を 20〃リットル吸引し、 マイクロプレート 1 7の ゥエル群 〔 5〕 に吐出する。 ステップ S 1 4 Bで、 該ピぺットチップを装着 したまま、 中和用バファ液が収容されたカセット状容器 1 5から 20 リツ ト ル吸引し、 該加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥエル 〔4〕 に、 ピぺッ トチップの先端を 反応液に浸さずに空中で吐出する。  In step S14A, the dispenser attaches and detaches the pipet tip to and from the original position of the rack 11b, and then repeats step S held in the reusable rack 11d. Re-attach the bit tip used in 3 etc. again, aspirate 20 liters of water (1) contained in the cassette 15 and discharge it to the microwell 17 [5] . In step S14B, with the pipet tip attached, 20 liters of suction from the cassette-like container 15 containing the buffer solution for neutralization was sucked, and the well of the thermostatic bath 18 for heating [4] Then, eject the tip in the air without immersing the tip of the tip in the reaction solution.
該ピぺットチッフ。は、 再使用用ラック 1 1 dに脱着して保持する。 次に、 該再使用用ラック 1 1 dに保持されているピぺットチップを装着し、 磁性粒 子が懸濁する懸濁液が収容されている磁性粒子懸濁液槽 1 3から該磁性粒子 懸濁液を 50〃リッ トル吸引し、 該加熱用恒温槽 1 8に空中で吐出する。 該ピ ぺットチップは再使用用ラック 1 1 dに脱着して保持する。 次に、 該再使用 用ラック 1 1 dに保持されているステップ S 1 0で使用したピぺットチッフ。 を再度装着し、 該エタノール槽 1 2に収容されているエタノール液を 400 u リツトル吸引して該加熱用恒温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔4〕 に空中で吐出する。 該 ピぺッ トチッフ。は、 該ピぺッ 卜チップが保持されていた再使用用ラック 1 1 dで脱着して保持する。  The pit chip. Is attached to and detached from the reusable rack 11d. Next, a pipe tip held in the reusable rack 11 d is mounted, and the magnetic particles are suspended from a magnetic particle suspension tank 13 containing a suspension in which the magnetic particles are suspended. The suspension is suctioned at 50 liters and discharged into the heating thermostat 18 in the air. The pipe tip is detached from the reuse rack 11 d and held. Next, the pit chip used in step S10 held in the reuse rack 11d. Is re-attached, and the ethanol solution contained in the ethanol tank 12 is suctioned at 400 uL and discharged into the heating thermostat tank 18 [4] in the air. The pit tip. Is detached and held by the reusable rack 11d in which the bit tip was held.
ステップ S 1 5で、 該懸濁液が全量で 670 uリツ トル収容された加熱用恒 温槽 1 8のゥヱル 〔 4〕 を 60°Cで加熱した状態で、 前記ラック 1 1 bに保持 されたピぺッ トチップを前記分注機のノズルに装着し、 磁力手段によって該 ピぺッ 卜チップの内部に磁場を及ぼした状態で吸弓 Iおよび吐出を繰り返すこ とによって、 該ピべッ トチップの内壁に吸着して磁性粒子を分離する。  In Step S15, the suspension (4) of the heating thermostatic bath 18 containing a total amount of 670 uL was heated at 60 ° C and held in the rack 11b. The pipet tip is mounted on the nozzle of the dispenser, and the suction tip I and the discharge are repeated in a state where a magnetic field is applied to the inside of the pipet tip by a magnetic force means. The magnetic particles are separated by being adsorbed on the inner wall of the substrate.
ステップ S 1 6で、 該磁力手段により磁場を及ぼした状態で、 磁性粒子を 分離したまま、 マイクロプレート 1 7のゥエル 〔 5〕 にまで、 該磁性粒子を 移送した後、 磁力手段による磁場を除いた状態で、 該ゥエル 〔 5〕 に収容さ れた水について吸引および吐出を繰り返すことによって該水に再懸濁し、 溶 出した後、 磁力手段により該ピぺッ トチップ内に磁場を及ぼした状態で、 目 的物質が離れた磁性粒子のみを該ピぺッ トチップの内壁に分離して、 分離し た状態で該ピぺッ トチップを廃棄槽 1 6にまで移送し、 磁力手段による磁場 を及ぼさない状態で、 吸引吐出を繰り返すことによって、 磁性粒子を廃棄槽 1 6内に廃棄する。 In step S16, with the magnetic field applied by the magnetic means, the magnetic particles are transferred to the microplate 17 with the magnetic particles kept separated, and the magnetic field by the magnetic means is removed. In this state, the water contained in the well [5] is repeatedly suspended and dissolved in the water by repeating suction and discharge. After the magnetic particles are applied, a magnetic field is applied to the inside of the pipe tip by magnetic force means, and only the magnetic particles from which the target substance has separated are separated on the inner wall of the pipe tip. The chip is transported to the waste tank 16 and the magnetic particles are discarded in the waste tank 16 by repeating suction and discharge without applying a magnetic field by magnetic means.
続いて、 第三の実施の形態に係る自動目的物質選別方法について説明する 。 該自動目的物質選別方法は、 第一の実施の形態に係る分注機を利用して行 うものである。 該方法を実行するには、 予め、 多数のピぺッ トチップを配設 したチップ ·ラック、 純水を収容する槽、 細胞や組織等が懸濁する懸濁液を 収容した収容部、 オリゴ dTがコ一ティングされた第 1の磁性粒子が懸濁す る懸濁液を収容する槽、 特異的に結合する化合物対の一方がコーティングさ れた第 2の磁性粒子が懸濁する懸濁液を収容する槽、 逆転写酵素の懸濁液を 収容する収容部、 アダプタの懸濁する懸濁液を収容する収容部、 プライマを 収容する収容部、 所定の塩基配列をもつ標識化された RN Aを収容する収容 部等を前記ステージ上に用意しておく。  Subsequently, an automatic target substance selection method according to the third embodiment will be described. The automatic target substance sorting method is performed using the dispenser according to the first embodiment. In order to carry out the method, a chip rack in which a large number of bit chips are arranged, a tank containing pure water, a container containing a suspension in which cells and tissues are suspended, an oligo dT A tank for holding a suspension in which the first magnetic particles coated with, and a suspension in which the second magnetic particles coated with one of the specific binding compound pairs are suspended. Storage tank, reverse transcriptase suspension storage section, adapter suspension suspension storage section, primer storage section, labeled RNA with predetermined base sequence An accommodating section or the like for accommodating is prepared on the stage.
該方法では、 細胞や組織から、 遺伝物質である RNAを抽出する抽出工程 (S 2 1 ) と、 逆転写酵素を用いて、 該 RN Aの関連遺伝物質である c DN In this method, an extraction step (S21) of extracting RNA, which is a genetic material, from cells or tissues, and cDN, a related genetic material of the RNA, using a reverse transcriptase.
Aを合成し、 多数種類の関連遺伝物質断片である c DNA断片を合成するム 口 成工程 (S 2 2 ) と、 該 c DN A断片にアダプタを介して PC R用プライマ を結合し、 PCR法により該 c DNA断片を増幅する増幅工程 (S 2 3) と 、 増幅した多数種類の c DNA断片と、 特定の塩基配列をもち、 特異的に結 合する化合物対 (例えば、 ストレブトァビジンとピオチン) の一方である例 えばピオチンによつて標識化されたピオチン化 R N A断片、 該化合物対の他 方であるストレブ卜アビジンによってコ一ティングされた第 2の磁性粒子を 各々収容する各収容部から懸濁液を吸引し、 多数種類の該 c DN A断片の懸 濁液中に移動吐出することによって、 目的の c DNA断片を捕獲し、 捕獲し た磁性粒子を液通過路に吸着して分離することによって目的の c DNA断片 を選別する選別工程 (S 2 4 ) とを有するものである。 以下、 詳細に説明す る。 ステップ S 2 1において、 細胞や組織から RN Aを抽出する。 RNAを細 胞ゃ組織から抽出するには、 ホモジナイズされたサンプルに'必要試薬 (SD Sやプロテアーゼ) を分注して蛋白等を溶解させる。 この後、 この蛋白質等 が溶解したサンプル試料の懸濁液に第 1磁性粒子を前記ピぺッ トチップの内 壁に前記磁力手段により磁場を及ぼした状態で、 該懸濁液が収容されている 収容部から吸引し、 吸着して移動し、 該サンプルの懸濁液に吐出して混合す る。 これによつて該 RN A等の遺伝物質を該第 1磁性粒子に捕獲する。 次に、 所定のインキュベーションを経た後、 上記収容部中の試料を吸引し て、 該ピぺッ トチップの外部に磁力手段として、例えば接離自在に配設され た磁石 Mがピペッ トチップの外周面に密接し、 RNA等が捕獲された第 1磁 性粒子をピぺットチップの内面に吸着させる。 次に、 エタノール液を加えて 吸引および吐出を繰り返すことによって、 エタノール液に沈澱させて、 次に 溶出液として純水等を前記ピぺッ トチップで吸引し、 第 1の磁性粒子に捕獲 された RNA等と第 1磁性粒子を解離させる。 この時、 磁石 Mは、 ピペッ ト チップから離れた位置、 即ち、 吸引された試料に磁力が及ばない位置まで離 れるように駆動制御される。 この後、 上記磁石 Mを再びピぺッ トチッフ°のタ 周面に密接させて、 第 1の磁性粒子のみをピぺットチップの内面に吸着させ た状態で RNA等と純水を分離させ、 RNA等のみを取り出して回収して抽 出される。 この後、 該第 1の磁性粒子およびピぺッ トチップは廃棄される。 ステップ S 2 2において、 前記チップ ·ラックから該ピぺッ トチップを装 着し、 逆転写酵素が収容されている収容部から逆転写酵素懸濁液を吸引し、 該 RN A等のみが懸濁する恒温槽に吐出する。 一定のィンキュベーシヨン時 間の後、 該 RN Aと相補性のある c D N A断片が RN A断片と二本鎖を形成 した状態で合成される。 その後、 RN A分解酵素を該懸濁液に吐出すること によって単鎖の c DN Aを得る。 A, and a cDNA synthesis step (S22) for synthesizing cDNA fragments, which are various types of related genetic material fragments, and a PCR primer that binds to the cDNA fragment via an adapter, Amplifying step (S23) of amplifying the cDNA fragment by a method, a compound pair having a specific nucleotide sequence and a specific base sequence, and specifically binding (for example, streptavidin) For example, a piotinylated RNA fragment labeled with piotin and a second magnetic particle coated with streptavidin, the other side of the compound pair. The target cDNA fragment is captured by sucking the suspension from the section and moving and discharging it into the suspension of the various types of cDNA fragments, and the captured magnetic particles are adsorbed to the liquid passage. To select the desired cDNA fragment And another step (S 24). The details are described below. In step S21, RNA is extracted from cells and tissues. To extract RNA from cell / tissue, disperse the necessary reagents (SDS and protease) into the homogenized sample to dissolve proteins and the like. Thereafter, the first magnetic particles are applied to the suspension of the sample in which the protein or the like is dissolved, and the suspension is accommodated in a state where a magnetic field is applied to the inner wall of the pipe tip by the magnetic force means. The sample is sucked from the container, adsorbed, moved, and discharged into the sample suspension to be mixed. Thereby, the genetic material such as RNA is captured by the first magnetic particles. Next, after a predetermined incubation, the sample in the storage section is sucked, and a magnet M provided as a magnetic force outside the pipe tip, for example, a magnet M which can be freely attached and detached is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pipette tip. The first magnetic particles on which RNA and the like are captured are made to adhere to the inner surface of the pit chip. Next, an ethanol solution was added to the solution, and the suction and discharge were repeated to precipitate in the ethanol solution. Then, pure water or the like was sucked by the pipe tip as an eluent, and was captured by the first magnetic particles. Dissociate the RNA and the like from the first magnetic particle. At this time, the driving of the magnet M is controlled so as to be separated from the pipette tip to a position away from the pipette tip, that is, a position at which the magnetic force does not reach the sucked sample. Thereafter, the magnet M is again brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the pit tip, and RNA and the like are separated from pure water while only the first magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner surface of the pit chip. Only those items are taken out, collected and extracted. Thereafter, the first magnetic particles and the pit tip are discarded. In step S22, the pit tip is mounted from the tip rack, and a reverse transcriptase suspension is sucked from a storage section in which reverse transcriptase is stored, and only the RNA and the like are suspended. To a constant temperature bath. After a certain incubation time, a cDNA fragment complementary to the RNA is synthesized in a state of forming a double strand with the RNA fragment. Thereafter, the RNA degrading enzyme is discharged into the suspension to obtain a single-chain cDNA.
ステップ S 2 3で、 単鎖の該 c DN A断片にアダプタである T 4 RN Aラ ィゲース (リガ一ゼ) を介して P C R用プライマを c DN Aに結合させる。 その後、 PCR法により、 該 c DNAを増幅する。  In step S23, the primer for PCR is bound to the cDNA via the T4RNA ligase (ligase) which is an adapter to the single-stranded cDNA fragment. Thereafter, the cDNA is amplified by a PCR method.
ステップ S 2 4で、 増幅した多数種類の c DN A断片と、 特定の塩基配列 をもち、 特異的に結合する化合物対の一方であるピオチンによつて標識化さ れた特定の塩基配列をもつビォチン化 R N A (第 2の実施の形態によつて得 られた標識化 R N Aを用いる) が懸濁する液を収容する収容部から吸引し、 該 c D N Aの懸濁液が収容されている収容部に吐出して混合する。 これによ つて、 該ビォチン化 R N Aと相補性等の関連する塩基配列をもつ c D N A断 片があれば、 これらはハイブリダィズする。 次に前記分注機によって、 該懸 濁液が収容されている収容部に第 2磁性粒子を吐出することによって、 前記 ピオチン化 R N Aを該第 2磁性粒子力捕獲する。 該分注機は、 新たなピぺッ トチップを装着した後、 磁力手段によって、 該ピぺッ トチップの液通過路に 磁場を及ぼす状態で、 該懸濁液の吸引および吐出を繰り返すことによって、 該ピぺットチップの内壁に該第 2磁性粒子を吸着して分離する。 該残留液を 廃棄した後、 該磁力手段による磁場を及ぼさない状態で、 エタノール液を加 えて吸引および吐出を繰り返すことによつて再懸濁し、 該第 2磁性粒子をェ タノ一ル液に沈澱させる。 その後、 溶出液を加えて目的物質である c D N A 断片を第 2磁性粒子から溶出する。 次に分注機の該ピペッ トチップに磁力手 段により磁場を及ぼした状態で、 該懸濁液を吸引および吐出を繰り返すこと によって、 c D N A断片を溶出した第 2磁性粒子のみを該ピぺッ トチップの 内壁に吸着して分離して廃棄することによって、 目的の c D N Aが選別され たことになる。 In step S24, the amplified cDNA fragments and the specific nucleotide sequence A biotinylated RNA having a specific base sequence labeled with biotin, which is one of a pair of compounds that specifically binds (using the labeled RNA obtained according to the second embodiment). ) Is aspirated from the container containing the liquid in which is suspended, discharged into the container containing the cDNA suspension, and mixed. As a result, if there is a cDNA fragment having a base sequence related to the biotinylated RNA, such as complementarity, these will hybridize. Next, the above-mentioned dispenser discharges the second magnetic particles into the storage portion storing the suspension, thereby capturing the force of the second magnetic particles. The dispenser repeats the suction and discharge of the suspension while attaching a new bit tip and then applying a magnetic field to the liquid passage of the bit tip by magnetic means. The second magnetic particles are adsorbed on and separated from the inner wall of the pipe tip. After the residual liquid is discarded, the liquid is resuspended by repeatedly adding and discharging the ethanol liquid without applying the magnetic field by the magnetic force means, and the second magnetic particles are precipitated in the ethanol liquid. Let it. Thereafter, the eluate is added to elute the cDNA fragment as the target substance from the second magnetic particles. Next, the suspension is repeatedly suctioned and discharged while a magnetic field is applied to the pipet tip of the pipettor by a magnetic force means, so that only the second magnetic particles from which the cDNA fragments have been eluted are pipetted. By adsorbing on the inner wall of the chip and separating and discarding, the target cDNA is selected.
続いて、 第四の実施の形態に係る自動塩基配列決定方法について説明する 該実施の形態に係る方法は、 既に説明した分注機と、 D N Aチップとを利 用して、 塩基配列の決定を行うものである。 該方法は、 細胞や組織等の試料 から遺伝物質である R N Aを抽出する抽出工程 (S 3 1 ) と、 該 R N Aに対 する標識化関連遺伝物質として相補性のある c D N Aを蛍光で標識化したも のを逆転写酵素を用いて合成する合成工程 (S 3 2 ) と、 合成された該標識 化 c D N Aと特異的に結合する結合物質がコーティングされた磁性粒子およ びエタノールを収容した収容部から各液を吸引し、 恒温槽に移動吐出するこ とによって該標識化 c D N Aを磁性粒子に捕獲させ、 該懸濁液が液通過路を 通過する際に磁場を及ぼすことによって液通過路の内面に吸着分離しかつ溶 出する処理を数回行うことによって精製する精製工程 (S 3 3 ) と、 該標識 化 c D N A懸濁液を吸引し、 D N Aチップ上に移動吐出することによって S B H法によって該 c D N Aの塩基配列を決定する決定工程 (S 3 4 ) とを有 するものである。 以下各工程について詳細に説明する。 Next, an automatic base sequence determination method according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The method according to the fourth embodiment uses a dispenser and a DNA chip, which have already been described, to determine a base sequence. Is what you do. The method comprises an extraction step (S31) of extracting RNA, which is a genetic material, from a sample such as a cell or a tissue, and a fluorescently labeled cDNA that is complementary to the RNA as a labeling-related genetic material. A synthesis step (S32) of synthesizing the product using reverse transcriptase, and containing magnetic particles and ethanol coated with a binding substance that specifically binds to the synthesized labeled cDNA. The labeled cDNA is captured by magnetic particles by sucking each liquid from the storage part and moving and discharging the liquid into a thermostat, and the suspension passes through the liquid passage. A purification step (S33) in which a magnetic field is applied during the passage to perform adsorption and separation on the inner surface of the liquid passage and elution is performed several times, and the labeled cDNA suspension is aspirated. And determining the base sequence of the cDNA by the SBH method by moving and discharging the DNA onto a DNA chip (S34). Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.
ステップ S 3 1の抽出工程は、 第三の実施の形態で説明した工程と同様で あるので説明を省略する。 ステップ S 3 2の工程は、 第三の実施の形態のス テツプ S 2 2で説明した合成工程と同様であるので説明を省略する。 ステツ プ S 3 3の精製工程は、 該標識化された c D N Aを捕獲するために、 該 c D N Aと特異的に結合するオリゴ d Tがコーティングされた磁性粒子およびェ 夕ノールを該懸濁液に投入して該磁性粒子に該標識化 c D N Aを捕獲させる 。 次に該分注機の磁力手段によって、 ピぺッ 卜チップの内部に磁場を及ぼす 状態にして、 該懸濁液の吸引および吐出を繰り返すことによってピぺットチ ップの内壁に吸着して分離する。 残留液を廃棄し、 該純水等によって該目的 c D N Aを該磁性粒子から溶出する。 この分離処理を数回繰り返すことによ つて、 該目的物質である標識化 c D N Aを精製する。 ステップ S 3 4で精製 された標識化 c D N Aは、 D N Aチップ上に吐出されて該 c D N Aの塩基配 列が決定されることになる。  The extraction process in step S31 is the same as the process described in the third embodiment, and thus the description is omitted. The step S32 is the same as the synthesizing step described in the step S22 of the third embodiment, and the description is omitted. In the step of purifying step S33, in order to capture the labeled cDNA, the suspension is performed by mixing the magnetic particles and the ethanol coated with oligo dT that specifically binds to the cDNA and the suspension. To allow the magnetic particles to capture the labeled cDNA. Next, a magnetic field is applied to the inside of the tip by the magnetic means of the dispenser, and the suction and discharge of the suspension are repeated to adsorb and separate on the inner wall of the tip. I do. The residual liquid is discarded, and the target cDNA is eluted from the magnetic particles with the pure water or the like. This separation process is repeated several times to purify the target substance, labeled cDNA. The labeled cDNA purified in step S34 is discharged onto a DNA chip, and the base sequence of the cDNA is determined.
以上の実施の形態は、 本発明をより良く理解させるために具体的に説明し たものであって、 別形態を制限するものではない。 したがって、 発明の主旨 を変更しない範囲で変更可能である。 例えば、 以上の説明では、 分注機が移 動することによって、 液体等の移送を行う場合について説明した力、 ステ一 ジまたはステージ上の容器が移動することによって、 液体等の移送を行うも のであっても良く、 容器と分注機の双方が移動可能なものであっても良い。 また、 第四の実施の形態では、 逆転写酵素を用いて c D N Aを合成する場合 について説明したが、 プライマリを用いて、 P C R法で D N Aを增幅し、 該 増幅された D N Aを D N Aチップ上に吐出するものであっても良い。 また、 使用した数値は、 例示のものであって、 この数値に限定されるものでないこ とは言うまでもない。 また、 前記分注システムは、 8連ノズルの場合の使い 捨てチップを用いた場合について説明したが、 複数連の個数については、 こ の場合に限られるものではなく、 さらに、 使い捨てチップの代わりに洗浄ノ ズルを用いた場合であっても良い。 The above embodiment has been specifically described for better understanding of the present invention, and does not limit another embodiment. Therefore, it can be changed without changing the gist of the invention. For example, in the above description, the transfer of a liquid or the like is performed by moving the dispenser, and the transfer of the liquid or the like is performed by moving the force, the stage or the container on the stage as described above. The container and the dispenser may be movable. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the case of synthesizing cDNA using reverse transcriptase has been described.However, the DNA is amplified by PCR using the primary, and the amplified DNA is placed on a DNA chip. What discharges may be sufficient. Also, it is needless to say that the numerical values used are merely examples and are not limited to these numerical values. In addition, the dispensing system is used in the case of eight nozzles The case where a disposable tip is used has been described. However, the number of a plurality of sets is not limited to this case, and a case where a cleaning nozzle is used instead of the disposable tip may be used.

Claims

1 . 液通過路、 該液通過路に外部から磁場を及ぼしかつ除去する磁力部、 および該液通過路内の圧力を制御して流体の吸弓 Iおよび吐出を行う圧力制 御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機または前記液通過路と容器との間を相対 的に移動させる移動部と、 多数の収容部からなる容器とを用いて標識化を 行う方法であって、 1. A part having a liquid passage, a magnetic force part for applying and removing a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure control part for controlling the pressure in the liquid passage to suck and discharge the fluid. A method for performing labeling using a dispenser, a dispenser or a moving unit for relatively moving between the dispenser or the liquid passage and a container, and a container comprising a large number of storage units,
特定の塩基配列を有する遺伝物質を抽出して前記収容部に収容する抽出 工程と、 α一青  Extracting genetic material having a specific base sequence and storing the extracted genetic material in the storage unit;
該遺伝物質と関連しかつ標識化された標識化関連遺伝物質を合成して収 容部に収容する合成工程と、 の  A synthesis step of synthesizing and accommodating the labeled-related genetic material, which is associated with and labeled with the genetic material, in a container;
磁性粒子と該標識化関連遺伝物質と範を混合して該磁性粒子に該標識化関 連遺伝物質を捕獲させ、 該磁性粒子を含む懸濁液が前記液通過路を通過す る際に磁場を及ぼすことによって該液通過路の内壁に吸着して標識化関連 遺伝物質を分離する分離工程と、  Mixing the magnetic particles and the labeling-related genetic material to cause the magnetic particles to capture the labeling-related genetic material, and causing a magnetic field when the suspension containing the magnetic particles passes through the liquid passage. A separation step of adsorbing to the inner wall of the liquid passage to separate the labeling-related genetic material,
分離した該磁性粒子を再懸濁して標識化関連遺伝物質断片を生成しかつ 溶出して収容部に収容する分断工程と、  Re-suspending the separated magnetic particles to generate a labeling-related genetic material fragment, and eluting and storing the fragment in a storage unit;
溶出した標識化遺伝物質断片と新たな磁性粒子とを混合して該標識化遺 伝物質断片を該磁性粒子に捕獲し、 該磁性粒子を含む懸濁液が通過する際 に磁場を及ぼすことによって該液通過路の内壁に吸着して分離し、 かつ分 離した磁性粒子を再懸濁して該標識化関連遺伝物質断片を溶出する処理を i回または 2回以上繰り返すことによつて標識化関連遺伝物質断片を精製 する精製工程とを有することを特徴とする分注機を利用した自動標識化方 法。  By mixing the eluted labeled genetic material fragment with new magnetic particles, capturing the labeled genetic material fragment with the magnetic particles, and applying a magnetic field when the suspension containing the magnetic particles passes. The process of adsorbing and separating on the inner wall of the liquid passage and resuspending the separated magnetic particles to elute the fragment of the labeling-related genetic material is repeated i times or more times to perform the labeling-related process. An automatic labeling method using a dispenser, comprising a purification step of purifying a genetic material fragment.
2 . 前記抽出工程は、 ベクターが導入された細菌コロニーと D N A抽出液 とを混合して可溶化させ、 磁性粒子を混合することによって D N Aを磁性 粒子に捕獲する捕獲工程と、 該 D N Aを捕獲した磁性粒子を含む懸濁液を 液通過路を通過させる際に、 磁場を及ぼすことによって、 液通過路の内壁 に吸着させて分離する分離工程と、 洗浄液を液通過路を通して吸引することによつて前記磁性粒子および該 液通過路を洗浄する洗浄工程と、 2. In the extraction step, the bacterial colony into which the vector has been introduced and the DNA extract are mixed and solubilized, and the magnetic particles are mixed to capture DNA by the magnetic particles; and the DNA is captured. A separation step of adsorbing and separating the suspension containing the magnetic particles on the inner wall of the liquid passage by applying a magnetic field when the suspension containing the magnetic particles is passed through the liquid passage; A washing step of washing the magnetic particles and the liquid passage by sucking a washing liquid through the liquid passage;
前記磁性粒子を液通過路の内壁に吸着させたままべクタ一を溶出する溶 出工程と、  A dissolution step of eluting the vector while adsorbing the magnetic particles on the inner wall of the liquid passage,
前記遺伝物質である特定の塩基配列を有する c D N Aカ組み込まれた環 状べクタ一について、 該環状べクタ一を切断する切断工程とを有し、 前記合成工程における標識化関連遺伝物質は、 切断した c D N Aに対す る標識化された標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N Aであることを特徴とする 請求項 1記載の分注機を利用した自動標識化方法。  A step of cleaving the circular vector in which the cDNA is incorporated into the circular vector having a specific base sequence as the genetic material, wherein the labeling-related genetic material in the synthesis step is: 2. The automatic labeling method using a dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the labeled cDNA is labeled DNA or labeled RNA for the cleaved cDNA.
3 . 前記切断工程は、 特定の塩基配列を有する c D N Aが組み込まれたべ クターと所定試薬を各々収容した各収容部から液通過路を介して吸引し恒 温機能を有する収容部に移動しかつ吐出して環状べクタ一を切断する工程 であり、 3. In the cutting step, the vector containing the cDNA having the specific base sequence and the container containing the predetermined reagent are aspirated through the liquid passage and moved to the container having a constant temperature function. This is the process of discharging and cutting the annular vector.
前記合成工程は、 D N Aポリメラ一ゼもしくは R N Aポリメラ一ゼぉよ び標識化物質を含む所定試薬を収容する各収容部から液通過路を介して吸 引し該恒温機能を有する収容部に移動しかつ吐出して切断した c D N Aに 対応する標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N Aを合成する工程であり、 前記分離工程は、 前記標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N Aを含む反応液に 、 該標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N Aと特異的に結合する結合物質がコ一 ティングされた磁性粒子、 および所定試薬の懸濁液を各々収容した各収容 部から液通過路を介して吸引し、 恒温機能を有する収容部に移動して吐出 することによつて磁性粒子に標識化 D N Aまたは標識化 R N Aを捕獲させ た後、 該懸濁液を液通過路を通過させる際に磁場を及ぼすことによって分 離する工程であり、  In the above-mentioned synthesis step, the solution is sucked from each of the storage sections containing the DNA polymerase or the RNA polymerase and the predetermined reagent containing the labeling substance via the liquid passage and moved to the storage section having the constant temperature function. And a step of synthesizing a labeled DNA or a labeled RNA corresponding to the cleaved and cleaved by discharging, wherein the separation step comprises: adding a reaction mixture containing the labeled DNA or labeled RNA to the labeled DNA or labeled RNA; Aspirating from the storage sections containing the magnetic particles coated with the binding substance that specifically binds to the RNA and the suspension of the predetermined reagent via the liquid passage, and into the storage section having a constant temperature function This is a step in which after the labeled DNA or labeled RNA is captured by the magnetic particles by moving and ejecting, the suspension is separated by applying a magnetic field when passing the suspension through a liquid passage.
前記分断工程は、 分離された磁性粒子を加水分解液を収容した恒温機能 を有する収容部に移送して再懸濁することによつて標識化 R N A断片を生 成しかつ該 R N A断片を磁性粒子から溶出し、 該磁性粒子のみを分離して 廃棄する工程であり、  In the dividing step, a labeled RNA fragment is generated by transferring the separated magnetic particles to a container having a constant temperature function containing a hydrolyzate, and resuspending the separated magnetic particles. , And only the magnetic particles are separated and discarded.
前記精製工程は、 新たな前記磁性粒子を収容した収容部から懸濁液を吸 弓 Iし該恒温機能を有する収容部に移送して吐出し該標識化 D N A断片また は標識化 R N A断片を捕獲し、 該磁性粒子を液通過路の内壁に吸着して分 離し、 該磁性粒子から所定試薬によって標識化 D N A断片または標識化 R N A断片を溶出し、 磁性粒子のみを該液通路に吸着して分離して廃棄する ことによつて標識化 D N A断片または標識化 R N A断片を精製する工程で あることを特徴とする請求項 2記載の分注機を利用した標識化自動化方法 In the refining step, the suspension is sucked from a storage unit that stores the new magnetic particles. The bow I is transferred to the container having the constant temperature function and discharged to capture the labeled DNA fragment or labeled RNA fragment, and the magnetic particles are adsorbed and separated on the inner wall of the liquid passage, and the magnetic particles are separated. A step of eluting the labeled DNA fragment or labeled RNA fragment with a predetermined reagent from the above, and purifying the labeled DNA fragment or labeled RNA fragment by adsorbing only the magnetic particles into the liquid passage, separating and discarding 3. An automatic labeling method using a dispenser according to claim 2.
4 . 前記切断工程の所定試薬とは、 水、 切断用バッファおよび切断酵素で あり、 4. The predetermined reagents in the cleavage step are water, a cleavage buffer and a cleavage enzyme,
前記合成工程の所定試薬とは、 テンプレイト、 水、 R Nエース阻止剤、 合成用バッファ、 標識化物質および D N Aもしくは R N Aポリメラ一ゼで あり、  The predetermined reagents in the synthesis step are template, water, RNase inhibitor, synthesis buffer, labeling substance, and DNA or RNA polymerase.
前記分離工程の結合物質とは、 シリカゲルであり、 該分離工程の所定試 薬とは、 酢酸塩等の緩衝剤およびエタノールであり、  The binding substance in the separation step is silica gel, and the predetermined reagent in the separation step is a buffer such as acetate and ethanol.
前記分断工程の前記加水分解液はアル力リ加水分解液であり、 前記精製工程の所定試薬とは、 水、 緩衝剤、 エタノールであり、 前記結 合物質とは、 シリ力ゲルであることを特徴とする請求項 3記載の分注機を 利用した標識化自動化方法。  The hydrolyzing solution in the dividing step is a hydrolyzing solution, the predetermined reagent in the purification step is water, a buffer, and ethanol, and the binding substance is a gel in the form of a sily. 4. An automatic labeling method using the dispenser according to claim 3.
5 . 前記標識化物質とは、 蛍光物質、 ピオチンおよびアビジン、 D I G等 の特異的に結合する化合物対の一方の化合物、 アイソ トープ、 または化学 発光物質であることを特徴とする請求項 1記載の分注機を利用した標識化 自動化方法。  5. The labeling substance according to claim 1, wherein the labeling substance is one of a pair of compounds that specifically bind, such as a fluorescent substance, piotin and avidin, and DIG, an isotope, or a chemiluminescent substance. Labeling using a dispenser An automated method.
6 . 前記液通過路は、 分注機に対し着脱自在に設けられたことを特徴とす る請求項 1記載の分注機を利用した標識化自動化方法。  6. The automatic labeling method using a dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the liquid passage is detachably provided to the dispenser.
7 . 液通過路、 該液通過路に外部から磁場を及ぼしかつ除去する磁力部、 および該液通過路内の圧力を制御して流体の吸弓 Iおよび吐出を行う圧力制 御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機または前記液通過路と容器との間を相対 的に移動させる移動部と、 多数の収容部からなる容器とを用いて目的物質 の選別を行う方法であって、 細胞や組織等の試料から、 遺伝物質を抽出して収容部に収容する抽出ェ 程と、 7. A part having a liquid passage, a magnetic force part for applying and removing a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure control part for controlling the pressure in the liquid passage to suck and discharge the fluid. A method for selecting a target substance using a dispenser, a dispenser or a moving unit for relatively moving between the dispenser or the liquid passage and a container, and a container comprising a large number of storage units, An extraction step of extracting genetic material from a sample such as cells and tissues and storing the genetic material in a storage unit;
該遺伝物質に関連する関連遺伝物質を合成し、 該関連遺伝物質から多数 種類の関連遺伝物質断片を合成して収容部に収容する合成工程と、 該関連遺伝物質断片にアダプタを介して P C R用プライマを結合し、 P C R法により関連遺伝物質断片を増幅して収容部に収容する増幅工程と、 増幅した複数種類の関連遺伝物質断片と、 特定の塩基配列をもち特異的 に結合する化合物対の一方によつて標識化された標識 伝物質断片と、 該化合物対の他方によってコーティングされた磁性粒子とを各々収容する 各収容部から懸濁液を吸引し移動し吐出して混合することによって、 目的 の関連遺伝物質断片を標識化遺伝物質断片を介して磁性粒子に捕獲し、 捕 獲した磁性粒子を通過させる際に磁場を及ぼして液通過路に吸着して分離 することによつて目的の関連遺伝物質断片を選別する選別工程とを有する ことを特徴とする分注機を利用した目的物質自動選別方法。  A synthesis step of synthesizing related genetic material related to the genetic material, synthesizing a large number of types of related genetic material fragments from the related genetic material, and storing the fragments in a storage unit; An amplification step in which the primers are combined, the related genetic material fragments are amplified by the PCR method, and accommodated in a storage section. The amplification of the plurality of types of amplified related genetic material fragments and a compound pair having a specific base sequence and specific binding By sucking, moving, discharging, and mixing the suspension from each of the storage sections that respectively store the labeled transmitter fragment labeled by one side and the magnetic particles coated by the other of the compound pair, The target related genetic material fragment is captured by the magnetic particles via the labeled genetic material fragment, and a magnetic field is applied when passing the captured magnetic particles to be adsorbed and separated in the liquid passage. Target substance automatic sorting method using a dispenser, characterized in that it comprises a selection step of selecting the relevant genetic material fragment target.
8 . 前記抽出工程の遺伝物質は、 R N Aであり、 8. The genetic material of the extraction step is R NA,
前記合成工程は、 逆転写酵素を用いて、 該関連遺伝物質である c D N A を合成する工程であり、  The synthesizing step is a step of synthesizing the related genetic material cDNA using a reverse transcriptase,
前記選別工程の標識化遺伝物質断片は、 標識化 D N A断片または標識化 R N A断片であり、 前記化合物対は、 ピオチンとアビジン、 D I G等の標 識化合物とそれに特異的に結合する抗体等であることを特徴とする請求項 7記載の分注機を利用した目的物質自動選別方法。  The labeled genetic material fragment in the selection step is a labeled DNA fragment or a labeled RNA fragment, and the compound pair is a labeled compound such as biotin and avidin, DIG, and an antibody specifically binding thereto. 8. A method for automatically selecting a target substance using a dispenser according to claim 7.
9 . 前記液通過路は、 前記分注機に対して着脱自在に設けられたことを特 徴とする請求項 7記載の分注機を利用した目的物質自動選別方法。  9. The method for automatically selecting a target substance using a dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the liquid passage is detachably provided to the dispenser.
1 0 . 液通過路、 該液通過路に外部から磁場を及ぼしかつ除去する磁力部 、 および該液通過路内に圧力を制御して流体の吸引および吐出を行う圧力 制御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機または前記液通過路と容器との間を相 対的に移動させる移動部と、 多数の収容部からなる容器とを用いて塩基配 列の決定を行う方法であって、  10. A dispensing machine having a liquid passage, a magnetic force section for applying and removing a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure controller for controlling the pressure in the liquid passage to suction and discharge the fluid. A method of determining a base sequence using a dispenser or a moving unit for relatively moving between the liquid passage and a container, and a container comprising a large number of storage units,
細胞や組織等の試料から遺伝物質を抽出して収容部に収容する抽出工程 と、 Extraction process in which genetic material is extracted from samples such as cells and tissues and stored in the storage unit When,
該遺伝物質を標識化して P C R法で増幅して収容部に収容する増幅工程 と、  An amplification step of labeling the genetic material, amplifying the genetic material by a PCR method, and storing the amplified genetic material in a storage unit;
増幅された標識化遺伝物質、 該遺伝物質と特異的に結合する結合物質が コ一ティングされた磁性粒子および所定試薬を収容した収容部からその液 を吸引し、 恒温機能を有する収容部に移動吐出することによって該標識ィ匕 遺伝物質を磁性粒子に捕獲させ、 該懸濁液が液通過路を通過する際に磁場 を及ぼすことによって液通過路の内面に吸着分離しかつ分離した該磁性粒 子から該標識化遺伝物質を溶出する^ Sを 1回または 1回以上行うことに よって精製する精製工程と、 該標識イ^伝物質を吸引し、 D N Aチップ上 に移動吐出することによって S B H法によって ^伝物質の塩基配列を決 定する決定工程とを有することを特徴とする分注機を利用した自動塩基配 列決定方法。  Amplified labeled genetic material, magnetic particles coated with a binding substance that specifically binds to the genetic material, and a liquid containing a predetermined reagent are aspirated from the container and transferred to a container having a constant temperature function. The magnetic particles are captured by the magnetic particles when the suspension passes through the liquid passage, and the magnetic particles are adsorbed and separated on the inner surface of the liquid passage and separated. A purification step in which the labeled genetic material is eluted from the nucleic acid by performing ^ S one or more times, and an SBH method in which the labeled genetic material is aspirated, moved onto a DNA chip and discharged. And a determining step of determining the base sequence of the source material by using an automatic pipetting machine.
1 . 前記遺伝物質は D N Aであることを特徴とする請求項 1 0に記載の 分注機を利用した自動塩基配列決定方法。  1. The method according to claim 10, wherein the genetic material is DNA.
2 . 前記液通過路は、 前記分注機に対して着脱自在に設けられたことを 特徴とする請求項 1 0に記載の分注機を利用した自動塩基配列決定方法。 3 . 液通過路、 該液通過路に外部から磁場を及ぼしかつ除去する磁力部 、 および該液通過路内の圧力を制御して流体の吸弓 Iおよび吐出を行う圧力 制御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機または前記液通過路と容器との間を相 対的に移動させる移動部と、 多数の収容部からなる容器とを用いて目的物 質の決定を行う方法であって、 2. The automatic base sequence determination method using a dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the liquid passage is detachably provided to the dispenser. 3. Dispensing having a liquid passage, a magnetic force unit for applying and removing a magnetic field from the outside to the liquid passage, and a pressure controller for controlling the pressure in the liquid passage to absorb and discharge the fluid. A method for determining a target substance using a dispenser, a dispenser or a moving unit for relatively moving between the dispenser or the liquid passage and a container, and a container comprising a large number of storage units. ,
細胞や組織等の試料から遺伝物質を抽出して収容部に収容する抽出工程 と、  An extraction step of extracting genetic material from a sample such as a cell or tissue and storing the genetic material in a storage unit;
該遺伝物質に関連する標識化された標識化関連遺伝物質を合成して収容 部に収容する合成工程と、  A synthesizing step of synthesizing a labeled and related genetic material related to the genetic material and accommodating the labeled genetic material in an accommodation unit;
合成された該標識化関連遺伝物質と特異的に結合する結合物質がコーテ ィングされた磁性粒子および所定試薬を収容した収容部からその液を吸弓 I し、 恒温機能を有する収容部に移動吐出することによって該標識化関連遺 伝物質を磁性粒子に捕獲させ、 該懸濁液が液通過路を通過する際に磁場を 及ぼすことによつて液通過路の内面に吸着分離しかつ分離した該磁性粒子 力、ら該標識化関連遺伝物質を溶出する処理を 1回または 2回以上行うこと によって精製する精製工程と、 The solution absorbs the liquid from the container containing the coated magnetic particles and the predetermined reagent containing the binding substance that specifically binds to the synthesized labeled-related genetic material, and moves and discharges it to the container having a constant temperature function. By doing so The magnetic material is captured by magnetic particles when the suspension passes through the liquid passage, and the magnetic particles are adsorbed and separated on the inner surface of the liquid passage and separated by the magnetic field. A purification step in which purification is performed by performing one or more treatments to elute related genetic material; and
該標識化関連遺伝物質を吸引し、 D N Aチップ上に移動吐出することに よって S B H法によつて該遺伝物質の塩基配列を決定する決定工程とを有 することを特徴とする分注機を利用した自動塩基配列決定方法。  A step of determining the base sequence of the genetic material by SBH method by aspirating the labeled-related genetic material and moving and discharging the genetic material on a DNA chip. Automatic sequencing method.
4 . 前記遺伝物質は、 R N Aであり、 関連遺伝物質は c D N Aであり、 標識化物質は、 蛍光物質であることを特徴とする請求項 1 3に記載した分 注機を利用した自動塩基配列決定方法。  4. The automatic base sequence using a dispenser according to claim 13, wherein the genetic material is RNA, the related genetic material is cDNA, and the labeling material is a fluorescent material. Decision method.
5 . 前記液通過路は、 前記分注機に対して着脱自在に設けられたことを 特徴とする請求項 1 3に記載の分注機を利用した自動塩基配列決定方法。 6 . 複数連の着脱自在に設けられた液通過路、 該各液通過路に外部から 磁場を及ぼしかつ除去する磁力部、 および該各液通過路内の圧力を制御し て流体の吸弓 Iおよび吐出を行う圧力制御部を有する分注機と、 該分注機ま たは前記液通過路と容器との間を相対的に移動させる移動部と、 前記複数 連の前記液通過路が一斉に揷入可能となるように設けられた収容部をもつ 容器と、 該分注機および移動部の動作を制御する制御部とを有するととも 該容器は、 磁性粒子を懸濁した懸濁液を収容した収容部と、 処理に必要 な各種物質または試薬を収容した収容部と、 冷却用および加熱用の恒温機 能を各々有する収容部と、 前記分注機が装着可能なように前記液 路が 設けられた未使用または再使用可能なチップぉよび該分注機から脱着した 廃棄用の該チップを収容する収容部と、 廃液を収容する収容部と、 を有す ることを特徴とする自動分注システム。  5. The method according to claim 13, wherein the liquid passage is provided detachably with respect to the dispenser. 6. A plurality of detachably provided liquid passages, a magnetic force portion for applying and removing a magnetic field from the outside to each of the liquid passages, and controlling the pressure in each of the liquid passages to absorb the fluid. A dispensing machine having a pressure control unit for performing discharge and discharge; a moving unit for relatively moving the dispensing machine or the liquid passage and the container; A container having a storage part provided so as to be able to be inserted into the container, and a control part for controlling operations of the dispenser and the moving part, and the container has a suspension in which magnetic particles are suspended. A container containing various substances or reagents necessary for processing, a container having a constant temperature function for cooling and heating, and a liquid container for mounting the dispenser. Unused or reusable tip with channel and detached from the dispenser Automatic dispensing system comprising a container for accommodating the chip 棄用, a storage portion for storing waste, the Rukoto to have a.
7 . 前記制御部は、 前記分注機、 移動部および前記容器に関する設定を 行うための設定手段と、 該設定手段による設定の際に、 または、 設定され た容器の収容部の配列を含むデータを表示する表示手段とを有することを 特徴とする請求項 1 6に記載の自動分注シ 7. The control unit includes a setting unit configured to perform settings related to the dispenser, the moving unit, and the container, and a setting unit configured to perform the setting, or data including an arrangement of the set container storage unit. Display means for displaying an automatic dispensing system.
8 . 前記制御部は、 前記分注機の前記液通過路から吐出されるべき液の 種類、 その液量、 および吐出先の収容部内の状態に基づいて、 または設定 手段による選択に基づいて、 着底モード、 液体中、 または空中のいずれか で吐出を行うように制御することを特徴とする請求項 1 7に記載の自動分 注システム。 8. The control unit is configured to perform control based on the type of the liquid to be discharged from the liquid passage of the dispenser, the amount of the liquid, and the state of the discharge destination in the storage unit, or based on the selection by the setting unit, 18. The automatic dispensing system according to claim 17, wherein the dispensing is controlled to be performed in a landing mode, in liquid, or in the air.
PCT/JP2000/005305 1999-08-09 2000-08-08 Method for automatic labeling using dispenser, method for automatically separating target substance, method for determining base sequence, and automatic dispensing system WO2001011364A1 (en)

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