WO2007102292A1

WO2007102292A1 - Inspection equipment and inspection system employing microchip

Info

Publication number: WO2007102292A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/052223
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tsuneo Sawazumi; Mitsuharu Kitamura; Yuushi Nobumoto
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-03-07
Filing date: 2007-02-08
Publication date: 2007-09-13
Also published as: JPWO2007102292A1; JP5176951B2

Abstract

To provide an inspection equipment employing a microchip in which data can be detected with high precision and control is simple. The inspection equipment is characterized by comprising a microchip containing section for containing a microchip equipped with a first channel for passing first fluid, a second channel for passing second fluid and a portion to be detected provided in a channel where the first and second channels merge, a fluid driving section connected with the microchip contained in the microchip containing section and driving fluid in the first and second channels, a detecting section for detecting the portion to be detected of the microchip contained in the microchip containing section, and a control section for reducing the driving force of the fluid driving section when the portion to be detected is detected by the detecting section.

Description

Specification

Inspection device and inspection system using microchip

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus and an inspection system using a microchip.

Background art

[0002] In recent years, a micro total analysis system (Micro Total Analysis System) that performs analysis by detecting a reaction state by mixing a plurality of solutions on a microchip on which microchannels are integrated and processed. Analysis System; TAS) is drawing attention.

[0003] μ TAS has advantages such as a small amount of sample, a short reaction time, and a small amount of waste! When used in the medical field, the burden on the patient can be reduced by reducing the amount of specimen (blood, urine, wiping fluid, etc.), and the cost of testing can be reduced by reducing the amount of reagent. In addition, since the amount of specimens and reagents is small, the reaction time is greatly shortened and the efficiency of the test can be improved. Furthermore, since the device is small, it can be installed in a small medical institution, and inspection can be performed quickly regardless of location.

[0004] As an inspection method, for example, at the detection position provided in the flow path on the microchip, the concentration when the sample reacts with the reagent is detected with high accuracy, and the detected concentration is set in advance. By comparing with the measured concentration, it will be possible to accurately and quickly determine whether the infection is negative or positive.

[0005] Patent Document 1 relates to a biochemical analysis method and biochemical analysis apparatus using a microchip, and a reactive substance A to which an analysis target substance in a sample solution in a microchannel of the microchip specifically binds. And a biochemical analysis method that measures the concentration of the complex formed by the reaction between the analyte and the reactant B labeled with an enzyme that specifically binds to the analyte. In order to ensure sufficient contact time between the substrate and the enzyme to cause sufficient reaction, the solution feeding was stopped for a certain period of time, and then the substrate solution was fed at a constant rate. The inspection method is described!

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-227250

Disclosure of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] As described above, in Patent Document 1, the solution feeding is stopped for a certain period of time, and the substrate solution is then fed at a constant speed, thereby reducing the low-reactivity substrate and enzyme. It is made to react sufficiently so that an appropriate concentration can be obtained. However, this Patent Document 1 specifically describes how to control solution feeding and the like while the concentration is being detected by the inspection device.

That is, in Patent Document 1, even if the reaction is sufficiently performed and an appropriate concentration is obtained, for example, a fluid such as a reagent in the microchip of the inspection apparatus is driven while the concentration is being detected. When the pump for operating the pump is operating, the microchip vibrates and the solution in the microchannel of the microchip shakes, or the electrical noise of the inspection device is generated by the electrical signal for driving the pump. Etc. may occur. For this reason, in some cases, it is expected that there will be a problem that an accurate concentration cannot be detected by the detection unit due to these factors.

[0008] Therefore, in an inspection apparatus using a microchip, it is important to sufficiently react reagents and specimens to obtain an appropriate concentration. In the state where this concentration is being detected, An even more important issue is to prevent the problem of being unable to detect the correct concentration due to factors.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus and an inspection system using a microchip that is easy to control and can detect data with high accuracy.

Means for solving the problem

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, an inspection apparatus using the microchip of the present invention includes a first flow path through which a first fluid flows, a second flow path through which a second fluid flows, A microchip housing portion for housing a microchip provided with a detected portion provided in a merged flow channel where the first flow channel and the second flow channel merge; and the microchip housing portion A fluid drive unit that is connected to the housed microchip and drives the fluid in the first channel and the second channel; and the detected portion of the microchip housed in the microchip housing unit And a control unit that reduces the driving force of the fluid drive unit when the detected unit is detected by the detection unit. [0011] In order to achieve the above object, an inspection apparatus using the microchip of the present invention includes a first channel through which a first fluid flows, a second channel through which a second fluid flows, A microchip accommodating portion for accommodating a microphone chip provided with a detected portion provided in a confluence channel where the first channel and the second channel merge; and the microchip accommodating portion A fluid drive unit that is connected to a microchip housed in the microchip and that drives fluid in the first flow path and the second flow path, and the detected part of the microchip housed in the microchip housing part. A detection unit that detects the detection unit, and a control unit that drives the fluid driving unit to reciprocate the fluid in the flow path of the detection unit when the detection unit detects the detection unit. To do.

[0012] Further, in order to achieve the above object, an inspection system using the microchip of the present invention is characterized by using the above-described inspection apparatus.

The invention's effect

[0013] According to the present invention, when detecting the detected part of the microchip by the detection unit of the inspection apparatus, the control unit reduces the driving force of the fluid driving unit that drives the fluid of the microchip. Measurement data variation due to mechanical vibration and electrical noise of the device can be reduced, and highly accurate data can be detected.

[0014] In addition, when the detection unit of the microchip is detected by the detection unit of the inspection apparatus, the control unit drives the fluid driving unit to reciprocate the fluid of the detection unit of the microchip. The density unevenness of the fluid at the head can be averaged, and highly accurate data can be detected.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an external view of an inspection apparatus using a microchip according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an inspection apparatus using a microchip according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a microchip according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

[0016] 1 Microchip 2 Chip pressing plate

3 Temperature adjustment unit

4 Light detector

5 Pump

6 Packing

10 Drive fluid tank

11 Driving fluid

80 Inspection equipment

82 Enclosure

83

84 Display

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, in each drawing, the thing of the same code shall show the same thing.

The details will be described as appropriate with reference to other related drawings.

[0018] In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where a specimen and a reagent are reacted on a microchip is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to a case where at least two kinds of fluids are mixed on a microchip. be able to.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an inspection apparatus 80 using a microchip according to this embodiment. The detection device 80 is a device that automatically reacts a sample and a reagent previously injected into the microchip 1 and automatically outputs a reaction result.

[0020] The casing 82 of the inspection device 80 is provided with a tub entrance for inserting the microchip 1 into the device.

83, a display section 84, a memory card slot 85, a print output port 86, an operation panel 87, and an external input / output terminal 88 are provided.

[0021] The person in charge of the inspection inserts the microchip 1 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Operate to start the inspection. Inside the inspection device 80, the reaction in the microchip 1 is automatically detected, and when the inspection is completed, the result is displayed on the display unit 84. Inspection results By operating the operation panel 87, a print can be output from the print output port 86 or stored in a memory card inserted in the memory card slot 85. In addition, data can be saved from the external input / output terminal 88 to a personal computer or the like using, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable. After the inspection, the inspection person takes out the microchip 1 from the insertion port 83.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an inspection apparatus 80 using the microchip according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the microchip is inserted from the throat inlet 83 shown in FIG. 1 and accommodated in the microchip storage portion.

The inspection device 80 includes a driving liquid tank 10 that stores a driving liquid 11 for feeding a sample and a reagent previously injected into the microchip 1, and a fluid for supplying the driving liquid 11 to the microchip 1. Pump 5 as the drive unit, packing 6 that connects pump 5 and microchip 1 without leakage, temperature control unit 3 that controls the temperature of the necessary part of microchip 1, and packing 6 so that microchip 1 is not displaced. A chip pressing plate 2 for making contact, a pressing plate driving unit 32 for moving the chip pressing plate 2 up and down, a regulating member 31 for accurately positioning the microchip 1 with respect to the pump 5, and a sample in the microchip 1 A light detection unit 4 (light emitting unit 4a, light receiving unit 4b) or the like is provided as a detection unit for detecting a reaction state with the reagent. The light receiving portion 4b is provided inside the chip pressing plate 2 and has an integral structure.

In the initial state, the chip pressing plate 2 is also retracted upward by the pressing plate driving unit 32 as shown in FIG. As a result, the microchip 1 can be inserted and removed in the direction of the arrow X, and the person in charge of inspection inserts the microchip 1 from the insertion port 83 (see FIG. 1) until it comes into contact with the regulating member 31. Thereafter, the chip pressing plate 2 is moved downward by the pressing plate driving unit 32 and comes into contact with the upper surface of the microchip 1, and the lower surface of the microchip 1 is brought into close contact with the temperature control unit 3 and the packing 6.

[0025] The temperature control unit 3 controls the temperature of a necessary part of the microchip 1. For example, the reagent is accommodated and the part is cooled so that the reagent is not denatured. It has the function of promoting the reaction by heating the part where and react.

[0026] The pump 5 includes a pump chamber 52, a piezoelectric element 51 that changes the volume of the pump chamber 52, a first throttle channel 53 that is located on the microchip 1 side of the pump chamber 52, and a driving fluid tank 10 side of the pump chamber In The second throttle channel 54 is located. The first throttle channel 53 and the second throttle channel 54 are narrow and narrow channels, and the first throttle channel 53 is longer than the second throttle channel 54.

When the driving liquid 11 is fed in the forward direction (direction of force toward the microchip 1), first, the piezoelectric element 51 is driven so as to rapidly reduce the volume of the pump chamber 52. Then, a turbulent flow is generated in the second throttle channel 54, which is a short throttle channel, and the flow resistance in the second throttle channel 54 is relatively long compared to the first throttle channel 53, which is a throttle channel. growing. As a result, the driving liquid 11 in the pump chamber 52 is predominantly pushed out toward the first throttle channel 53 and fed. Next, gradually increase the volume of the pump chamber 52! The piezoelectric element 51 is driven so that Then, the driving liquid 11 flows from the first throttle channel 53 and the second throttle channel 54 as the volume in the pump chamber 52 increases. At this time, since the second throttle channel 54 is shorter in length than the first throttle channel 53, the second throttle channel 54 has a smaller channel resistance than the first throttle channel 53. As a result, the driving liquid 11 flows into the pump chamber 52 predominantly also in the direction of the second throttle channel 54. As the piezoelectric element 51 repeats the above operation, the driving liquid 11 is fed in the forward direction.

[0028] On the other hand, when the driving liquid 11 is fed in the reverse direction (direction toward the driving liquid tank 10), first, the piezoelectric element 51 is driven so as to gradually reduce the volume of the pump chamber 52. To do. As a result, the second throttle channel 54 is shorter in length than the first throttle channel 53, so the second throttle channel 54 is in comparison with the first throttle channel 53. Resistance becomes smaller. As a result, the driving liquid 11 in the pump chamber 52 is predominantly pushed out toward the second throttle channel 54 and fed. Next, suddenly increase the volume of the pump chamber 52! ], The piezoelectric element 51 is driven. Then, the driving liquid 11 flows from the first throttle channel 53 and the second throttle channel 54 as the volume in the pump chamber 52 increases. At this time, a turbulent flow is generated in the second throttle channel 54, which is a short throttle channel, and the channel resistance in the second throttle channel 54 is relatively larger than that of the first throttle channel 53, which is a throttle channel. Become bigger. As a result, the driving liquid 11 flows into the pump chamber 52 predominantly also in the direction of the first throttle channel 53. When the piezoelectric element 51 repeats the above operation, the driving liquid 11 is fed in the reverse direction.

[0029] The force that drives the pump 5 in this way. The acceleration of a small amount of liquid in the microchip 1, Since it is necessary to accurately control the amount and direction of liquid feeding, the piezoelectric element 51 of the pump 5 must be driven accurately. For this reason, a pulse waveform with a maximum amplitude of several tens of volts and a maximum amplitude of about 100 V is applied to the piezoelectric element 51 with a rise / fall time of several / z sec and a repetition frequency of several 1 OKHz. It is required to change rapidly.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the microchip 1 according to the present embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0031] In Fig. 3 (a), an arrow indicates an insertion direction in which the microchip 1 is inserted into an inspection apparatus 80 described later, and Fig. 3 (a) illustrates a surface that becomes the lower surface of the microchip 1 when inserted. . Fig 3

(b) is a side view of the microchip 1.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the microchip 1 has a groove forming substrate 108 formed in a rectangle of several centimeters square and the same size as the groove forming substrate 108. The covering substrate 109 is covered.

[0033] The microchip 1 according to the present embodiment includes a minute groove having a width and a depth of several m to several hundred m for performing chemical analysis, various inspections, sample processing 'separation, chemical synthesis, and the like. The flow path (fine flow path) and the functional component (flow path element) are arranged in an appropriate manner according to the application. An example of processing performed in the microchip 1 by these fine flow paths and flow path elements will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 (c) schematically shows the flow path element and its joined state with the covered substrate 109 removed in FIG. 3 (a).

[0034] The fine flow path includes a sample storage unit 121 that stores a sample liquid as a first fluid, a reagent storage unit 120 that stores a reagent as a second fluid, and a positive that stores a reagent for positive control. A control accommodating portion 122, a negative control accommodating portion 123 for accommodating a reagent for negative control, and the like are provided. Reagents, positive controls, and negative controls are stored in advance in the storage units. The positive control reacts with the reagent to show positive, the negative control reacts with the reagent to show negative, and is used to check whether the correct test has been performed. [0035] Fig. 3 (c) is schematically shown for the sake of simplicity. Actually, a plurality of reagents, diluting solutions, and the like are accommodated in the chip, and reagent preparation in the chip is performed. You may be allowed to do.

The sample injection unit 113 is an injection unit for injecting a sample into the microchip 1, and the driving liquid injection units 110a to 110d are injection units for injecting the driving liquid 11 into the microchip 1.

[0037] First, prior to performing the test using the microchip 1, the tester injects the sample from the sample injection unit 113 using a syringe or the like. As shown in FIG. 3 (c), the sample injected from the sample injection section 113 is stored in the sample storage section 121 through the communicating fine channel.

Next, the microchip 1 into which the specimen has been injected is inserted into the spout 83 of the inspection apparatus 80 shown in FIG. 1 by the person in charge of inspection, and is stored in the microchip storage section as shown in FIG.

Next, the pump 5 shown in FIG. 2 is sequentially driven in the forward direction according to a predetermined procedure instructed to the CPU 101 to be described later, and the driving liquid 11 is injected from the driving liquid injection units 110a to 110d. The driving liquid 11 injected from the driving liquid injection section 110a is stored in the specimen storage section 121 through the communicating fine flow path, pushes out the specimen, and merges through the fine flow path as the first flow path. The specimen is sent to part 124. The driving liquid 11 injected from the driving liquid injection section 110b pushes out the positive control reagent stored in the positive control storage section 122 through the communicating fine flow path, and sends the positive control to the confluence section 125. Include. The driving liquid 11 injected from the driving liquid injection section 110c is stored in the negative control storage section 123 through the communicating fine flow path, pushes out the negative control reagent, and sends the negative control to the confluence section 126. . The driving liquid 11 injected from the driving liquid injection section 110d pushes out the reagent stored in the reagent storage section 120 through the communicating fine flow path, and passes through the fine flow path as the second flow path. The reagent is sent to 124, and the reagent is also sent to the other junctions 125 and 126.

[0040] In this manner, the sample and the reagent merge at the junction 124, the positive control and the reagent merge at the junction 125, and the negative control and the reagent merge at the junction 126.

[0041] After that, a part of the mixed liquid of the specimen and the reagent merged at the merging unit 124 is detected by the detected unit 111a. The liquid is sent to A part of the mixed solution of the specimen and the reagent merged at the merging unit 124 and a part of the mixed liquid of the positive control and the reagent merged at the merging unit 125 are sent to 11 lb to be detected. A part of the mixed solution of the positive control and the reagent merged at the merging portion 125 is sent to the detected portion 111c. The liquid mixture of the negative control and the reagent merged at the merge section 126 is sent to the detected section 11 Id.

[0042] The window ll le of the detected part and the detected part 111a-: L l ld are provided for optically detecting the reaction of each liquid mixture, and are made of a transparent member such as glass resin. It is configured.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 100 denotes an entire electric circuit configuration provided in the inspection apparatus 80 using the microchip 1 according to the present embodiment. Reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control unit that performs all the control related to the detection using the microchip 1 in advance. An information control circuit 102, a data processing circuit 140, a drive control circuit 150, and a power supply circuit 400 are connected to the CPU 101.

[0045] The information control circuit 102 can be connected to an external information device 500 such as a personal computer via an I / F (interface) 130, for example. Then, according to an instruction from the CPU 101, the inspection data stored in the storage means 160, data relating to the inspection device 80, etc. are output to the external information device 500, or the inspection data output from the external information device 500 is inspected. Various information related to the control of the device 80 is transmitted to the CPU 101 or stored in the storage unit 160.

[0046] Further, the information control circuit 102 is connected to the data processing circuit 140, the storage means 160, the display unit 84, and the operation panel 87, and exchanges information with each other according to the function and performance of each unit. Make sure that the inspection device 80 can perform the inspection operation smoothly!

[0047] The data processing circuit 140, for example, has a predetermined format suitable for handling test data as concentration data indicating the reaction state of the sample and the reagent in the microchip 1 detected by the light detection unit 4. Can be converted into data. The converted inspection data can be stored in the storage means 160 as inspection data or displayed on the display unit 84 via the information control circuit 102.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the inspection data is stored in a predetermined program set in advance. Therefore, it is possible to calculate and judge.

Further, in the present embodiment, although not shown, a printer unit is provided so that inspection data and inspection results described later can be printed out from the print output port 86.

[0050] When a memory card is inserted into the memory card slot 85, the inspection data and the inspection result can be recorded on the inserted memory card.

The operation panel 87 can set operation conditions and the like necessary for performing the inspection. The set operation conditions and the like are transmitted to the CPU 101 via the information control circuit 102. The CPU 101 operates the drive control circuit 150, the data processing circuit 140, and the like by a preset inspection program based on the set operation conditions.

[0052] In addition, the set operation conditions and the like can be displayed on the display unit 84 or stored in the storage means 160! /.

The drive control circuit 150 operates in cooperation with the information control circuit 102 and the data processing circuit 140 according to an instruction from the CPU 101, for example, a pressing plate driving unit 32 that fixes the microchip 1 to the inspection device 80, The temperature control unit 3 for controlling the necessary part of the microchip 1, the pump 5 for supplying the driving liquid 11 to the microchip 1, the light detection unit 4 and the like are controlled and driven. And

In particular, in the present embodiment, the pump 5 corresponds to, for example, injection parts 11 Oa to 11 Od for injecting the driving liquid 11 into the microchip 1 shown in FIG. A plurality of pumps are provided, and each of the pumps P1 to P4 can be driven independently according to the control of the CPU 101! /.

[0055] Therefore, the pumps P1 to P4 appropriately apply the driving liquid 11 to each of the injection portions 110a to 110d of the microchip 1 according to a program set in advance according to the reaction state, reaction time, and the like. It is possible to execute drive fluid supply control that supplies or stops the supply at the timing.

When the power supply circuit 400 operates a power switch (not shown) to turn on the power, appropriate power is appropriately supplied to each electric circuit and each part according to an instruction from the CPU 101. In addition, when the power is turned off by operating a power switch or the like, for example, the CPU 101 performs an appropriate process with the internal power supply, and the inspection apparatus 80 is in an appropriate state, for example, an initial state. Then you can finish it.

[0057] In particular, in the present embodiment, for example, the power supply circuit 400 is provided with a plurality of power supply terminals S1 to S5. A number of power supplies are provided.

[0058] The power supply terminal S1 in the power supply circuit 400 is connected to a circuit unit having a control function, and includes a CPU 101, an information control circuit 102, an IZF (interface) 130, a data processing circuit 140, a drive control circuit 150, a storage unit 160, and an operation. Power is supplied to the panel 87, display unit 84, etc.

[0059] Further, the power supply terminals S2 to S5 are directly connected to driving means related to detection operation etc., S2 to the pressing plate driving unit 32, S3 to the temperature control unit 3, and S4 to the pump 5. , And S 5 are connected to the light detection unit 4. In the present embodiment, the power supply corresponding to the power supply terminal S5 functions as the first power supply unit, and the power supply corresponding to the power supply terminal S4 functions as the second power supply unit.

[0060] In view of this, the power supply in the present embodiment is appropriately performed at an appropriate timing for each power supply to each means via the power supply circuit 400 based on a program preset by an instruction from the CPU 101. Electric power supply control for supplying electric power is executed.

[0062] The operation of the inspection apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. It will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 as necessary.

[0063] (ST20)

This is the step of turning on the power. When the power is turned on by operating the power switch, the power circuit 400 operates, and subsequently the control circuit including the CPU 101 is activated. When the CPU 101 starts up, according to the instruction of the CPU 101, appropriate electric power is appropriately supplied to each electric circuit and each means, and the inspection device 80 is set to the initial state. When the initial state is reached, proceed to ST21.

[0064] (ST21)

This is a step of inserting a chip (microchip). When the inspector inserts the microchip 1 for inspection into the inlet 83 of the inspection device 80, the microchip 1 The CPU 101 detects the input by a sensor (not shown) or the like. Then, the CPU 101 activates the drive control circuit 150, for example, activates the pressing plate drive unit 32, and sets the temperature adjustment unit 3, the pump 5 and the like to predetermined positions so that the inspection can be performed. Go ST22.

[0065] (ST22)

This is the step of starting the inspection. Operate the operation panel 87 to set the conditions for the inspection value (data) detection operation and the conditions necessary for the output of inspection results, etc., and press the start button (not shown) to enter the settings. Based on the set conditions and the preset program, the inspection starts and proceeds to ST23.

[0066] For example, in response to an instruction from the CPU 101, the pump 5 operates the pumps P1 to P4 via the drive control circuit 150, and the driving liquid is supplied to each of the injection parts 110a to 110d of the microchip 1 shown in FIG. Driving fluid supply control for supplying 11 at an appropriate timing is started. The temperature control unit 3 starts the temperature control of the necessary part of the microchip 1.

[0067] (ST23)

This is a step of acquiring data. When the driving liquid 11 is supplied to the microchip 1 and the reagent and the sample are ready to react, the CPU 101 operates the light detection unit 4 via the drive control circuit 150 and the data processing circuit 140 to acquire data. To do. The light detection unit 4 emits light from the light emitting unit 4a to the detected parts 11la to l 1 Id of the microchip 1, and the transmitted light is received by the light receiving unit 4b, and the received light is photoelectrically converted. By doing this, test data as density data is obtained. When the inspection data acquisition is completed, proceed to ST24.

In the present embodiment, when the inspection data is acquired by the light detection unit 4, the CPU 101 reciprocates the fluid of the detected units 11 la to 11 Id via the drive control circuit 150. Is activated. As a result, the density unevenness of the fluid in the detected part 11 la˜: L id is averaged, so that highly accurate data can be detected.

[0069] Further, the CPU 101 cooperates with the drive control circuit 150 and the data processing circuit 140 to perform detection a plurality of times by the light detection unit 4, and average the obtained inspection data for a plurality of times. The inspection data is more reliable.

In the present embodiment, when the light detection unit 4 acquires data, the function of the inspection apparatus The variation in measured values caused by mechanical vibration and electrical noise is reduced to enable highly accurate data detection.

That is, the width of the flow path in the microchip 1 is very small, and the amount of flowing liquid is extremely small. Therefore, the fluctuation of the liquid generated by the flow of the liquid itself, or the fluctuation force of the liquid generated by the vibration of the microchip 1 generated by driving the pump 5, tends to appear as a large noise in the detection result. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the light detection unit 4 acquires data, the CPU 101 cannot perform the normal flow of the liquid to the extent that the driving liquid can flow back or move in relation to the resistance in the flow path. Reduce the driving force of the pump 5 than time. As a result, the flow rate of the liquid itself can be reduced, and the vibration of the microchip 1 due to the drive of the pump 5 can be reduced, so that fluctuations generated in the liquid can be suppressed.

[0072] In addition, in order to accurately drive a small amount of liquid in the microchip 1, a pump 5 that can be controlled with high accuracy, such as a pump using the piezoelectric element 51, is required. In order to control the pump 5 with high accuracy, as described above, a pulse waveform with an amplitude of several tens of volts to a maximum of about 100 V is applied to the piezoelectric element 51, and the rise and fall times are several seconds and several ΙΟΚΗζ. It must be applied at a repetitive frequency and this drive waveform must be changed rapidly. On the other hand, since the light detection unit 4 detects the reaction result of a small amount of liquid, the detection signal is also a minute signal. For this reason, the high voltage for driving the piezoelectric element 51 described above tends to greatly affect the detection result of the light detection unit 4 as electrical noise. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the light detection unit 4 acquires data, the driving force of the pump 5 is reduced as compared with normal liquid feeding to suppress electrical noise caused by the driving of the pump 5. ing. In this way, variations in measured values due to mechanical vibrations and electrical noise are reduced, so that highly accurate data can be detected.

[0073] Further, for example, when detecting the detected part 11la of the microchip 1, the CPU 101 supplies the driving liquid to the detected part 11la after the reaction sufficiently proceeds in the detected part 11la. 1 and the pump P4 may be stopped, and the pump P2 and pump P3 that supply the drive fluid to the other detected parts 11 lb, 111c, 11 Id may continue to operate as normal. . As a result, the machine that may affect the detection result of the detected part 11 la Detection in a state in which static vibration and electrical noise are reduced, while efficient mixing is performed in a short time by continuing the mixing and reaction of the flow path other than the detection target location. Can be made.

[0074] In addition, for example, it can be predicted that the reaction will be weak in advance due to the reagent or sample of the microchip 1, and mechanical vibrations and electrical noise may have a great influence on the detection result. In some cases, all pumps 5 are deactivated only for the time required to acquire data at one location of the detected part of Microchip 1, and all mechanical vibrations and electrical noise are caused. It is also possible to prevent the occurrence of noise in the measurement value variation.

[0075] When the microchip 1 of the present embodiment is inspected, by operating in this manner, mechanical vibration noise and electrical noise are reduced or almost not generated, and an accurate detection result is obtained. It is possible to obtain an effective inspection in a short time.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the power supply circuit 400 in the present embodiment may generate electrical noise during acquisition of inspection data, or the light detection unit 4 may be affected by electrical noise. In order to prevent this, power is supplied to the circuit unit such as the CPU 101 from the power supply corresponding to the power supply terminal S1 of the built-in power supply circuit 400. Similarly, appropriate power is supplied to the pressing plate drive unit 32, the temperature adjustment unit 3, and the pump 5 related to the detection operation from the respective power sources corresponding to the power supply terminals S2 to S5 at an appropriate timing. The power supply control to be executed is executed.

[0077] Therefore, the power supply to the means that does not need to be driven during the detection operation can be stopped. For example, when detecting the concentration, the power supply corresponding to the pump 5 is shut off to stop the drive of the pump 5 As a result, the variation in measured values caused by mechanical vibration and electrical noise can be reduced, and highly accurate data detection can be performed.

[0078] (ST24)

It is a step of processing data. Based on the acquired test data, the data processing circuit 140 executes predetermined data analysis with reference data or the like set in advance in the case of positive or negative. The obtained positive / negative judgment results are stored in the storage means 160 as the test results, and the necessary data changes for display and output are performed. I'll continue to do conversions and so on. When data processing is complete, proceed to ST25.

[0079] (ST25)

This is a step of outputting data. The information control circuit 102 displays the inspection result stored in the storage means 160 on the display unit 84 or prints it out from the print output port 86 and proceeds to ST26.

[0080] If a memory card is inserted in the memory card slot 85, the inspection result can be stored in the inserted memory card.

[0081] (ST26)

This is a step of taking out a chip (microchip). When the inspection result is output in step ST25, a take-out button (not shown) can be operated. When the takeout button is operated, the CPU 101 operates the pressing plate drive unit 32 via the drive control circuit 150 to release the fixing operation of the microchip 1 and take out the microchip 1. When the microchip 1 is taken out, the CPU 101 detects that the microchip 1 has been taken out by a sensor or the like, and proceeds to ST27 to perform the inspection end operation.

[0082] (ST27)

This is a step to end the inspection. The CPU 101 performs an ending operation for returning all circuit units and the like to the initial state, for example, via the information control circuit 102. When the end operation is completed, proceed to ST28.

[0083] (ST28)

This is a step of shutting off the power. When the power is turned off by operating the power switch, etc.

For example, with the internal power supply, the CPU 101 performs appropriate processing so that the inspection device 80 can be brought into an appropriate state and terminated.

In the present embodiment, when one inspection is completed, the power supply of the inspection apparatus is turned off. However, when another microchip 1 is subsequently inspected, the inspection is continued. You may be able to.

[0085] Further, the microfluidic system of the present embodiment is a so-called DNA that performs amplification and detection reaction of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) related to genes and the like. It can be applied to inspection.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A first flow path through which the first fluid flows, a second flow path through which the second fluid flows, and a merge flow path in which the first flow path and the second flow path merge. A microchip housing portion for housing a microchip provided with a detected portion provided;

A fluid drive unit that is connected to the microchip housed in the microchip housing part and drives fluid in the first channel and the second channel;

A detection unit for detecting the detected portion of the microchip housed in the microchip housing unit;

A control unit that reduces the driving force of the fluid drive unit when the detected unit is detected by the detection unit.

Inspection device using a microchip characterized by the above.

[2] The control unit stops driving the fluid drive unit when the detection unit detects the detected unit.

An inspection apparatus using the microchip according to claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.

[3] The fluid drive unit includes a plurality of fluid drive units,

The control unit stops driving only a part of the plurality of fluid driving units that influences driving of the fluid of the detected unit.

An inspection apparatus using the microchip according to claim 2, wherein:

[4] a first power supply unit for driving the detection unit;

A second power supply unit for driving the fluid drive unit;

Have

The control unit stops driving the fluid drive unit by shutting off the second power supply unit when the detection unit detects the detected unit.

An inspection apparatus using the microchip according to claim 2, wherein:

[5] The control unit drives the fluid driving unit at a level where the fluid cannot move when the detection unit detects the detected unit.

[6] The first flow path through which the first fluid flows, the second flow path through which the second fluid flows, and the first flow A microchip accommodating portion for accommodating a microchip, comprising: a detected portion provided in a merged flow channel where the path and the second flow channel merge;

A controller that drives the fluid drive unit to reciprocate the fluid in the flow path of the detected unit when the detected unit detects the detected unit;

Having

Inspection device using a microchip characterized by the above.

[7] When the detection unit detects the detected portion by the detection unit, the control unit performs detection a plurality of times, and averages the obtained values to calculate a detection value.

An inspection apparatus using the microchip according to claim 6, wherein:

[8] An inspection system using a microchip, characterized in that the inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is used.