WO2024043160A1 - Fluid device, fluid device manufacturing method, and inspection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to make it possible to provide a fluid device which is provided with a branched flow passage and in which backflow and stagnation of fluid does not occur. The fluid device comprises a main flow passage (10), a plurality of branch flow passages (20), and a connecting portion (30) providing communication between the flow passages (20), and is characterized in that: the main flow passage (10), the branch flow passages (20) and the connecting portion (30) are connected to one another such that, when fluid is being delivered from the branch flow passages (20) toward the main flow passage (10), the fluid is delivered to the main flow passage (10) after merging in the connecting portion (30); and flow passage resistances of the main flow passage (10), the branch flow passages (20) and the connecting portion (30) satisfy the following relational expression.　Flow passage resistance of main flow passage (10) ≤ flow passage resistance of connecting portion (30)< flow passage resistance of branch flow passages (20)

Description

Fluid device, fluid device manufacturing method, and inspection system

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to microfluidic devices used for genetic testing and the like, and particularly to fluidic devices equipped with branch channels.

In recent years, in genetic testing using DNA microarrays, a reaction part is formed in the channel of a microfluidic device, a DNA microarray is placed in this reaction part, and a test object in a reagent sent to the channel is detected. The presence or absence of the test object in the reagent is determined based on the reaction between the reagent and the probe immobilized on the DNA microarray.

Some microfluidic devices allow multiple reagents to be injected through separate inlets. That is, some microfluidic devices are equipped with a plurality of tributary channels (branch channels), and these tributary channels are connected at connecting portions to communicate with the main channel. Such a microfluidic device can be suitably used in tests using a plurality of reagents.

International Publication No. 2008/087828 pamphlet International Publication No. 2008/059718 pamphlet

However, a microfluidic device equipped with such a branch channel has a problem in that the reagent does not flow toward the outlet as it is, but flows back into other branch channels.
That is, the reagent injected into the tributary channel usually has the property of flowing into the channel where it flows most easily. Therefore, the reagent may not flow from the tributary channel to the outlet provided in the main channel, but may flow back through the connection to the inlet of another tributary channel. In addition, if a part of the reagent remains in other tributary channels due to backflow, it will not be removed unless the liquid is sent or suctioned to the corresponding tributary channel, and as a result, the reagent remains near the connection. There was a problem that it got stuck.

One way to solve this problem is to prevent backflow by arranging a valve in the microfluidic device and controlling the flow path through which the reagent flows.
However, this method has the problem of complicating the configuration of the microfluidic device because it is necessary to provide a valve for each branch channel. This was a major problem in design, manufacturing, and control.

Therefore, the present inventors conducted extensive research and succeeded in developing a fluid device that is equipped with a branch flow path and that does not cause backflow or stagnation of fluid, thereby completing the present invention.
Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a microchip having a main channel and a plurality of sub channels. According to this microchip, it is said that a target substance can be detected accurately by sequentially feeding reagents from a plurality of sub-channels to a main channel.

However, since this microchip has multiple sub-channels each connected to the main channel individually, there is a problem that reagents injected from one sub-channel flow back into other sub-channels. On the other hand, there was a problem in that backflow in the main flow path could occur.
Furthermore, since the structure is such that the reagent injected from the sub-channel is once stored in the main channel, mixing of the reagents may become a problem. For example, in testing applications where the reaction order of reagents and specimens is important, the mixture of reagents and specimens injected into the main channel from one subchannel is discharged once, and a different reagent is injected from the next subchannel. This required a liquid delivery procedure.

Further, Patent Document 2 also discloses a microchip having a main channel and a plurality of tributary channels. In this microchip, multiple tributary channels communicate with the main channel through relatively large connections, so there is no backflow from one tributary channel to the other, but reagents may accumulate in the connections. This could occur, and it could not be used in applications where the reagents in the tributary channels and connections were completely replaced and the liquid was sent to the main channel.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides a fluid device having a branch flow path in which no backflow or stagnation of fluid occurs, a method for manufacturing the fluid device, and an inspection system. purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, the fluid device of the present invention is a fluid device including a main channel, a plurality of branch channels, and a connection part communicating with each channel, wherein the main channel, the branch channels, and the The connecting portions are connected to each other such that when fluid is sent from the tributary flow path toward the main flow path, the fluids are fed to the main flow path after converging at the connection portion, and The flow path resistances of the channel, the tributary flow path, and the connection portion satisfy the following relational expression.
Flow resistance of main channel ≦ Flow resistance of connection section ＜ Flow resistance of tributary channel

Further, it is also preferable that the fluid device of the present invention is configured such that the flow path cross-sectional area of the main flow path and the tributary flow path satisfies the following relational expression.
Channel cross-sectional area of main channel > Channel cross-sectional area of tributary channel

Further, the fluid device of the present invention may be configured such that at least four substrates are bonded together, the plurality of tributary channels are formed through a second substrate, and a first substrate is formed on one surface side of the second substrate. a third substrate is bonded to the other surface side of the second substrate, and the main flow path is connected to the third substrate on the opposite surface side to the second substrate. A fourth substrate is provided to communicate with the tributary flow path via the connection portion, and is bonded to the side of the third substrate on which the main flow path is provided, and a plurality of substrates are connected to the first substrate. A fluid inlet communicating with the tributary channel is formed to penetrate through the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate, and a fluid outlet communicating with the main channel is formed by penetrating the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate. It is also preferable to have a configuration in which:

Further, the fluid device of the present invention is provided with a plurality of tributary channel extension portions each communicating with the tributary channel via a communication portion, and the fluid device is connected to the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate. It is also preferable that the fluid inlet communicating with the tributary channel extension is formed through the fluid inlet.
Furthermore, in the fluidic device of the present invention, at least the main flow path is formed through the fourth substrate, and a fifth substrate is provided on the opposite surface side of the fourth substrate to the third substrate. It is also preferable to have a configuration.

Further, the fluid device of the present invention may be configured such that at least three substrates are bonded together, a plurality of the tributary channels are formed on one surface of the second substrate, and a first substrate is formed on the surface side of the second substrate. a third substrate is bonded to the other surface side of the second substrate, and the main flow path is connected to the third substrate side of the surface of the second substrate. The first substrate is provided with a fluid inlet communicating with the tributary channel via a connecting portion, and the first substrate is provided with a fluid inlet that communicates with the tributary channel, and the first substrate and the second substrate are provided with: It is also preferable that a fluid outlet communicating with the main flow path is formed through the fluid outlet.

Further, the fluid device of the present invention may be configured such that at least a first substrate and a second substrate are bonded, the second substrate is provided with the main flow channel, the branch flow channel, and the connection portion, and the second The first substrate is bonded to a surface side of the substrate on which the main flow channel, the branch flow channel, and the connection portion are provided, and a fluid inlet communicating with the branch flow channel passes through the first substrate. It is also preferable that a fluid outlet communicating with the main flow path is formed through the main flow path.

Further, the fluid device of the present invention may be configured such that at least a first substrate and a second substrate are bonded, and the first substrate has a plurality of tributary channels each communicating with the main flow channel and the plurality of tributary flow channels. The second substrate is provided with a plurality of branch channels, the connecting portion communicating with the main channel, and a communication portion communicating with each of the branch channel extensions. It is also preferable to have a configuration in which

Further, it is also preferable that the fluidic device of the present invention has a configuration in which each substrate is formed of a hydrophobic material.
Further, it is also preferable that the fluid device of the present invention has a configuration in which a part of the main flow path is provided with a reaction section.

Further, it is also preferable that the fluid device of the present invention is configured such that the surface of the reaction section is a surface on which a reaction substance is immobilized.
Further, the fluid device of the present invention is configured such that the reaction section is provided with a carrier holding section that is a recess or a through hole, and a carrier on which a reaction substance is immobilized is held in the carrier holding section. It is also preferable.
Furthermore, it is also preferable that the fluid device of the present invention is a combination of various configurations of the fluid devices described above.

Note that the method for manufacturing a fluidic device of the present invention is a method of forming any of the above fluidic devices using cutting, injection molding, hot embossing, laser processing, etching, or a 3D printer.

The inspection system of the present invention includes any one of the above-mentioned fluidic devices, a liquid feeding control unit that feeds a reagent to the flow path, a heating device that heats the fluidic device, and a light that excites fluorescence of the reagent. The configuration includes a light source for irradiation and a detection device having a fluorescence detection section for detecting the generated fluorescence.

Further, the inspection system of the present invention includes at least a valve control section that opens/closes, switches, and/or adjusts the flow rate of the tributary channel, the heating device, the detection device, the liquid feeding control section, and the valve control section. Preferably, the configuration further includes an information processing device to be controlled.
Furthermore, the test system of the present invention can be configured to include a nucleic acid extraction mechanism for extracting a test target gene from a specimen, an amplification reaction mechanism for amplifying the extracted nucleic acid, and any one of the above for detecting a test target gene in an amplified product. It is also preferable to have a detection mechanism including a fluid device, and at least these mechanisms are connected in this order by a flow path.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluid device including a branch flow path in which backflow or stagnation of fluid does not occur, a method for manufacturing the fluid device, and an inspection system.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fluidic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of a fluidic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a situation when fluid is sent to a fluid device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of Modification Example 1 of the fluidic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of Modification Example 2 of the fluidic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of Modification Example 3 of the fluidic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of Modification Example 4 of the fluidic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of Modification Example 5 of the fluidic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of Modification Example 6 of the fluidic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing how fluorescence detection is performed using a fluidic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a conventional fluidic device. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of a conventional fluidic device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a situation when fluid is sent to a conventional fluid device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an inlet and an outlet in a conventional fluid device, and an example of the arrangement of a valve for preventing backflow of fluid.

Hereinafter, a fluid device, a fluid device manufacturing method, and an inspection system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific contents of the embodiments below.

[Fluid device]
First, a fluidic device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fluidic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of this fluidic device. Moreover, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the situation when fluid is sent to this fluid device.

The fluid device of this embodiment is a fluid device that includes a main channel, a plurality of branch channels, and a connecting portion that communicates with each channel.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the fluid device of the present embodiment, the main channel 10, the tributary channels 20 (21, 2, 23), and the connecting portion 30 are arranged so that the fluid is not sent from the tributary channel 20 toward the main channel 10. When this is done, the fluids are connected to each other so that the fluids are fed to the main flow path 10 after merging at the connection portion 30 .
The main flow path 10, the tributary flow path 20, and the connection portion 30 are characterized in that the flow path resistances satisfy the following relational expression.
Flow resistance of main channel ≦ Flow resistance of connection section ＜ Flow resistance of tributary channel

That is, in the fluid device of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tributary channel 21 is connected to the tributary channel extension 41 via the communication section 211, and the tributary channel 22 is connected to the tributary channel extension 42 via the communication section 221. , the tributary flow path 23 is connected to the tributary flow path extension 43 via a communication portion 231.
Fluid inlets 411, 421, 431 are provided at the ends of the tributary channel extensions 40 (41, 42, 43) opposite to the tributary channel 20, respectively.

Further, the tributary channels 21 , 22 , 23 are connected through a connecting portion 30 and communicated with the main channel 10 . A fluid outlet 101 is provided at the end of the main flow path 10 opposite to the connection portion 30 .
The flow path resistance of the connecting portion 30 is smaller than the flow path resistance of the tributary flow path 20. Therefore, the fluid flowing into the connecting portion 30 from each tributary flow path does not flow to other tributary flow paths, but instead flows to the connecting portion 30 with lower flow path resistance.

Furthermore, the flow path resistance of the connecting portion 30 is the same as or smaller than the flow path resistance of the main flow path 10.
Therefore, the fluid that has flowed into the connecting portion 30 flows into the main flow path 10 without flowing back into the tributary flow path 20 having a higher flow resistance. Further, the fluid is prevented from flowing back from the main channel 10 to the connecting portion 30.
Although three branch channels 20 are provided in FIG. 1, the number of branch channels 20 in the fluid device of this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it is plural.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of the substrate of the fluidic device of this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the fluidic device of this embodiment is composed of five substrates. The first substrate (K1) is a film forming the uppermost surface side, and has fluid inlets 411, 421, 431 and a fluid outlet 101 formed therein.

The second substrate (K2) is a double-sided tape (or film) on the upper surface side, and has tributary channels 20 (21, 22, 23) and communication portions 211, 221, 231 formed therein. Further, fluid inlets 411, 421, 431 and a fluid outlet 101 are formed.
The third substrate (K3) is a resin substrate, and includes the main channel 10, the fluid outlet 101, the connection part 30, the tributary channel extension 41 and the fluid inlet 411, the tributary channel extension 42 and the fluid inlet 421, and A tributary channel extension 43 and a fluid inlet 431 are formed.
The main channel 10 and the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, and 43 are formed as concave-shaped channels on the back side of the substrate. Further, the connecting portion 30, the fluid outlet 101, and the fluid inlets 411, 421, and 431 are formed to penetrate the substrate.

The fourth substrate (K4) is a double-sided tape (or film) on the lower surface side, and branch channel extensions 41, 42, 43 and the main channel 10 are formed therein.
The fifth substrate (K5) is a film constituting the lowermost side, and nothing is formed thereon, and the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, 43 formed on the fourth substrate (K4) and the main channel are formed on the fifth substrate (K5). 10 is sealed.

The flow of fluid when using the fluid device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows how colored fluid is injected into the fluidic device of this embodiment.
The fluid injected from the fluid inlet 421 is sent to the tributary channel extension 42 and then to the tributary channel 22 via the communication section 221.

After the fluid sent to the tributary channel 22 flows into the connection part 30, it flows into the main channel 10 without flowing into the other tributary channels 21 and 23 because it satisfies the following relational expression, and then flows into the main channel 10 and passes through the fluid outlet. Reach 101.
Flow path resistance of main flow path 10<flow path resistance of tributary flow paths 21 and 23 According to the fluid device of this embodiment, even when a plurality of tributary flow paths are provided, one tributary flow path The sent fluid does not flow back into other tributary channels. Further, the fluid sent to the main flow path 10 is prevented from flowing back into the connecting portion 30 or the tributary flow path 20.

In the fluid device of this embodiment, it is preferable that the flow path cross-sectional area of the main flow path 10 and the tributary flow path 20 satisfy the following relational expression.
Channel cross-sectional area of main channel>channel cross-sectional area of tributary channel If the fluid device of this embodiment has such a configuration, if other conditions in the main channel 10 and the tributary channel 20 are the same, the main channel 10 The flow path resistance of the tributary flow path 20 can be made smaller than the flow path resistance of the tributary flow path 20. Therefore, the fluid can easily flow from the tributary channel 20 to the main channel 10, and it is possible to prevent the fluid from flowing back from the main channel 10 to the tributary channel 20.

In the fluid device of this embodiment, examples of methods for making the flow path resistance of the main flow path 10 smaller than the flow path resistance of the tributary flow path 20 include the following method. Note that other conditions in the main flow path 10 and the tributary flow path 20 are the same. It is also preferable to configure a combination of these methods.
- Make the channel width of the tributary channel 20 smaller than that of the main channel 10.
- The depth of the tributary channel 20 is made smaller than that of the main channel 10.
- The branching angle between the plurality of tributary channels 20 is made smaller than the branching angle between the tributary channels 20 and the main channel 10.
- The length of the tributary flow path 20 is made longer than the main flow path 10.
- Raise the horizontal position of the plurality of tributary channels 20 with respect to the main channel 10.

Here, in order to obtain the effect that backflow or stagnation of fluid does not occur in the fluid device of this embodiment, for each branching channel, the channel width, channel depth, and channel depth related to channel resistance and pressure loss, Loss in the main flow path and each tributary flow path can be reduced by considering flow path dimensions and flow path shapes such as flow path length, height of the flow path, bending, branching, merging, branching angle of branch flow paths, and valve structure. It is also preferable to design so that the difference is large.
In the flow path of fluid devices, various losses occur due to friction loss, changes in cross-sectional area, changes in flow direction, branching, merging, valves, etc., and are affected by the flow path dimensions and shape. In equations expressing flow, this is called the loss head.

Pipe friction loss head h, which represents the friction loss of a straight pipe, is given by the Darcy-Weisbach equation as follows, regardless of laminar flow, turbulent flow, or roughness of the pipe wall.
h=Δp/ρg=λL/d・v ² /2g
Δp is the pressure loss, ρ is the density of the fluid, g is the gravitational acceleration, λ is the pipe friction coefficient, L is the length of the flow path, d is the diameter of the circular pipe, and v is the velocity of the fluid flowing through the flow path.

According to the modified form of this equation Δp=λL/d・ρ/2・v ² , the flow path resistance is the pressure required to flow a fluid into a certain flow path and the resulting flow rate or flow rate of the fluid. The relationship is such that when the flow path resistance increases, the pressure loss increases or the flow velocity decreases.
Furthermore, it has been shown that the pressure loss increases as the diameter of the flow path decreases, that is, the cross-sectional area of the flow path decreases, and that the pressure loss also increases as the length of the flow path increases.
Therefore, when comparing the pressure losses of branch channels having different cross-sectional areas and lengths, the channel that provides the lowest pressure and the highest flow rate can be designed as the main channel.

The loss head can be expressed not only by the pipe friction coefficient but also by the flow path shape as follows.
h _n =ζv _n ² /2g
The loss coefficient ζ is a coefficient that can be obtained experimentally due to changes in the cross-sectional area of the flow path, changes in flow direction, branching, merging, valves, etc., and the total loss head _hL of the pipe system is the coefficient of pipe friction. and the sum of various loss coefficients is expressed as h _L =ΣλL/d·v ² /2g+Σζv ² /2g.

Note that the loss coefficient of a branch channel is a coefficient that changes depending on the branch angle θ, flow rate ratio, shape of the branch, diameter ratio of the circular pipe, Reynolds number, etc., but for example, the branch angle between the branch channels By making the branching angle smaller than the branching angle between the tributary channel and the main channel, more fluid will be distributed to the main channel that is closer to the straight direction. It is possible to further reduce the flow rate of the fluid that can be used, and it is expected that backflow will be greatly reduced.
As described above, by considering the above formula related to flow path resistance and the flow path shape, it is possible to compare the magnitude relationship between pressure loss and flow velocity between each flow path, and to design a design that takes into account the role of the main flow path and each tributary flow path. becomes.

Note that, since the cross-sectional shape of the flow path in the fluid device of this embodiment is not a circular tube but a rectangular tube, the hydraulic equivalent diameter of a rectangular tube with wetted edges on all four sides can be used. The hydraulic equivalent diameter c of the rectangular pipe is calculated by the following formula, where a is the channel width and b is the channel depth.
c=2ab/(a+b)

Further, the flow path resistance R (N·s/m ⁵ ) derived from the Hagen-Poiseuille equation can also be used as an index in designing the main flow path and the tributary flow paths in the fluid device of this embodiment.
That is, using the pressure loss Δp and flow rate Q when fluid flows in the channel, the channel resistance R is expressed as R=Δp/Q, but this Hagen-Poiseuille equation is This is the same equation as when the coefficient λ=64/Re obtained under laminar flow conditions is used in Bach's equation, and can be used in the same way.

The material of each substrate in the fluid device of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but for example, COP (cycloolefin polymer), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), COC (cycloolefin copolymer), etc. can be suitably used. Alternatively, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) may be used.

Further, in the fluid device of this embodiment, each substrate is preferably formed of a hydrophobic material.
If the fluid device of this embodiment is configured in this manner, it becomes possible to use the tributary channel as a hydrophobic passive valve in this fluid device.

Note that the pressure difference ΔP indicating the pressure required to flow the liquid through this valve can be calculated using the following formula.
ΔP=-2γcosθ(1/w+1/h-1/W+1/H)
γ is the surface energy of the gas-liquid interface per unit area, θ is the contact angle, w is the channel width of the branch channel, h is the channel depth of the branch channel, W is the channel width of the branch channel extension, H is the channel depth of the tributary channel extension.

In a fluid device such as this embodiment in which a gas-liquid interface exists, in addition to reducing the flow velocity in the reverse flow direction based on the flow path resistance, the hydrophobic passive valve works to keep the liquid in the tributary channel extension. It also becomes possible.
Therefore, according to the fluid device of the present embodiment, it is possible to further reduce unintended backflow and retention of liquid in each branch channel.

Furthermore, in the fluidic device of the present embodiment, the method for joining each substrate is not particularly limited, and may include thermal fusion, laser, ultrasonic waves, a solvent, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, plasma treatment, and ultraviolet treatment.

In addition, in the fluid device of this embodiment, the main channel 10, the tributary channel 20, the connecting portion 30, the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, 43, the fluid inlets 411, 421, 431, the fluid outlet 101, etc. are processed. The method is not particularly limited, and can be performed using, for example, cutting, injection molding, hot embossing, laser processing, etching, 3D printing, or the like.

Here, conventional fluidic devices will be explained with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a conventional fluidic device, and FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a substrate of the conventional fluidic device. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a situation when fluid is delivered to a conventional fluid device. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an inlet and an outlet in a conventional fluid device, and an example of the arrangement of valves for preventing backflow of fluid.

As shown in FIG. 12, a conventional general fluid device including a plurality of branch channels includes, for example, a main channel 1000, branch channels 2000 (2100, 2200, 2300), and a connecting portion 3000.
The tributary channels 2100, 2200, and 2300 are provided with fluid inlets 2101, 2201, and 2301, respectively, and the main channel 1000 is provided with a fluid outlet 1001.
The fluid injected from the fluid inlets 2101, 2201, and 2301 is sent to the main channel 1000 via the connection portion 3000, and is discharged from the fluid outlet 1001.

An example of the structure of a substrate of a conventional fluidic device is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, this conventional fluidic device is composed of three substrates. The first substrate (K100) is a resin substrate constituting the uppermost surface side, and includes a main channel 1000 and a fluid outlet 1001, a tributary channel 2100 and a fluid inlet 2101, a tributary channel 2200 and a fluid inlet 2201, and a tributary channel. 2300 and a fluid inlet 2301 are formed.
The main channel 1000, the branch channels 2100, 2200, 2300, and the connecting portion 3000 are formed as concave channels on the back side of the substrate. Furthermore, the fluid outlet 1001 and the fluid inlets 2101, 2201, and 2301 are formed to penetrate the substrate.

The second substrate (K200) is a double-sided tape (or film), and has a main channel 1000, tributary channels 2100, 2200, 2300, and a connecting portion 3000 formed therein.
The third substrate (K300) is a film constituting the lowermost surface side, and has nothing formed thereon, and is connected to the main channel 1000 and the branch channels 2100, 2200, 2300 formed on the second substrate (K200). The connecting portion 3000 is sealed.

Fluid flow when such a conventional fluid device is used will be explained with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows how colored fluid is injected into the fluidic device of this embodiment.
The fluid injected from the fluid inlet 2201 is sent to the branch channel 2200. The fluid that has reached the connecting portion 3000 is sent to the channel where it flows most easily, so it first flows into the tributary channel 2300 in the straight direction instead of the main channel 1000.
Next, the fluid also flows into the main flow path 1000 and the tributary flow path 2100 and reaches the fluid outlet 1001.

As described above, in conventional fluidic devices equipped with a plurality of tributary channels, fluid injected from one tributary channel may flow back into other tributary channels and stagnate there, or easily flow from the main channel toward the connection part. It's starting to flow backwards.
For this reason, there has been a problem in that conventional fluidic devices cannot be used appropriately for testing as they are.

FIG. 15(A) is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of an inlet and an outlet in such a conventional fluidic device.
Since the conventional fluidic device cannot be used properly for testing as it is, it was necessary to arrange a valve to prevent backflow, as shown in FIG. 15(B).

In the example of FIG. 15(B), a valve is disposed between each inlet and the connection portion. In this way, even in conventional fluid devices, by using valves, it is possible to prevent backflow to the tributary channels and connections.
However, installing such a valve in a fluid device solely for the purpose of preventing backflow causes the configuration of the fluid device to become unnecessarily complicated, which has been a major problem in the manufacture of the fluid device.

Next, modified examples of the fluidic device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9.
Note that in these figures, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the fluidic device of this embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

First, with reference to FIG. 4, a first modification of the fluid device of this embodiment will be described. Modification 1 differs from the fluid device of the present embodiment described above in that it does not have a tributary channel extension, and the tributary channel is provided with a fluid inlet. In other respects, it is similar to the same fluidic device.
The fluidic device of Modification 1 is formed by bonding five substrates.

The first substrate (K1-1) is a film forming the uppermost surface side, and has fluid inlets 212, 222, 232 and a fluid outlet 101 formed therein.
The second substrate (K2-1) is a double-sided tape (or film) on the upper surface side, and has branch channels 20 (21, 22, 23) formed therein. Further, fluid inlets 212, 222, 232 and a fluid outlet 101 are formed.

The third substrate (K3-1) is a resin substrate, and has a main channel 10, a fluid outlet 101, and a connecting portion 30 formed therein.
The main flow path 10 is formed as a recessed flow path on the back side of the substrate. Further, the connecting portion 30 and the fluid outlet 101 are formed to penetrate the substrate.

The fourth substrate (K4-1) is a double-sided tape (or film) on the lower surface side, and has a main flow path 10 formed therein.
The fifth substrate (K5-1) is a film constituting the bottom surface side, has nothing formed thereon, and seals the main channel 10 formed on the fourth substrate (K4-1). There is.

According to the fluid device of Modification 1, the fluid injected from the fluid inlets 212, 222, 232 is sent to the tributary channels 21, 22, 23, and then flows into the main channel 10 via the connection part 30. The liquid is fed and discharged from the fluid outlet 101.

Here, in the fluid device of Modification 1, the flow path resistance of the tributary flow path 20 is greater than the flow path resistance of the connection portion 30, and the flow path resistance of the connection portion 30 is the same as or greater than the flow path resistance of the main flow path 10. It has become. Therefore, fluid does not flow backward from the main channel 10 to the connecting portion 30, and fluid does not flow backward from the connecting portion 30 to the branch channels 21, 22, and 23.
Therefore, according to such a fluidic device, a reagent can be appropriately delivered, so that a test using a fluidic device can be suitably carried out.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a second modification of the fluid device of this embodiment will be described. Modification 2 is different from the fluid device of the present embodiment described above in the shape of the tributary channel extension, and is otherwise similar to the same fluid device, but will be described in more detail.
The fluidic device of Modification 2 is formed by bonding five substrates.

The first substrate (K1-2) is a sealing film or resin substrate. The second substrate (K2-2) is a double-sided tape on which branch channels 20 are formed. The third substrate (K3-2) is a resin substrate on which the main flow path 10, the connecting portion 30, and the branch flow path extension portion are formed. The fourth substrate (K4-2) is a double-sided tape on which the main channel 10 and the branch channel extensions are formed. The fifth substrate (K5-2) is a sealing film or resin substrate.

Specifically, a plurality of branch channels 20 (21, 22, 23) are formed through the second substrate (K2-2). The first substrate (K1-2) is bonded to one surface side of the second substrate (K2-2).
Further, a third substrate (K3-2) is bonded to the other surface side of the second substrate (K2-2).

In the third substrate (K3-2), the main channel 10 is provided on the opposite surface side to the second substrate (K2-2) so as to communicate with the branch channel 20 via the connecting portion 30.
Further, the third substrate (K3-2) is provided with a plurality of tributary channel extensions 41, 42, and 43 that communicate with the tributary channel 20 via communicating portions 211, 221, and 231, respectively.

Furthermore, a fourth substrate (K4-2) is bonded to the side of the third substrate (K3-2) on which the main flow path 10 is provided.
Fluid inlets are provided in the first substrate (K1-2), the second substrate (K2-2), and the third substrate (K3-2), each communicating with the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, and 43. 411, 421, and 431 are formed to penetrate therethrough, and a fluid outlet 101 communicating with the main flow path 10 is formed to penetrate therethrough.

Further, the main flow path 10 and the branch flow path extensions 41, 42, and 43 are formed to penetrate through the fourth substrate (K4-2).
A fifth substrate (K5-2) is provided on the opposite surface of the fourth substrate (K4-2) to the third substrate (K3-2).
In addition, in this modification 1, the third substrate (K3-2) and the fifth substrate (K5-2) are bonded using the fourth substrate (K4-2), but the fourth substrate (K4-2) is The structure may be such that the substrate (K4-2) is omitted and the third substrate (K3-2) and the fifth substrate (K5-2) are bonded by another bonding method.

According to the fluid device of Modification 2, the fluid injected from the fluid inlets 411, 421, 431 flows to the tributary channels 21, 22, 23 via the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, 43, respectively. The liquid is sent to the main channel 10 via the connection part 30 and discharged from the fluid outlet 101.

Further, similarly to Modification Example 1, the flow path resistance of the tributary flow path 20 is greater than the flow path resistance of the connecting portion 30, and the flow path resistance of the connecting portion 30 is the same as or greater than the flow path resistance of the main flow path 10. Therefore, fluid does not flow backward from the main flow path 10 to the connecting portion 30, and fluid does not flow backward from the connecting portion 30 to the tributary flow paths 21, 22, and 23.
Therefore, according to such a fluidic device, a reagent can be appropriately delivered, so that a test using a fluidic device can be suitably carried out.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a third modification of the fluidic device of this embodiment will be described. Modification 3 is different from the fluid device of the present embodiment described above in that it is formed by bonding three substrates.
The first substrate (K1-3) is a sealing film or resin substrate. The second substrate (K2-3) is a resin substrate on which the main channel 10, the tributary channel 20, the connection part 30, and the tributary channel extension part 40 are formed. The third substrate (K3-3) is a sealing film or resin substrate.

Specifically, a plurality of branch channels 20 (21, 22, 23) are formed on one surface of the second substrate (K2-3). Further, a main channel 10 is formed on the other surface of the second substrate (K2-3). The first substrate (K1-3) is bonded to the surface side of the second substrate (K2-3) on which the tributary channel 20 is formed.

In the second substrate (K2-3), the main flow path 10 is provided to communicate with the branch flow path 20 via the connecting portion 30.
In addition, on the surface side of the second substrate (K2-3) where the main flow path is formed, there are a plurality of tributary flow path extension portions 40 (41, 42, 43) are provided.

Further, a third substrate (K3-3) is bonded to the side of the second substrate (K2-3) on which the main flow path 10 is provided.
Fluid inlets 411, 421, and 431 are formed through the first substrate (K1-3) to communicate with the branch channel extensions 41, 42, and 43, respectively, and to communicate with the main channel 10. A fluid outlet 101 is formed therethrough.

According to the fluid device of Modification 3, the fluid injected from the fluid inlets 411, 421, 431 flows to the tributary channels 21, 22, 23 via the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, 43, respectively. The liquid is sent to the main channel 10 via the connection part 30 and discharged from the fluid outlet 101.

Further, similarly to Modification Example 1, the flow path resistance of the tributary flow path 20 is greater than the flow path resistance of the connecting portion 30, and the flow path resistance of the connecting portion 30 is the same as or greater than the flow path resistance of the main flow path 10. Therefore, fluid does not flow backward from the main flow path 10 to the connecting portion 30, and fluid does not flow backward from the connecting portion 30 to the tributary flow paths 21, 22, and 23. Therefore, reagents can be delivered appropriately, and tests using fluidic devices can be suitably carried out.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a fourth modification of the fluidic device of this embodiment will be described. Modification 4 differs from Modification 3 described above in that it does not have a tributary channel extension, and the tributary channel is provided with a fluid inlet. In other respects, it is similar to the same fluidic device.
The fluid device of Modification 4 is also formed by bonding three substrates.
The first substrate (K1-4) is a sealing film or resin substrate. The second substrate (K2-4) is a resin substrate on which the tributary channel 20, the main channel 10, and the connecting portion 30 are formed. The third substrate (K3-4) is a sealing film or resin substrate.

Specifically, a plurality of branch channels 20 (21, 22, 23) are formed on one surface of the second substrate (K2-4). Further, a main channel 10 is formed on the other surface of the second substrate (K2-4). The first substrate (K1-4) is bonded to the surface side of the second substrate (K2-4) on which the tributary channel 20 is formed.

In the second substrate (K2-4), the main flow path 10 is provided to communicate with the branch flow path 20 via the connecting portion 30.
Furthermore, a third substrate (K3-4) is bonded to the side of the second substrate (K2-4) on which the main flow path 10 is provided.
Fluid inlets 212, 222, and 232 are formed through the first substrate (K1-4) to communicate with the tributary channels 21, 22, and 23, respectively, and fluid inlets that communicate with the main channel 10 are formed through the first substrate (K1-4). An outlet 101 is formed therethrough.

According to the fluid device of Modification 4, the fluid injected from the fluid inlets 212, 222, 232 is sent to the tributary channels 21, 22, 23, and is sent to the main channel 10 via the connection part 30. The liquid is fed and discharged from the fluid outlet 101.
At this time, since the fluid does not flow backward from the main channel 10 to the connection section 30 or from the connection section 30 to the tributary channels 21, 22, 23, the reagent can be appropriately delivered, and the fluid It is possible to suitably carry out an inspection using the device.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a fifth modification of the fluid device of this embodiment will be described. Modification 5 differs from the above-described embodiment and its modification in that it is formed by bonding two substrates.
The first substrate (K1-5) is a sealing film or resin substrate. The second substrate (K2-5) is a resin substrate on which the main channel 10, the tributary channel 20, the connection part 30, and the tributary channel extension part 40 are formed.

Specifically, the main flow path 10, the branch flow paths 20 (21, 22, 23), and the connection portion 30 are provided on one surface side of the second substrate (K2-5). Further, on the same surface side of the second substrate (K2-5), tributary flow path extension portions 40 (41, 42, 43) are connected to the tributary flow paths 21, 22, 23 via communication portions 211, 221, 231, respectively. is provided.
The first substrate (K1-5) is bonded to the surface side of the second substrate (K2-5) on which the main flow path 10, the tributary flow path 20, the connecting portion 30, and the tributary flow path extension portion 40 are provided. .
Further, in the first substrate (K1-5), fluid inlets 411, 421, 431 communicating with the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, 43 are formed penetratingly, and fluid inlets communicating with the main channel 10 are formed. An outflow port 101 is formed to penetrate therethrough.

Also in the fluid device of Modification 5, the fluid injected from the fluid inlets 411, 421, 431 is sent to the tributary channels 21, 22, 23 via the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, 43, respectively. The liquid is sent to the main flow path 10 via the connection part 30 and discharged from the fluid outlet 101.
That is, since the fluid does not flow back from the main channel 10 to the connection section 30, and the fluid does not flow back from the connection section 30 to the tributary channels 21, 22, and 23, the reagent can be appropriately delivered, and the fluid It is possible to suitably carry out an inspection using the device.

In addition, in modification 5, the tributary channel extension part 40 is eliminated, and fluid inlets 212, 222, 232 are provided at the positions of the communication parts 211, 221, 231 in the tributary channels 21, 22, 23, and the fluid inlets 212, It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the first substrate (K1-5) is provided with the first substrate (K1-5) penetrated therethrough.

In this case, the fluid injected from the fluid inlets 212, 222, 232 is sent to the tributary channels 21, 22, 23, then to the main channel 10 via the connection part 30, and then discharged from the fluid outlet 101. be done.
Even in this case, the fluid does not flow back from the main channel 10 to the connection section 30, and the fluid does not flow back from the connection section 30 to the tributary channels 21, 22, and 23, so that the reagent can be properly delivered. Therefore, it is possible to suitably perform tests using a fluidic device.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a sixth modification of the fluid device of this embodiment will be described. Modification 6 differs from the above-described embodiment and its modifications in that it includes a tube or cartridge for supplying or mixing reagents.
The fluid device of Modification 6 is formed by bonding three substrates.
In FIG. 9, the first substrate (K1-6) is a tube or cartridge for supplying or mixing reagents. The second substrate (K2-6) is a double-sided tape on which the tributary channel 20 and the connecting portion 30 are formed. The third substrate (K3-6) is a sealing film or resin substrate.

Specifically, the first substrate (K1-6) is provided with a plurality of tributary channel extensions 41, 42, 43 penetrating the main channel 10 and communicating with the plurality of tributary channels 21, 22, 23, respectively. It is being The branch channel extensions 41, 42, and 43 correspond to tubes for supplying reagents. Further, the main channel 10 corresponds to a tube for mixing reagents.

Further, in the second substrate (K2-6), a plurality of tributary channels 21, 22, 23, a connecting portion 30 communicating with the main channel 10, and a communication portion communicating with the tributary channel extension portions 41, 42, 43, respectively. 211, 221, and 231 are provided.
A third substrate (K3-6) is provided on the opposite surface of the second substrate (K2-6) to the first substrate (K1-6).
The second substrate (K2-6) is made of a resin substrate, and the tributary flow path 20, the connecting portion 30, and the communication portions 211, 221, 231 are connected to the first substrate (K1) in the second substrate (K2-6). -6), and the third substrate (K3-6) can be omitted.

According to the fluid device of Modification 6, the reagents injected into the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, and 43 through the fluid inlets 411, 421, and 431 are sent to the tributary channels 21, 22, and 23, respectively. The liquid can be sent to the main channel 10 via the connection part 30 and discharged from the fluid outlet 101.

At this time, the channel resistance of the tributary channel 20 is greater than the channel resistance of the connection section 30, and the channel resistance of the connection section 30 is the same as or greater than the channel resistance of the main channel 10, so that the reagent is There is no backflow from the channel 10 to the connecting portion 30, the tributary channels 21, 22, 23, and the tributary channel extensions 41, 42, 43.
Therefore, according to the fluidic device of Modification 6, reagents can be mixed in an appropriate order, and therefore tests using the fluidic device can be appropriately performed.

Furthermore, it is also preferable to configure fluid devices of other modifications of the present embodiment by combining all or part of the configurations of the fluid devices of Modifications 1 to 6 described above.

Further, although not shown in the drawings, the fluid device of this embodiment preferably has a configuration in which a part of the main flow path 10 is provided with a reaction section. In addition, a reaction part can also be arrange|positioned in a part of branch channel extension part 41,42,43.
At this time, it is possible to immobilize a probe or the like (substance for reaction) on the surface of the reaction section itself in the fluidic device of this embodiment to function as an inspection section.

Further, the reaction part is formed as a recess, and a carrier such as a DNA microarray on which probes are immobilized is placed in this reaction part (the reaction part that holds such a carrier is sometimes referred to as a carrier holding part). , it can also function as an inspection section.
Furthermore, it is also preferable to form the carrier holding portion as a perforation (through hole) that penetrates the substrate provided with the main flow path 10.

Furthermore, the carrier can be a DNA microarray or a DNA chip. Further, the carrier is not limited to one for detecting DNA, but may also be a microarray, a chip, etc. for detecting other substances.
In this embodiment, when a DNA microarray is used as a carrier, this DNA microarray can be manufactured using a probe using an existing general method.

For example, when creating a stick-on DNA chip as this DNA microarray, it can be created by immobilizing probes on a glass substrate using a DNA spotter and forming spots corresponding to each probe. Furthermore, when creating a synthetic DNA chip, it can be created by synthesizing single-stranded oligo DNA having the above sequence on a glass substrate using optical lithography technology. Furthermore, the substrate is not limited to glass, and may also be a plastic substrate, a silicon wafer, or the like. In addition, the shape of the substrate is not limited to a flat plate, but can also be of various three-dimensional shapes, and substrates with functional groups introduced to the surface to enable chemical reactions can also be used. .

In addition, when using a DNA microarray as a carrier, the solid support immobilized on the microarray substrate is one for immobilizing nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, etc.) or peptides (oligopeptides, polypeptides, proteins, etc.). and has a functional group that can be covalently bonded to a nucleic acid or peptide. As the functional group capable of covalently bonding to a nucleic acid or peptide, those known in the art can be used. It is also preferable to use a carrier having a diamond-like carbon layer (DLC) on its surface.

As the reaction substance, biological materials such as nucleic acids, proteins, sugar chains, etc. can be suitably used. Specifically, for example, DNA, RNA, antibodies, lectins, biotin-avidin, etc. can be used. Furthermore, as the reaction substance, it is also possible to use substances other than biological substances, for example, low-molecular compounds (fragrant components, allergens, etc.) that can bind to biological substances such as antibodies and DNA aptamers.

[Fluid device manufacturing method]
The method for manufacturing a fluidic device of this embodiment is characterized in that the fluidic device of this embodiment described above is formed using cutting, injection molding, hot embossing, laser processing, etching, or a 3D printer. do.
The fluidic device of this embodiment can be suitably manufactured by such a method.

[Inspection method]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an inspection method using the fluidic device of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how fluorescence detection is performed using the fluidic device of this embodiment. In FIG. 10, a fluidic device is shown mounted on a heating device 60. A detection device 50 is arranged so as to face the reaction section in this fluidic device.

In the testing method using the fluidic device of this embodiment, the fluidic device used for testing is prepared by placing a carrier on which a reaction substance is immobilized in the reaction part of the fluidic device, and the reagent is injected from one of the fluid inlets. The liquid is injected and sent to the main channel 10 via the branch channel 20 and the connecting part 30, and brought into contact with the carrier in the reaction section.

The reagent contains a substance to be tested bound to a fluorescent substance. Further, the reaction substance in the carrier reacts with the test object to immobilize the test object on the carrier.
Therefore, if the test object is contained in the reagent, the test object is captured by the carrier, and the presence or absence of the test object in the reagent is determined by detecting the fluorescent substance of the captured test object. It is now possible to do so.

At this time, the fluid device is heated by the heating device 60 so that the temperature of the reagent in the reaction section of the fluid device is maintained at a temperature suitable for the reaction between the test object and the reaction substance.
After the reaction between the test object and the reaction substance is completed, the reagent and cleaning liquid are discharged from the fluid outlet 101 while injecting the cleaning liquid from a fluid inlet different from the fluid inlet into which the reagent was input, thereby removing the reagent in the reaction section. Replace with cleaning solution.
Then, a laser for excitation of fluorescence is irradiated from the light source 51 onto the carrier disposed in the reaction section, and the fluorescence detection section 52 generates excitation from the fluorescent substance bonded to the test object that has reacted with the reaction substance on the carrier. Detect the emitted fluorescence.

According to the testing method of this embodiment, no backflow of fluid occurs in the fluidic device of this embodiment, so that testing can be suitably performed.

[Inspection system]
Next, referring to FIG. 11, the inspection system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the inspection system of this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the inspection system 70 of this embodiment includes a fluid device 71, a reagent supply section 72, a waste liquid discharge section 73, a heating device 74, a detection device 75, and a liquid feeding control section 76. are doing.

The fluid device 71 is a fluid device according to this embodiment.
The reagent supply section 72 is composed of a container, a tube, or the like filled with a reagent. As the reagent, for example, a hybridization buffer containing DNA, which is the object to be tested, is used. A washing solution is also used to wash away the buffer from the fluidic device 71 after hybridization.
The waste liquid discharge section 73 is constituted by a container, a tube, or the like that stores the waste liquid from the fluid device 71 after the reaction in the fluid device 71 .

The heating device 74 heats the fluidic device 71 to adjust the temperature of the reagent in the reaction section to a temperature suitable for the reaction. This heating device 74 can be configured using a heater or a metal stage. Specifically, for example, a Peltier type heater can be used. It is also preferable to also include a cooling device such as a cooling fan for cooling as necessary.

The detection device 75 corresponds to the detection device 50 in FIG. 10, and includes a light source that irradiates light that excites the fluorescence of the fluorescent substance contained in the reagent, and a fluorescence detection unit that detects the generated fluorescence. .
That is, a light source irradiates an excitation laser onto a carrier disposed in a carrier holding section of the fluidic device 71, and a fluorescence detection section detects fluorescence emitted from a fluorescent dye of a reagent bound to a reaction substance immobilized on the carrier. Detect and quantify.

The liquid feeding control section 76 controls the feeding of the reagent from the reagent supply section 72 to the fluid device 71. The liquid feeding control unit 76 may be a pneumatic type that uses air pressure as an actuator to flow fluid, a peristaltic type, a thermopneumatic type that uses gas expansion due to heating, an electrostatic attraction type, an electromagnetic type, a piezo type, or a bimetallic type. Types include molds, shape memory alloy types, and voltage-driven types. Specifically, for example, a pump that pressurizes the inside of a flow path, a peristaltic pump, a syringe pump, etc. can be suitably used.

Further, it is also preferable that the inspection system 70 of this embodiment includes a valve control section 77 and a control device 78.
When the fluid device 71 is equipped with a valve section, the valve control section 77 can apply external force to the flow path by controlling the valve section to open/close, switch, and adjust the flow rate of the flow path. can. The valve control section 77 can be of an active type, in which a movable part is moved by an actuator to deform or block the flow path, or a passive type, in which the flow direction is defined by the mechanical structure, flow path dimensions, or surface hydrophilicity. Actuators include pneumatic type that uses air pressure, thermopneumatic type that uses gas expansion due to heating, electrostatic attraction type, electromagnetic type, piezo type, bimetal type, shape memory alloy type, and clamp type that uses weights or springs. Among them, pneumatic type can be particularly preferably used.

The control device 78 can be configured by an information processing device that controls the heating device 74, the detection device 75, the liquid feeding control section 76, and the valve control section 77. As this information processing device, a computer, a microcomputer, a PLC (programmable logic controller), or the like can be used. The control device 78 can control the operations of each device by transmitting information for controlling each device at a predetermined timing.

In addition, the testing system of this embodiment includes a nucleic acid extraction mechanism for extracting a gene to be tested from a sample, an amplification reaction mechanism for amplifying the extracted nucleic acid, and the above-mentioned book for detecting a gene to be tested in an amplified product. It is also preferable that the detection mechanism includes the fluid device of the embodiment, and that at least these mechanisms are connected in this order by a flow path.
Of course, it goes without saying that a mechanism for performing other processing may be provided between these mechanisms.

The nucleic acid extraction mechanism is configured to extract genomic DNA from crushed cells of a specimen. Genomic DNA can be extracted using the CTAB method (Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide), a method that uses porous materials to reduce PCR inhibitors, and DNA extraction kits and devices that use filters containing DNA adsorption carriers, magnetic beads, etc. This can be done using general methods such as the method of
The amplification reaction mechanism is configured to amplify a target region in extracted genomic DNA. That is, a DNA fragment containing the target region in genomic DNA is amplified. The method for amplifying this target region is not particularly limited, but PCR can be suitably used. In the PCR method, a target region is amplified using a PCR reaction solution containing a primer set for amplifying the target region. As a PCR device, a general thermal cycler or the like can be used.

The detection mechanism is a component of the inspection system described above using FIG. That is, the test system of this embodiment reacts the amplified product with the probe of the DNA microarray placed in the carrier holding part of the fluidic device of this embodiment, and detects the label of the amplified product bound to the probe. Check if there is.

As explained above, according to the fluid device of this embodiment, even if it is provided with a branch flow path, it is possible to prevent backflow or stagnation of fluid.
Further, according to the testing system of this embodiment, it is possible to automatically control everything from extraction of the testing object from the sample to detection of the testing object by the fluid device. In addition, it is possible to prevent the reagent from backflowing or stagnation in the fluidic device, making it possible to perform tests appropriately.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
For example, it is possible to make appropriate changes such as making the flow path not a straight line but having one or more curved corners.

The present invention can be suitably used as a fluid device that can prevent backflow and stagnation of fluid in testing the presence or absence of an object to be tested using a fluid device.

The contents of the documents mentioned in this specification and the specification of the Japanese application, which is the basis of the Paris priority of this application, are all incorporated herein by reference.

10 Main channel 101 Fluid outlet 20 (21, 22, 23) Branch channel 211, 221, 231 Communication section 212, 222, 232 Fluid inlet 30 Connection section 40 (41, 42, 43) Branch channel extension section 411, 421 , 431 fluid inlet 50 detection device 51 light source 52 fluorescence detection section 60 heating device 70 inspection system 71 fluid device 72 reagent supply section 73 waste liquid discharge section 74 heating device 75 detection device 76 liquid feeding control section 77 valve control section 78 control device

Claims (15)

1. A fluid device comprising a main channel, a plurality of tributary channels, and a connection part communicating with each channel,
   The main flow path, the tributary flow path, and the connection portion are arranged such that when fluid is sent from the tributary flow path toward the main flow path, the fluid is fed to the main flow path after converging at the connection portion. connected to each other so that
   A fluid device characterized in that flow path resistances of the main flow path, the tributary flow path, and the connection portion satisfy the following relational expression.
   Flow resistance of main channel ≦ Flow resistance of connection section ＜ Flow resistance of tributary channel
2. 2. The fluid device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the main flow path and the branch flow path satisfies the following relational expression.
   Channel cross-sectional area of main channel > Channel cross-sectional area of tributary channel
3. At least four boards are bonded together,
   A plurality of tributary channels are formed through the second substrate, and the first substrate is bonded to one surface side of the second substrate,
   A third substrate is bonded to the other surface side of the second substrate, and the main flow path is connected to the third substrate through the connecting portion to the opposite surface side to the second substrate. connected to the road,
   a fourth substrate is bonded to a side of the third substrate on which the main flow path is provided;
   A fluid inlet communicating with the plurality of tributary channels is formed through the first substrate,
   The fluid device according to claim 1, wherein a fluid outlet communicating with the main flow path is formed to penetrate through the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate.
4. A plurality of tributary channel extensions each communicating with the tributary channel via a communication portion are provided,
   4. The fluid inlet port communicating with the tributary channel extension portion is formed to penetrate through the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate. Fluid device.
5. At least the main channel is formed to penetrate through the fourth substrate,
   5. The fluidic device according to claim 3, wherein a fifth substrate is provided on a surface of the fourth substrate opposite to the third substrate.
6. At least three boards are bonded together,
   A plurality of branch channels are formed on one surface of the second substrate, and the first substrate is bonded to the surface side of the second substrate,
   A third substrate is bonded to the other surface side of the second substrate,
   The main flow channel is provided on the third substrate side of the surface of the second substrate and communicates with the tributary flow channel via the connection part,
   A fluid inlet communicating with the tributary channel is formed to penetrate the first substrate, and a fluid outlet communicating with the main channel is formed penetrating the first substrate and the second substrate. The fluidic device according to claim 1, characterized in that:
7. at least a first substrate and a second substrate are bonded,
   The second substrate is provided with the main flow channel, the branch flow channel, and the connection part,
   the first substrate is bonded to a surface side of the second substrate where the main flow path, the branch flow path, and the connection portion are provided;
   A fluid inlet communicating with the tributary channel is formed to penetrate the first substrate, and a fluid outlet communicating with the main channel is formed penetrating the first substrate. 1. The fluidic device according to 1.
8. at least a first substrate and a second substrate are bonded,
   The first substrate is provided with a plurality of tributary channel extensions penetrating the main channel and communicating with the plurality of tributary channels, respectively,
   2. The second substrate is provided with a plurality of the tributary channels, the connecting portion communicating with the main channel, and communication portions communicating with the tributary channel extensions, respectively. fluidic devices.
9. The fluidic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each substrate is formed of a hydrophobic material.
10. The fluid device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a reaction section is provided in a part of the main flow path.
11. 11. The fluidic device according to claim 10, wherein the surface of the reaction section is a surface on which a reaction substance is immobilized.
12. 11. The fluid device according to claim 10, wherein the reaction section is provided with a carrier holding section that is a recess or a through hole, and the carrier holding section holds a carrier on which a reaction substance is immobilized. .
13. The fluid device according to claim 1 or 2, a liquid feeding control unit that feeds a reagent to the branch channel, a heating device that heats the fluid device, and a light source and generator that irradiates light that excites fluorescence of the reagent. An inspection system comprising: a detection device having a fluorescence detection section that detects fluorescence.
14. further comprising: a valve control unit that opens/closes, switches, and/or adjusts the flow rate of at least the tributary channel; and an information processing device that controls the heating device, the detection device, the liquid feeding control unit, and the valve control unit. 14. The inspection system according to claim 13, further comprising:
15. a nucleic acid extraction mechanism that extracts the gene to be tested from the sample;
    an amplification reaction mechanism for amplifying the extracted nucleic acid;
    A detection mechanism comprising the fluidic device according to claim 1 or 2 for detecting the gene to be tested in the amplification product,
    An inspection system characterized in that at least these mechanisms are connected in this order through a flow path.

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