WO2008004550A1

WO2008004550A1 - Liquid analyzer

Info

Publication number: WO2008004550A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/063303
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kunio Harada; Sakuichiro Adachi; Hideo Enoki; Hironobu Yamakawa; Nobuhiro Tsukada
Original assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
Priority date: 2006-07-05
Filing date: 2007-07-03
Publication date: 2008-01-10
Also published as: JPWO2008004550A1; JP4651715B2

Abstract

A liquid analyzer in which fine liquid droplets are moved by means of a flow of a transporting medium and the fine liquid droplets are mixed/stirred and are measured through capture in a desired position. Thus, fine liquid droplets which are difficult to transport can be accurately transported, and the sample combined with a reagent can be captured and analyzed in a measuring position.

Description

Specification

Liquid analyzer

Import by reference

[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-185106 filed on Jul. 5, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to an analyzer that detects the amount of a component contained in a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to analysis techniques with very small samples.

Background art

[0003] For analysis to detect the amount of components contained in a sample! It is necessary to irradiate the sample solution with white light from a halogen lamp, etc., and to split the light transmitted through the sample solution with a diffraction grating Spectral analysis techniques are widely used in which the wavelength component is taken out and the absorbance is determined to measure the amount of the target component. As for the light irradiation system, a method of irradiating a sample solution after separating white light with a diffraction grating and a method using a multiwavelength photometer are also used. In an analyzer based on these technologies, a sample and a reagent are conventionally dispensed into a plastic or glass reaction container, and the mixture is mixed to irradiate light into a sample solution to measure the amount of components. It was. However, in recent years, a small amount of sample solution used for analysis has been demanded in order to reduce reagent costs and environmental burden.

[0004] As a method for transporting a very small amount of liquid, there is a technique for controlling the propagation of the liquid by injecting oil segmented with the liquid into the microchannel (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, there is a technique for preventing mixing of an aqueous solution sample by introducing an immiscible liquid segment, an air segment, and a sample segment into a conduit using a piston or the like (for example, Patent Document 2). Furthermore, there is a technique for introducing a droplet into a hydrophobic liquid and electrostatically inducing the droplet to sort the droplet (for example, Patent Document 3).

[0005] As a method of operating a minute amount of liquid, a substance in an electric field is polarized in an electric field generated by applying a voltage between a plurality of electrodes, and moved in a direction in which the electric field is concentrated by electrostatic force. There is a technology that utilizes the phenomenon (Dielectrophoresis) (for example, Patent Document 4). [0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-200041

Patent Document 2: U.S. Pat.No. 4,259,291

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-37346

Patent Document 4: U.S. Pat.No. 4,390,403

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In a conventional liquid analyzer that dispenses reagents and samples into a plastic or glass reaction vessel, if a small amount of sample solution is added, it becomes difficult to handle the solution, and also occurs during dispensing and mixing. There was a risk that the measurement accuracy would be reduced by possible bubbles.

[0008] In addition, when oil or a sample is introduced into a microchannel or the like, if the sample is captured inside the microchannel or the like, the flow of oil or the like inside the microchannel is also blocked! / ヽ

It becomes difficult to control the sample. Furthermore, when using a piston or the like to transfer a sample or the like as in Patent Document 2, if a negative pressure is applied to the conduit by pulling the piston in advance in order to apply pressure by pushing the piston, bubbles may be generated inside it. There is. In this case, the accurate transport of the sample solution may be hindered, and problems such as adverse effects of bubbles may occur when measuring the component amount by irradiating the sample solution with light.

The object of the present invention is to accurately transport a minute liquid and to accurately capture a sample or the like at a measurement position for analysis.

Means for solving the problem

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the liquid capturing means is used when the micro liquid is driven by the flow of the transport medium and the micro liquid is stopped at a desired position.

[0011] The liquid analyzer includes an introduction port for introducing the liquid to be transported, a medium flow generating section that generates a circulation flow for the transport medium for transporting the liquid to be transported, and the transported liquid. A flow path through which the liquid and the transport medium flow, a transported liquid capturing unit that is provided in at least a part of the flow path and captures the transported liquid, and is captured by the transported liquid capturing unit. A measuring unit that measures the liquid to be transported, and the transport liquid capturing means has a maximum width in a plane substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the transport medium, and the transport of the flow path. Maximum width in a plane substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the working medium It is characterized by Richi / J.

[0012] The liquid analysis method includes a first step of introducing the first transported liquid from the introduction port, and a first process of transporting the first transported liquid in the flow path by the flow of the transport medium. A second step of introducing a second liquid to be transported from the introduction port after the first step, and a second target by the flow of the transport medium after the third step. A fourth step of transporting the transport liquid in the flow path and a fifth step of capturing by the first capturing means whether the first transported liquid transported or the transported second transported liquid is shifted. One of the first transported liquid and the second transported liquid and the one captured by the transported liquid capturing means is brought into contact with the other transported liquid. A sixth step of converting the mixed liquid into the first capturing means or the second transported liquid. And having a seventh step of measuring captures in 捉 means.

The invention's effect

[0013] According to the present invention, since the micro liquid is transported by the flow of the transport medium, it is possible to reliably transport the micro liquid regardless of the difference in liquid properties. Further, when performing analysis and detection while transporting a sample, it is possible to determine the position by capturing a micro liquid such as a sample without stagnation of the flow of the transport medium. Thus, analysis and detection can be performed in parallel while transporting a plurality of micro liquids in parallel.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example 1

1 to 6 are schematic views showing the configuration of the liquid analyzer, FIG. 1 is a plan view seen through the second substrate 5, and FIG. 2 is taken along the line AA in FIG. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view from the front side, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view from the side along B-B in Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view from the plane side along CC in Fig. 2. ing. FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of the whole, and FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of the components shown in FIG.

With reference to FIG. 6, the configuration of the liquid analyzer in the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 6, the liquid analyzer in the present embodiment mainly includes the first substrate 1, the outer spacer 2, the inner spacer 3, the stirring mechanism 4, the second substrate 5, and the introduction port from the lower side. Cylinder 6, medium flow generation unit 7, transported liquid recovery unit frame It consists of 8 parts, and after lamination, it is joined so that the liquid to be transported and the transport medium do not leak from the internal space. The stirring mechanism 4 in the present embodiment represents structures (fins) for deforming and bonding the transported liquid side by side. An agitation mechanism such as an ultrasonic agitation mechanism, a screw mechanism, or a mechanism that rotates a member such as a spatula may be used. The medium flow generation unit 7 generates a liquid flow for a transfer medium for transferring a sample or the like. It is a part that has a pump or waterwheel-like member inside that discharges the medium taken in from one end and discharges it from the other end, and circulates in the medium, and the principle for generating the flow is not questioned. The flow rate may be controllable according to the flow load. The first substrate 1 has a transported liquid capturing means 9 for capturing a transported liquid such as a sample and a waste liquid capturing means 10 for capturing a waste liquid. The transported liquid catching means 9 is arranged downstream of the introduction port cylinder (introduction port) 6 in the flow direction of the transport medium when the medium flow generation unit is regarded as the starting point in the flow direction of the transport medium. The

The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 5 are made of a material that transmits light of a necessary wavelength for liquid transportation described later and detection of the amount of components contained in the sample. Only the portion of the substrate 1 and the second substrate 5 corresponding to the position of the transported liquid capturing means 9 may be a material that transmits light. Further, the transported liquid capturing means 9 is composed of an electrode, an electret region, or a combination of an electret region and an electrode, and is similar to the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 5. A material that transmits light is used. In the first embodiment, an example in which an electrode is used for the transported liquid capturing means 9 will be described. Therefore, the electrode is patterned on all the positions of the transported liquid capturing means ^{9 on} the upper surface of the first substrate 1 shown in FIG. It is covered with an insulating film of about 1 μm force and about 100 μm, and the surface of the insulating film is treated with water repellent treatment. As the insulator material, fluorine-based resin, SiO (quartz), SiN, Al 2 O (alumina), HfO are used.

2 2 3 2 can Electrode materials include ITO, SnO, ZnO, ZnO + AlO + GaO.

2 2 3 2

(AZO or GZO) can be used. Each electrode is arranged independently

Three

However, in this embodiment, each electrode is connected like the electrode 11 shown in FIG. 7, and is patterned so as to have the same potential. In addition, as a counter electrode of the electrode, the surface of the second substrate 5 shown in FIG. The counter electrode 12 is provided on the part of the electrode facing position or on the surface including all of the electrodes, and the surface is covered with an insulating film of about 0 .: L m to 100 m like the electrode, and further the insulating film The surface is treated with water repellency. Here, when the counter electrode 12 that does not require the counter electrode 12 is not used, the liquid to be transported can be controlled with a simple configuration using only the electrode on the first substrate. On the other hand, in the case of use, it is possible to improve the accuracy of controlling the liquid transported by the electrodes. In this embodiment, the drawing is simplified for easy folding, and the electrode and the counter electrode 12 are illustrated as being embedded in the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 5, respectively.

[0017] The configuration of the electrode of this example is patterned so that the electrode has the same potential as described above. Here, substantially only a pair of the electrode and the counter electrode 12 is provided. In other words, one substrate is provided with an electrode group that is a plurality of separated electrodes that are turned on and off in synchronization by being supplied with the same potential, and the other substrate is connected to the electrode group. Opposing electrodes are provided, and the electrode group and the opposing electrode form a pair of electrode groups.

[0018] Inside the liquid analyzer assembled by laminating and joining the components, there are mainly a first substrate 1, an outer spacer 2, an inner spacer 3, a second substrate 5, and a liquid to be transported. A flow path 13 that enables a flow as indicated by an arrow in FIG. The flow path 13 is a space 16 having a substantially rectangular cross section in the direction perpendicular to the flow except for the transported liquid recovery part 14 and the inlet 15. A portion of the space 16 in the flow path 13 used for analysis and / or detection of the liquid to be transported is shown as an analysis region 17 in FIG. The width W and height H, which are dimensions of a substantially rectangular cross section in the direction perpendicular to the flow, of the flow path 13 in the analysis region 17 are as shown in FIG.

Next, a method for using the liquid analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0020] First, prepare for analysis. The flow path of the liquid analyzer is filled with a transport medium in advance. (Filling of the transport medium 18 can be performed from the waste liquid port, for example, using the waste liquid port as the transport medium inlet / outlet port.) At that time, in order not to leave bubbles in the flow path 13, The flow path 13 and the medium flow generation section 7 are filled with the transfer medium 18 so that bubbles do not enter the flow path 13 after the flow is generated in the transfer medium 18 by the generation section 7. The transported liquid capture means 9 is closer to the transport medium 18 than the liquid level. It is introduced so that the liquid level of the transport medium 18 in the transported liquid recovery unit 14 which is not located is the top. Further, in the transported liquid recovery unit 14 where the transported liquid capturing means 9 is not located, the gas phase region that is not filled with the transport medium 18 and is in contact with the transport medium 18 may remain. Thereby, when bubbles are mixed at the time of introduction, the bubbles can be removed by letting gas escape to the gas phase region. The transport medium to be used is silicone oil or fluorine-based oil or the like, which is a liquid having a dielectric constant lower than that of the transported liquid and does not react with the transported liquid. Thereafter, the medium flow generator 7 is driven to generate a flow as indicated by an arrow in FIG. The speed of the flow is a force that varies depending on the reaction time and measurement time at the time of analysis.

[0021] Subsequently, the process up to mixing of the sample and the reagent in the actual analysis procedure will be described. 8A to 8D are enlarged views of the introduction port and a part of the transported liquid capturing means 9 of FIG. 2, and the steps from the introduction of the sample and the reagent to the mixing are arranged in chronological order and are represented by a plurality of diagrams. .

First, as shown in FIG. 8A, the switch (voltage application control means) 19 is turned on, and a voltage is applied between the electrode 11 that is the transported liquid capturing means 9 and the counter electrode 12. Next, the first transported liquid 20 as the sample to be analyzed is introduced into the flow path 13 in the analysis region 17 from the inlet 15 using a pipetter (introducing means) 21 or the like. The introduced first transported liquid 20 is attracted by the force of the force electrode 11 caused by the flow of the transport medium 18 and is captured on the electrode 11 as the transported liquid capturing means 9 as shown in FIG. 8B. The Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8C, the second transported liquid 22, which is a reagent for analyzing the first transported liquid 20, is transferred from the inlet 15 to the analysis region 17 using a pipetter 21 or the like. Introduce into the channel 13. The introduced second transported liquid 22 is caused to flow by the flow of the transport medium 18, but “is attracted by the electrostatic force of the electrode 11 and is captured by the electrode 11 as the transported liquid capturing means 9 as shown in FIG. 8D. Mix with the first transported liquid 20 that has already been captured, where the pipettor for introducing the sample and the pipetter for introducing the reagent may be the same or different. Note that the order of introduction of the first transported liquid and the second transported liquid may be shifted first.

[0023] Next, the analysis up to the mixing of the sample and the reagent in the actual analysis procedure will be described. 9A and 9B are enlarged views of the introduction port and a part of the transported liquid capturing means 9 in FIG. 2, and the processes from mixing of the sample and reagent to analysis are arranged in time series and expressed in multiple diagrams. Speak. First, as shown in FIG. 9A, the switch 19 is turned off, and the voltage applied between the electrode 1 1-1 as the transported liquid capturing means 9-1 and the counter electrode 12 is released and the electrode is released. 11—1 Release the attractive force from the top to the first transported liquid 20 and the second transported liquid 22, and after these liquids have left the electrodes, switch 19 is turned on again as shown in FIG. 9B. Then, a voltage is again applied between the electrode 11-2 which is the transported liquid capturing means 9-2 and the counter electrode 12. The first transported liquid 20 and the second transported liquid 22 are caused to flow by the flow of the transport medium 18, and are stirred by being subjected to physical deformation through the stirring mechanism 4 to become the reaction liquid 23. Then, the first transported liquid 20 and the second transported liquid 22 are attracted by the electrostatic force of the electrode 11-2, and as shown in FIG. 9B, the second transported liquid capturing means 9-2 Captured on some electrode 11-2. As shown in FIG. 9B, a light source 25 and a light receiving unit 26 are arranged corresponding to the second transported liquid capturing means 9-2 and the positions corresponding to the transported liquid capturing means 9 subsequent to the second transported liquid capturing means 9-2. Accordingly, the measurement light 27 is irradiated from the light source 25 through the second substrate 5, the reaction solution 23, and the first substrate 1, and is detected by the light receiving unit 26. By analyzing the measurement light 27 detected by the light receiver 26, the components of the reaction solution 23 are analyzed, and as a result, the amount of the specific component contained in the first transported liquid 20 that is the sample to be analyzed is measured. can do.

[0025] In many cases, the reaction results are measured by measuring the reaction proceeding in the reaction solution 23 over time, and finally determining the amount of the components. Then, in order to supply samples and reagents one after another into the liquid analyzer and sequentially analyze the components, switch 19 is repeatedly turned on and off, and reaction solution 23 is moved between the measurement units one after the other to measure. Do. As a result, multiple sample measurements can be performed in parallel, improving the throughput of the apparatus. At that time, when the reaction liquid 23 is present in each of the plurality of transported liquid capturing means 9, the electrode 11 is electrically integrated, so that the switches are turned off all at once, depending on the location of the flow path in the analysis region 17. It is conceivable that the reaction liquids cannot be separated from the transported liquid capturing means 9 at the same time due to the difference in flow velocity. However, if a voltage is applied to the transported liquid capturing means 9 after the switch is turned off and all the reaction liquids 23 are separated, the timing at which each reaction liquid 23 is separated or each reaction liquid 23 is subjected to the next reaction. Even if the timing of reaching the transport liquid capturing means 9 is different, each reaction liquid can be reliably moved and captured.

[0026] Subsequently, a method for recovering the reaction solution 23 whose measurement has been completed will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D. I will explain. 10A and 10B are enlarged views of the display orientation of FIG. 3 returned to the horizontal direction. The reaction liquid 23 for which the measurement has been completed is released from the capture of the last transported liquid capturing means 9 and is flowed to the position of FIG. 10A by the flow of the transport medium 18. When the liquid is further flowed up to the transported liquid recovery unit 14, at least the height of the transported liquid recovery unit 14 is larger than the height H of the flow path 13, so that the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 5 are sandwiched until then. Then, it is released from the state of being crushed into a disk shape and deformed into a spherical shape as shown in FIG. 10B by the surface tension of the reaction solution 23 itself. As a result, the reaction liquid 23 becomes the waste liquid 28 in principle. The diameter d of the waste liquid 28 that has been crushed into a disk shape and released into a spherical shape is larger than the height H, which is the gap between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 5, so that the flow path 13 is closed. Never enter the space 16 again. If the waste liquid 28 has a specific gravity smaller than that of the transport medium 18, it floats up in the transported liquid recovery unit 14, and is collected by suction with a sipper 29 or the like as shown in FIG. 10C. If the waste liquid 28 has a specific gravity greater than that of the transport medium 18, it will settle in the transported liquid recovery section 14, and is collected by suction with a sipper (collection means) 29 as shown in FIG. 10D. When the waste liquid 28 has a specific gravity greater than that of the transport medium 18 and precipitates, a plurality of waste liquids 28 are collected into a large lump, and the closed space of the flow path 13 that is the gap between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 5 Since there is a possibility of re-entering 16, it is preferable to provide a sedimentation portion 30 that is a depression region as shown in FIG. 10D. The waste liquid trapping means 10 is for increasing the waste liquid trapping effect based on the same principle as the transported liquid trapping means 9 and is provided at a location on the top surface of the first substrate 1 where the transported liquid recovery unit 14 is located. It is In the case where an electrode is used for the waste liquid capturing means 10, the waste liquid is optically disposed by providing a measuring portion (not shown) similar to the above at a position corresponding to the waste liquid capturing means 10 with light transmission. It is possible to detect the amount.

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged part of the analysis region 17 in FIG. In this embodiment, the width X of the transported liquid capturing means 9 is smaller than W with respect to the width W of the flow path 13 in the analysis region 17, that is, W> X. Yes. As a result, the maximum width of the transported liquid capturing means 9 is smaller than the maximum width of the flow path 13 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of the transport medium flow. This is to prevent the transported liquid from blocking the flow path 13 when the transported liquid is captured by the transported liquid capturing means 9. In this embodiment, the liquid to be transported that has entered the flow path 13 in the analysis area 17 is sandwiched between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 5. It is crushed into a disk with a diameter of D and a height of H. At this time, the diameter D of the liquid to be transported is equal to the diameter D of the first liquid to be transported 20 which is a sample to be analyzed and the diameter D of the second liquid to be transported 22 which is a reagent. The diameter D of the reaction liquid 23 after mixing and stirring the first transported liquid 20 and the second transported liquid 22 that are smaller than the width X of the liquid 13 and the width of the flow path 13 It is set to be smaller than W. That is, the maximum width of the reaction solution 23 is smaller than the maximum width of the flow path 13 on a surface substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the transfer medium. For this reason, even if the transported liquid is captured by the transported liquid capturing means 9 and the transported liquid stagnates on the spot, the transporting medium flows by the side force, so that the transporting medium does not stagnate. Thereby, even when the transport medium is circulated, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the transport medium is stagnated and the flow is disturbed. Furthermore, when a plurality of liquids to be transported are located in the analysis region 17, the fact that one liquid to be transported is captured by the transported liquid capturing means affects the transport or capture of other transported liquids. You can avoid that.

[0028] Even though the width X of the transported liquid capturing means 9 is larger than the width W of the flow path 13 in the analysis region 17, if the diameter D of the transported liquid is small, the transported liquid stagnates on the spot. However, since the transport medium flows from the side, the transport medium does not stagnate. However, in this case, the transported liquid moves within the width X of the transported liquid capturing means 9, and the position in the width X direction is not fixed. Therefore, the measurement light 27 is not reliably irradiated to the reaction solution 23 at the measurement position, and the analysis accuracy is lowered.

[0029] When the diameter D of the liquid to be transported is smaller than the width X of the liquid transport capturing means 9, the location is not fixed as described above. The diameter D is smaller than the width X of the transported liquid capturing means 9. However, when it is mixed with the second transported liquid and becomes reaction liquid 23, its diameter D is set to be approximately the same as width X, and the first transported liquid captures the transported liquid. As long as it is on the means 9, the second liquid to be transported can come into contact with the first liquid to be mixed.

[0030] As described above, the transport medium is circulated inside the apparatus, and the liquid to be transported is transported in the circulation flow, thereby mixing with the reagent to be analyzed, stirring, moving to the measuring section, and collecting section. It is possible to automate the movement to a high speed with a simple configuration.

Example 2 In this embodiment, an electrode is used for the transported liquid capturing means 9 in the first embodiment, whereas an electret insulator is used for the transported liquid capturing means 9. Here, a part of the insulating film is an electret region.

The configuration in the present embodiment is basically the same as that in the first embodiment except for the wiring such as the electrode 11, the counter electrode 12, and the switch 19 for applying a voltage. The liquid to be transported is captured in the region 31 in which only the range of the transported liquid capturing means 9 as shown in FIG. An electret toy is a state in which a high voltage is applied while heating a polymer material so that the magnetic material is magnetized to the north and south poles, or is charged semipermanently by corona discharge (for example, Non-patent document 1). If electretized areas are used, polarization can be maintained as shown in Fig. 12A without a power supply. When the first transported liquid 20, the second transported liquid 22 or the reaction liquid 23 flows in the electretized region 31 due to the flow of the transport medium, it is captured by electrostatic force as shown in FIG. 12B. . In order to release the captured first transported liquid 20, second transported liquid 22 or reaction liquid 23 and move to the next transported liquid capturing means 9, the medium stored in the medium flow generation unit 7 The flow rate is controlled by the flow rate control unit, and the flow is temporarily generated so that the attractive force in the flow direction of the medium is captured and temporarily stronger than the electrostatic force. Here, the medium flow rate control unit performs control such as speeding up the rotation of the pump. Since such a fast flow is temporary, even if the plurality of reaction liquids leave the transported liquid capturing means ⁹ at different timings, the next transported liquid capturing means ⁹ has already been in the first transported liquid. 20, since the second transported liquid 22 or the reaction liquid 23 can be captured, the timing at which the first transported liquid 20, the second transported liquid 22 or the reaction liquid 23 is separated, or Even if the timing of the first transported liquid 20, the second transported liquid 22 or the reaction liquid 23 reaching the next transported liquid capture means 9 is different, each reaction liquid is reliably moved. It is possible to capture.

[0033] Other stirring, measurement, waste liquid recovery, and the like are the same as in Example 1.

[0034] According to the configuration of the present embodiment, an electrode, a power source for applying a voltage to the electrode, and a control mechanism for the electrode are not required, so that the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0035] Non-Patent Document 1: Proceedings of the 9th Japan Power Society Energy Technology Symposium

No. 04- 2 Example 3

In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the transported liquid capturing means 9 is combined with an electret insulating film and an electrode.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the region where one electret is seen as viewed from the counter electrode and the region occupied by one electrode are arranged so as to at least partially overlap. The difference from Example 1 is that in Example 1, the voltage is continuously applied between the electrode 11 and the counter electrode 12 while the transported liquid is captured, but in this example, as shown in FIG. In the same manner as in Example 2, the liquid to be transported is captured in the region where the electret is trapped, and a voltage that temporarily cancels electretization is applied between the electrode 11 and the counter electrode 12 as shown in FIG. 13B. Then, the captured transported liquid is released.

[0038] When the reaction liquid 23 is present in each of the plurality of transported liquid capturing means 9, the electrodes 11 are electrically integrated, so that a voltage is applied simultaneously between the electrodes 11 and the counter electrode 12. However, as in Example 1 and Example 2, each reaction solution cannot be separated from each transported liquid capturing means 9 at the same time due to the difference in flow rate depending on the location of the flow path in the analysis region 17. It is possible. However, if the switch is turned off when the switch is turned on and all the reaction liquids 23 are separated, the next transported liquid capturing means 9 is already in a state where it can capture the reaction liquid 23. Even if the timing at which the reaction solution 23 is separated or the timing at which each reaction solution 23 reaches the next transported liquid capturing means 9 is different, each reaction solution can be reliably moved and captured.

[0039] Other stirring, measurement, waste liquid recovery, and the like are the same as in Example 1.

[0040] According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the droplets are transported by the oil flow, captured by the electret toy region, and opened by voltage application. It is possible to extend the lifetime of the insulating film disposed on the electrode by reducing the time for applying the voltage to the electrode.

Example 4

In this embodiment, an example will be described in which there are a plurality of analysis regions 17 in the systems in Embodiments 1 to 3. Figure 14 shows an example of this. Here, a plurality of inlets and a plurality of analysis regions 17 are respectively arranged in branch paths that are branches. The difference between this example and Example 1 to Example 3 is that it has a plurality of analysis regions 17 used for analyzing the liquid to be transported. That is. When the electrode 11 is used for the transported liquid capturing means 9, the electrode shape is a force that allows a plurality of objects having the shape shown in FIG. 7 to be provided in the number of the analysis regions 17 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, it may be integrated as shown in Fig. 15B, and parallel analysis may be performed almost simultaneously. Further, the shape of the transported liquid capturing means 9 of the electrode 11 can be round or square. In addition, as the transported liquid capturing means, the electrode as in Example 3 may be used, as in Example 2 where an electrode may be used, as in Example 2, or an electret-cut area may be used. Or use a combination of the electret area and the combined area.

[0042] When there are a plurality of analysis regions, a plurality of analyzes can be performed in parallel in each of the plurality of regions. At this time, as in Example 1, the width X of the transported liquid capturing means is larger than W with respect to the width W of the flow path in the analysis region, so that the transported liquid is captured by the transported liquid capturing means. In this case, the transported liquid does not block the flow path. When the transported liquid blocks the flow path, the transport medium overflows from the flow path and enters another flow path, disturbing the flow of the transport medium not only in one flow path but also in a plurality of flow paths. With the configuration of this embodiment, such a situation can be avoided, and parallel processing of multiple analyzes using multiple flow paths can be reliably achieved.

While the above description has been made with reference to embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto and that various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a liquid analyzer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view from the front showing the configuration of the liquid analyzer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view from the side showing the configuration of the liquid analyzer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view from the plane side of the liquid analyzer according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of a liquid analyzer according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view showing the components shown in FIG. 5 in an exploded manner.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing only electrodes of the liquid analyzer according to the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a partially enlarged view of a part of the transported liquid capturing means from the introduction locus in FIG.

FIG. 8B is a partially enlarged view of the introduction locus from FIG. 2 to a part of the transported liquid capturing means. [8C] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the introduction locus of FIG. 2 up to a part of the transported liquid capturing means.圆 8D] The introduction locus in FIG. 2 is also a partially enlarged view of a part of the transported liquid capturing means. [9A] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the introduction locus of FIG. 2 and a part of the transported liquid capturing means. [9B] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view from the introduction locus of FIG. 2 to a part of the transported liquid capturing means.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged view of the display orientation of FIG.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of the display orientation of FIG.

FIG. 10C is an enlarged view of the display orientation of FIG.

FIG. 10D is an enlarged view of the display orientation of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of the analysis region 17 in FIG.

[12A] Enlarged view of a cross section using an electretized insulator for the liquid feed capturing means. [12B] An enlarged view of a cross section using an electretized insulator for the liquid feed capturing means.

FIG. 13A is an enlarged view of a cross section in which an insulator electretized and an electrode are used in combination for the liquid feed capturing means.

FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a cross section in which an insulator electretized and an electrode are combined in the liquid feeding capturing means.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of a liquid analyzer according to the present invention, which is an example having a plurality of analysis regions.

[15A] A diagram showing an example of the electrode shape of the liquid analyzer shown in FIG.

[15B] A diagram showing an example of the electrode shape of the liquid analyzer shown in FIG.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] an inlet for introducing the liquid to be transported;

A medium flow generating section for generating a circulation flow over a conveying medium for conveying the liquid to be conveyed;

A flow path through which the transported liquid and the transport medium flow,

A transported liquid capturing means provided in at least a part of the flow path and capturing the transported liquid;

A measuring unit that measures the liquid to be transported captured by the transported liquid capturing means, and the transported liquid capturing means has a maximum width in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the transport medium. However, the liquid analyzer is smaller than the maximum width in a plane substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the transport medium in the flow path.

[2] The transported liquid capturing means is arranged in a downstream direction of the transport medium in the flow direction of the transport medium when the transport direction of the transport medium is taken as the starting point of the medium flow generation unit. 2. The liquid analyzer according to claim 1, which is arranged.

[3] The liquid analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the transported liquid capturing means is an electrode, and further includes a voltage application control means for controlling a voltage applied to the electrode.

4. The liquid analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the electrodes are a plurality of first electrodes.

[5] The liquid analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the electrodes are a plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode installed to face the first electrodes.

6. The liquid analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the transported liquid capturing means is an electretized region.

[7] The transported liquid capturing means overlaps at least partly with at least one first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and a region occupied by the first electrode as viewed from the second electrode. 2. The liquid analyzing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising voltage application control means for controlling an applied voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, which is an electret region disposed in the region.

8. The liquid analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the transport medium is a liquid having a lower dielectric constant than the transport liquid.

9. The liquid analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a transported liquid recovery unit that recovers the transported liquid and has a height higher than the flow path.

10. The liquid analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the transported liquid recovery unit includes a recessed area.

11. The liquid analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the flow path has a plurality of branch paths each including at least one introduction section and at least one transported liquid capturing unit.

[12] a first step of introducing the first transported liquid from the inlet;

A second step of transporting the first liquid to be transported in the flow path by the flow of the transport medium;

A third step of introducing a second liquid to be transported from the inlet after the first step; and a flow path through the second liquid to be transported by the flow of the transport medium after the third step. A fourth step of transporting within,

A fifth step of capturing by the first capturing means any force of the transported first transported liquid or transported second transported liquid;

One of the first transported liquid and the second transported liquid, which is misaligned and captured by the transported liquid capturing means, and the other of the misalignment are brought into contact with each other and mixed. A sixth step of liquid,

A seventh step of capturing and measuring the mixed liquid by the first capturing means or the second transported liquid capturing means;

A liquid analysis method comprising:

[13] The maximum width of the mixed liquid in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the transport medium is the maximum width of the channel in the plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the transport medium. The liquid analysis method according to claim 12, wherein the liquid analysis method is smaller than a large amount.

14. The liquid analysis method according to claim 12, wherein in the seventh step, measurement with time is performed by a plurality of the second capturing means.

15. The liquid analysis method according to claim 12, wherein the first transport liquid and the second transport liquid are V, the deviation is a sample, and the other is a reagent.

[16] The method further includes an eighth step of transporting and recovering the mixed liquid from the analysis region to the recovery region, and the mixed liquid is changed when transported from the analysis region to the recovery region. 15. The liquid analysis method according to claim 14, wherein the liquid analysis method is formed.