WO2017085766A1

WO2017085766A1 - Centrifugal analysis device and centrifugal analysis chip

Info

Publication number: WO2017085766A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/082133
Authority: WO
Inventors: 小林　照幸; 内田　剛; 千樹酒井
Original assignee: 日立化成株式会社
Priority date: 2015-11-16
Filing date: 2015-11-16
Publication date: 2017-05-26

Abstract

A centrifugal analysis device is provided with: a chip-holding part with which it is possible to hold a plurality of flat analysis chips around the axis of rotation, channel being formed in the interior of each of the analysis chips, and a specimen being introduced into the interior of each of the analysis chips; a drive part for causing the chip-holding part to rotate about the axis of rotation; a light source with which the analysis chips held by the chip-holding part are irradiated with measurement light; and a detection part for detecting light emitted from the analysis chips due to having been irradiated with the measurement light from the light source.

Description

Centrifugal analyzer and centrifugal analysis chip

The present invention relates to a centrifugal analyzer and a centrifugal analysis chip.

A method is known in which a liquid sample is introduced into an analysis rotating device having a disk shape, and the sample is analyzed while the sample is centrifuged by rotating the device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

Japanese Patent No. 3061414

However, according to the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to select an analysis rotating apparatus to be used according to the analysis item. Therefore, for example, even when it is desired to change the analysis item according to the sample, there is room for improvement in the flexibility of selection of the analysis item because it can only be changed in units of the rotating device for analysis.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a centrifugal analysis device and a centrifugal analysis chip capable of flexibly selecting analysis items.

In order to achieve the above object, a centrifugal analyzer according to one aspect of the present invention is a flat plate having a flow path formed therein, and an analysis chip in which a sample has been placed inside the periphery of the rotating shaft. A plurality of chip holders that can be held in the head, a drive unit that rotates the chip holder around the rotation axis, and a light source that irradiates the analysis chip held by the chip holder with measurement light, And a detector that detects light emitted from the analysis chip by irradiation of the measurement light from the light source.

According to the above centrifugal analyzer, the analysis using the light source and the detection unit can be performed by attaching a plurality of analysis chips around the rotation axis to the chip holding unit rotating around the rotation axis. . Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously perform analysis using centrifugal force related to different analysis items for each analysis chip. Moreover, since the analysis item can be selected by selecting the analysis chip, the analysis item can be selected flexibly.

Here, as a configuration that effectively exhibits the above-described operation, the chip holding portion includes a pedestal that extends along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a wall that is provided on the pedestal and defines the upper surface of the pedestal. And a chip accommodating region for holding the analysis chip formed by the wall portion.

As described above, since the chip holding part has the chip storage area for holding the analysis chip, the place for holding the analysis chip in the chip holding part becomes clear. On the other hand, it can be easily held. Therefore, the handleability of the centrifugal analyzer by the user of the centrifugal analyzer is improved.

In addition, the analysis chip may be provided with an inlet for the sample on the radially inner side with respect to the rotation axis, and the width of the sample increases in a plan view from the radially inner side to the radially outer side. .

In the case of the above configuration, the width increases toward the outside in the radial direction in which the sample moves due to the centrifugal force, so that the flow path design inside the analysis chip can be flexibly performed. In addition, the fact that the width increases toward the radially outer side means that the shape of the radially outer end and the radially inner end are different, so that it can be prevented from being mistakenly attached to the centrifugal analyzer, etc. Improved handling by the user.

The embodiment may further include a balance adjusting unit that checks the weight balance of the chip holding unit in a state where the analysis chip is held and adjusts the balance based on the result of the checking.

In the case of the above configuration, the balance adjustment unit checks the weight balance of the chip holding unit and the analysis chip and adjusts it. Therefore, the user of the centrifugal analyzer can hold the analysis chip on the chip holding unit without considering how the analysis chip is arranged. Therefore, the handleability of the centrifugal analyzer by the user of the centrifugal analyzer is improved.

In addition, the centrifugal analysis chip according to one embodiment of the present invention has a flat plate shape, and a flow path is formed therein, and a centrifugal force generated by rotation about the rotation axis after the sample is put into the inside. A centrifuge analysis chip for moving the sample, wherein the sample inlet is provided radially inward with respect to the rotation axis, and the width increases in plan view from the radially inner side to the radially outer side. It is characterized by.

According to the above-mentioned centrifugal analysis chip, since the width increases toward the radially outer side where the sample moves due to centrifugal force, it is possible to arrange a plurality around the rotating shaft with respect to the device for performing centrifugal analysis. . Therefore, in the centrifugal analysis using the centrifugal analysis chip, the analysis item can be selected flexibly. Moreover, since the width increases toward the radially outer side where the sample moves due to the centrifugal force, the flow path design inside the analysis chip can be flexibly performed. In addition, the fact that the width increases toward the outer side in the radial direction prevents the wrong attachment to the apparatus for performing centrifugal analysis, etc., because the shapes of the outer end in the radial direction and the inner end in the radial direction are different. This improves the handling by the user.

According to the present invention, a centrifugal analyzer and a centrifugal analysis chip that can flexibly select analysis items are provided.

It is a functional block diagram of the centrifugal analyzer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram explaining a drive part and a chip | tip holding | maintenance part. It is explanatory drawing about a chip | tip holding | maintenance part. It is explanatory drawing about the chip | tip for analysis. It is a flowchart explaining the analysis method using a centrifuge analyzer. It is a flowchart explaining the method of balance adjustment. It is a figure explaining the example of balance adjustment by a balance adjustment part. It is a figure explaining other examples of balance adjustment by a balance adjustment part.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a centrifugal analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the centrifugal analyzer 1 includes a light source 10, a detection unit 20, a drive unit 30, a chip holding unit 40, a balance adjustment unit 50, a control unit 60, an output unit 70, and a result. And a storage unit 80. The centrifugal analysis device 1 holds the analysis chip (centrifugation analysis chip) into which the liquid sample has been put in the chip holding unit 40, and then rotates the chip holding unit 40 by driving the driving unit 30 to obtain a centrifugal force. Is a device for moving the sample along the flow path provided in the analysis chip and performing an analysis on the sample in the analysis chip by an optical method. Hereinafter, a case where the sample to be analyzed by the centrifugal analyzer 1 is blood or a liquid obtained by performing some kind of pretreatment on blood will be described. When the sample is blood, the centrifugal analyzer 1 can perform biochemical analysis or immune analysis related to blood. Examples of the biochemical analysis relating to blood include measurement of the amount of a specific component. Examples of the immunoassay related to blood include allergy tests for specific substances (allergens), infectious disease tests, and the like.

The light source 10 and the detection unit 20 have a function of performing optical measurement related to the sample in the analysis chip. That is, measurement light is emitted from the light source 10 to the analysis chip. The detection unit 20 has a function of detecting and analyzing light (transmitted light, reflected light, or diffuse reflected light) emitted from the analysis chip in response to the measurement light from the light source 10.

The light source 10 is realized by, for example, a halogen lamp. The wavelength of the measurement light from the light source 10 can be appropriately selected according to the sample to be measured. The measurement light from the light source 10 may be single-wavelength light or may include multiple-wavelength light. However, when using measurement light including light of a plurality of wavelengths, it may be necessary to separately provide spectroscopic means. For example, analysis of chips having different target components can be detected using a spectral filter, and detection using grating is also possible. Alternatively, when the centrifugal analyzer 1 has a simpler configuration, the light source 10 may be a single wavelength light source. Note that the light source 10 can be omitted when measurement related to chemiluminescence is performed.

The light source 10 irradiates measurement light toward a predetermined area on the analysis chip attached to the chip holding unit 40. The predetermined area is an area to which the measurement target area in the analysis chip is attached in the chip holding unit 40.

The detection unit 20 includes a light receiving element that receives light from the analysis chip, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it, and a processor that performs arithmetic processing related to the electrical signal from the light receiving element. As the light receiving element, for example, a photodiode or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) can be used. In addition, in the detection unit 20, as a calculation process related to the light detected by the light receiving element, a calculation process for performing analysis by converting the light amount of the detected light into some numerical value (for example, a component amount of a specific component) or the like. You may have the function to perform.

The driving unit 30 and the chip holding unit 40 have a function of rotating the analysis chip about the rotation axis in order to perform optical measurement related to the sample in the analysis chip. The balance adjustment unit 50 has a function of performing balance adjustment for rotating the analysis chip around the rotation axis. The drive unit 30, the chip holding unit 40, and the balance adjustment unit 50 will be described later.

The control unit 60 has a function of controlling the rotation and measurement of the analysis chip. The output unit 70 has a function of outputting the result of analysis by the detection unit 20. In addition, the result storage unit 80 has a function of holding the analysis result by the detection unit 20 for a predetermined period.

Next, the drive unit 30 and the chip holding unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the driving unit 30 and the chip holding unit 40. 3A is a plan view of the chip holding unit 40, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the chip holding unit 40. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 30 includes a motor 31 and a drive shaft 32 that rotates by the drive of the motor 31. By driving the motor 31, the drive shaft 32 rotates about the rotation axis X. Further, the chip holding unit 40 includes a disk-shaped pedestal 41 and a wall portion 42 provided on the pedestal 41 and defining the upper surface of the pedestal, and the center O of the pedestal 41 coincides with the rotation axis X. It is attached to the drive shaft 32. The pedestal 41 extends along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis X. Further, on the chip holder 40, the light source 10 for irradiating the measurement light L 1 to the analysis chip 90 (shown by a broken line) attached to the chip holder 40, and the measurement light from the light source 10 And a detector 20 for detecting the light L2 emitted from the sample in the analysis chip 90.

In FIG. 2, the light source 10 and the detection unit 20 are provided above the chip holding unit 40, but the arrangement of the light source 10 and the detection unit 20 can be changed as appropriate. However, if the flow path of the sample in the analysis chip 90 is designed so that the arrangement of the light source 10 and the detection unit 20 can be fixed, the apparatus configuration can be simplified. Further, for example, an opening may be provided in the pedestal 41 of the chip holding unit 40 and at least one of the light source 10 and the detection unit 20 may be disposed below.

In the centrifugal analyzer 1, optical analysis using the light source 10 and the detection unit 20 is performed on the analysis chip 90 mounted on the chip holding unit 40, and thus the optical path of the measurement light from the light source 10 and the analysis chip. The centrifugal analyzer 1 is designed so that the optical path from 90 to the detection unit 20 is a dark place.

As shown in FIG. 3, the wall portion 42 on the pedestal 41 in the chip holding portion 40 is provided on the inner side of the annular peripheral wall 42 a provided on the peripheral edge of the disc-shaped pedestal 41 and the peripheral wall 42 a. And a partition wall 42b that partitions a region surrounded by the peripheral wall 42a. A plurality of partition walls 42b are provided on the surface of the pedestal 41, and a plurality of partition walls 42b are provided so as to be circularly symmetric from the center O toward the radially outer peripheral wall 42a. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the area surrounded by the peripheral wall 42a is divided into eight by the partition wall 42b. In this case, the regions surrounded by the peripheral wall 42a and the partition wall 42b are each fan-shaped. The partition wall 42b is provided so that the fan-shaped regions formed on the pedestal 41 have the same shape. That is, eight regions having the same shape (fan shape) surrounded by the peripheral wall 42 a and the partition wall 42 b are formed on the base 41. These eight fan-shaped regions serve as chip storage regions 43 for storing analysis chips to be described later. That is, since the chip holding unit 40 includes the eight chip storage areas 43, it can store eight analysis chips. The number of analysis chips that can be held by the chip holding unit 40 can be changed according to the shape of the analysis chip. The number of analysis chips that can be held by the chip holding unit 40 can be changed by changing the number of chip receiving regions 43 formed on the base 41 of the chip holding unit 40 in accordance with the shape of the analysis chip. . That is, the maximum number of analysis chips that can be held by the chip holding unit 40 is not limited to eight.

In this embodiment, “accommodating” the analysis chip 90 in the chip holder 40 means that the movement of the analysis chip 90 can be restricted when the chip holder 40 including the base 41 rotates. Means. Therefore, the height of the peripheral wall 42a and the partition wall 42b can be set regardless of the thickness of the analysis chip. And when the analysis chip 90 is accommodated in the chip accommodation region 43 surrounded by the peripheral wall 42a and the partition wall 42b, the case where the upper surface of the analysis chip is higher than the peripheral wall 42a and the partition wall 42b, As long as the movement of the analysis chip 90 is restricted, it can be said that the analysis chip 90 is accommodated.

Next, the analysis chip will be described with reference to FIG. 4A is a plan view of the analysis chip, and FIG. 4B is a view taken along arrow IVB-IVB in FIG. 4A. The analysis chip 90 is a flat plate-like member and has a fan shape in plan view. The outer shape of the analysis chip 90 is a shape corresponding to the chip accommodation region 43 formed by the peripheral wall 42a and the partition wall 42b.

The thickness of the analysis chip 90 is about 1 mm to 10 mm. The length in the radial direction is about 30 mm to 100 mm. Note that the size of the analysis chip 90 is appropriately selected depending on the type of sample, analysis items, and the like. Moreover, although the center angle (inner angle) of the fan-shaped analysis chip 90 shown in FIG. 4 is set to about 45 °, the center angle can be changed as appropriate. When the central angle is reduced, the number of analysis chips that can be held by the chip holding unit 40 can be increased. Further, when the central angle is increased, the area of the analysis chip 90 (area of the main surface) is increased, and various modifications such as increasing the internal flow path can be added.

Further, in order to irradiate the measurement light for optical measurement from the outside of the analysis chip 90, at least a region through which the measurement light passes and a region through which light emitted from the sample in the analysis chip 90 through the measurement light irradiation passes. Is formed of a light transmissive material. Further, the material or the like constituting the analysis chip 90 may be selected according to the sample, the analysis reagent, or the like put in the inside.

In the analysis chip 90, the number of analysis items (the number of items to be measured) per chip related to the sample put into the inside is set to be small (about 1-2). Even in the case of designing to perform analysis related to a plurality of items in the same analysis chip 90, it is preferable to select analysis items that are strongly related to each other. By setting the number of analysis items per chip small, it is possible to flexibly select analysis items by the user of the centrifugal analyzer 1.

The inside of the analysis chip 90 will be described with reference to FIG. In the analysis chip 90 having a fan shape in plan view, an inlet 91 for introducing a sample is provided on the center side of the fan shape, and the internal flow path extends from the inlet provided on the center side of the fan shape to the arc side. Formed towards. The outer shape of the analysis chip 90 is fan-shaped, and the width of the analysis chip 90 gradually increases from the insertion port 91 outward in the radial direction. Therefore, the flow path design inside the analysis chip 90 can be flexibly performed.

The design of the flow path in the analysis chip 90 can be changed as appropriate according to the analysis item. Here, a case where the analysis chip 90 is used for blood biochemical analysis will be described. More specifically, it is formed in the analysis chip 90 when optically measuring the result of the stepwise reaction with two types of reagents in the serum or plasma component obtained by removing the blood cell component from the blood using the analysis chip 90. An example of the flow path will be described. In the analysis chip 90, a blood cell separation unit 92 is formed continuously with the insertion port 91. Further, the radially outer end 92 a of the blood cell separation unit 92 is closed, and the blood cell component stays at the end 92 a of the blood cell separation unit 92 due to the centrifugal force generated by rotating the analysis chip 90. On the other hand, the flow path is formed so that the serum or plasma component from which the blood cell component is separated from the blood moves to the first reaction unit 93 by centrifugal force due to rotation. A first reagent holding unit 94 connected to the first reaction unit 93 via a flow path is provided on the radially inner side of the first reaction unit 93. The first reagent is stored in the first reagent holding unit 94 in advance. Therefore, in the 1st reaction part 93, the serum or plasma part moved by the centrifugal force and the 1st reagent mix, and the reaction by a 1st reagent arises. In the analysis chip 90, a flow path that is continuous radially outward from the first reaction section 93 is further provided, and a second reaction section 95 is provided downstream of the flow path. A second reagent holding unit 96 connected to the second reaction unit 95 via a flow path is provided on the radially inner side of the second reaction unit 95. The second reagent is stored in advance in the second reagent holding unit 96. Therefore, in the second reaction unit 95, the serum or plasma part after the reaction with the first reagent moved by the centrifugal force is mixed with the second reagent, and a reaction by the second reagent occurs.

The inside of the analysis chip 90, that is, the blood cell separation unit 92, the first reaction unit 93, the first reagent holding unit 94, the second reaction unit 95, the second reagent holding unit 96, and the flow path connecting them. The length, size, arrangement, and the like are designed in consideration of the centrifugal force applied to the analysis chip 90, the moving speed of the sample to be analyzed, the reaction speed with the reagent, and the like. In addition, a flow path may be provided after the second reaction unit 95. Thus, the design of the flow path in the analysis chip 90 can be changed as appropriate.

Further, the first reagent and the second reagent used in the analysis chip 90 are appropriately selected according to the analysis item in the analysis chip 90. For example, when measuring and analyzing aspartate aminotransferase (AST, liver function test) in blood using the analysis chip 90, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced form), malic acid is used as the first reagent. A mixed solution of dehydrogenase and L-aspartic acid and a mixed solution of L-aspartic acid and α-ketoglutaric acid can be used as the second reagent, respectively, but are not limited to these reagents.

The above-described analysis chip 90 can be created by, for example, overlapping two plate-like members as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the analysis chip 90 is disposed on the upper side of the analysis chip 90, and has a first member 97 provided with a recess corresponding to a flow path including the input port 91, and the like. The example formed by the 2nd plate-shaped member 98 arrange | positioned at the side is shown. The second member 98 is overlapped with the first member 97 to constitute an inner channel such as an internal flow path and a reaction part. The reagent held in the first reagent holding unit 94 and the second reagent holding unit 96 is transferred to the first reagent holding unit 94 and the second reagent holding unit 96 before the first member 97 and the second member 98 are overlapped. It is thrown in. The analysis chip 90 is not limited to the method shown in FIG. 4B, and can be created using a known microfluidic chip (μTAS: Total Analysis System) manufacturing method or the like.

It should be noted that if the flow path of the analysis chip 90 is designed so that it can be used even when the analysis items (items to be subjected to optical measurement) related to the sample to be inserted are different, Manufacturing costs of a plurality of types of analysis chips 90 manufactured every time can be reduced. In this case, since the analysis chip 90 can be applied to other analysis items by changing the type of reagent put into the first reagent holding unit 94, the second reagent holding unit 96, etc., the manufacture of the chip Cost can be suppressed.

Further, the analysis chip 90 has the same outer shape even when the analysis items relating to the sample put in the inside are different as described above. This is because the analysis chip 90 can be accommodated anywhere in the plurality of chip accommodation regions 43 of the centrifugal analyzer 1. Therefore, the outline of the analysis chip 90 cannot distinguish items that can be analyzed using the chip. Thus, a code (for example, a 2D barcode) corresponding to an item that can be analyzed can be attached to the front or back surface of the analysis chip 90. In this case, by providing the centrifugal analyzer 1 with a means for reading the code, the centrifugal analyzer 1 can automatically determine items to be analyzed using the analysis chip 90.

Next, an analysis method related to the sample in the analysis chip 90 using the centrifugal analyzer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the analysis chip 90 is prepared (S01). The preparation of the analysis chip 90 means that a sample is input to the input port 91 of the analysis chip 90. The method of loading the sample into the analysis chip 90 is not particularly limited, but can be loaded into the loading port 91 using an instrument such as a dropper, for example. In addition, since the sample is liquid, the sample can be adsorbed by another member such as a sponge and then introduced into the insertion port 91. The input amount of the sample can be changed as appropriate, but can be about 1 μL to 30 μL. It should be noted that the input amount of the sample may be changed depending on the shape and length of the flow path.

Next, the analysis chip 90 is attached to the chip holder 40 of the centrifugal analyzer 1 (S02). Specifically, the analysis chip 90 is accommodated in the chip accommodation area 43 of the chip holding unit 40. Since the outer shape of the analysis chip 90 corresponds to the shape of the chip storage area 43, the analysis chip 90 is fixed to the chip holder 40 by storing the analysis chip 90 in the chip storage area 43. It becomes a state. In the case of the chip holding unit 40 of this embodiment, since up to eight analysis chips 90 can be attached, one or more analysis chips 90 are prepared according to the item to be analyzed, and the chip holding unit 40 is prepared. Attach to. Note that the chip holding unit 40 may further include a cover or the like that supports the analysis chip 90 from above.

Next, when a code is affixed to the analysis chip 90, the code is read (S03). Thereby, in the centrifugal analyzer 1, it is possible to specify which analysis item corresponds to the analysis chip 90 attached to the chip holding unit 40.

Next, in the centrifugal analyzer 1, the balance adjustment relating to the chip holding unit 40 and the analysis chip 90 on the chip holding unit 40 is performed (S04).

The balance adjustment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the weight balance is confirmed by the analysis chip 90 attached to the base 41 of the chip holding unit 40 (S11). The analysis chip 90 is attached to the chip holder 40 by being accommodated in the chip accommodation region 43. However, depending on the number and arrangement of the analysis chips 90 attached to the chip holder 40, the weight balance may be biased. It is conceivable that the center of gravity of the holding unit 40 and the analysis chip 90 is at a position different from the rotation axis X. If the tip holder 40 is rotated while the center of gravity of the tip holder 40 and the analysis chip 90 is away from the rotation axis X, shaft shake or the like may occur and the apparatus may be damaged. Therefore, the weight balance is confirmed by confirming the arrangement of the analysis chip 90 on the chip holding unit 40 before performing the analysis using the centrifugal force. The method for checking the weight balance is not particularly limited. For example, when the code is read (S03), the arrangement of the analysis chip 90 on the chip holding unit 40 (in which chip storage area 43 the analysis chip 90 is stored) ) Can be considered. In addition, a device for detecting the center of gravity of the chip holding unit 40 may be provided separately.

As a result of checking the weight balance, the control unit 60 determines whether or not adjustment is necessary (S12). If it is determined that adjustment is not necessary (S12-NO), the process proceeds to the next step. On the other hand, when it is determined that adjustment is necessary (S12-YES), balance adjustment is performed (S13).

An example of a balance adjustment method by the balance adjustment unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the analysis chip 90 is housed in only one chip housing area 43 among the 8 chip housing areas 43 of the chip holding unit 40. In this case, the center of gravity of the chip holding unit 40 and the analysis chip 90 is moved toward the analysis chip 90 with respect to the center O of the chip holding unit 40.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, the analysis chip 90 is used for the chip storage area 43A that is symmetric with respect to the chip storage area 43 in which the analysis chip 90 is stored via the center O. A weight W capable of returning the moved center of gravity with respect to the center O is disposed. The weight of the weight W for returning the center of gravity moved by the analysis chip 90 to the center O may vary depending on the analysis chip 90. However, for example, if the weight of the chip and the amount of the sample to be input at the time of analysis are unified for the analysis chips 90 having different analysis items, the weight of the analysis chip 90 after the sample is input becomes substantially the same. be able to. Therefore, if the centrifugal analyzer 1 side can detect in which chip storage area 43 the analysis chip 90 is stored, it can be known in advance how much the center of gravity moves according to the arrangement of the analysis chip 90. Adjustment of the weight balance (movement of the center of gravity) can be realized with a simpler device configuration.

The shape of the weight W can be changed as appropriate. For example, if the shape is the same as that of the analysis chip 90, the weight W is accommodated in the chip accommodation area 43 so that the weight W is also rotated when the chip holding unit 40 rotates. It can be held stably. Moreover, since the weight W is previously accommodated in the centrifugal analyzer 1, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus by reducing the weight W. However, since it is necessary to regulate the movement of the weight W due to the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the tip holding part 40, a recess capable of accommodating the weight W is provided in advance, the magnetic force by the electromagnet, etc. The weight W used must be fixed to the chip holding unit 40. When the weight W is not used, it is necessary to arrange the weight W at a position that does not affect the center of gravity of the chip holding unit 40 and the analysis chip 90. Therefore, the weight W is disposed above (or below) the chip holding unit 40 so as to be separated. Alternatively, the weight W can be arranged above the center O of the chip holding unit 40 as a position that does not affect the center of gravity of the chip holding unit 40 and the analysis chip 90.

After the balance adjustment (S13), the weight balance is confirmed again (S11), and the balance adjustment (S13) and confirmation (S11) are repeated until no adjustment is required (S12-NO).

Returning to FIG. 5, in the centrifugal analyzer 1, after performing the balance adjustment (S04) using the weight W by the balance adjustment unit 50 as described above, optical measurement and analysis by the light source 10 and the detection unit 20 are performed ( S05). When optical measurement and analysis are performed by the light source 10 and the detection unit 20, the chip holding unit 40 is rotated by driving the driving unit 30. The centrifugal force applied to the analysis chip 90 by the rotation of the chip holding unit 40 can be set to 300 to 3000 G, for example. As a result, the sample in the analysis chip 90 and the reagent put in advance move along the flow path, and a predetermined reaction is performed.

In the centrifugal analyzer 1, the rotating analysis chip 90 is irradiated with the measurement light from the light source 10, and the light emitted from the sample in the analysis chip 90 due to the measurement light irradiation is detected by the detection unit 20. . When blood, which is a sample, is put into the analysis chip 90 shown in FIG. 4, the target for optical measurement is the serum or plasma portion that has reacted with the second reagent. That is, the 2nd reaction part 95 turns into a measurement object area | region. Therefore, the measurement light L1 from the light source 10 is analyzed by irradiating the measurement light L1 from the light source 10 to the position (see FIG. 2) through which the second reaction unit 95 of the rotating analysis chip 90 passes. The light L2 emitted from the sample in the chip 90 is detected by the detection unit 20. Since the analysis chip 90 rotates about the rotation axis X on the chip holding unit 40, the light L2 detected by the detection unit 20 is emitted from the sample of the second reaction unit 95 in the analysis chip 90. It can be considered that light different from the emitted light is included. On the other hand, in the centrifugal analyzer 1, light different from the light from the sample in the analysis chip 90 (for example, light from the material of the analysis chip 90) based on the data of the light L <b> 2 detected by the detection unit 20. It is possible to cope with this by providing a configuration in which the data detected is removed and used for analysis.

In addition, the centrifugal analyzer 1 grasps in advance the rotational speed of the chip holding unit 40 and the arrangement of the analysis chip 90 on the chip holding unit 40, so that the measurement light L <b> 1 from the light source 10 is transmitted to the analysis chip 90. The timing of irradiating the second reaction unit 95 can be specified. Therefore, it can be specified that the light L2 detected by the detection unit 20 at that timing is light from the sample in the second reaction unit 95. As described above, the detection unit 20 specifies information related to light from the sample in the second reaction unit 95 based on the rotation speed of the chip holding unit 40 and the arrangement of the analysis chip 90 on the chip holding unit 40. Thus, data used for optical measurement and analysis (S05) may be selected. The above method can also be applied to distinguishing light from a plurality of analysis chips 90 when a plurality of types of analysis chips 90 having different analysis items are arranged on the chip holding unit 40. Accordingly, the centrifugal analyzer 1 can collectively perform optical measurement and analysis related to a plurality of analysis items.

Note that, depending on the analysis item, it may be preferable to perform analysis by the light source 10 and the detection unit 20 after the rotation of the chip holding unit 40 is stopped. The timing of optical measurement and analysis by the light source 10 and the detection unit 20 can be changed according to the analysis item.

Thereafter, the analysis result in the detection unit 20 is stored in the result storage unit 80 and is output from the output unit 70 (S06). Thus, the analysis by the centrifugal analyzer 1 is completed.

As described above, in the centrifugal analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of analysis chips 90 are arranged around the rotation axis X with respect to the chip holding unit 40 that is disk-shaped and rotates around the rotation axis X. Can be installed and analyzed. Therefore, analysis using centrifugal force related to a plurality of analysis items can be performed simultaneously.

Further, conventionally, a disk-shaped cartridge capable of performing analysis related to a plurality of analysis items using centrifugal force at a time has been known. However, since analysis items are determined in advance in such a disk-shaped cartridge, for example, even when it is desired to know the analysis results of only some analysis items, it is necessary to perform analysis for all analysis items. There was a possibility of waste in terms of cost. On the other hand, a disk-shaped cartridge capable of performing an analysis related to only one analysis item was also known, but in the case of this cartridge, it is difficult to simultaneously perform an analysis related to a plurality of analysis items, The time required for a series of analyzes can be prolonged.

On the other hand, in the centrifugal analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, the chip holding unit is driven by the drive unit 30 with a plurality of fan-shaped analysis chips 90 attached to the periphery of the rotation axis X with respect to the chip holding unit 40. By rotating 40, the analysis concerning a plurality of analysis items can be performed at a time. Further, analysis can be performed by selecting different analysis chips 90 for each analysis item. Therefore, when it is desired to know the analysis result of only a specific analysis item, only the analysis chip 90 related to the item can be used, and when it is desired to know the analysis result of a plurality of analysis items, a plurality of analysis items are used. A plurality of types of analysis chips 90 corresponding to the above can be used. Thus, according to the centrifugal analyzer 1 and the analysis chip 90, it is possible to flexibly select analysis items.

Furthermore, since the chip holding unit 40 has the chip storage area 43 in which the analysis chip 90 can be stored, the place where the analysis chip 90 is held becomes clear. Therefore, since the analysis chip 90 can be easily held on the chip holding unit 40, the handleability of the centrifugal analyzer 1 by the user of the centrifugal analyzer is improved.

Further, the analysis chip 90 used in the centrifugal analyzer 1 gradually increases in width from the sample inlet 91 toward the radially outer side. In addition, the chip housing area 43 that houses the analysis chip 90 in the chip holding unit 40 also corresponds to the outer shape of the analysis chip 90. Therefore, the flow path design inside the analysis chip 90 can be flexibly performed. The configuration in which the width of the analysis chip 90 increases from the radially inner side to the radially outer side means that the width of the analysis chip 90 at the radially inner end and the analysis tip at the radially outer end. It means that the width of the chip 90 is different from each other. Therefore, when the analysis chip 90 is accommodated in the chip accommodation region 43, it is possible to prevent the wrong attachment of the radially inner side and the radially outer side. Therefore, the handling by the user of the centrifugal analyzer 1 and the analysis chip 90 is improved.

As described above, the analysis chip 90 in the present embodiment “the width of which increases in a plan view from the radially inner side to the radially outer side” refers to the analysis chip 90 at the radially inner end portion. The width and the width of the analyzing chip 90 at the radially outer end are different from each other. Therefore, for example, a chip whose width is not changed or narrowed partially when viewed from the radially inner side to the radially outer side is also included in the analysis chip 90 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, for example, if the inclination of the side surface is changed or unevenness is provided in consideration of the ease of holding the analysis chip 90 or the like, the width of the portion may be reduced. Even if it has a shape, it can be included in the analysis chip 90 according to the present embodiment “its width increases in a plan view from the radially inner side to the radially outer side”.

In the centrifugal analyzer 1, the balance adjusting unit 50 has a function of checking the weight balance of the chip holding unit 40 and the analysis chip 90 and adjusting the weight balance. Therefore, the user of the centrifugal analyzer 1 and the analysis chip 90 can attach the analysis chip 90 to the chip holder 40 without considering how the analysis chip 90 is arranged. . Therefore, the handleability of the centrifugal analyzer 1 by the user of the centrifugal analyzer 1 and the analysis chip 90 is improved.

The present invention has been described in detail above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The present invention can be modified in various ways as described below without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the shapes of the centrifugal analyzer 1 and the analysis chip 90 described in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the case where the chip holding area 43 is formed by the pedestal 41 and the wall 42 in the chip holding part 40 has been described. However, the chip holding unit 40 can hold a plurality of analysis chips 90 and can reliably support (fix) the analysis chip 90 even when rotated about the rotation axis X. Any possible configuration can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, by providing a projecting portion or the like projecting from the pedestal 41 instead of the wall portion 42, it is possible to change the configuration to hold the analysis chip 90. Even when the wall portion 42 is provided on the pedestal 41, the peripheral wall 42a and the partition wall 42b may be discontinuous. Further, the peripheral wall 42a and the partition wall 42b need not be continuous.

Further, when the chip holding unit 40 includes a cover that supports the analysis chip 90 from above, the chip holding unit 40 is provided on the base 41 in order to restrict the movement of the analysis chip 90 in the chip holding unit 40. A part of the function of the wall portion 42 may be provided on the cover side. For example, a part or all of the peripheral wall 42a of the wall portion 42 may be provided on the upper cover on the pedestal 41 side. In addition, a part or all of the inner partition wall 42b may be provided in the upper cover. However, in view of facilitating positioning for holding the chip holding portion 40, it may be preferable that at least a part of the partition wall 42b is on the pedestal 41 side. Further, a wall portion may be formed on both the pedestal 41 and the cover so that the movement of the analysis chip 90 relative to the chip holding portion 40 can be restricted when combined. Thus, if the movement of the analysis chip 90 can be restricted when the pedestal 41 and the cover are combined, the arrangement of the wall portion and the configuration thereof can be changed as appropriate. The “cover that supports the analysis chip 90 from above” may be a cover provided inside the apparatus, or functions as a cover that supports the analysis chip 90 with respect to a cover that divides the inside and outside of the apparatus. The structure to which the part is attached may be sufficient. In any case, since the portion functioning as the cover needs to support the analysis chip 90 during rotation, it can be rotated around the rotation axis X together with the base 41.

Further, the chip holding unit 40 may be configured to include a pedestal 41 and a plurality of chip accommodation units having recesses that can accommodate one analysis chip 90 disposed on the pedestal 41. Here, in the case where the plurality of chip accommodating portions are further provided with a configuration capable of moving on the base 41, the balance adjustment by the balance adjusting portion 50 can also be realized by moving the plurality of chip accommodating portions.

As shown in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that eight chip accommodating portions 45 are arranged on the base 41 of the chip holding portion 40. Here, it is assumed that the analysis chip 90 is accommodated only in one chip accommodating portion 45. In this case, the center of gravity of the chip holding unit 40 and the analysis chip 90 is moved toward the analysis chip 90 with respect to the center O of the chip holding unit 40.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the analysis chip is moved by moving the symmetric chip storage section 45 via the center O with respect to the chip storage section 45 in which the analysis chip 90 is stored. The center of gravity moved by 90 is returned to the center O. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the

chip housing portions

45B and 45C adjacent to the chip housing portion 45A facing the chip housing portion 45 housing the analysis chip 90 are moved to the chip housing portion 45A side. The load on the chip accommodating portion 45A side is increased to move the center of gravity toward the center O side. Regarding the movement of the chip accommodating part 45 on the pedestal 41, for example, a rail for prescribing the movement path of the chip accommodating part 45 is provided on the pedestal 41 in advance, and the chip accommodating part 45 is moved along the rail. Although it is conceivable to use a configuration, the present invention is not limited to this.

As described above, the chip holding unit 40 can be appropriately changed, and the balance adjustment method by the balance adjusting unit 50 can be appropriately changed according to the change in the shape of the chip holding unit 40.

Further, the centrifugal analyzer 1 can be configured not to include the balance adjusting unit 50. In this case, the user can use the centrifugal analyzer 1 to adjust the balance when attaching the analysis chip 90 to the chip holding unit 40. Even in this case, the analysis item can be selected flexibly by selecting the analysis chip 90.

In the above embodiment, the analysis chip 90 has a fan shape in plan view. However, the shape of the analysis chip 90 in plan view is not limited to the above. For example, in the case of an apparatus configuration in which the drive shaft 32 of the drive unit 30 passes through the opening formed in the center of the pedestal 41, the analysis chip 90 has an annular shape around the center opening of the pedestal 41 (donut Arranged). In this case, the analysis chip 90 can have a shape that is not a sector shape but a part of the ring. Even when the analysis chip 90 has a shape obtained by cutting a part of the ring, the width of the analysis chip 90 at the radially inner end and the width of the analysis chip 90 at the radially outer end are different from each other. It is possible to realize a configuration in which the width is gradually increased by providing the outer side in the radial direction. In addition, the analysis chip 90 may have a shape such as a triangle, for example, but when a plurality of analysis chips 90 are attached to the chip holding unit 40, a gap generated between adjacent analysis chips 90. Since the ratio of the analysis chip 90 occupying the chip holding part 40 can be increased when the outer shape of the analysis chip 90 is as small as possible, the flow path design inside the analysis chip 90 can be made flexible. It can be carried out.

Also, the shape of the pedestal 41 can be changed as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the case where the pedestal 41 has a disk shape has been described. However, it may be a flat plate member having a polygonal shape in plan view. The shape of the pedestal 41 is not limited to a disk shape as long as the pedestal 41 is configured to be rotatable around the rotation axis X without causing shaft shake.

Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the analysis object sample using the centrifuge analyzer 1 and the analysis chip 90 was blood, the analysis object using the centrifuge analyzer 1 and the analysis chip 90 is blood. It is not limited to the analysis of. Other objects of analysis using the centrifugal analyzer 1 and the analysis chip 90 include, for example, environmental analysis such as water quality analysis, agricultural chemical analysis, food analysis such as nutritional components or additives, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Centrifugal analyzer 10 ... Light source 20 ... Detection part 30 ... Drive part 40 ... Chip holding part 41 ... Pedestal 42 ... Wall part 43 ... Chip accommodation area 50 ... Balance adjustment part 90 ... Analysis For chips.

Claims

A chip holding part capable of holding a plurality of analysis chips, each having a flat plate shape and having a flow path formed therein, and a sample placed therein, around the rotation axis;
A drive unit that rotates the chip holding unit about the rotation axis;
A light source for irradiating measurement light to the analysis chip held by the chip holding unit;
A detection unit for detecting light emitted from the analysis chip by irradiation of the measurement light from the light source;
A centrifugal analyzer.
The chip holding part is
A pedestal extending along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, a wall provided on the pedestal and defining the upper surface of the pedestal, and for holding the analysis chip formed by the wall The centrifugal analysis device according to claim 1, further comprising a chip receiving area.
3. The analysis chip according to claim 1, wherein the analysis chip is provided with an inlet for the sample on a radially inner side with respect to the rotation shaft, and the width thereof increases in a plan view from a radially inner side toward a radially outer side. Centrifugal analyzer.
4. The balance adjustment unit according to claim 1, further comprising a balance adjustment unit that confirms a weight balance of the chip holding unit in a state where the analysis chip is held and adjusts the balance based on a result of the confirmation. The centrifugal analyzer as described.
A chip for centrifugal analysis that is flat and has a flow path formed therein, and moves the sample by centrifugal force generated by rotation about the rotation axis after the sample is put into the interior,
A centrifuge analysis chip in which the inlet for the sample is provided on the inner side in the radial direction with respect to the rotation shaft, and the width increases in a plan view from the inner side in the radial direction toward the outer side in the radial direction.