WO2007097246A1

WO2007097246A1 - Test sample preparation device

Info

Publication number: WO2007097246A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/052801
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masayoshi Momiyama; Seiko Watanabe; Atsushi Hattori; Masato Kon
Original assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2006-02-22
Filing date: 2007-02-09
Publication date: 2007-08-30
Also published as: JP2007225399A

Abstract

A test sample preparation device in which preprocessing can be carried out conveniently under an enclosed state. In the test sample preparation device performing processing on the test sample sequentially while transferring a test sample between unit containers using as many unit containers as required in one or more separation refinement process for separating/extracting an inspection substance by one or more separation extraction process selected from dissolution, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, filtration, liquid separation, adsorption and reaction, wherein switching is made between communication state and interruption state in order to transfer the test sample between a first container body section (20) and a second container body section (23). Blocking members (21, 24) are removed by moving a communication switching member (26) from an enclosed state (a) to the position (b) and the both are allowed to communicate through a communication hole (261). Subsequently, the communication switching member (26) is moved to the position (c) in order to return them again to an enclosed state, and the communication holes provided in end face members (22, 25) can be blocked by a seal member (29). Since preprocessing can be completed under an enclosed state, measurement can be carried out conveniently in safety.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a test sample preparation apparatus for separating and extracting a test substance from a test sample. Background Technology ''

Usually, a method called instrumental analysis based on the measurement principle such as chromatography or mass spectrometry is the mainstream for determining the presence or absence of a specific substance and its content.

In these instrumental analyzes, it is known that a plurality of substances can be identified at the atomic and molecular level, and is extremely sensitive compared to other analytical methods that do not use analytical instruments. However, high sensitivity means that substances other than the measurement target substance contained in the analysis sample, that is, contaminants, may be detected with high sensitivity. When contaminants are detected, adverse effects such as inability to perform analysis are observed in some cases, and the credibility of the analysis results is significantly reduced. Therefore, the removal of contaminants in the measurement sample is very important for accurate analysis.

When it is necessary to analyze the measurement target substance contained in the analysis sample containing various substances such as river water, soil, food, etc., in the instrumental analysis, the measurement target substance is preferentially extracted from the analysis sample before the analysis. · The mainstream is to perform a process called pretreatment for purification. For these pretreatments, a combination of various operations such as dissolution of analysis sample, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, centrifugation, gel electrophoresis, distillation, column chromatography, and concentration by evaporation of solvent is combined. There are many.

In recent years, a technique called a bioassay using a biomolecule or an organism such as an antigen-antibody reaction has begun to spread. These methods are generally known as methods that can specifically detect a measurement substance by making use of the high substance discrimination ability of antibodies. For this reason, it is said that there is little influence of impurities. However, depending on the type of substances contained in the sample, such as heavy metals and chelating substances in the soil, the analysis results Reliability may be significantly reduced. For this reason, it may be necessary to perform pretreatment similar to instrumental analysis even for bioassays.

In this way, the pretreatment for extracting and purifying the measurement substance from the analytical sample is an important task that is highly necessary for various analytical methods.

For example, the measurement of PCB pollutants will be described as an example. Reference 1 (Interim Report on Measurement Methods for Low Concentration PCB Contaminants, May 1995, Low Concentration PCB Contaminant Countermeasures Investigation Committee Working Method In general, purification is performed by advanced research-level methods that repeat the steps of concentration, column chromatography, acid treatment, and hexane extraction, as described in Group: P. 16-). As a result, the most important point of these official methods is that an extraction rate of 80% or more and high reproducibility can be obtained. Disclosure of the invention

(Problems to be solved by the invention)

As described in the technical background, the pretreatment of extracting and purifying the measurement substance from the analytical sample is an important task that is highly necessary in various analytical methods. These pretreatments can be a combination of a number of different operations such as sample dissolution, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, centrifugation, gel electrophoresis, distillation, column chromatography, and solvent evaporation. Many. This is only an example, but taking liquid-liquid extraction using a widely used separatory funnel as an example, after mixing two liquids, visually check the interface between the two separated liquids, Only one solution is manually collected in an Erlenmeyer flask. Separation funnels are glass devices that are simply covered with a lid, and the operator is likely to be exposed to chemicals due to liquid leakage during operation. In addition, there are many opportunities to use glass containers with open tops such as Erlenmeyer flasks, and depending on the type of chemical, there is a high possibility of exposure due to volatilization. In addition, since glassware is mainly cleaned and reused, there is a possibility of exposure to chemicals during cleaning. Because it is a glass device, there is a high risk of exposure due to breakage.

In addition, the pretreatment method varies depending on the sample to be analyzed and the substance to be measured. For this reason, there are many cases where it is difficult to use an automatic analyzer because it is difficult to make a routine work, and it is easy to cause human error. It has become a problem.

In addition, there are many operations that depend on the operator's visual acuity, judgment criteria, operational agility, etc., as in the example of working with a separatory funnel, and the analysis results vary from worker to worker. Cause.

For example, as described in Reference 2 (“Analytical Rules for Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) in Insulating Oil”, JEAC 1201-1991, NEC Corporation), the pretreatment step is “silica gel column. Purification and liquid extraction using a separatory funnel are often used, and these processes require a high level of expertise in the workers such as dexterity, agility, visual acuity, and judgment. As a result, the measurement results vary, which hinders the spread of analysis.

The present invention has been completed in view of the above circumstances, and solves the problem of providing a test sample preparation apparatus that can easily perform pretreatment in a sealed state in an analysis method that requires complicated pretreatment. It should be a challenge.

(Means for solving the problems and effects of the invention)

The test sample preparation apparatus of the present invention that solves the above problems is selected from dissolution, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, filtration, liquid separation, adsorption, and reaction for a solid or liquid test sample. It is a test sample preparation device that separates and extracts a test substance through one or more separation and extraction processes. In carrying out these separation and extraction steps, the number of unit containers required for one or more separation and purification steps is used, and the test samples are sequentially transferred between the unit vessels. In other words, the test sample is pretreated by moving sequentially between unit containers. The unit container can have a separation and extraction member corresponding to the separation and extraction step to be performed in the internal space, and an efficient separation and extraction step can be realized.

Here, the unit container includes a container body part and a communication path forming member,

The container main body has an internal space partitioned to accommodate the test sample, and the communication path forming member is connected to the container main body and sealed to the communication path forming member provided in another unit container. It is possible to switch between a connection state and a shut-off state between a connectable connection portion and an internal space of the container main body portion connected to the internal space of the container main body portion connected in a sealed state. A switching unit that can exchange the test sample in a communicating state; It is characterized by that.

In other words, in order to perform all pretreatments on the test sample in a sealed state, between the unit containers to which the test sample is moved, the two unit containers are connected in a sealed state, and then the inside is communicated. Thus, it is possible to move various members (for example, a solvent for dissolution / extraction) added at the time of pretreatment from one container to the other container while blocking from the outside. In addition, it is possible to move to the next pretreatment process while keeping the airtight state by blocking the communication between the two while keeping the airtight state so that they can be separated. Since the pretreatment can be completed in a sealed state, measurement can be performed safely even when the test sample is contaminated with harmful substances, such as measurement of PCB contamination.

Here, the unit containers to be combined may be the same, and at least a part of the plurality of unit containers may have a different structure from the remaining unit containers. Whether to adopt the same or different ones can be selected appropriately according to the separation and extraction process. '

For example, as for the unit container, other parts (for example, the shape of the container body part) can be used if connection can be realized between the communication path forming members of the unit container that is actually connected when the test sample and separation / extraction member are moved sequentially. · Size · Type of separation / extraction member arranged inside, structure of communication path forming member (thing that can be connected to each other but not the same structure) 'size' is not particularly limited. In addition, an air valve connected to the container body or the communication path forming member and communicating with the outside may be provided. Here, the container body portion is desirable because it has an uneven portion on the inner wall, so that an improvement in the stirring effect can be expected.

Here, as the separation and extraction member when the separation and extraction step is a dissolution step, a solution is exemplified. The separation and extraction member in the case where the separation and extraction step is a liquid-liquid extraction step and a solid or single-liquid extraction step is exemplified by an extraction liquid. And when the said separation and extraction process is a filtration process, the said separation and extraction member can illustrate a filtration member. When the separation and extraction step is a liquid separation step, the separation and extraction member includes a tubular member located in the vicinity of the interface between the two liquids separated by the tip, and the upper layer portion of the test sample is sucked from the tubular member And a suction means. In addition, when the separation and extraction process is a liquid separation process, the separation and extraction member has one lower layer of two liquids to be separated. An example is a tubular member having a tip located on the liquid level when moved from one container to the other and having a cock inside.

In addition, when the separation and extraction step is a liquid separation step, the separation and extraction member performs selective filtration using a difference in the degree of hydrophilicity and Z or lipophilicity of two liquids to be separated. Examples are filtration members with controlled surface hydrophilicity and Z or lipophilicity. Further, the separation and extraction member in the case where the separation and extraction step is an adsorption step is exemplified by an adsorption member. Specific examples of a set of communication path forming members that can be connected to each other are as follows:

(1) A cylindrical member having a cylindrical member communication hole provided eccentrically on the end surface, and a rotating member communication hole having substantially the same shape as the end surface of the cylindrical member and having the same degree of eccentricity. A rotating member disposed in close contact with the end surface and rotatably disposed between a position where the cylindrical member communicating hole and the rotating member communicating hole coincide with a position shifted from each other. '

A member that switches between a communication state and a shielding state by aligning the positions of the respective cylindrical member communication holes and contacting and connecting the rotation members, and rotating the respective rotation members together. ''

(.2) Among the set of communication path forming members connected to each other,

One of the communication path forming members includes a cylindrical member having a cylindrical member communication hole provided on an end surface, a closing member capable of closing the cylindrical member communication hole, and connecting the blocking member from the inside of the cylindrical member to the cylindrical member communication Biasing means for biasing toward the hole,

The other communication path forming member is a member provided with closing member moving means for moving the closing member of one communication path forming member into the cylindrical member when connected to the one communication path forming member.

(3) One set of the communication path forming members connected to each other includes two end surface members having end surface member communication holes provided on opposite end surfaces, and the end surface members between the end surface members. A communication switching member provided movably along the end surface and having a communication hole communicating between the end surface member communication holes of the two end surface members; and following the movement of the communication switching member A thin-film sealing member that closes and closes the end surface member communication hole when the communication switching member is pulled out from between the two end surface members. (4) Of the set of communication path forming members connected to each other,

One of the communication path forming members includes a close contact member formed on an end surface of an elastic material, and the other communication path forming member pierces the close contact member of one of the communication path forming members to be in a communication state. The member provided with the acicular member which is a pipe | tube is mentioned. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a first embodiment of a test sample preparation apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a second embodiment of the test sample preparation apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a third embodiment of the test sample preparation apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a fourth embodiment of the test sample preparation apparatus according to the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The test sample preparation apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below. The test sample preparation apparatus of this embodiment is an apparatus used when a test substance contained in a test sample is separated and extracted in a plurality of steps. For example, it can be suitably used for pretreatment of test samples in the measurement of PCB contamination.

Test samples can be solid or liquid. In addition, a suspension in which a solid is dispersed in a liquid can be targeted. The pretreatment for the test sample can be applied to one or more processes selected from dissolution, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, filtration, liquid separation, adsorption and reaction. The pretreatment is the process of finally separating and extracting the test substance to be measured from the test sample, and at that time, impurities that affect the measurement are not mixed.

In the separation and extraction process, dissolution is a process in which a solid, suspension, slurry, or the like is dissolved in a solution to make a homogeneous solution. Liquid-liquid extraction is a process in which a test substance is extracted with a liquid from a test sample dissolved in a liquid or solution. The target test substance can be separated by mixing the extract that is not mixed with the liquid test sample, transferring the test substance into the extract, and then separating the extract. Conversely, an extraction solution that dissolves only the impurities is used as a process for removing impurities from the test sample. You can also. Solid-liquid extraction can be used as a process for separating and removing impurities as well as separating and extracting test substances from solid test samples.

Filtration is a process of separating and removing solids that are impurities from a liquid or solution test sample and separating and extracting solids containing a test substance. Separation is a process that separates two unmixed solvents used in processes such as liquid-liquid extraction. Adsorption is a process of adsorbing and removing impurities from a liquid test sample or separating and extracting a test substance by adsorption. When the test substance is separated and extracted by adsorption, the test substance is eluted with some extraction solvent (elution solvent) after adsorption. The reaction should be performed only when a reaction reagent such as a liquid or solid is added to the test sample before pretreatment of the test sample. .

The separation and extraction process is a process that separates and extracts the test substance from the test sample by using one or a combination of two or more of these processes, and reduces the impurity content to the extent that it does not affect the analysis. . This combination is not particularly limited because it varies greatly depending on the test substance. '

In the test sample preparation apparatus of this embodiment, when performing these separation and extraction steps, a plurality of unit containers are combined. The plurality of unit containers used may be the same or different. Since the separation and extraction processes performed in each unit container are often considered to be different from each other, there may be cases where a plurality of unit containers are not all the same.

The unit container has a container main body, a communication path forming member, and other constituent elements as necessary. The container body has an internal space partitioned to accommodate test samples and the like, and is a place where the separation and extraction process is performed. The separation and extraction process can be performed by sequentially moving the test sample in a plurality of unit containers, and members used for separation and extraction between other unit containers and one unit container (separation extraction member) ) Can be completed in one unit container. In other words, the unit container to which the test sample is moved after each process is applied is not particularly limited.

The size of the container body • The internal volume can be determined appropriately depending on the amount of test sample to be tested and ease of operation. The inner wall of the container body can have an uneven portion for the purpose of improving the stirring effect. Furthermore, to control the outflow of liquid inside, air (vent) A valve, pressurizing means, or decompressing means may be connected. As the pressurizing means and the depressurizing means, a combination of a cylindrical member and a piston moving inside the cylinder, or a rubber bag formed from an elastic body used for a syringe or the like can be used as in the case of a syringe.

A test sample introduction path which is an introduction path for introducing a test sample from the outside can be provided in the container body. When the test sample is a solid or liquid, a general lid or the like can be used. When the test sample is a liquid, a film made of an elastic material can be used. The lid is opened to form an opening, and the test sample is introduced through the opening. A 1 "biological membrane is a pathway through which a test sample is introduced into the inside using a syringe, etc.

The communication path forming member has a connection portion and a switching portion. The connecting portion is a member that is connected to the container main body and can be connected in a sealed state to a communication path forming member provided in another unit container. The switching part can be switched between a communication state and a shut-off state between the internal space of the container body part of the container and the internal space of the counterpart container body connected in a sealed state, and the test sample in the communication state. It is a member that can exchange. By connecting to each unit container, the necessary separation and extraction members can be left behind. The connecting portion is made at an opening provided in the container main body of each unit container. Make a sealed connection between these openings. The switching unit is a means that can open and close this opening. Therefore, the connecting portion and the switching portion are highly related members, and their configurations are also closely related.

Here, even when the switching unit separates the two unit containers,

It is desirable to be able to ensure (especially the airtightness of the container on the side where the test sample is transferred and the container on the side where the harmful substances are present).

A specific configuration of the communication path forming member will be described. Since the two communication path forming members are connected in combination, the following explanation will be made in pairs. Hereinafter, one is referred to as a first unit container and the other is referred to as a second unit container for convenience. The first (second) unit container has a first (second) container body and a first (second) communication path forming member.

(1) As a structure for connecting two communication path forming members, a structure including a cylindrical member and a rotating member can be cited. As shown in FIG. 1, this structure is formed between the cylindrical member 10 of the first communication path forming member and the rotating member 11 1, and the cylinder of the second communication path forming member. Between the member 13 and the rotating member 12, each is rotatably arranged.

The cylindrical member 10 in the first communication path forming member has a cylindrical member communication hole 10 1 and a rotation restricting pin 10 2 protruding from the end surface on the end surface. The cylindrical member communication hole 10 1 is formed eccentrically on the end face of the cylindrical member 10. A rotating member 11 is rotatably provided on the end surface of the cylindrical member 10. The rotating member 1 1 has a rotating member communication hole 1 1 1, a rotation restricting pin 1 1 2 protruding in the opposite direction of the cylindrical member 10, and a turn restricting groove 1 1 3. The rotation restricting pin 10 0 2 of the cylindrical member 10 is inserted into the rotation restricting groove 1 1 3 of the rotating member 1 1, and as shown in FIG. 2 (a), (a-1) and (a — The range of rotation is restricted between 2). The position of (a-1) is in a cut-off state because the cylindrical member communication hole 10 0 1 of the cylindrical member 10 and the rotating member communication hole 1 1 1 are displaced. The position of (a-2) is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise from the position of (a-1), and the cylindrical member communication hole 1 0 1 and the rotation member communication hole 1 1 1 Are in communication with each other.

The cylindrical member 13 in the second communication path forming member has a cylindrical member communication hole 13 1 and a rotation restricting groove 13 2 formed on the end face. A rotating member 12 is rotatably provided on the end surface of the cylindrical member 13. The rotation member 1 2 has a rotation member communication hole 1 2 1, a rotation restricting pin 1 2 2 protruding to the cylindrical member 1 3 side, and a rotation restricting groove 1 2 3. The rotation restricting pin 1 2 2 of the rotating member 1 2 is inserted into the rotation restricting groove 1 3 2 of the cylindrical member 1 3, and as shown in FIG. 2 (c), (c− l) and (c — The range of rotation is restricted between 2). The position of (c 1 1) is in a blocked state because the cylindrical member communication hole 13 1 of the cylindrical member 13 is displaced from the rotating member communication hole 1 2 1. The position of (c 1 2) is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise from the position of (c 1 1), and the cylindrical member communication hole 1 3 1 and the rotating member communication hole 1 2 1 Are in communication with each other.

The first container and the second container are connected by overlapping the rotating member 11 in the first communication path forming member and the rotating member 12 in the second communication path forming member. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the rotation restricting pin 1 1 2 in the rotating member 11 of the first communication path forming member is inserted into the rotation restricting groove 1 2 3 in the second communication path forming member. , (B-1) and (b-2) restrict the rotation range. The position of (b-1) is in the blocked state because the rotation member communication hole 1 1 1 and the rotation member communication hole 1 2 1 are displaced. It is. The position of (b-2) is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise from the position of (b-1), and the rotation member communication hole 1 1 1 and the rotation member communication hole 1 2 1 are the same. Then it is in communication.

Therefore, as a whole, the cylindrical member communication hole 10 1 and the rotation member communication hole 1 1 1 in the first communication path forming member, the rotation member communication hole 1 2 1 in the second communication path formation member and the cylindrical member From the state (second state) of (a-2), (b-2) and (c-2) where all the communication holes 1 3 1 are coincident, it is possible to rotate 3 60 degrees clockwise. , All communication holes 1 0 1, 1 1 1, ί 2 1 and 1 3 1 are all off (a-1),

It is possible to change the state to (b-1) and (c 1 1) (first state).

Therefore, in the first state, which is the shut-off state, the first communication path forming member of the first container and the second communication path forming member of the second container are connected, and then both are brought to the second state. By rotating, the first container and the second container are in communication with each other, and after exchanging the separation and extraction members necessary for the separation and extraction process, the first container is rotated to the opposite side. It becomes possible to turn it into a shut-off state again.

Furthermore, a wiper (not shown) can be provided on the end face of the cylindrical member or the surface of the rotating member to prevent contamination. The wiper can be provided as a linear protrusion extending radially on each surface. By providing this protrusion between the end face of the cylindrical member and the rotating member, or between the rotating members, the liquid remaining on the surface of the other side where the protrusion comes into contact when rotating between them is wiped off. Can do.

• As the second communication path forming member, the configuration shown in FIG. 3 can be adopted instead of the above configuration. First, a cylindrical member communication hole 1 0 1 ′ is provided on the end face 10 ′ of the cylindrical member in the first communication path forming member, and further, a rotating member 1 1 provided with a rotating member communication hole 1 1 1 ′. It is the same as the above configuration in that 'is rotatably provided on its end face 10,.

The cylindrical member communication hole is also formed in the end surface 1 3 ′ of the cylindrical member in the second communication path forming member.

1 3 1, and a rotating member communication hole 1 2 1, and a rotating member 1 2

It is the same as the above configuration in that 'is rotatably provided on the end face 1 3'. The first communication path forming member and the second communication path forming member are abutted and connected. The connection between the two is made by aligning the position of the cylindrical member communication hole 1 0 1 ′ on the end face 10 ′ of the cylindrical member with the position of the cylindrical member communication hole 1 3 1 ′ on the end face 1 3 ′ of the cylindrical member, Connect so that the position of the rotating member communication hole 1 1 1 'in 1 1 ′ and the position of the rotating member communication hole 1 2 1 ′ in rotating member 1 2, also match.

Then, the positions of the rotating claws 1 1 4 and 1 2 4 provided on the rotating members 1 1 ′ and 1 2 ′ are also aligned. Using the rotating claws 1 1 4 ′ and 1 2 4 ′, the rotating members 1 1 ′ and 1 2 ′ are rotated, and the cylindrical member communication holes 1 0 1 ′, the rotating member communication holes 1 1 1 ′, By aligning the positions of the rotation member communication hole 1 2 1 ′ and the cylindrical member communication hole 1 3 1 ′, the first container and the second container can be in communication. Further, the rotating claws 1 1 4 ′ and 1 2 4 ′ are used to rotate the rotating members 1 1 and 1 2, and the cylindrical member communicating holes 1 0 1 ′ and the rotating member communicating holes 1 1 1 By shifting the positions of the rotation member communication hole 1 2 1 and the cylindrical member communication hole 1 3 1 ′, the first container and the second container can be shut off.

• Furthermore, instead of the above configuration, the configuration shown in FIG. 4 can be adopted as the second communication path forming member. FIG. 4 shows a state where the first container and the second container are combined. The first container main body 20 and the second container main body 23 are arranged so that the end surface member 22 and the end surface member 25 are opposed to each other with a predetermined interval.

Each of the end surface members 2 2 and 25 has an end surface member communication hole, and the communication holes are closed by the closing members 21 and 2 4. A communication switching member 26 is interposed between the end surface members 2 2 and 25. The communication switching member 2 6 has a communication hole 2 6 1. The communication switching member 26 can move between the end surface members 2 2 and 25 along the end surface (from the left to the right in the drawing).

When the communication switching member 26 is moved, the closing members 21 and 24 are first removed by the communication switching member 26. Then, the communication hole 2 6 1 of the communication switching member 26 matches the end surface member communication hole of the end surface member 2 2 and 24, so that the first container main body portion 20 and the second container main body portion 2 3 To the communication state (Fig. 4 (b)).

Thereafter, when the communication switching member 26 is further moved, the position of the communication hole 26.sub.1 is displaced from the position of the end surface member communication hole, and the space between the first container body 20 and the second container body 23. It will be cut off. Here, it is opposite to the moving direction of the communication switching member 26. A seal member 29 is connected to the opposite end. The seal member 29 is housed in the housing portion 28, and when the communication switching member 26 is moved, the seal member 29 is stretched so as to cover the end surfaces of the end surface members 2 2 and 25, connected to the communication switching member 26. Eventually, the end faces of the end face members 2 2 and 2 4 are covered, and the end face member communication holes are closed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first container having the first container body 30 and the connecting portion 31 as the first communication passage forming member, the second container body 3 2 and the closing member 3 3 And a second container having a panel 3 4 and a base 3 5. The connecting portion 31 is a tubular member provided at the bottom of the first container main body 30 and is not shown in the drawing, but has a switching cock inside, and allows the liquid in the first container main body 30 to flow. I have control. The second container body 3 2 has a connection hole 3 2 1 on the upper surface. One end of the closing member 3 3 for closing the connection hole 3 2 1 is fixed to the other end of the fixing spring 3 4 on the base 3 5, and is always urged toward the connection hole 3 2 1 side. Yes.

Therefore, normally, the connecting hole 3 2 1 of the second container is closed and kept in a sealed state. When the first container is approached from above the second container, the connecting member 31 pushes the closing member 33 into the second container main body 32 and opens the connecting hole 3 21. As a result, the first container main body 30 and the second container main body 32 are in communication with each other. The liquid can move into the second container main body 32. • In addition, the first container main body and the second container main body can be formed by partitioning the first container main body and the second container main body using an elastic body and then deforming the elastic body from the outside. It is also possible to establish communication between the parts. In this case, a gap such as a notch is formed in the elastic body. When the elastic body is not deformed, this gap is brought into close contact with the first container main body and the second container main body, and when the elastic body is deformed, the gap becomes large and It is a communication state between them.

In addition, at least one of the first container main body and the second container main body, and the wall contacting the other of the first container main body and the second container main body is formed of an elastic body. Thus, a tubular needle-like member such as an injection needle can be provided at the other contacting portion. The container on the side where the wall is formed of an elastic body must be sealed before approaching It is kept. Thereafter, the container provided with the needle-like member is brought close to the needle-like member, and the needle-like member is pierced into the elastic body, whereby the two containers can be brought into communication with each other. Thereafter, the needle-like member is pulled out from the elastic body by pulling them apart. The elastic body closes the hole pierced by the needle-like member by its own elasticity, and it becomes a re-sealing state.

The separation / extraction member is selected according to the corresponding separation / extraction step. For example, when the separation / extraction step is a dissolution step, the separation / extraction member is a solution. In addition, when the separation and extraction process is a liquid-liquid extraction process and a Z or solid-liquid extraction process, the separation and extraction member is an extraction liquid. And the said separation extraction member in case a separation extraction process is a filtration process is a filtration member.

In addition, when the separation and extraction process is a liquid separation process, the separation and extraction member includes: (i) a tubular member located at the vicinity of the interface between the two liquids whose tip is separated, and the upper part of the two liquids from the tubular member. Suction means for pulling. In addition, (ii) a tubular member having a cock at the tip and positioned inside the liquid surface when the lower layer of the two liquids to be separated moves from one container to the other can be employed. In addition, (iii) Selective filtration is performed using the difference in the degree of lipophilicity and Z or lipophilicity of the two liquids to be separated, and the hydrophilicity of the surface and Z or lipophilicity are controlled. A filtration member can be used.

The member (i) absorbs and takes the liquid from the lower container toward the upper container. Specifically, because the tip is near the interface between the two liquids to be separated, the liquid that can be sucked is limited to the upper layer of the two liquids.

The member (ii) moves the liquid from the container on the upper side to the container on the lower side as opposed to (i). Specifically, the tip of the lower container of the flow path that connects the upper container and the lower container moves the lower layer of the two liquids from one (upper) container to the other (lower) container. In this case, after all the lower layers of the two liquids have moved down, no more liquid can move to the lower container. It is desirable to provide a cock or the like in the flow path connecting the two containers for both members (i) and (ii). The member (i), which is a member that sucks out the upper layer portion from the lower container to the upper container, is suitable when it is desired to reliably separate the upper layer portion. On the contrary, the lower layer liquid is poured downward. The member (ii) to be discharged is suitable when it is desired to reliably separate the lower layer portion. ' The member (iii) is a member applicable when the two liquids to be separated have different hydrophilicity and / or lipophilicity. For example, when a hydrophilic (lipophilic) liquid is separated from a mixture of a hydrophilic liquid and a lipophilic liquid, the hydrophilic (lipophilic) surface is filtered through a filter having a hydrophilic (lipophilic) surface. Only lipophilic liquids can be filtered off.

When the separation and extraction process is an adsorption process, the separation and extraction member is an adsorption member. For example, in the process of adsorbing a lipophilic liquid from a test sample in which a hydrophilic liquid and a lipophilic liquid are mixed, a porous material made of urethane or polyolefin can be used as the adsorbent. The porous resin can adsorb lipophilic liquid.

Claims

WO 2007/097246 Claims

1. For a solid or liquid test sample, a test substance is obtained by one or more separation / extraction steps selected from dissolution, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, filtration, liquid separation, adsorption and reaction. 1 is a test sample preparation apparatus that uses a number of unit containers necessary for one or more separation and purification steps and sequentially transfers the test sample between the unit containers, wherein the unit container includes a container body portion. And a communication path forming member,

The container main body has an internal space partitioned to accommodate the test sample, and the communication path forming member is connected to the container main body and sealed to the communication path forming member provided in another unit container. It is possible to switch between a connection state and a shut-off state between a connectable connection portion and an internal space of the container main body portion connected to the internal space of the container main body portion connected in a sealed state. A switching unit that can exchange the test sample in a communicating state;

The test sample preparation apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

2. The test sample preparation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a separation extraction member used in the separation extraction step and disposed in an internal space of the main body.

3. An air valve connected to the container body or the communication path forming member and communicating with the outside, or the test body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container body has an uneven portion on an inner wall. Preparation equipment.

4. The separation and extraction member is

When the separation and extraction step is a dissolution step, it is a dissolution solution,

If the separation and extraction process is a liquid-liquid extraction process and a Z or solid-liquid extraction process, it is an extraction liquid,

The test sample preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the separation and extraction step is a filtration step, the separation member is a filtration member.

5. The separation and extraction member when the separation and extraction step is a liquid separation step,

A force provided with a tubular member located near the interface between the two liquids, the tip of which separates, and suction means for sucking the upper layer portion of the test sample from the tubular member, or

Separation The tip of the two-liquid lower layer moves from one container to the other.

The test sample preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a tubular member that is positioned and has a cock inside.

6. When the separation and extraction step is a liquid separation step, the separation and extraction member performs selective filtration by utilizing the difference in hydrophilicity and / or lipophilicity of the two liquids to be separated. The test sample preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the test sample preparation apparatus is a filtration member with controlled properties and / or lipophilicity. '

7. The test sample preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the separation and extraction member when the separation and extraction step is an adsorption step is an adsorption member.

8. The communication path forming member is

A cylindrical member having a cylindrical member communication hole provided eccentrically on the end surface, and a rotating member communication hole having substantially the same shape as the end surface of the cylindrical member and provided with the same degree of eccentricity, are in close contact with the end surface And a rotating member arranged to be rotatable between a position where the cylindrical member communicating hole and the rotating member communicating hole are aligned with a position shifted from each other. The communication state and the shielding state are switched by aligning the positions of the holes and connecting the rotating members in contact with each other to rotate the respective rotating members together. The test sample preparation apparatus according to any one of the above.

9. Of the set of communication path forming members connected to each other,

One of the communication straddling members includes a cylindrical member having a cylindrical member communication hole provided on an end surface, a closing member capable of closing the cylindrical member communication hole, and connecting the blocking member from the inside of the cylindrical member to the cylindrical member communication Biasing means for biasing toward the hole,

The other communicating path forming member includes a closing member moving means for moving the closing member of the one communicating path forming member into the cylindrical member when connected to the one communicating path forming member. The test sample preparation apparatus according to any one of 1 to 7.

1 0. One set of the communication path forming members connected to each other includes two end surface members having end surface member communication holes provided on opposite end surfaces, and between the end surface members and the end surface members. A communication switching member provided movably along the end surface and having a communication hole communicating between the end surface member communication holes of the two end surface members; and following the movement of the communication switching member A thin-film seal member that closes and closes the end surface member communication hole when the communication switching member is pulled out from between the two end surface members; A test sample preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

1 1. Of the set of communication path forming members connected to each other,

One of the communication path forming members includes a close contact member formed on an end surface of a coasting material, and the other communication path forming member pierces the close contact member of one of the communication path forming members to be in a communication state. The test sample preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a needle-like member that is a tube.