JP2016038321A - Optical analysis system, sensor device, and optical analysis method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical analysis system and the like which reduce the extent to which a sampling process for preparation of optical analysis of fluid in the outdoor limits the measurement.SOLUTION: An optical analysis system irradiating an analyte in a measurement section with light and analysing the light from the analyte comprises: a portable terminal device with a light receiving section; a flow channel which is formed separately from the portable terminal device and through which fluid as the analyte passes; a light source emitting light to the analyte; a first optical path extending from the measurement section and connected to the light source; a second optical path extending from the measurement section and connected to the light receiving section; and a fitting section for attaching the second optical path to the portable terminal device detachably. Optical axes of the first optical path and the second optical path are adjusted so that light emitted from the first optical path enters the second optical path through the flow channel in the measurement section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical analysis system, a sensor device, and an optical analysis method, and more particularly, to an optical analysis system that irradiates a specimen with light and analyzes light from the specimen.

  In recent years, separation, synthesis, and extraction of trace amounts of reagents using a microreactor consisting of microchips, in which microscale analysis channels are formed on a small substrate made of, for example, silicon, silicone, glass, etc. Attention has been focused on methods for performing analysis and the like.

  A reaction analysis system using such a microreactor is called a micro total analysis system (hereinafter referred to as “μTAS”). According to μTAS, the ratio of the surface area to the volume of the reagent is increased. It is possible to perform high-speed and high-accuracy reaction analysis, and to realize a compact and automated system.

  The microchip is provided with regions having various functions such as a reaction region where a reagent is arranged in a flow channel called a microchannel provided in the microchip, a fluid control element (micropump, microvalve, micromixer, filter, sensor). Therefore, it is possible to adapt to various uses.

  The above-described microchip typically has a structure in which a pair of microchip substrates are bonded to face each other, and a fine flow path (for example, a width of 10 to several hundred μm, A depth of about 10 to several 100 μm).

  Typical applications of microchips include chemical analysis such as genetic analysis, clinical diagnosis, and drug screening, biochemistry, pharmacy, medicine, veterinary analysis, compound synthesis, and environmental measurement.

  Although not known at the time of filing of the present application, the present inventors are able to perform optical analysis of specimens inexpensively and easily using a disposable microchip and a general portable terminal device, even if they are not experts in optical analysis. The optical analysis method etc. which implements are developed (for example, refer patent document 1).

  In this optical analysis method, as a process of optical analysis of fluid, sampling of fluid as a specimen (acquisition with a pipette, transfer to a sample tube, sealing), insertion into a measurement unit existing on a portable terminal device, Processes such as optical analysis were common.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-032245

  However, when performing measurement outdoors, the number of instruments that can be prepared, such as sample tubes and pipette tips, has been a limiting condition. For this reason, when it is desired to measure many time-dependent changes at short intervals, the number of equipment required for sampling and the time required for cleaning the equipment have been constraints.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical analysis system or the like that reduces the degree to which measurement is limited by a sampling process as preparation for optical analysis of fluids outdoors.

  A first aspect of the present invention is an optical analysis system that analyzes light from a sample by irradiating the sample with light in a measurement unit, the portable terminal device having a light receiving unit, the portable terminal device, Is a separate body, a flow path through which the fluid as the sample passes, a light source that emits light to the sample, a first optical path that extends from the measurement unit and is connected to the light source, and from the measurement unit A second optical path that extends and is connected to the light receiving section; and an attachment section that attaches the second optical path to the portable terminal device so that the second optical path can be attached to and detached from the portable terminal device. An optical analysis system in which optical axes of the first optical path and the second optical path are adjusted so that the measurement unit passes through the flow path and enters the second optical path.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the optical analysis system according to the first aspect, further comprising a holding member that holds the flow path, wherein the holding member is connected to an intersection where the optical path and the flow path intersect. It has a light shielding part that blocks light from the outside.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the optical analysis system according to the second aspect, wherein there are two or more locations where the flow path is refracted in the holding member, and the intersection is refracted by a plurality of the points. Located between places.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the optical analysis system according to the third aspect, wherein a fluid is allowed to flow into the flow path from the outside of the holding member and / or the fluid in the flow path is transferred to the holding member. And a pump for discharging to the outside.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the optical analysis system according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, further comprising a fluid holding mechanism that holds the fluid as the specimen in a space including the intersection.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is a measuring apparatus used in an optical analysis system that analyzes light from a specimen by irradiating the specimen with light in the measuring section, and is separate from a portable terminal device having a light receiving section A flow path through which the fluid as the specimen passes, a first optical path for guiding light from a light source to the measurement section, a second optical path for guiding light passing through the measurement section to the light receiving section, and the second A connecting portion for connecting an optical path to the portable terminal device, and the light from the first optical path passes through the flow path and enters the second optical path in the measurement unit. And the optical axis of the second optical path is adjusted.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is an optical analysis method using an optical analysis system that irradiates a sample with light in a measurement unit and analyzes light from the sample, and the optical analysis system includes a light receiving unit. The portable terminal device is separate from the portable terminal device, the flow path through which the fluid as the specimen passes, the light source that emits light to the specimen, and the light source that extends from the measurement unit to the light source A first optical path to be connected; a second optical path extending from the measurement unit to be connected to the light receiving unit; and an attachment unit for attaching the second optical path to the portable terminal device so as to be detachable. The optical axes of the first optical path and the second optical path are adjusted so that light emitted from the first optical path passes through the flow path and enters the second optical path in the measurement unit, A dipping step for immersing the flow path in a fluid; and a fluid flowing in the flow path And a light irradiation step of irradiating the light from said first optical path, an optical analysis method.

  According to each aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform optical analysis by immersing a measurement unit in a fluid without sampling a specimen. This eliminates the need for sampling equipment such as sample tubes and pipette tips. Therefore, the number of equipment is not a limiting condition, and multiple measurements can be performed in a short time. Furthermore, even continuous change over time can be measured.

  Further, since sampling is not necessary, it is possible to perform optical analysis without degrading the specimen.

  In addition, since the flow path and the portable terminal device are separated from each other, the risk of polluting or malfunctioning the portable terminal device by spilling the sample fluid into the portable terminal device is reduced. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the light shielding unit blocks light from the outside that becomes noise in optical analysis. For this reason, even in an environment such as outdoor measurement, measurement for high-precision optical analysis becomes easy.

  Furthermore, according to the 3rd viewpoint of this invention, it becomes difficult for the light from the outside which becomes noise through a flow path to reach the intersection which is a measurement part. Therefore, measurement for high-precision optical analysis is further facilitated even in an environment such as outdoor measurement.

  Furthermore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to control the flow rate of the fluid even if the flow path inside the holding member is refracted. This makes it easier to perform the intended optical analysis.

  Furthermore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even when the measurement of the acquired specimen takes time, it is easy to prevent a situation in which the fluid as the specimen is changed during the measurement.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the optical analysis system which concerns on this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an optical analysis system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an end view of the holding member in FIG. 2, (a) an end view in a plane including an intersection and a flow path, and (b) an end view in a plane including an intersection, a first optical path, and a second optical path. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure of a holding member according to Embodiment 2. FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an optical analysis system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an outline of the optical analysis system 1 will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an optical analysis system 1 includes a portable terminal device 3, a holding member 5, a light source 7, a first optical path 9, a second optical path 11, a mounting portion 13, a pump 15, And a fluid holding mechanism 17. The portable terminal device 3 includes a light receiving unit 19, a display unit 20, an analysis unit 21, a communication unit 23, and a recording unit 25. The holding member 5 includes a measurement unit 27, a flow path 29, and a light shielding unit 31.

  The optical analysis system irradiates the sample with light in the measurement unit 27 and analyzes the light from the sample. The holding member 5 is separate from the portable terminal device 3 and holds the flow path 29 through which the fluid as the specimen passes. The light source 7 emits light to the specimen. The first optical path 9 extends from the measurement unit 27 and is connected to the light source 7, and is an optical path that guides light from the light source 7 to the measurement unit 27. The second optical path 11 extends from the measuring unit 27 and is connected to the light receiving unit 19, and guides the light that has passed through the measuring unit 27 to the light receiving unit 19 included in the portable terminal device 3. The attaching part 13 attaches to the portable terminal device 3 so that the 2nd optical path 11 can be attached or detached. Further, the optical axes of the first optical path 9 and the second optical path 11 are adjusted so that the light emitted from the first optical path 9 passes through the flow path 29 and enters the second optical path 11 in the measurement unit 27.

  The light receiving unit 19 is a lens of a camera included in the portable terminal device 3 and receives light emitted from the second optical path 11. If necessary, an imaging auxiliary lens (condensing lens) may be provided on the light incident side of the lens of the camera in order to improve the imaging performance of the lens. An optical filter for removing light other than the light emitted from the second optical path 11 may be provided on the light incident side of the camera lens. The display unit 20 displays an operation screen, analysis results, and the like of the portable terminal device 3. The analysis unit 21 analyzes the light received by the light receiving unit 19. The communication unit 23 communicates with other computers. The recording unit 25 records data.

  The measurement unit 27 has an intersection 33 where the flow path 29 and the optical path intersect. The measurement unit 27 uses a fluid flowing through the intersection 33 when light is emitted from the first optical path 9 as a measurement target. In addition, the flow path 29 has two places where the light is refracted, and an intersection between the flow path 29 and the optical path exists between the two places where the light is refracted. Here, the holding member 5 is mainly composed of a light shielding portion 31 that shields light and absorbs light. The light shielding unit 31 is made of, for example, dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS) in which a black pigment is dispersed.

  The pump 15 controls the flow rate so that the fluid in the flow path 29 flows smoothly. Thereby, even if it is a flow path which has two places where it refracts, it becomes easy to flow a fluid without stagnating in a flow path. The fluid holding mechanism 17 includes a door of an openable / closable channel (not shown) and a door control unit that controls the door. The fluid holding mechanism 17 restricts the flow of fluid in the flow path as necessary. Thereby, even when the measurement takes time as in the case where the acquired specimen is measured a plurality of times, it is easy to prevent the fluid as the specimen from being changed during the measurement.

  Next, a specific structure of the optical analysis system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the optical analysis system 1 according to the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, holding member 5, which is a separate body from portable terminal device 3, is immersed in the fluid. In addition, the portable terminal device 3 and the holding member 5 are connected to the holding member 5 in the fluid via the first optical path 9 and the second optical path 11 extending from the portable terminal device 3 through an optical fiber optical path. The light emitted from the light source 7 reaches the measuring unit 27 via the first optical path 9, and the light passing through the flow path 29 is input from the light receiving unit 19 to the portable terminal device 3 via the second flow path 11. . The analysis unit 21 performs analysis based on the light input to the light receiving unit 19, displays the analysis result on the display unit 20, and records it in the recording unit 25.

  The light source 7 may use light from the display unit 20 of the portable terminal device 3 as the light source 7 or may be a light source unit different from the portable terminal device 3. Further, when the light source 7 is another light source unit described above, power may be supplied from the portable terminal device to the light source unit. Further, the second optical path 11 is attached to the portable terminal device 3 by an attaching portion 13 (not shown) so that light is accurately input to the light receiving portion 19. The mounting portion 13 makes it possible to perform an accurate optical analysis of the fluid in the field using the general-purpose portable terminal device 3. Further, since the analysis can be performed by immersing only the holding member 5 which is a separate body from the portable terminal device 3 in the fluid, the portable terminal device 3 is not contaminated with the fluid.

  Note that the light source 7 side end portion of the first optical path 9 and the light receiving portion 19 side end portion of the second optical path 11 may be integrally formed with a microchip having an optical waveguide therein.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a modification of the first embodiment, and shows an example in which the above-described microchip is used.

  In the figure, the microchip 26 has a waveguide connected to the light source side end of the first optical path 9 and a waveguide connected to the light receiving side end of the second optical path 11. When the microchip 26 is attached to the portable terminal device 3, the waveguide connected to the light source side end of the first optical path 9 is positioned on the display unit 20 of the portable terminal device 3. And the waveguide connected with the light-receiving-part side edge part of the 2nd optical path 11 is comprised so that it may be located on the lens (light-receiving part 19) of the camera of the portable terminal device 3. FIG.

  The microchip 26 is made of, for example, a silicone resin such as PDMS, and a pigment that blocks or absorbs light from the outside is dispersed. As the pigment, for example, a black pigment is used.

  That is, the microchip 26 functions as the attachment portion 13 attached to the portable terminal device 3 so that the second optical path 11 can be attached and detached. In addition, since the light from the display unit 20 is used as the light source 7, the microchip 26 functions as the attachment unit 13 that is attached to the portable terminal device 3 so that the first optical path 9 can be attached and detached.

  In addition, since it is possible to analyze the fluid as a specimen without sampling, equipment for sampling such as a sample tube and a pipette tip becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the number of equipment is not a limiting condition, and multiple measurements can be performed in a short time. Furthermore, even continuous change over time can be measured. It is also possible to perform optical analysis without degrading the specimen.

  Next, the internal structure of the holding member 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 is an end view of the holding member 5 of FIG. 2, (a) an end view in a plane including the intersection 33 and the flow path 29, and (b) the intersection 33, the first optical path 9 and the second optical path 11. It is an end view in the plane containing.

  Referring to FIG. 4A, an intersection 33 where the optical path and the flow path 29 intersect exists between the locations where the two flow paths 29 are refracted. Therefore, the background light from the entrance / exit of the flow path 29 is blocked or absorbed by the light blocking portion 31 before reaching the intersection 33. Therefore, it is possible to perform highly accurate optical analysis while suppressing noise even outdoors.

  The flow path 29 has a portion that is refracted, and it is considered that air remains in the flow path 29 when the holding member 5 is immersed in the fluid. If air remains, air bubbles may enter the intersection 33 and hinder measurement. Therefore, the holding member 5 includes a vent hole (not shown) for discharging air from the flow path 29.

  Also, referring to FIG. 4B, a prism 35 and a prism 37 are connected to the distal ends of the first optical path 9 and the second optical path 11 on the holding member 5 side, respectively. Thereby, the optical axis is adjusted so that the light emitted from the first optical path 9 passes through the measurement unit 27 and the second optical path 11.

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, an auxiliary lens for ensuring that light from the sample is incident on the prism 37 and light from the sample are appropriately provided on the light incident side of the prism 37 as necessary. You may make it arrange | position the optical filter which restrict | limits light other than this wavelength.

  Next, a holding member having a structure different from that of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the holding member 55 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 5A is a front view of the holding member 55, and FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the holding member 55.

  With reference to Fig.5 (a), the optical analysis system which concerns on Example 3 using the holding member 55 is the structure similar to Example 1 except a holding member. The holding member 55 includes a first optical path 59, a second optical path 61, a prism 63 connected to the first optical path 59, and a prism 65 connected to the second optical path 61. In addition, the interior of the holding member 55 is filled with a fluid that is a specimen. Similar to the first embodiment, the light emitted from the light source reaches the light receiving unit of the portable terminal device via the first optical path 59, the prism 63, the intersection 65, the prism 67, and the second optical path 61.

  With reference to FIG.5 (b), the filter 69 is provided in the bottom face of the holding member 55 into which a fluid penetrate | invades. The filter 69 is impervious to impurities, and has many holes of, for example, 10 to 30 μm. This prevents impurities from reaching the intersection 65. In addition, there is an effect of blocking background light that becomes noise. A plurality of filters 69 are provided from the bottom surface to the intersection 65 to enhance the effects of impurity removal and light shielding. The plurality of filters can further enhance the effect of removing impurities and shielding light by shifting the positions of the holes in the vertical direction.

  In Example 1, venting was performed by providing vent holes. The holding member 55 according to the third embodiment has a vent hole on the upper surface 71. Therefore, bubbles rise inside the holding member 55 due to buoyancy, and are easily removed from the vent holes on the upper surface 71.

  The holding member 55 may have one or a plurality of filters from the height of the intersection 65 to the upper surface 71. Thereby, the effect of shielding the background light from the vent holes on the upper surface 71 while removing the bubbles can be expected. In addition, when importance is attached to the removal of bubbles, the bubbles can easily reach the vent holes by aligning the positions of the filter holes above the intersection 65 in the vertical direction.

  In the third embodiment, the position of the filter hole in the vertical direction is shifted in at least one place at the lower part of the intersection and the upper part of the intersection, respectively. The effect of shading is expected.

  Note that, as the portable terminal device, for example, a processing device such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a laptop computer can be used.

  Moreover, the portable terminal device does not need to have an analysis unit. Instead, the data received from the light receiving unit may be transmitted from the communication unit to the apparatus having the analysis unit. At this time, the received data may be temporarily accumulated by the storage unit, or may be transmitted immediately after the data is received without being accumulated.

  Further, the light receiving unit may be other than the lens of the camera as long as it can capture light, for example, a communication receiving unit. Further, an imaging auxiliary lens (condenser lens) may be provided on the light incident side of the light receiving unit in order to improve the light capturing performance. Further, an optical filter for removing light other than the light emitted from the second optical path 11 may be provided.

  Furthermore, the fluid holding mechanism may be one that the holding member has.

  Further, instead of connecting a prism to the tips of the first optical path and the second optical path, the respective optical paths may be cut to replace the prism. Alternatively, the optical axis may be adjusted by bending each optical path.

  Furthermore, although the filter of Example 3 was provided with two or more from the bottom face of a holding member to an intersection, you may provide one thick filter. The thickness of the filter and the size of the hole of the filter are set to such an extent that the effects of removing impurities and blocking background light can be sufficiently expected.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical analysis system, 3 ... Portable terminal device, 5 ... Holding member, 7 ... Light source, 9 ... 1st optical path, 11 ... 2nd optical path, 13 ... Attachment part, 15 ... pump, 17 ... fluid holding mechanism, 19 ... light receiving part, 27 ... measuring part, 29 ... flow path, 31 ... light-shielding part, 33 ... intersection

Claims (7)

An optical analysis system that irradiates a sample with light in a measurement unit and analyzes light from the sample,
A portable terminal device having a light receiving unit;
A channel separate from the portable terminal device, through which the fluid as the specimen passes;
A light source that emits light to the specimen;
A first optical path extending from the measurement unit and connected to the light source;
A second optical path extending from the measurement unit and connected to the light receiving unit;
An attachment portion for attaching the second optical path so as to be detachable from the portable terminal device,
An optical analysis in which optical axes of the first optical path and the second optical path are adjusted so that light emitted from the first optical path passes through the flow path and enters the second optical path in the measurement unit. system. A holding member for holding the flow path;
The optical analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the holding member includes a light shielding unit that blocks light from outside to an intersection where the optical path and the flow path intersect. There are two or more locations where the flow path is refracted inside the holding member,
The optical analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the intersection is located between a plurality of the refracting portions.   The optical analysis system according to claim 3, further comprising a pump that allows a fluid to flow into the flow path from the outside of the holding member and / or discharges the fluid in the flow path to the outside of the holding member.   The optical analysis system according to claim 2, further comprising a fluid holding mechanism that holds the fluid that is the specimen in a space including the intersection. A measuring device used in an optical analysis system for analyzing light from a sample by irradiating the sample with light in a measurement unit,
A separate body from the portable terminal device having the light receiving unit, and a flow path through which the fluid as the specimen passes;
A first optical path for guiding light from a light source to the measurement unit;
A second optical path for guiding the light passing through the measurement unit to the light receiving unit;
A connecting portion for connecting the second optical path to the portable terminal device,
A measuring apparatus in which optical axes of the first optical path and the second optical path are adjusted so that light emitted from the first optical path passes through the flow path and enters the second optical path in the measurement unit. . An optical analysis method using an optical analysis system that irradiates a sample with light in a measurement unit and analyzes light from the sample,
The optical analysis system includes:
A portable terminal device having a light receiving unit;
A channel separate from the portable terminal device, through which the fluid as the specimen passes;
A light source that emits light to the specimen;
A first optical path extending from the measurement unit and connected to the light source;
A second optical path extending from the measurement unit and connected to the light receiving unit;
An attachment portion for attaching the second optical path so as to be detachable from the portable terminal device;
The optical axes of the first optical path and the second optical path are adjusted so that light emitted from the first optical path passes through the flow path and enters the second optical path in the measurement unit,
An immersion step of immersing the flow path in a fluid;
A light irradiating step of irradiating the fluid flowing through the flow path with light from the first optical path.

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