JP2013002813A - Liquid feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid delivery device capable of controlling the advance and stop of a liquid is provided.
A first introduction port 115 through which a first liquid is introduced, a first exhaust port 115 connected to the first introduction port 115 by a first flow path and exhausting air in the first flow path to the outside. An outlet 113, a first absorber 131 that is provided in the first flow path and absorbs the liquid in the first flow path by capillary action, and dissolves in the first liquid to reduce the viscosity of the first liquid. A first thickener 132 to be raised.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid feeding device for transporting a liquid, and more specifically, to a liquid feeding device including an absorber that absorbs a liquid.

  POCT (Point Of Care Testing) is intended for a clinical test performed near a patient, such as a hospital bedside or home. In the case of POCT, since the test results can be quickly utilized for treatment of patients and high-quality treatment can be provided to patients, interest in POCT has been increasing in recent years.

  In order to carry out POCT, a small analyzer capable of performing a quick analysis by a simple operation is required.

  Immunoassays are widely used in the medical field, biochemical field, fields that require measurement of allergens, and the like. However, in order to carry out the conventional immunoassay, a large instrument is required. Moreover, since the immunoassay is complicated in operation, it requires a time of one day or longer for the analysis. For this reason, the conventional immunoassay cannot be applied to POCT.

  In order to solve this problem, in recent years, a chip (for example, a microanalysis chip) in which a channel having a small cross section (for example, micrometer order) is formed in a substrate and an antibody or the like is immobilized in the channel. Is being developed and put into practical use.

  The chip needs to be provided with a liquid feeding means for guiding a liquid containing a specimen or the like to a reaction part or a detection part in the chip and feeding the liquid to the downstream side of the reaction part or the detection part.

  Examples of liquid feeding means usable for such a chip include liquid feeding means using a micropump and liquid feeding means using a capillary phenomenon (interface tension) generated between a channel and a liquid. it can.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for incorporating a micropump in an apparatus using a fine processing technique. If a micro pump is used, reliable liquid feeding can be performed. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for feeding liquid by capillary action. Since this method does not require a pump, there is an advantage that it is easy to make the chip more compact than the technique described in Patent Document 1.

  However, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have various problems. For example, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that an advanced and complicated processing technique is required to incorporate a micropump into a chip. In addition, the technique described in Patent Document 1 requires a space for accommodating the micropump in the chip, and also requires a space for accommodating various configurations for driving the micropump in the chip. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to make the chip compact. Further, the technique described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that it is difficult to freely set the channel width because the size of the channel width greatly affects the capillary phenomenon. For example, if a portion with a different flow path width is provided in the middle of the flow path, there arises a problem that the flow of liquid stops or the flow velocity becomes unstable.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problems, conventionally, a liquid feeding means that uses an absorber installed on the downstream side of the flow path has been used. The liquid feeding means will be described in further detail below.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for supplying a liquid to a chip by utilizing the liquid absorption capability of an absorber (for example, a porous body). In this technique, an absorber is disposed on the downstream side of the flow path, and liquid feeding is performed using the liquid absorption capability of the absorber, so there is no problem as in Patent Document 2. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  13A and 13B are diagrams showing a conventional liquid delivery device. FIG. 13A is a plan view of the liquid delivery device, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the liquid delivery device.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the liquid flowing in the liquid delivery device shown in FIG. 13, and shows the change in the state of the liquid flowing in the chip in order from (a) of FIG. 4 to (f) of FIG. ing. In FIGS. 4A to 4F, the portion where the liquid is present is colored, and the flow path 514 is bent to make the flow of the liquid easy to understand.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the chip includes a flow path 514, a receiving portion 512 connected upstream of the flow path 514, and a receiving portion 513 connected downstream of the flow path 514. And an absorber 530 provided in the housing portion 513. The liquid feeding device includes a first substrate 510 provided with a groove for a flow path 514, a through hole for a receiving portion 512, and a through hole for a storage portion 513, and a second substrate 511 that covers the first substrate 510. And overlapping each other.

  When the liquid is injected into the receiving portion 512 (see FIG. 4A), the liquid moves in the flow path 514 by capillary action and reaches the absorber 530. When the liquid reaches the absorber 530 (see FIG. 4B), the liquid is absorbed by the absorber 530, and the liquid continuously flows and is transferred through the flow path 514 (see FIG. 4C). ). When the absorber 530 completely sucks the liquid, the liquid transfer is completed (see FIG. 4D).

JP 2008-128906 A (released on June 5, 2008) JP 2006-220606 A (published August 24, 2006) JP 2001-88096 A (published April 3, 2001)

  However, the liquid feeding device using the conventional absorber has a problem that it is impossible to control the advance and stop of the liquid.

  In order to perform analysis using a chip, it is necessary to perform a predetermined reaction in the flow path. For this purpose, a plurality of types of liquids such as a sample solution, a reaction solution, a washing solution, and a detection solution are used. Needs to be moved in the flow path in a manner corresponding to each solution.

  For example, with respect to the sample solution and the reaction solution, it is preferable to temporarily stop or slow down the flow in the region where the reaction occurs in order to sufficiently advance the reaction. The washing solution is preferably poured out of the region causing the reaction and the region for detection in order to enhance the washing effect or not dilute other liquids. However, with the chip described in Patent Document 3, such control is impossible. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIGS. 4A to 4D, when the absorbable liquid volume of the absorber 530 is larger than the volume of the liquid (first liquid) introduced from the receiving portion 512 into the flow path, The first liquid injected from the portion 512 and entering the flow path 514 is completely absorbed by the absorber 530, and the movement of the liquid stops. At this time, the absorber 530 has a region that does not absorb the liquid, and a gap is generated inside the absorber 530 or between the absorber 530 and the wall surface of the housing portion 513 (see FIG. 4D). ). Since this gap can function as a path for discharging air from the channel 514 to the outside of the chip, when another liquid is injected from the receiving portion 512, the other liquid expels the air in the channel 514. However, it moves to the downstream side (accommodating portion 513 side) (see FIGS. 4E and 4F).

  The above-mentioned movement end state of the other liquid is the absorption power remaining in the absorber 530 after completely absorbing the first liquid, that is, “[absorbable liquid volume of the absorber 530] − [first liquid Volume] ”is determined by the remaining absorbable liquid volume.

  When the remaining absorbable liquid volume is larger than the volume of another injected liquid, there is no liquid in the flow path 514 (the same state as in FIG. 4D). On the other hand, when the volume of another injected liquid is larger than the remaining absorbable liquid volume, the liquid exists in the flow path 514 (see FIG. 4F). Further, when the volume of another liquid is extremely larger than the remaining absorbable liquid volume, the other liquid hardly moves (the same state as in FIG. 4E).

  3A and 3B, the absorbable liquid volume of the absorber 530 is smaller than the volume of the liquid (first liquid) introduced from the receiving portion 512 into the flow path 514. The first liquid injected from the receiving portion 512 and entering the flow path 514 is absorbed by the absorber 530, and the flow of the first liquid stops when the absorbable liquid capacity of the absorber disappears.

  As described above, the conventional liquid feeding technique using the absorber causes the liquid to flow out of the flow path or the liquid to accumulate in the flow path regardless of the intention of the analysis operator. There is a problem that it is difficult to perform measurement stably.

  As a method for solving the problem, it is conceivable to provide an open / close valve such as a micro valve, an electrowetting valve, or a light valve in the flow path. However, the microvalve, like the micropump of Patent Document 1, requires a high level of processing technology for incorporation, and also requires space for various configurations necessary for driving. There is a problem that it is difficult to plan. Although the electrowetting valve and the light valve are less likely to reduce the size of the apparatus, the liquid flow can only be stopped and moved forward once. It is not possible to perform complicated control such as stopping. As described above, the electrowetting valve and the light valve have a problem that it is not possible to control the liquid feeding of each liquid by selectively using a plurality of types of liquids.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid feeding device capable of controlling the advance and stop of a liquid.

  In order to solve the above problems, the liquid delivery device of the present invention is connected to the first inlet through which the first liquid is introduced, the first inlet and the first flow path, and the first flow. A first discharge port for discharging the air in the passage to the outside, a first absorber that is provided in the first flow path and absorbs the liquid in the first flow path by capillary action, and the first And a first thickener that dissolves in one liquid and increases the viscosity of the first liquid.

  According to the above configuration, the advance and stop of the liquid can be controlled in a complicated manner.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described in more detail using FIGS. 1 and 2 as an example.

  FIG. 1A is a plan view of the liquid feeding device, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the liquid feeding device. (A)-(e) of FIG. 2 has shown the flow of the liquid in a liquid feeding apparatus.

  When the liquid is injected into the introduction port 115 (see FIG. 2A), the liquid flows into the opened discharge port side after entering the inside of the liquid feeding device due to the action of the weight of the liquid and the surface tension. After the thickener is dissolved, it is absorbed by the absorber 131 (see FIG. 2B).

  At this time, the viscosity of the liquid is increased by the thickener, and the increased viscosity stays in the absorber 131, the apparatus, the discharge port 113, or the like. When the liquid with increased viscosity stays, the liquid feeding due to the capillary force can be decelerated or stopped. That is, the liquid can be stopped in the state of FIG. 2B, or the speed at which the state changes from the state of FIG. 2B to the state of FIG. 2C can be slowed.

  According to the above configuration, the flow of the liquid can be temporarily stopped or decelerated in the apparatus even when the absorbable capacity of the absorber is sufficiently larger than the volume of the introduced liquid.

  If the absorbable capacity of the absorber is less than the volume of the introduced liquid, the absorbent capacity of the absorber itself decreases as the remaining absorbable liquid volume of the absorber decreases, The liquid flow can be temporarily stopped or slowed down. In addition, the increase in the viscosity of the liquid increases the effect of stopping and decelerating the liquid, and can reduce the evaporation of the liquid, so that the liquid stopped state when stopped (FIG. 2 (b) ) State).

  In the liquid feeding device of the present invention, the first thickener includes sodium carboxymethylcellulose, casein, albumin, agar, starch, saccharide, alginic acid, polyester compound, polyamide compound, polyether compound, polyglycol compound, It preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol compounds, polyalkylene oxide compounds, polyacrylic acid compounds, vinyl compounds, and vinylidene compounds.

  According to the said structure, a 1st thickener can be selected according to the liquid to be sent. This makes it possible to use a first thickener that exhibits high solubility in the first liquid, and to increase the viscosity of the first liquid. As a result, the flow of the first liquid can be temporarily stopped or decelerated in the first flow path.

  In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, the first thickener is disposed inside the first absorbent body or in the first flow path and closer to the first inlet than the first absorbent body. It is preferable that

  According to the above configuration, the advance and stop of the liquid can be controlled in a complicated manner.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described in more detail using FIGS. 1 and 2 as an example.

  According to the above configuration, the thickener 132 is disposed inside the absorber 131 or closer to the inlet 115 than the absorber 131, so that the liquid in which the thickener 132 is dissolved can be surely contained in the absorber 131. Can be moved.

  The liquid that has moved into the absorber 131 weakens the capillary force of the absorber 131. In addition, the space where the capillary force in the absorber 131 works strongly is generally a narrow space compared to the space where the capillary force outside the absorber 131 is low, so that the liquid with high viscosity acts on the force acting on the wall surface of the flow path. Resistance can be increased effectively, and liquid feeding can be decelerated or stopped more effectively. According to the above configuration, even when the absorbable capacity of the absorber 131 is sufficiently larger than the capacity of the introduced liquid, the flow of the liquid can be temporarily stopped or decelerated in the apparatus.

  When the absorbable capacity of the absorber 131 is smaller than the volume of the introduced liquid, the absorption capacity of the absorber itself is reduced or eliminated, so that the liquid flow can be temporarily stopped or decelerated in the apparatus. . In addition, the viscosity of the liquid is increased by the dissolution of the thickener 132, whereby the evaporation of the liquid can be reduced, so that the stopped liquid state can be maintained.

  In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, the first flow path includes a receiving part that receives the first liquid introduced from the first introduction port, a first connection flow path that is connected to the receiving part, A first housing part that is coupled to the first connection flow path and that houses the first absorber, and the sum of the volume of the receiving part and the volume of the first connection flow path is Q0, When the absorbable liquid volume of one absorbent is Q1, it is preferable that Q0 ≦ Q1.

  According to the said structure, the 1st liquid in a receiving part can be sent completely to the 1st discharge port side.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described in more detail using FIGS. 1 and 2 as an example.

  For example, when a first liquid having a volume of Q1 or less is introduced into the receiving portion 112, the first liquid advances in the flow path 114 and dissolves the thickener 132. Since the 1st liquid which melt | dissolved the thickener 132 is absorbed by the absorber 131, the liquid in the flow path 114 moves completely out of a flow path, and liquid feeding operation stops. (See (a) to (c) of FIG. 2).

  At this time, the first liquid in which the thickener 132 has been dissolved moves to the gap in the absorber 131 and the gap between the outer surface of the absorber 131 and the flow path 114 and / or the accommodating portion 116.

  The first liquid in which the thickener 132 is dissolved has a higher viscosity than the original liquid, and reduces the absorption power of the absorber 131. In this state, the liquid gradually advances to the discharge port 113 side, the liquid in the flow path 114 is completely moved out of the flow path, and the liquid feeding operation is stopped (see (c) in FIG. 2).

  At this time, the liquid-gas interface formed between the internal liquid and the air connected from the outside is formed by the boundary between the liquid level of the liquid filled in the fine space where the capillary force works and the air. . At such a liquid-gas interface, the influence of interfacial tension and viscosity acts strongly, so that the resistance to the flow of the staying liquid becomes strong, and air is formed inside the absorber or outside the absorber. Cannot pass through the gap. Therefore, when a new liquid 152 is injected into the receiving portion 112, the air in the flow path 114 cannot flow downstream, so the liquid 152 stops in the receiving portion 112. That is, according to the above configuration, the liquid 152 can be stopped in the receiving unit 112 without using a complicated mechanism (see FIG. 2E).

  Note that the receiving portion 112 has a sufficient space that can replace liquid and air, and air can escape from the introduction port to the outside. Therefore, a new liquid (liquid 152) can be introduced.

  In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, at least a part of the first absorbent body and at least a part of the first flow path are in contact with each other, and the first flow path is in contact with the first absorbent body. It is preferable that at least a part of the contact surface is hydrophilic.

  According to the above configuration, since at least a part of the surface of the first flow path in contact with the first absorbent body is hydrophilic, the first liquid easily moves to the hydrophilic surface in contact with the first absorbent body. At the same time, the first liquid can be easily absorbed by the first absorber in contact therewith.

  In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, the receiving unit is provided with a first reaction unit for reacting a substance in the first liquid or a first detection unit for detecting the substance in the first liquid. It is preferable that

  According to the above configuration, the movement of the liquid can be controlled in the liquid feeding device. For example, the liquid can exist in the first reaction unit or the first detection unit for a long time. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the substance in the first liquid can be sufficiently reacted, or the substance in the first liquid can be detected with high sensitivity.

  In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, it is preferable that a first valve for adjusting the movement of the liquid in the first flow path is provided in the first flow path.

  According to the above configuration, the advance and stop of the liquid can be controlled in a complicated manner.

  In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, the main flow path is connected to the first flow path, and the end opposite to the side connected to the first flow path is located inside and outside the main flow path. A main channel provided with a through-hole and a second channel connected to the main channel, the second channel being connected to the main channel; A second flow path provided with a second inlet for introducing liquid, and the second flow path has a second valve for adjusting the movement of the liquid in the second flow path. It is preferable to be provided.

  According to the above configuration, the advance and stop of the liquid can be controlled in a complicated manner.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described in more detail using FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 as an example.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the liquid feeding device, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the flow of the liquid in the liquid feeding device. The liquid feeding device preferably includes a valve 260b, and the valves 260a and 260c may or may not be provided.

  In the above configuration, when a liquid is injected from the first introduction port 212a, the liquid moves to the main flow path 251 through the first introduction flow path 252 and moves to the hole 250 side. The liquid in the main flow path 251 moves from the main flow path 251 to the discharge flow path 271 and dissolves a thickener (not shown) provided in the discharge port 213 and / or the discharge flow path 271. The absorber 213 absorbs the liquid.

  Since the valve 260b is provided in the second introduction channel 253, the liquid does not move from the main channel 251 to the second introduction channel 253 side if the valve 260b is stopped. In the above description, it is assumed that the valve 260a and the valve 260c are in an open state (forward state).

  Here, the total volume q0 of the receiving part, the first introduction channel 252 and the discharge channel 271 is set to be equal to or less than the absorbable liquid volume q1 of the absorber. The first liquid of q1 or less can be introduced into the liquid delivery apparatus, and when the first liquid within this range is introduced into the liquid delivery apparatus, the liquid in the main flow path 251 and the discharge flow path 271 is completely transferred to the first absorber. Is absorbed, and the liquid feeding stops (see (b) to (d) of FIG. 9).

  At this time, the thickener is dissolved by the first liquid, and the thickener is dissolved in the gap in the absorber 131 and the gap between the outside of the absorber 131 and the discharge flow path 271 and / or the accommodating portion. Move.

  The liquid in which the thickener is dissolved has a higher viscosity than the original first liquid, and reduces the absorbent capacity of the absorber. In this state, the liquid gradually proceeds to the discharge port 213 side, the liquid in the flow path completely moves out of the flow path, and the liquid feeding operation is stopped (see (c) in FIG. 2).

  At this time, the liquid-gas interface formed between the internal liquid and the air connected from the outside is formed by the boundary between the liquid level of the liquid filled in the fine space where the capillary force works and the air. .

  At such a liquid-gas interface, the influence of interfacial tension and viscosity acts strongly, so that the resistance to the flow of the staying liquid becomes strong, and air is formed inside the absorber or outside the absorber. Cannot pass through the gap. Therefore, even if the second liquid is injected from the second introduction port 212b, the liquid cannot travel from the main channel 251 to the discharge channel 271. Further, the inflow of air from the hole 250 leaves a liquid in the first introduction flow path 252, and this liquid hinders the movement of air, so that the second liquid enters the first introduction flow path 252 from the main flow path 251. (See (e) of FIG. 9). That is, according to the above configuration, the second liquid can be stopped in the main channel 271 without using a complicated mechanism (see FIG. 9F).

In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, the third liquid is introduced into the third flow path connected to the main flow path, which is the end opposite to the side connected to the main flow path. A third flow path provided with a third introduction port, and a discharge flow path connected to the main flow path and arranged to face the second flow path across the main flow path And a discharge channel provided with a second discharge port for discharging the air in the discharge channel to the outside, and a capillarity phenomenon that is provided in the discharge channel and the liquid in the discharge channel. Provided in the third flow path, a second thickener that dissolves in the liquid in the discharge flow path and increases the viscosity of the liquid in the discharge flow path, A third valve for adjusting the movement of the liquid in the third flow path, and the drain provided in the discharge flow path. A fourth valve for adjusting the movement of the liquid in the flow path, and the discharge flow path includes a second storage section for storing the second absorber, the second storage section, and the main flow path. A total of the volume of the receiving portion, the volume of the main flow channel, the volume of the second flow channel, and the volume of the second connection flow channel is Q2. When the absorbable liquid volume of the second absorber is Q3, it is preferable that Q2 ≦ Q3.
The advance and stop of the liquid can be controlled in a complex manner.

  In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, a second reaction unit for reacting a substance in the liquid in the main flow path in a region closer to the hole than the second flow path in the main flow path, or It is preferable that a second detection unit for detecting a substance in the liquid in the main flow path is provided.

  According to the above configuration, the movement of the liquid can be controlled in the liquid feeding device. For example, a plurality of liquids can be present in the second reaction unit or the second detection unit for a long time. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the substance in the liquid can be sufficiently reacted, or the substance in the liquid can be detected with high sensitivity.

  In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, at least a part of the second absorber and at least a part of the discharge channel are in contact with each other, and the discharge channel is in contact with the second absorber. It is preferable that at least a part of the surface is hydrophilic.

  According to the above configuration, since at least a part of the surface of the discharge channel in contact with the second absorbent body is hydrophilic, the liquid in the discharge channel easily contacts the hydrophilic surface in contact with the second absorber. While moving, the liquid in the discharge channel can be easily absorbed by the second absorber in contact therewith.

  In the liquid delivery device of the present invention, the second valve is preferably an electrowetting valve or a light valve.

  According to the above configuration, the movement of the liquid can be reliably controlled with a simple configuration.

  In the liquid delivery apparatus of the present invention, the second valve is provided on the upstream side of the second flow path from the hydrophobic area provided on the wall surface of the second flow path and the hydrophobic area. It is preferable that the second valve is configured to send the liquid in the second flow path beyond the hydrophobic region by applying pressure to the pressing portion.

  According to the said structure, the valve | bulb which can control the movement of a liquid reliably with a simple structure is realizable.

  In the liquid delivery apparatus of the present invention, the second valve is provided on the upstream side of the second flow path from the hydrophobic area provided on the wall surface of the second flow path and the hydrophobic area. The second valve is configured to send out the liquid in the second flow path beyond the hydrophobic region by a pressure caused by bubbles generated by electrolysis in the electrode part. preferable.

  According to the said structure, the valve | bulb which can control the movement of a liquid reliably with a simple structure is realizable.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect of reducing (moisturizing) the evaporation of liquid from the discharge port.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately control movement (for example, advance or stop) of a desired liquid in a flow path (for example, in a region where detection or reaction of a desired substance is performed). .

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that a compact liquid feeding device can be realized.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an easy-to-use liquid delivery device.

It is a figure which shows the liquid feeding apparatus of Embodiment 1, Comprising: (a) is a top view of a liquid feeding apparatus, (b) is sectional drawing of a liquid feeding apparatus. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a liquid flow in the liquid delivery device according to the first embodiment. It is a top view which shows the flow of the liquid in the conventional microanalysis chip | tip. It is a top view which shows the flow of the liquid in the conventional microanalysis chip | tip. It is a figure which shows the liquid feeding apparatus of Embodiment 2, Comprising: (a) is a top view of a liquid feeding apparatus, (b) is sectional drawing of a liquid feeding apparatus. 6 is a plan view showing a flow of a liquid in the liquid delivery device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the liquid feeding apparatus of Embodiment 3, Comprising: (a) is a top view of a liquid feeding apparatus, (b) is sectional drawing of a liquid feeding apparatus. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a liquid feeding device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a liquid flow in the liquid delivery device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a liquid feeding device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a liquid flow in the liquid delivery device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a liquid flow in the liquid delivery device according to the fifth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the conventional micro analysis chip, Comprising: (a) is a top view of the said micro analysis chip, (b) is sectional drawing of the said micro analysis chip. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating interfacial tension. It is a figure which shows the apparatus used for the absorbable liquid capacity | capacitance and absorption power of an absorber, Comprising: (a) is a top view of the said apparatus, (b) is sectional drawing of the said apparatus.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[Embodiment 1]
1A and 1B are diagrams showing a liquid feeding device according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1A is a plan view of the liquid feeding device, and FIG. 1B is a sectional view of the liquid feeding device. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), the liquid delivery device of the present embodiment has a liquid flow channel 114 (first connection flow channel) and a liquid disposed on the upstream side of the flow channel 114. Connected to a receiving portion 112 (receiving portion) having an inlet 115 (first inlet) for introduction into the flow channel 114 and a downstream side (opposite to the receiving portion 112) of the flow channel 114, 114, a storage section 116 (first storage section) provided with a discharge port 113 (first discharge port) for discharging the air in 114. An absorber 131 (first absorber) is provided in the accommodating portion 116, and a thickener 132 (first thickener) is disposed in the flow path 114.

  Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

<Flow path>
As shown in FIG. 1B, in the present embodiment, the flow path 114 is formed by overlapping the first substrate 110 provided with the groove and the second substrate 111.

  The formation method of the flow path 114 is not particularly limited, and the flow path 114 may be formed by a cavity formed between substrates disposed to face each other, or by a cavity formed by excavating the inside of the substrate. It may be formed, or may be formed by arranging a tube inside the substrate.

  The channel 114 connects the receiving part 112 and the accommodating part 116. In other words, the flow path 114 connects the discharge port 113 and the introduction port 115.

  In this specification, when the flow path is branched or when there are a plurality of flow paths, the flow path connected to the discharge port is referred to as a discharge flow channel, and corresponds to a receiving portion connected to the introduction port. The portion may be referred to as an introduction channel. The flow path connected to the discharge flow path and the introduction flow path is also referred to as a main flow path.

  The discharge flow channel, the introduction flow channel, the main flow channel, and the like are part of the flow channel provided in the liquid feeding device, and can be changed in shape according to the form of the discharge part and the liquid receiving part. In addition, the channel 114 is preferably configured to be able to send a liquid to be supplied by capillarity.

  Next, liquid feeding by capillary action will be described.

  In general, the cross-sectional shape of the flow channel (cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the liquid flow direction in the flow channel) is circular, and the wall surface of the flow channel (surface in contact with the liquid) is uniform (for example, the same material) The pressure acting on the liquid (pressure of liquid feeding due to capillary action) P is the interface tension of the gas-liquid interface σ, the contact angle of the wall surface of the channel is θ, When the radius is r, it is expressed by the following equation 1.

P = 2σ cos θ / r (Formula 1)
In Equation 1, when the value of P is positive, the liquid can travel through the space in the flow path, and when the value of P is 0 or negative, the liquid travels through the space in the flow path. I can't. Here, since σ and r are both positive values, cos θ needs to be positive on the surface of the flow path in order to send liquid by capillary action (the value of P is positive). That is, in the case of a liquid using water as a solvent, the liquid can be flowed by capillary action when the flow path surface (the surface of the flow path) is hydrophilic.

  However, a hydrophobic portion may exist on the flow path surface. When both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties coexist, the sum of the interfacial tensions determines the capillary phenomenon that occurs in the flow path, so the sum of interfacial tensions is hydrophilic (cos θ is positive) What should I do.

  Here, the hydrophilicity is intended when the contact angle measured under conditions of 1 atm and 25 ° C. using pure water (25 ° C.) having a specific resistance greater than 18 mΩ · cm is less than 90 ° ( (See FIG. 14). The term “hydrophobic” means that the contact angle of the pure water is 90 ° or more. However, the cosine, which is a component acting in the liquid feeding direction of the contact angle, greatly fluctuates in the vicinity of 90 °, so that the contact angle with respect to pure water is 85 ° from the viewpoint of stably securing the liquid feeding function. More preferably, the contact angle is 75 ° or less, and the contact angle is most preferably 60 ° or less.

  Moreover, the flow path should just be a flow path of the magnitude | size which a capillary phenomenon produces. For example, the width and height of the cross section of the flow channel are preferably 0.1 μm to 10 mm, and more preferably 10 μm to 1 mm.

<Board>
The material used for the substrate may be selected according to the purpose and application of the liquid delivery device, and is not particularly limited. For example, when optical detection is performed, the optical surface is taken into consideration, when electrical detection is performed, electrical insulation is taken into consideration, and when fine processing such as grooves is required, it is easy to process. In view of this, a material suitable for each application may be selected.

  When the liquid to be absorbed by the absorber is water, it is preferable to use a hydrophilic material or perform a hydrophilic treatment for at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. Examples of the hydrophilic treatment method include, but are not limited to, hydrophilic treatment, plasma treatment, UV treatment, hydrophilic film coating, and surface roughness control.

  In addition, when performing an optical operation (detection, valve, etc.), it is preferable to use a transparent or translucent material for at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and such a transparent or translucent material is used. Examples thereof include glass, quartz, thermosetting resin, thermoplastic resin, and film. Specifically, a silicon-based resin, an acrylic resin, or a styrene-based resin is preferable from the viewpoints of transparency and moldability. In addition, non-fluorescent materials such as fluoroplastics such as fluorinated polymethylmethacrylate, in which hydrogen atoms of polymethylmethacrylate are replaced with fluorine atoms, and additives such as catalysts and stabilizers, are plastic materials that emit very little light. Examples thereof include polymethyl methacrylate using a material, and these can be used for at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

  When electrical operation (detection, valve, etc.) is performed, it is necessary to form electrodes on the surfaces of the flow path, the first substrate, and the second substrate, so the materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are electrodes. It is preferable to use a material capable of forming the film. Examples of the material capable of forming the electrode include glass, quartz, silicon, and the like, and these are preferable materials from the viewpoint of productivity and reproducibility. Note that since it is difficult to form electrodes on the uneven surface, it is preferable to form electrodes on a substrate (second substrate 111 in this embodiment) on which unevenness such as a groove for a flow path is not formed.

  The thicknesses of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 111 are not particularly limited. For example, it may be 0.1-10 mm. More specifically, the thickness of the first substrate 110 may be 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the second substrate 111 may be 2 mm.

  In the present embodiment, the thickness of the first substrate 110 is 0.5 mm, and the depth of the groove formed in the first substrate 110 (corresponding to the length of the cross section of the flow path) is It may be 50 μm deep. The depth of the groove is not particularly limited as long as it can be fed by capillary action, and is preferably formed to a depth of about 5 μm to 500 μm, for example. Note that the groove can be formed by mechanical processing such as etching and cutting of the first substrate, a hot embossing method, a mold forming method, and the like.

  The groove forming the flow path 114 can be formed so that its cross-sectional shape (cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the liquid feeding direction) is rectangular. The cross-sectional shape is not particularly limited as long as it can cause capillary action, and may be, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a semicircular shape, an inverted triangular shape, or the like.

<Receiving part and receiving part>
The receiving unit 112 includes an introduction port 115 that is open to the outside air, and the storage unit 116 includes a discharge port 113 that is open to the outside air. The receiving part 112 and the accommodating part 116 are connected by a flow path 114.

  The receiving part 112 and the accommodating part 116 can be formed by providing a through hole in the first substrate 110. Although the shape of the receiving part 112 and the accommodating part 116 is not specifically limited, For example, it may be a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 0.5 mm-10 mm.

<Absorber and thickener>
An absorber 131 can be disposed inside the accommodating portion 116. Both the absorbent body 131 and the thickener 132 may be disposed inside the housing portion 116.

  At this time, at least a part of the thickener 132 can be disposed on the upstream side (the inlet 115 side) of the absorber 131. Note that at least a part of the thickener 132 may or may not be disposed inside the absorber 131. Part of the thickener 132 may or may not be disposed in the flow path 114.

  The absorber 131 is a structure that can absorb liquid by capillary action. As such a structure, a fiber, a porous material, a structure including at least one of these materials, and the like can be given. More specifically, fiber materials (for example, vegetable fibers such as cotton, animal fibers such as wool, glass fibers, chemical fibers, etc.) or porous materials (for example, molecular sieves (zeolite), calcium carbonate, porous resins, Resist).

  The thickener 132 is a structure that is dissolved by the liquid. Examples of such substances include natural thickeners, thickeners containing synthetic resins as components, and structures containing at least one of these materials. More specifically, CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose sodium), casein, albumin, agar, starch, saccharide, alginic acid, polyester compound, polyamide compound, polyether compound, polyglycol compound, polyvinyl alcohol compound, polyalkylene Examples thereof include oxide compounds, polyacrylic acid compounds, vinyl compounds, and vinylidene compounds.

  When the liquid medium absorbed by the absorber 131 is water, a hydrophilic material is preferably used as the absorber 131 and a water-soluble material is preferably used as the thickener 132. When the hydrophilicity of the material of the absorber 131 is low, the hydrophilicity of the absorber 131 can be increased by performing a hydrophilic treatment on the material. Examples of the hydrophilic treatment include, but are not limited to, a hydrophilic treatment, plasma treatment, UV treatment, hydrophilic film coating, and surface roughness control.

  In the case of a liquid other than water (for example, an organic solvent such as ethanol, acetone, toluene, thinner, or a solvent containing an acid such as acetic acid or formic acid), it has an affinity for the solvent as a material of the absorber 131 It is possible to use a material that is soluble in the solvent as the material of the thickener 132.

<Relationship between absorber and wall surface of flow path (1)>
The relationship (1) is a case where at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the absorber 131 is in contact with the housing portion 116 and / or the wall surface of the flow path 114. In this structure, the liquid moves as follows.

  The liquid introduced from the inlet 115 provided in the receiving portion 112 travels along the wall surface of the flow path 114 and then travels to the thickener 132. As a result, the thickener 132 is dissolved in the liquid. The liquid in which the thickener 132 is dissolved moves toward the discharge port 113 while moving along the interface between the housing 116 and / or the wall surface of the flow path 114 and the absorber 131.

  In this configuration, the liquid can easily move along the wall surface by the capillary force due to the interfacial tension acting on the wall surface of the flow path 114 or the accommodating portion 116 and the capillary force acting on the outer peripheral portion of the thickener 132. The liquid is easily transferred.

<Relationship between absorber and wall surface of flow path (2)>
In relation (2), there is a gap between the outer peripheral part of the absorber 131 and the wall surface of the accommodating part 116 and / or the flow path 114, and the void is formed in the wall surface of the accommodating part 116 or the flow path 114. This is a case where at least a part of the wall surface is hydrophilic.

  In this structure, when the liquid absorbed in the absorber 131 decreases due to evaporation or the like, an air passage is formed in the absorber 131 or in the outer peripheral portion of the absorber 131, so that the air in the channel is outside the channel. There is a risk of spillage. However, if at least a part of the wall surface forming the void is hydrophilic, a strong capillary force acts on the void formed between the absorber 131 and the wall surface, so that the void is a liquid in which the thickener is dissolved. Will be satisfied by. As a result, air in the flow path is prevented from escaping out of the flow path by the liquid filled in the gap formed by the absorbent body 131 and the wall surface and the space inside the absorbent body 131.

<Arrangement of flow path and absorber>
If the absorber 131 exists in the flow path, it is possible to prevent the liquid from evaporating from the absorber 131 after absorbing the liquid. Therefore, part or all of the thickener 131 is preferably disposed in the flow path 114.

  The absorber 131 may be disposed in the receiving portion 112, may be disposed in the flow path 114, may be disposed in the accommodating portion 116, or may be disposed in a plurality of these configurations. .

<Disposition relationship between absorber and thickener>
The absorber 131 and the thickener 132 may be in contact or may not be in contact. Further, the thickener 132 may be provided in the absorber 131 or on the upstream side of the absorber 131 (upstream side of the flow path).

<Detector>
As another configuration, the receiving unit 112 can be provided with a detection unit 141 (first detection unit) for detecting the amount of a specific substance contained in the liquid.

  For example, when the detection unit 141 is an electrochemical detection unit, the receiving unit 112 can be provided with a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. As a material for the working electrode, the reference electrode and the counter electrode, common electrode materials can be used. For example, gold, platinum, silver, silver chloride, copper, iridium, aluminum, ITO (indium tin oxide) ), Nickel, titanium, chromium, or the like can be used.

  The shape of the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a circle, a polygon (for example, a triangle, a quadrangle, etc.) or a line.

  The size of the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode is not particularly limited, and may be a size according to the detected current value. For example, in the case of a circular shape, the outer diameter is about 10 μm to 10 mm, preferably the outer diameter is about 0.5 mm to 5 mm. Even in the case of a shape other than a circle, it is preferable to determine the size so that the area is approximately the same as the area in the case of a circle.

  In the case where the detection unit 141 is a means for detecting by a change in impedance, for example, an electrode for impedance detection can be provided on the bottom surface of the receiving unit 112.

  As an electrode material for impedance detection, a general electrode material can be used. For example, gold, platinum, silver, silver chloride, copper, iridium, aluminum, ITO (indium tin oxide), nickel It is possible to use titanium or chromium.

  In the case where the detection unit 141 is a means for detecting by fluorescence, for example, a fluorescence detection unit can be provided on the side surface or the bottom surface of the receiving unit 112. The detection unit 141 can be provided in the receiving unit 112. The specific configuration of the fluorescence detection unit is not particularly limited, and a known configuration can be used.

<Reaction part>
In the liquid delivery device, a reaction unit (first reaction unit) for causing a desired reaction to a substance in the liquid can be provided instead of or together with the detection unit 141. The specific configuration of the reaction unit is not particularly limited. For example, a reaction unit that performs an antigen-antibody reaction and / or an enzyme reaction can be provided.

  When performing the enzyme reaction, for example, the enzyme used for the enzyme reaction may be immobilized on the side surface or the bottom surface of the receiving portion 112 or in the flow path. It is also possible to flow a liquid containing an enzyme toward the reaction part.

  When an antigen-antibody reaction is performed, the antibody or antigen used for the antigen-antibody reaction may be immobilized on the side surface or the bottom surface of the receiving portion 112 or in the flow channel as described above. It is also possible to flow a liquid containing an antibody or an antigen toward the reaction part.

  The shape of the reaction part for performing the antigen-antibody reaction or the enzyme reaction is not particularly limited, and can be a desired shape as appropriate.

<How to use the device>
A method of using the liquid delivery device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the flow of the liquid in the liquid delivery device of the present embodiment. In the liquid delivery device of the present embodiment, when liquid is injected into the receiving portion 112 (see FIG. 2A), the liquid reaches the thickener through the flow path 114, and the thickener dissolves. Then, the liquid containing the dissolved thickener proceeds in the flow path 114 (see FIG. 2B).

  Here, if a liquid smaller than the absorbable liquid volume Q1 of the absorber 131 is introduced into the inlet provided in the receiving portion 112, the thickener dissolves in the liquid and the liquid is absorbed by the absorber 131. At this stage, the liquid feeding stops (see (c) of FIG. 2).

  When the liquid feeding is stopped, the absorber 131 is in a state of absorbing the liquid in which the thickener is dissolved. In a state where the absorber 131 has absorbed the liquid in which the thickener is dissolved, the air in the flow path 114 cannot move downstream beyond the highly viscous liquid. When it introduces from the provided inlet (refer FIG.2 (d)), a liquid does not flow downstream (discharge port side).

  On the other hand, in the receiving portion 112, the introduction port is open to the outside, and the receiving portion 112 is provided with a margin space in which liquid and air can be replaced. Therefore, the next liquid can be injected into the receiving portion 112, and no further liquid feeding force acts on the injected liquid (one end of the flow path is closed by the absorber 131). The liquid stops in the receiving portion 112 (see (e) of FIG. 2).

  If a detection unit and a reaction unit are provided in the receiving unit 112, liquid can be retained in the detection unit and the reaction unit, so that highly reliable detection and reaction can be performed.

  In order to reliably perform the above-described operation, Q0 ≦ Q1 when the sum of the volume of the receiving portion 112 and the volume of the flow path 114 is Q0 and the absorbable liquid volume of the absorber 131 is Q1. It is preferable.

<Measurement method of absorbable liquid volume>
A method of measuring the absorbable liquid volume will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 shows an apparatus used for measuring the absorbable liquid volume. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the apparatus includes a receiving portion 612 having an introduction port, a receiving portion 613 having a discharge port, and a flow path 614 that connects the receiving portion 612 and the receiving portion 613. And.

  An absorbent body 640 having substantially the same size (volume is also substantially the same) as the housing portion 613 is disposed in the housing portion 613.

  The accommodating portion 613 is, for example, a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 3 mm and a height of 5 mm. In addition, for at least one of the first substrate 610 and the second substrate 611, a transparent material can be used for visualization inside the channel 614.

  When the absorbent body 640 is made of powder or granules, the absorbent body 640 is filled in a density measuring container, the apparent density is measured by the tap density test method of the industry standard TMIAS01015, and the volume of the container 613 is measured. From the above, the mass of the absorber 640 is calculated. The absorber having the calculated mass is filled up to the same height as the accommodating portion 613 while tapping. The “absorbable liquid volume” is measured by the filled absorber 640.

  The measurement is performed as follows.

  The liquid is introduced from the introduction port, and the absorber 640 sufficiently absorbs the liquid (saturated state). At this time, the volume of the liquid introduced from the inlet is made larger than the capacity that can be absorbed by the absorber 640. When the movement of the introduced liquid is completely stopped, the remaining liquid volume is calculated by measuring the liquid length remaining upstream from the absorber and multiplying the liquid length by the cross-sectional area of the flow path. . From the difference between the introduced liquid volume and the remaining liquid volume, the absorbable liquid volume of the absorber 640 is calculated.

  Here, when the absorber 640 is a fiber or the like, the volume of the absorber 640 expands by absorbing the liquid. Therefore, in the case where a material whose volume is expanded is used as the liquid absorption 640, a space for storing the expanded volume above the storage portion 613 may be provided.

  As a space for absorbing the expanded volume, a space that is 0.5 times or less or 1 time or less the volume of the absorber 640 may be used.

[Embodiment 2]
This embodiment is a modification of the above-described first embodiment.

  The liquid delivery device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing the liquid feeding device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid feeding device of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view for explaining the flow of the liquid in the liquid delivery device of the present embodiment.

  The present embodiment is characterized in that a valve 160 (first valve) capable of switching the liquid stop state to forward movement is provided in the flow path 114 of the first embodiment. Is the same as in the first embodiment.

  For example, if the valve 160 is provided, the first liquid can be stopped in the flow path (for example, the main flow path). For example, a liquid containing a target substance and a labeled substance that reacts competitively with the target substance is poured into a flow path (for example, a main flow path), and the reaction provided in the flow path The reaction is performed with the liquid stopped in the part (or the detection part). Thereafter, another liquid that is a cleaning liquid is poured into the flow path (for example, the main flow path) to wash the reaction part (or detection part), and the label remaining in the reaction part (or detection part) The amount of the target substance can be measured by detecting the amount of the substance to which is attached. That is, the liquid feeding device of the present embodiment can be used as a measurement device or a detection device as described above.

  Although it does not specifically limit as said valve | bulb 160, For example, it is possible to use an electrowetting valve | bulb or a light valve.

  In addition, as the valve 160, a hydrophobic region is provided on the wall surface of the flow channel, a pressing portion is provided on the upstream side of the flow channel with respect to the hydrophobic region, and pressure is applied to the pressing portion from the outside. Therefore, it can be set as the structure which sends out the liquid in a flow path beyond a hydrophobic area | region.

  Further, as the valve 160, a hydrophobic region is provided on the wall surface of the flow channel, and an electrode part that electrolyzes liquid to generate bubbles is provided in the flow channel upstream of the hydrophobic region. The liquid can be sent over the hydrophobic region by the pressure of bubbles generated by electrolysis in the electrode part.

  The electrowetting valve is a valve that is hydrophobic when no voltage is applied, and the contact angle of the electrode surface changes to the hydrophilic side when a voltage is applied, and the stopped liquid is advanced by the change. .

  Such an electrowetting valve may be configured to include a working electrode that switches between a liquid stopped state and a forward state and a reference electrode. The materials for the working electrode and the reference electrode are not particularly limited, and general conductive materials can be used. For example, gold, platinum, silver, silver chloride, copper, iridium, aluminum, ITO (indium tin oxide), nickel, titanium, or chromium can be used.

  In order to give the electrowetting valve a liquid stopping function, the surface of the working electrode is, for example, a hydrophobic film such as a tetrafluoroethylene film or a film having a very low hydrophilicity (for example, a natural electrode metal). An oxide film or the like is preferably provided.

  Examples of the light valve include a structure in which a photocatalyst (for example, titanium oxide) and a hydrophobic organic substance that is decomposed by the photocatalyst are formed in a region serving as a valve. In such a light valve, by irradiating light such as ultraviolet rays to the photocatalyst, the hydrophobic organic substance is decomposed by the photocatalyst and the contact angle is lowered, so that the liquid that has stopped can be switched to the forward state. .

  As the photocatalyst, various photocatalytic films can be used. The photocatalytic film can be formed, for example, by patterning a titanium oxide film on the second substrate 111 by a sputtering method or a lift-off method. Alternatively, a method may be used in which a titanium film is formed in the same manner, followed by heat treatment or chemical treatment, and the titanium film is oxidized to form a titanium oxide film. In order to improve the initial hydrophobicity of titanium oxide, an organic monomolecular film or the like is preferably formed on the titanium oxide surface, and octadecyltrichlorosilane or the like can be used. Also. The first substrate 110 is made of a material that transmits light that reacts with the photocatalyst.

  According to the present embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and in the present embodiment, the liquid can be stopped in the flow path 114 by the valve 160. It is possible to stop the flow of the reaction and perform the reaction and detection.

  The configuration of the valve 160 described above can be adopted as any valve provided in the liquid delivery device of the present invention. At this time, the above-described channel may be replaced with a channel provided with each valve. Further, in the present invention, it is possible to provide a valve in every flow path.

[Embodiment 3]
The present embodiment is a further modification of the first embodiment. The liquid delivery device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing the liquid delivery device of the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the absorber 131 is enclosed in the accommodating portion 116 and a part of the absorber 131 is also enclosed in the flow path. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The inner wall 180 of the flow path 114 that is in contact with the absorber 131 is made hydrophilic by the hydrophilization treatment. As the hydrophilic treatment method, the method described in Embodiment Mode 1 can be used.

  In FIG. 7, when the liquid absorbed by the absorber 131 decreases due to evaporation or the like, there is a possibility that an air passage may be formed on the outer periphery of the absorber 131. If the inner wall 180 of the flow path 114 that is in contact with the absorber 131 is rendered hydrophilic, the gap formed between the absorber 131 and the wall surface when the liquid is discharged from the flow path 114. A strong capillary force works and the liquid tends to stay in the gap. Therefore, the gap formed between the absorber 131 and the wall surface is filled with the liquid, and the air passage is blocked.

  In the present embodiment, the thickener dissolves to increase the viscosity of the liquid, and the capillary force causes the liquid to move forward by synergistic effects. After that, it is possible to reliably perform the operation of stopping the next liquid.

[Embodiment 4]
The liquid delivery device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the liquid delivery device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a plan view for explaining the flow of the liquid in the liquid delivery device of the present embodiment.

  The liquid feeding device according to the present embodiment is connected to the main channel 251, the hole 250 provided on one end side of the main channel 251, and the main channel 251, and introduces liquid into the main channel 251. A first introduction channel 252 having one introduction port 212a and a second channel that is connected to the main channel 251 on the hole 250 side of the first introduction channel 252 and introduces a liquid (second liquid) into the main channel 251. A second inlet channel 253 (second channel) having an inlet 212b, and an outlet for discharging air in the main channel 251 disposed opposite the first inlet channel 252 across the main channel 251 A discharge passage 271 having 213.

  Each liquid introduced into each inlet is received between the first inlet 212a and the first inlet channel 252 and between the second inlet 212b and the second inlet channel 253. A receiving portion may be provided. In addition, an accommodating portion for accommodating the absorber can be provided between the discharge port 213 and the discharge channel 271.

  Liquids in a stopped state are respectively present at the boundary between the first introduction channel 252 and the main channel 251, at the boundary between the second introduction channel 253 and the main channel 251, and at the boundary between the discharge channel 271 and the main channel 251. Valves 260a and 260b (second valves) and 260c that can be switched between the stopped state and the forward state are provided. In addition, as a specific structure of these valves, the same structure as the valve 160 described above can be used.

  In the housing part provided between the discharge port 213 and the discharge flow path 271 and / or in the discharge flow path 271, an absorber (not shown) is provided closer to the main flow path 251 than the absorber. And a thickener (not shown) that has been made. The thickener dissolves in the liquid introduced into the flow path.

  The main channel 251 may be provided with a detection unit 241 (second detection unit). Further, the total volume from the first introduction flow path 252 to the first introduction port 212a may be configured to be smaller than the absorbable liquid volume of the absorber.

  The first introduction channel 252, the second introduction channel 253, the main channel 251, and the discharge channel 271 can be made of the same material and shape as the channel 114 of the first embodiment. Further, the first introduction channel 252 and the discharge channel 271 may be formed as one channel.

  The hole 250 may have the same configuration as the discharge port 113 in the first embodiment, and the valves 260a to 260c may have the same configuration as in the second embodiment.

  The conditions of the substrate material, the absorber, the relationship between the absorber and the wall surface, the arrangement of the discharge channel and the absorber, the detection unit, the reaction unit, and the like can be the same as those in the first to third embodiments.

  The flow of the liquid in the liquid feeding apparatus of this Embodiment is demonstrated based on FIG. 8, FIG.

  When the first liquid is introduced into the first introduction port 212a and the second liquid is introduced into the second introduction port 212b, the liquid enters the first introduction channel 252 and the second introduction channel 253, but the valves 260a and 260b. Since each is closed, each liquid stops at the position of these valves (see FIG. 9A).

  When the valve 260a is opened, the liquid advances into the main flow path 251 and moves toward the hole 250 to fill the main flow path 251 with the first liquid (see FIG. 9B). At this time, the valves 260b and 260c are closed. Thus, the first liquid can be prevented from moving into the second introduction channel 253 or the discharge channel 271.

  Next, when the valve 260c is opened, the first liquid advances into the discharge flow path 271 and the thickener (first thickener) is dissolved, and then the liquid is absorbed by the absorber, whereby the first liquid is absorbed. The liquid in the introduction flow path 252 and the main flow path 251 is discharged (see (c) and (d) of FIG. 9). At this time, the liquid in the first introduction flow path 252 is divided by the air that has entered from the holes 250, so that a part of the liquid remains in the first introduction flow path 252 (see FIG. 9E).

  Next, when the valve 260b is opened, the second liquid advances into the main channel 251 and the second liquid advances toward the hole 250 (see (f) of FIG. 9). At this time, since the absorber does not allow air to pass through, the liquid cannot move to the discharge channel 271 side by the same action as in the first embodiment. Further, due to the liquid remaining in the first introduction flow path 252, the second liquid cannot move to the first introduction flow path 252 side. As a result, the second liquid can be stopped in the main channel 251.

  If a detection unit 241 (or reaction unit) is provided in the main channel 251, a detection device capable of feeding a plurality of liquids to the detection unit 241 (or reaction unit) can be realized. it can.

  In addition, it can replace with the said detection part 241, and the reaction part which reacts with the detection part 241 can be provided.

[Embodiment 5]
The liquid feeding apparatus of this Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the liquid feeding device of the present embodiment, and FIGS. 11 and 12 are plan views for explaining the flow of the liquid in the liquid feeding device of the present embodiment.

  The liquid delivery device according to the present embodiment is connected to the main flow path 251, the hole 250 provided at one end of the main flow path 251, and the main flow path 251, and introduces a liquid into the main flow path. A first introduction channel 252 having an introduction port 212a and a second introduction port 212b that is connected to the main channel 251 on the hole 250 side of the first introduction channel 252 and that introduces liquid into the main channel 251. A second introduction channel 253 and a third introduction port 212c that is connected to the main channel 251 on the hole 250 side of the second introduction channel 253 and introduces a liquid (third liquid) into the main channel 251. A first discharge port 213a that discharges air in the main flow path 251 disposed so as to face the introduction flow path 254 (third flow path) and the first introduction flow path 252 across the main flow path 251 is provided. A discharge flow path 271 having a main flow Across the 251 is arranged to face the second introduction passage 253, and a second discharge passage 272 having a second outlet 213b for discharging air in the main flow passage 251, a.

  The boundary between the first introduction channel 252 and the main channel 251, the boundary between the second introduction channel 253 and the main channel 251, the boundary between the third introduction channel 254 and the main channel 251, and the discharge channel 271 Valves 260a to 260e that can switch the liquid in a stopped state forward can be provided at the boundary between the main flow path 251 and the boundary between the second discharge flow path 272 and the main flow path 251, respectively.

  In addition, between the 1st introduction port 212a and the 1st introduction channel 252, between the 2nd introduction port 212b and the 2nd introduction channel 253, and between the 3rd introduction port 212c and the 3rd introduction channel 254, In between, a receiving part for receiving each liquid introduced into each inlet may be provided. An accommodating portion for accommodating the absorber may be provided between the first outlet 213a and the outlet channel 271 and between the second outlet 213b and the second outlet channel 272.

  In the accommodating part provided between the 1st discharge port 213a and the discharge flow path 271, and / or in the discharge flow path 271, a 1st absorber (not shown) and main flow rather than the said absorber are flowed. And a first thickener (not shown) provided on the path 251 side.

  In the accommodating part provided between the 2nd discharge port 213b and the 2nd discharge flow path 272, and / or in the 2nd discharge flow path 272, a 2nd absorber (not shown) and the said 2nd A second thickener (not shown) provided closer to the main flow path 251 than the absorber can be provided. The first thickener and the second thickener are dissolved in the liquid introduced into the flow path, and the same configuration can be used, or different configurations can be used.

  The main channel 251 may be provided with a detection unit 241 (second detection unit). Instead of the detection unit 241 or in addition to the detection unit 241, a reaction unit (second reaction unit) may be provided.

  The total volume of the flow path from the first inlet 212a to the first absorber is configured to be smaller than the absorbable liquid volume of the first absorber, and the second absorber is connected to the second inlet 212b. The total volume of the flow path can be configured to be smaller than the absorbable liquid capacity of the second absorber.

  Further, the total of the volume of the first introduction flow path 252, the volume of the main flow path 251, the volume of the second introduction flow path 253, and the volume of the second discharge flow path 272 is Q2, and the second absorber can be absorbed. When the liquid volume is Q3, it is possible to satisfy Q2 ≦ Q3. In this configuration, when no receiving part is provided between the first introduction port 212a and the first introduction flow path 252, or the volume of the reception part is smaller than the volume of the first introduction flow path 252. It can be said that this is a preferable configuration.

  Further, when a receiving part is provided between the first introduction port 212 a and the first introduction flow path 252, the volume of the reception part, the volume of the main flow path 251, and the volume of the second introduction flow path 253. In addition, when the total volume of the second discharge channel 272 is Q2, and the absorbable liquid volume of the second absorber is Q3, Q2 ≦ Q3. In addition, it can be said that the said structure is a preferable structure when the volume of the said receiving part is larger than the volume of the 1st introduction flow path 252. FIG.

  The first introduction flow path 252, the second introduction flow path 253, the third introduction flow path 254, the main flow path 251, the discharge flow path 271, and the second discharge flow path 272 are the same as the flow path 114 of the first embodiment. A configuration can be used.

  The hole 250 can be formed in the same manner as the discharge portion of the first embodiment. The valves 260a to 260e can have the same configuration as that of the second embodiment.

  The substrate material, the absorber, the relationship between the absorber and the wall surface, the arrangement of the first discharge channel and the absorber, the arrangement relationship between the absorber and the first thickener, the detection unit, and the reaction unit are described in the first embodiment. It is possible to use the same configuration as

  Further, the arrangement relationship between the second absorber and the second thickener and the arrangement relationship between the second discharge channel and the second absorber are the arrangement relationship between the first absorber and the first thickener, and the first discharge. The arrangement relationship between the flow path and the first absorber and the same configuration can be used.

  The flow of the liquid in the liquid delivery device of the present embodiment will be described.

  When the first liquid is introduced into the first introduction port 212a, the second liquid is introduced into the second introduction port 212b, and the third liquid is introduced into the third introduction port 212c, the first introduction flow path 252, the second introduction flow path 253, and the third liquid are introduced. Each liquid enters the introduction flow path 254, and each liquid stops at the valves 260a, 260b, and 260c (see FIG. 11A).

  Next, when the valve 260a is opened, the first liquid proceeds into the main channel 251 and the main channel 251 is filled with the liquid (see FIG. 11B). At this time, since the valves 212b to 212e are closed, the liquid does not move toward the second introduction flow path 253, the third introduction flow path 254, the discharge flow path 271 and the second discharge flow path 272.

  Next, when the valve 260d is opened, the liquid proceeds into the discharge channel 271. After the first thickener (not shown) is dissolved in the liquid, the liquid is absorbed by the first absorber (not shown). Absorbed and the liquid in the first introduction channel 252 and the main channel 251 is discharged (see (c) and (d) of FIG. 11).

  Since the liquid in the first introduction flow path 252 is divided by the air that has entered the flow path from the hole 250, a part of the liquid remains in the first introduction flow path 252 (see FIG. 12A). .

  Next, when the valve 260b is opened, the second liquid advances into the main flow path 251 and the second liquid advances toward the hole 250 (see FIG. 12B). At this time, since the valve 260c and the valve 260e are closed, the liquid does not move into the third introduction flow path 254 and the second discharge flow path 272. Since the second liquid cannot move into the discharge flow channel 271 and the first introduction flow channel 252 due to the same action as in the fourth embodiment, the second liquid can be stopped in the main flow channel 251.

  Next, when the valve 260e is opened, the second liquid advances into the second discharge channel 272 (see FIG. 12C), and a second thickener (not shown) provided in the second discharge port 213b. ) Is dissolved in the second liquid, the second liquid is absorbed by the second absorber (not shown), and as a result, the liquid in the second introduction channel 253 and the main channel 251 is discharged. (See (d) of FIG. 12).

  Since the liquid in the second introduction channel 253 is divided by the air that has entered from the hole 250, a part of the liquid remains in the second introduction channel 253 (see FIG. 12E).

  Next, when the valve 260c is opened, the third liquid advances into the main channel 251 and the third liquid advances toward the hole 250 (see (f) of FIG. 12). At this time, air cannot pass through the flow paths connected to the first discharge port and the second discharge port, and liquid remains in the first introduction flow channel 252 and the second introduction flow channel 253. Therefore, the third liquid cannot move into the first introduction flow path 252, the second introduction flow path 253, the discharge flow path 271, and the second discharge flow path 272. Therefore, the third liquid can be stopped in the main channel 251.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, a detection device capable of sequentially feeding a plurality of liquids to the detection unit 241 provided in the main channel 251 can be realized.

  In addition, it can replace with the detection part 241, and the reaction part which reacts with the detection part 241 can be provided. For example, when the reaction part and the detection part 241 which fixed the antibody in the main flow path 251 are provided, the liquid containing the antigen to be measured and the enzyme labeled antigen from the first introduction flow path 252, the second introduction flow path When a cleaning liquid is flown from 253 and a liquid containing a substrate is flowed from the third introduction channel 254, the liquid is stopped, whereby a stable antigen-antibody reaction and enzyme substrate reaction can be performed. It can be detected by the detection unit.

[Example 1]
The invention will be further described by way of examples. The basic structure of the liquid delivery device according to Example 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the liquid delivery apparatus of Example 1 will be described more specifically.

  A groove functioning as a flow path was formed in the first substrate 110 by a resin molding method using a mold.

  The mold was manufactured by forming a resist pattern on a silicon substrate by a photolithography method and then performing an etching by a dry etching process method. The width of the channel 114 was 600 μm, the height of the channel 114 was 50 μm, and the length of the channel 114 was 15 mm.

  A mold is provided in the mold, and silicon rubber (polydimethylsiloxane, Gil Pot 184 manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd.) is poured into the mold until the thickness reaches 2 mm, and heated at 100 ° C. for 15 minutes. Went to cure the silicone rubber. After curing, the mold and the cured silicone rubber were separated.

  Next, the silicon rubber was shaped into a length of 20 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm. A through-hole having a diameter of 2 mm was formed using a punch as a hole serving as the receiving portion 112 and a hole serving as the accommodating portion 116 in the silicon rubber, thereby manufacturing the first substrate 110. TWEEN 20 (registered trademark) (manufactured by GE Healthcare Japan) was applied to the surface of the manufactured first substrate 110, and the first substrate 110 was dried at 100 ° C for 5 minutes.

  The second substrate 111 was prepared by cutting a Tempax glass substrate having a thickness of 600 μm into a length of 25 mm and a width of 15 mm with a dicing saw.

  As the absorbent 131, a non-woven fabric (BEMCOT (registered trademark) manufactured by Asahi Kasei Fiber) cut into a diameter of 2 mm is used, and as the thickener 132, solid sodium polyacrylate (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries) is crushed. Was used.

  The manufactured first substrate 110 and the second substrate 11 were overlapped, and the container 116 was filled with the thickener 132 and the absorber 131, whereby the liquid feeding device of Example 1 was manufactured.

  The liquid feeding device of Example 1 was tested for flowing liquid. A phosphate buffer solution was used as the liquid, and the phosphate buffer solution was dropped into the receiving portion 112.

  The phosphate buffer solution entered the flow path 114 in the liquid delivery device by capillary action. The liquid in the channel 114 was absorbed by the absorber 131 after the thickener 132 was dissolved.

  Air entered from the inlet of the receiving part 112, and the phosphate buffer in the channel 114 was completely discharged from the channel 114.

  Next, when a phosphate buffer solution was dropped into the inlet of the receiving part 112 as another liquid, the liquid stopped in the receiving part 112 without entering the flow path 114.

[Comparative Example 1]
(1) No thickener is used, (2) Absorbable liquid volume of the absorber is greater than or equal to the total volume of the first liquid and another liquid to be added, and (3) Absorbable liquid of the absorber. The same liquid feeding device as in Example 1 was produced except that the volume was not less than the total volume of the receiving part 112 and the flow path 114.

  For the liquid feeding device of the comparative example, an experiment for flowing a liquid was performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

  In Comparative Example 1, when the phosphate buffer solution was dropped into the receiving portion 112, the phosphate buffer solution entered the flow channel 114 in the liquid feeding device by capillary action. The liquid in the channel 114 was absorbed by the absorber 131. Then, air entered the flow path 114 from the receiving portion 112, the liquid in the flow path 114 was completely absorbed by the absorber 131, and the liquid was discharged from the flow path 114. The discharging time at this time was shorter than the discharging time of the first liquid in Example 1.

  Next, when a phosphate buffer solution is dropped into the receiving portion 112 as another liquid, the liquid enters the flow path 114 and is completely absorbed by the absorber 131, so that the liquid in the flow path 114 is completely removed. It was discharged.

  In Example 1, the phosphate buffer as another liquid stayed in the receiving portion 112 and did not move any more, whereas in Comparative Example 1, the discharge power of the first liquid was significantly reduced. Therefore, it was confirmed that the phosphate buffer as another liquid was completely discharged. That is, the liquid delivery device of Example 1 stops the flow of the phosphate buffer as another liquid by reducing the absorption capacity of the absorber, and keeps the phosphate buffer in the receiving portion 112. It was confirmed that it can be kept.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the configurations described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, and technical means disclosed in different embodiments and examples respectively. Embodiments and examples obtained by appropriately combining them are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the compact liquid feeding apparatus which can switch a stop and advance of a liquid with simple operation with simple structure is realizable. Such a liquid feeding device can be used as an analysis chip (for example, a micro analysis chip) that performs reaction and / or detection in the chip.

110 1st board | substrate 111 2nd board | substrate 112 receiving part 113 discharge port (1st discharge port)
114 channel (first connection channel)
115 Inlet (first inlet)
116 accommodating portion (first accommodating portion)
131 Absorber (first absorber)
132 Thickener (first thickener)
141 detector (first detector)
160 Valve (first valve)
212a 1st introduction port 212b 2nd introduction port 212c 3rd introduction port 213 discharge port 213a 1st discharge port 213b 2nd discharge port 241 detection part 250 hole 251 main channel 252 1st introduction channel 253 2nd introduction channel ( Second flow path)
254 Third introduction channel (third channel)
260a, 260b, 260c, 260d, 260e Valve 271 Discharge flow path 272 Second discharge flow path 510 First substrate 511 Second substrate 512 Receiving portion 513 Receiving portion 514 Flow passage 530 Absorber

Claims (14)

A first inlet through which the first liquid is introduced;
A first discharge port connected to the first introduction port and the first flow path, and discharging the air in the first flow path to the outside;
A first absorber that is provided in the first flow path and absorbs the liquid in the first flow path by capillary action;
And a first thickener that dissolves in the first liquid to increase the viscosity of the first liquid.   The first thickener is sodium carboxymethylcellulose, casein, albumin, agar, starch, saccharide, alginic acid, polyester compound, polyamide compound, polyether compound, polyglycol compound, polyvinyl alcohol compound, polyalkylene oxide. 2. The liquid feeding device according to claim 1, comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of a system compound, a polyacrylic acid compound, a vinyl compound, and a vinylidene compound.   The first thickener is disposed in the first absorbent body or in the first flow path and closer to the first inlet than the first absorbent body. The liquid feeding device according to claim 1 or 2. The first flow path is
A receiving portion for receiving the first liquid introduced from the first introduction port;
A first connection flow path coupled to the receiving portion;
A first housing portion coupled to the first connection flow path and housing the first absorber;
The sum of the volume of the receiving part and the volume of the first connection flow path is Q0, and Q0 ≦ Q1 when the absorbable liquid volume of the first absorber is Q1. The liquid feeding device according to any one of to 3. At least a portion of the first absorber is in contact with at least a portion of the first flow path;
5. The liquid feeding device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of a contact surface of the first flow channel in contact with the first absorbent body is hydrophilic.   The receiving unit is provided with a first reaction unit for reacting a substance in the first liquid or a first detection unit for detecting a substance in the first liquid. The liquid feeding device according to claim 4.   The liquid feeding device according to claim 1, wherein a first valve for adjusting movement of the liquid in the first channel is provided in the first channel. apparatus. The main flow path connected to the first flow path, and a hole penetrating the inside and outside of the main flow path is provided at an end opposite to the side connected to the first flow path. A main flow path;
A second flow channel connected to the main flow channel, and a second introduction port through which the second liquid is introduced is provided at an end opposite to the side connected to the main flow channel. A second flow path,
8. The feed according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path is provided with a second valve for adjusting the movement of the liquid in the second flow path. Liquid device. A third flow path connected to the main flow path, and a third introduction port through which a third liquid is introduced is provided at an end opposite to the side connected to the main flow path. A third flow path,
A discharge flow path connected to the main flow path and arranged to face the second flow path across the main flow path, and discharges air in the discharge flow path to the outside A discharge flow path provided with a second discharge port;
A second absorber that is provided in the discharge channel and absorbs the liquid in the discharge channel by capillary action;
A second thickener that dissolves in the liquid in the discharge flow path and increases the viscosity of the liquid in the discharge flow path;
A third valve provided in the third flow path for adjusting the movement of the liquid in the third flow path;
A fourth valve provided in the discharge channel for adjusting the movement of the liquid in the discharge channel,
The discharge flow path includes a second storage section that stores the second absorber, and a second connection flow path that connects the second storage section and the main flow path,
When the sum of the volume of the receiving portion, the volume of the main flow path, the volume of the second flow path and the volume of the second connection flow path is Q2, and the absorbable liquid volume of the second absorber is Q3 Furthermore, it is Q2 <= Q3, The liquid feeding apparatus of Claim 8 characterized by the above-mentioned.   A second reaction part for reacting a substance in the liquid in the main channel in a region closer to the hole than the second channel in the main channel, or in the liquid in the main channel The liquid delivery device according to claim 8, wherein a second detection unit for detecting the substance is provided. At least a part of the second absorbent body and at least a part of the discharge channel are in contact with each other;
The liquid feeding device according to claim 9, wherein at least a part of a contact surface of the discharge channel that is in contact with the second absorbent body is hydrophilic.   The liquid feeding device according to claim 8, wherein the second valve is an electrowetting valve or a light valve. The second valve includes a hydrophobic region provided on the wall surface of the second flow channel, and a pressing portion provided on the upstream side of the second flow channel with respect to the hydrophobic region,
9. The liquid feeding device according to claim 8, wherein the second valve sends out the liquid in the second flow path beyond the hydrophobic region by applying pressure to the pressing portion. . The second valve includes a hydrophobic region provided on the wall surface of the second flow channel, and an electrode portion provided on the upstream side of the second flow channel with respect to the hydrophobic region,
The said 2nd valve | bulb sends out the liquid in the said 2nd flow path beyond the said hydrophobic area | region by the pressure resulting from the bubble produced by the electrolysis in the said electrode part, The said 8th aspect is characterized by the above-mentioned. The liquid feeding device described.

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