JP2002281968A - Liquid ejection device for manufacturing probe carrier, probe carrier manufacturing device, and probe carrier manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the generation of a mixed liquid between supplying ports filled with different probe solutions from each other in transferring a liquid ejecting device on producing a probe array. SOLUTION: A semiconductor tip constituting the probe array-producing liquid-ejecting device is provided by installing a water-repelling zone 3 at the surrounding of each of the supplying ports 6 at a surface for forming the opening port surface of the supplying port 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus for producing a probe carrier, a probe carrier producing apparatus having the liquid ejecting apparatus, and a method for producing a probe carrier using the liquid ejecting apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When analyzing the base sequence of a gene DNA or performing a highly reliable gene diagnosis or the like on multiple items at the same time, selecting a DNA having a target base sequence using a plurality of types of probes. Is required. DNA microchips have attracted attention as a means of providing a plurality of types of probes used for this sorting operation. Also,
In high-throughput screening of drugs and the like and combinatorial chemistry, a large number of target protein and drug solutions (for example, 96,384,1) are used.
536 types) and perform an orderly screening. A method for arranging a large number of drugs for that purpose, automated screening technology in that state, a dedicated device, controlling a series of screening operations,
Software for statistically processing the results has also been developed.

[0003] These parallel screening operations basically consist of arranging a large number of known probes (arrays) as means for selecting the price to be evaluated.
By using a so-called probe array, the presence or absence of an action, a reaction, or the like on a probe is detected under the same conditions. Generally, what kind of probe action or reaction is to be used is determined in advance, and therefore, the types of probes mounted on one probe array are, for example, a group of DNA probes having different base sequences, such as Broadly speaking, they are one type of substance. That is,
Substances used for a group of probes include, for example, DNA,
Proteins, synthesized chemicals (drugs), and the like.
In many cases, a probe array composed of a plurality of types of probes forming a group is often used. However, depending on the nature of the screening operation, a DNA having the same base sequence, a protein having the same amino acid sequence, It is also possible to use a form in which a large number of chemical substances are arranged in an array. These are mainly used for drug screening and the like.

In a probe array composed of a plurality of types of probes, a group of DNAs having different base sequences, a group of proteins having different amino acid sequences, or a group of different chemical substances is specifically described. In many cases, a plurality of constituents are arranged in an array on a substrate according to a predetermined arrangement order.
Above all, the DNA probe array is used for analysis of the base sequence of gene DNA and, at the same time, for performing highly reliable gene diagnosis on many items.

One of the problems in a probe array comprising a plurality of types of probes forming a group is that as many types of probes as possible, for example, D
That is, mounting the NA probe on one substrate. In other words, how densely the probes can be arranged in an array.

As one of the techniques, there is a method in which a predetermined volume of a probe solution is discharged onto a substrate and applied in a two-dimensional array. As described above, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-187900 discloses a method of using a liquid ejection device that is generally used for printing as a liquid ejection device that ejects a plurality of probe solutions.

By the way, as described above, it is desired that a probe array has more probes mounted on a substrate. In this case, it is desirable to use a liquid ejection device suitable for manufacturing a probe array instead of using a printing liquid ejection device as the liquid ejection device.

More specifically, a liquid discharge apparatus in which a plurality of discharge ports (hereinafter, referred to as "nozzles") are arranged in a two-dimensional array is desirable. At this time, a configuration having the same number of nozzles as the plurality of probe solutions to be discharged may be employed. Further, it is preferable that the number of types of probe solutions that can be ejected from one liquid ejection device is large.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Since the liquid ejecting apparatus for manufacturing an array has a large number of nozzles arranged in a two-dimensional array, there are the following problems.

That is, in the conventional liquid discharge apparatus, a large number of nozzles arranged in a two-dimensional array for discharging a plurality of different probe solutions are provided on the chip surface. Each of the nozzles has a flow path for guiding ink to the nozzle, and a supply port serving also as a liquid storage unit communicating with the flow path is provided on the back surface of the chip. The liquid ejecting apparatus is mounted on a carriage unit of the probe array manufacturing apparatus, and spots a probe solution on a glass substrate serving as a probe array while moving.

However, as described above, since the liquid discharge device discharges a plurality of different probe solutions, the supply port is also filled with a plurality of different probe solutions, respectively. At times, there is a problem that a probe solution flows from a certain supply port to a supply port forming surface which is a back surface of a chip, flows into a supply port filled with a different probe solution through the supply port forming surface, and is mixed. .

As a method for preventing the mixture, a method of widening the interval between the supply ports can be considered. However, when the structure from the nozzle to the supply port through the flow path is complicated, the structure is complicated. It is desirable to keep as simple as possible because there is a concern that bubbles may accumulate and cause ejection failure, etc., and if nozzles are arranged at a high density, it is desirable to arrange the supply ports at a high density. . In addition, this method has a problem that it leads to an increase in size and cost of the liquid discharge device. Furthermore, even with this method, the danger of surely mixing liquids cannot be denied.

A method is also conceivable in which a probe solution is filled little by little into a supply port which also serves as a liquid storage unit to avoid overflow when moving the liquid ejection device. However, there is a problem that the operation of filling the probe solution many times is necessary, and the tact time at the time of manufacturing the probe array is reduced.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a probe array in which a liquid ejection apparatus is used.
Even when the arrangement density of the supply ports for filling multiple types of liquids is high, the probe solution overflows from the supply ports when moving the liquid ejection device when manufacturing the probe array, and the ink on the back surface of the chip A liquid ejecting apparatus for producing a probe carrier capable of preventing liquid mixture caused by flowing into a supply port filled with different probe solutions through a supply port forming surface, a probe carrier producing apparatus having the liquid ejecting apparatus, and An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a probe carrier using the liquid ejection device.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a liquid ejection apparatus for producing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to a target substance are arranged in an array on the carrier. A device, a liquid storage portion for storing a probe solution containing the probe, and a discharge port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage portion, A liquid passage that communicates the liquid storage unit and the discharge port, and a discharge energy generating unit that enables the discharge of the probe solution by the discharge port; and a liquid discharge unit having a number corresponding to the plurality of types of probes. A water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on the surface forming the supply port.

In this liquid discharging apparatus, it is preferable that the water-repellent region is provided in a part of the supply port.

The present invention also relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus used for producing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to a target substance are arranged in an array on the carrier, wherein a probe solution containing the probe is provided. A liquid storage section for storing the liquid, a discharge port arranged in an array for discharging a probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage section, and a communication between the liquid storage section and the discharge port. Liquid paths and discharge energy generating means for discharging the probe solution by the discharge ports are provided with a number of liquid discharge units corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, and on a surface forming the supply ports, A hydrophilic region is provided around the supply port, and a water-repellent region is provided between the hydrophilic region around the supply port filled with the probe solution and the hydrophilic region around the supply port filled with the different types of probe solutions. It is characterized in.

In this liquid discharge apparatus, the water-repellent region may be provided between the hydrophilic regions around all the adjacent supply ports on the surface where the supply ports are formed.

The present invention also relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus used for manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier, wherein a probe solution containing the probe is provided. A liquid storage section for storing the liquid, a discharge port arranged in an array for discharging a probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage section, and a communication between the liquid storage section and the discharge port. A liquid passage, and a discharge energy generating means for discharging the probe solution by the discharge port, and a plurality of liquid discharge units corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, and the surface forming the supply port surface, A hydrophilic region having a water-repellent region around each supply port, and between a water-repellent region around the supply port filled with a probe solution and a water-repellent region around a supply port filled with a different type of probe solution; Set Characterized in that was.

In this liquid ejecting apparatus, the hydrophilic region may be provided between the water-repellent regions around all adjacent supply ports on the surface forming the supply port.

Further, in each of the above-described liquid discharge devices, a second liquid storage portion for increasing the amount connected to the liquid storage portion formed integrally is further provided. It is preferable that the water-repellent region is provided on the surface.

Further, as the discharge energy generating means, a heater element which generates thermal energy, heats the probe solution to cause the film to boil, and discharges liquid from the discharge port with the pressure can be applied.

Further, the present invention provides a probe having a liquid ejection device for ejecting a probe solution, and a carrier holding means for holding the carrier and moving the carrier relative to the liquid ejection device. An apparatus for manufacturing a carrier, wherein the liquid ejection device includes a liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, and an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit. A plurality of liquid discharge units each having a plurality of liquid discharge units having discharge ports arranged in a shape, a liquid path communicating the liquid storage unit with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means for discharging the probe solution through the discharge ports. A number of probes corresponding to the types of probes are provided, and a water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on the surface forming the supply port.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier by discharging a probe solution containing a probe from a liquid discharging device onto the carrier. A method for manufacturing a probe carrier, wherein, while relatively moving the liquid ejection device with respect to the carrier, each of the plurality of types of probes is used as a solution based on information on the arrangement position from the liquid ejection device. Having a step of discharging and supplying and fixing to the carrier,
The liquid ejecting apparatus has a liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, and a discharge port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit. A plurality of liquid ejection units corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, comprising: a liquid passage that communicates the liquid storage unit with the ejection port; and ejection energy generating means that enables ejection of the probe solution by the ejection port. A water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on the surface forming the supply port.

According to the configuration of the present invention described above, even when the arrangement density of the supply ports for filling a plurality of types of liquids is high, the supply ports are not moved during the movement of the liquid ejection device when manufacturing the probe carrier. It is possible to prevent the probe solution from overflowing from the port and flowing through the supply port forming surface of the liquid ejection device and flowing into the supply port filled with a different probe solution, thereby preventing liquid mixture.

According to the various aspects of the above-described liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the probe carrier manufacturing apparatus and the probe carrier manufacturing method are also provided with corresponding structural features.

The probe and probe carrier described in the present specification will be described here.

In the present specification, a probe immobilized on a carrier can specifically bind to a specific target substance. Further, the probe includes an oligonucleotide, a polynucleotide, or another polymer that can be recognized by a specific target. The term "probe" refers to both a molecule having a probe function, such as an individual polynucleotide molecule, and a population of molecules having the same probe function, such as polynucleotides of the same sequence surface-immobilized at dispersed locations, and often a ligand. Also included are molecules called. Also, probes and targets are often used interchangeably, where the probe is capable of binding to or becoming capable of binding to the target as part of a ligand-antiligand (sometimes referred to as a receptor) pair. is there. Probes and targets in the present invention can include bases as found in nature, or analogs thereof.

An example of a probe supported on a carrier is a probe having a binding portion with a carrier via a linker at a part of an oligonucleotide having a base sequence capable of hybridizing with a target nucleic acid. Having a structure linked to the surface of the carrier at the bonding portion of the above. In this case, the positions of the carrier and the binding portion in the molecule of the oligonucleotide are not particularly limited as long as the desired hybridization reaction is not impaired.

The probe employed in the probe array to which the method of the present invention is applied is appropriately selected according to the purpose of use. DNA, RNA, cD
NA (complementary DNA), PNA, oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, other nucleic acid, oligopeptide, polypeptide, protein, enzyme, substrate for enzyme, antibody, epitope for antibody, antigen, hormone, hormone receptor, ligand, ligand receptor , At least one selected from oligosaccharides and polysaccharides
Preferably it is a seed.

In the present invention, a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of these probes are fixed on the carrier surface as independent regions, for example, as dot spots, is called a probe carrier, and those arranged at predetermined intervals are a probe array. That.

On the other hand, the probe has a structure capable of binding to the surface of the carrier, and it is desirable that the probe is fixed on the carrier via the structure capable of binding. At this time, the structure of the probe that can be bonded to the carrier surface includes an amino group, a mercapto group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, an acid halide (haloformyl group; -COX), a halide (-X), an aziridine, a maleimide group, and a succinimide. group, isothiocyanate group, sulfonyl chloride group (-SO ₂ Cl), aldehyde (formyl group; -CH
It is preferably formed by a treatment for introducing at least one organic functional group such as O), hydrazine and iodoacetamide. Further, the surface of the carrier may be subjected to necessary treatment depending on the structure required for binding the probe to the carrier.

[0033]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a liquid ejecting apparatus for producing a probe carrier and a probe carrier producing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments. Further, although the embodiments shown here are examples of the best embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

First, an example of a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus will be described.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the structure of a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus using the probe carrier manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a liquid discharge device, reference numeral 21 denotes a probe array manufacturing device, reference numeral 22 denotes a carrier support as holding means for a carrier, reference numeral 23 denotes a liquid discharge device support, and reference numeral 24 denotes a probe solution. A supply unit, 25 is a dropping needle, and 26 is a probe solution tank.

The liquid ejecting apparatus 1 has a liquid ejecting apparatus support 23.
, And the liquid ejection device support base 23 can be moved with high accuracy in order to supply the probe solution to the liquid ejection device 1. In the probe solution supply unit 24, a plurality of probe solution tanks 26 for storing various probe solutions are formed in accordance with the type of the probe solution. A drip needle for dropping the solution is provided below the tank. 25 are attached.

The supply of the probe solution to the liquid ejecting apparatus 1 is performed by moving the liquid ejecting apparatus 1 so that the liquid ejecting apparatus support 23 can supply a desired probe solution. The probe solution is supplied from the drip needle 25 by, for example, arranging a supply port (see FIGS. 3, 4, 4, 7, 8, and 9) of the probe solution tank 26 of the probe solution supply unit 24. Is what you do.

In FIG. 2 showing another probe array manufacturing apparatus, reference numeral 1 denotes a liquid discharge device, reference numeral 11 denotes a shaft for guiding the movement of the liquid discharge device substantially in parallel, and reference numeral 12 denotes a fixed probe array. The stage 13 indicates a glass substrate to be a probe array.

The liquid ejecting apparatus 1 moves in the X direction (main scanning direction) in FIG. 2, the stage 12 moves in the Y direction (sub scanning direction), and the liquid ejecting apparatus 1 Can move in a dimension.

FIG. 2 shows an apparatus structure in which a plurality of glass substrates 13 serving as a probe array are fixed and a probe is applied to each glass substrate 13. After a probe array is manufactured, a single glass substrate may be cut to obtain a plurality of probe arrays.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the liquid ejecting apparatus 1 for manufacturing a probe array will be described.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting a probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, the semiconductor chips constituting the liquid ejection apparatus 1 for manufacturing a probe array are arranged in a horizontal direction in the drawing.
The distance between the centers of adjacent supply ports 6 is 1.27 mm (20 d
A supply port group consisting of eight nozzles arranged at pi (dot intervals at which 20 dots per inch are formed)
Five rows are provided, and the interval between adjacent supply port groups is also set to 20 dpi. The length of one side of the supply port 6 is 1 mm, and the interval between the supply port and the adjacent supply port (the interval in the horizontal or vertical direction in the figure) is 0.27 mm. The length in the long side direction of the chip is 12 mm, the length in the short side direction is 7 mm, and the number of nozzles in one chip is 40. The supply port 6 is not limited to a square, but may be another polygon or a circle as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one of a plurality of nozzles for discharging a liquid of a semiconductor chip constituting the liquid discharge apparatus 1 for manufacturing a probe array shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 5, a structure for discharging liquid is provided above the nozzle 2 which is a discharge port (at a position substantially opposed to the nozzle 2).
In addition, a heater 5 as an electrothermal converter, which is a discharge energy generating means for discharging the probe solution from the nozzle 2 by film boiling, is disposed, and a flow path 7 communicating with each nozzle and a liquid storage unit are provided. The supply port 6 is also provided. The probe solution is supplied from above the supply port 6 by a tube or a pipette as described above, and is filled in the nozzle 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, since the flow path 7 is extremely short, when the probe solution is injected, the inside of the nozzle 2 is immediately filled with the probe solution. The ejection can be normally performed only by performing the above operation. Note that the discharge energy source for discharging the droplets from the nozzle 2 is not limited to the electrothermal converter, and a vibrating element is also applicable.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the water-repellent region 3 is provided around each supply port 6 on the surface forming the opening surface of the supply port 6.

By adopting such a configuration, since the water repellent treatment is applied to the periphery of each supply port 6 on the surface forming the supply port surface, the probe array manufacturing apparatus shown in FIGS. The probe solution can be prevented from flowing from the supply port 6 to the water-repellent region 3 during the movement scan of the liquid ejection device 1 in the above, and the probe solution flows into the supply port 6 filled with different types of probe solutions. This can prevent liquid mixture.

The water-repellent region 3 in the present invention can be formed by a known method used in a printing liquid discharge apparatus (ink-jet recording head).

The water-repellent region 3 may be provided not only on the supply port forming surface which is the back surface of the chip but also on a part of the side surface of the opening for forming the supply port 6. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, by providing a water-repellent region from the inner edge of the upper end of the supply port 6 to the supply port forming surface,
It is preferable to prevent the probe solution 9 from overflowing.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting a probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, in the first embodiment, the hydrophilic regions 4 (white portions in FIG. 7) are formed around each supply port 6 on the surface forming the supply port surface. ) And between the hydrophilic region 4 around the supply port 6 for filling the probe solution and the hydrophilic region 4 around the adjacent supply port 6, It is provided.

Thus, even when the probe solution flows from the supply port 6 to the supply port forming surface during the movement of the liquid ejection device, the probe solution that has flowed out is supplied to the supply region adjacent to the hydrophilic region 4 around the supply port 6. The water flows only up to the water-repellent region 3 provided between the opening 6 and the hydrophilic region 4 around the opening 6, and the same effect as the embodiment shown in the first embodiment can be obtained.

The water-repellent region 3 may be provided not between all adjacent supply ports 6 but only between adjacent supply ports 6 filled with different types of probe solutions.

The width of the water-repellent region 3 and the hydrophilic region 4 can be changed depending on the type of the probe solution, the diameter of the supply port, and the like. Further, the water-repellent region 3 and the hydrophilic region 4 can be formed by a known method.

The supply port 6 is not limited to a square, but may be another polygon or a circle.

Further, the case where the two-dimensionally arranged nozzles are arranged orthogonally has been described above. However, the same arrangement as that described above may be employed in other forms of nozzle arrangement. Thus, a similar effect can be expected.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the nozzles are arranged in five rows in the horizontal direction in FIG. 8 at 100 dpi (100 dpi per inch).
Even when the liquid repellent regions 3 are arranged offset from each other (dot intervals of dots), the same effect can be obtained by arranging the water-repellent regions 3 in parallel with the offset nozzle rows as shown in FIG.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting a probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a water-repellent region 3 is provided around each supply port 6 on the surface forming the supply port surface. A hydrophilic area 4 is provided between a water-repellent area 3 around a supply port 6 filled with a probe solution and a water-repellent area 3 around an adjacent supply port 6.

Thus, even when the probe solution flows from the supply port 6 to the supply port forming surface during movement of the liquid ejection apparatus, the probe solution that has flowed out is adjacent to the water-repellent region 3 around the supply port 6. Since the water enters the hydrophilic region 4 provided between the supply port 6 and the water-repellent region 3, the mixture of the probe solution can be more reliably prevented.

The hydrophilic region 4 is provided for all adjacent supply ports 6
Instead, the space may be provided only between adjacent supply ports 6 filled with different types of probe solutions. Further, the width of the water-repellent region 3 and the hydrophilic region 4 can be changed depending on the type of the droplet, the supply diameter, and the like.

The supply port 6 is not limited to a square, but may be another polygon or a circle.

Further, the case where the two-dimensionally arranged nozzles are arranged orthogonally has been described above. However, the nozzle arrangement has been described so far even in other forms, for example, when the nozzles are arranged offset. The same effect can be expected by adopting a configuration similar to the above.

For example, in FIG.
Even when the rows are arranged at an offset of 100 dpi (dot interval of 100 dots per inch), the hydrophilic regions 4 are arranged in parallel with the rows of the nozzles offset.
A similar effect can be obtained by arranging.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a probe array manufacturing liquid ejection device according to the embodiment.

In the above-described liquid ejection apparatus for manufacturing a probe array comprising semiconductor chips, the amount of the probe solution ejected from the nozzle at a time is relatively large, and the number of the probe arrays to be manufactured is small. In many cases, a solution reservoir 8 which is a liquid storage portion for increasing the volume made of alumina, resin, or the like may be provided on the back surface which is the supply port forming surface of the semiconductor chip in which the plurality of supply ports 6 are integrally formed. preferable.

In the case of such a device configuration, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the supply ports 10 of the solution reservoir 8 for increasing the volume correspond to the respective supply ports 6 of the semiconductor chips constituting the liquid ejection apparatus 1. A water-repellent region 3 was provided around the periphery of the surface. In addition, the supply ports 6 and 10 are not limited to the shapes in the drawings, and may be appropriately selected such as a circle or a polygon.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the effect of preventing the mixture of different types of probe solutions as in the case where the water-repellent region 3 is provided on the back surface of the semiconductor chip shown in the first embodiment. it can. In addition, the solution reservoir 8
The same effects can be obtained by adopting not only the configuration shown in the first embodiment but also the configurations shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 for the supply port forming surface. .

The components of the liquid ejecting apparatus and the apparatus for manufacturing a probe carrier using the same according to the present invention include an ink jet recording system for printing or a head or recording apparatus employing the same. Thus, those appropriately selected according to the object of the present invention, or those whose structure or the like is changed according to the object of the present invention can be selected and used. As an example of such an ink jet recording method, particularly, among the ink jet recording methods, a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for performing ink ejection is provided. A recording head and a recording apparatus of a type in which a change in the state of ink is caused by the above-mentioned thermal energy can be given, and an excellent effect is brought about by utilizing the configuration used in these. This is because according to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
Although it can be applied to any type of continuous type, in particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it can be applied to a sheet holding liquid (ink) or an electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and film boiling occurs on the heat acting surface of the recording head. Liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis.
This is effective because air bubbles inside can be formed. The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble to form at least one droplet. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat.
A configuration using the specification of Japanese Patent No. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an aperture for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is provided. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration is based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium on which a recording apparatus can record. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as one integrally formed recording head.

In addition, even in the case of the serial type, when the recording head is fixed to the apparatus main body or is attached to the apparatus main body, electrical connection with the apparatus main body and supply of ink from the apparatus main body become possible. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is provided integrally with the recording head itself is used.

It is preferable to add a discharge recovery means for the print head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like as the structure of the printing apparatus, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If these are specifically mentioned, the recording head is heated using capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, an electrothermal transducer, another heating element or a combination thereof. Pre-heating means for performing the pre-heating and pre-discharging means for performing the discharging other than the recording can be used.

The most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, as means for manufacturing a probe array, a plurality of discharge ports arranged in an array and a supply port for supplying a probe solution discharged from the discharge ports are provided. In the case where a liquid ejecting apparatus including the above is used, a water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on the surface forming the supply port. As a result, even when the arrangement density of supply ports for filling a plurality of types of liquids is arranged at a high density, the probe solution overflows from the supply ports when the liquid ejecting apparatus is moved to manufacture the probe array, and the supply ports are formed. Through the face,
It is possible to prevent a mixture caused by flowing into a supply port filled with different probe solutions.

Further, on the surface forming the supply port,
The same effect as described above can be obtained by providing a hydrophilic region around each supply port and forming a water-repellent region between the hydrophilic regions around the adjacent supply port.

Further, on the surface forming the supply port,
The same effect as described above can be obtained by providing a water-repellent region around each of the supply ports and forming a hydrophilic region between the water-repellent regions around the adjacent supply ports.

Further, in the liquid discharging apparatus further provided with a second liquid storage portion for increasing the amount connected to the liquid storage portion formed integrally, the second liquid storage portion may be provided as in the present invention. By taking the configuration of the water-repellent area and the hydrophilic area,
Liquid mixture can be prevented even between the supply ports of the second liquid storage unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus using a probe carrier manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a structural example of a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus using the probe carrier manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a surface on which a probe solution supply port is formed of a semiconductor chip constituting the liquid ejection apparatus for manufacturing a probe array according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification of the supply port shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one of a plurality of nozzles for discharging a liquid of a semiconductor chip constituting the liquid discharge device for manufacturing a probe array shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the water-repellent treatment around the supply port according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting a liquid ejection apparatus for manufacturing a probe array according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a modification of the arrangement of the supply ports shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting a liquid ejection apparatus for manufacturing a probe array according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a liquid ejection apparatus for manufacturing a probe array according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid discharge apparatus 2 Nozzle 3 Water-repellent area 4 Hydrophilic area 5 Discharge heater 6, 10 Supply port 7 Flow path 8 Increase solution reservoir 9 Probe solution 11 Shaft 12 Stage 13 Glass substrate 21 Probe array manufacturing apparatus 22 Carrier support 23 Liquid ejecting device support stand 24 Probe solution supply unit 25 Dripping needle 26 Probe solution tank

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G01N 37/00 103 C12N 15/00 F

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A liquid ejection apparatus used for manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier, for accommodating a probe solution containing the probes. Liquid storage section, for discharging the probe solution supplied from the supply port of the liquid storage section, discharge ports arranged in an array, a liquid path that communicates the liquid storage section and the discharge port, A plurality of liquid ejection units having ejection energy generating means for enabling the ejection of the probe solution by the ejection ports, the number corresponding to the plurality of types of probes; A liquid ejection device for manufacturing a probe carrier, wherein a water region is provided. 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus for manufacturing a probe carrier according to claim 1, wherein the water-repellent region is provided in a part of the supply port. 3. A liquid ejecting apparatus used for manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier, for accommodating a probe solution containing the probes. Liquid storage section, for discharging the probe solution supplied from the supply port of the liquid storage section, discharge ports arranged in an array, a liquid path that communicates the liquid storage section and the discharge port, A plurality of liquid ejection units having ejection energy generating means for enabling the ejection of the probe solution by the ejection ports, the number corresponding to the plurality of types of probes; and A hydrophilic region, and a water-repellent region is provided between a hydrophilic region around a supply port for filling a probe solution and a hydrophilic region around a supply port for filling a different type of probe solution. Probe carrier for producing a liquid discharge apparatus that. 4. The probe carrier according to claim 3, wherein the water-repellent region is provided between the hydrophilic regions around all the adjacent supply ports on the surface on which the supply port is formed. Liquid ejection device. 5. A liquid ejecting apparatus used for manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier, for accommodating a probe solution containing the probes. Liquid storage section, for discharging the probe solution supplied from the supply port of the liquid storage section, discharge ports arranged in an array, a liquid path that communicates the liquid storage section and the discharge port, A plurality of liquid ejection units having ejection energy generating means for enabling the ejection of the probe solution by the ejection ports, the number corresponding to the plurality of types of probes; and That a hydrophilic region is provided between the water-repellent region around the supply port filled with the probe solution and the water-repellent region around the supply port filled with the different type of probe solution. Features and Probe carrier for producing a liquid discharge apparatus that. 6. The probe carrier according to claim 5, wherein the hydrophilic region is provided between water-repellent regions around all adjacent supply ports on a surface forming the supply port. Liquid ejection device. 7. The liquid storage part further includes a second liquid storage part for increasing the amount connected to the liquid storage part integrally formed, wherein the water repellent area is provided in the second liquid storage part. The liquid ejecting apparatus for producing a probe carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: 8. The heater element according to claim 1, wherein said discharge energy generating means is a heater element which generates thermal energy, heats said probe solution to cause film boiling, and discharges a liquid from said discharge port with the pressure. The liquid ejection device for producing a probe carrier according to any one of the above. 9. An apparatus for manufacturing a probe carrier, comprising: a liquid ejection device for ejecting a probe solution; and carrier holding means for holding the carrier and for moving the carrier relative to the liquid ejection device. Wherein the liquid ejection device is arranged in an array for accommodating a probe solution containing the probe, and a probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid accommodation unit, for accommodating the probe solution. A liquid discharge unit having a discharge port, a liquid path communicating the liquid storage unit and the discharge port, and discharge energy generating means for discharging the probe solution through the discharge port. A probe carrier manufacturing apparatus, wherein a corresponding number is provided, and a water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on a surface forming the supply port surface. 10. A probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier by discharging a probe solution containing a probe from a liquid ejection device onto the carrier. A method of ejecting each of the plurality of types of probes as a solution based on information on the arrangement position from the liquid ejection device while relatively moving the liquid ejection device with respect to the carrier. A step of supplying and fixing the carrier to the carrier, wherein the liquid discharging device is configured to discharge a probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storing section for storing a probe solution including the probe and a supply port of the liquid storing section. Discharge ports arranged in an array, a liquid path connecting the liquid storage section and the discharge ports, and a discharge energy generating means for discharging the probe solution through the discharge ports. And a liquid ejecting section having a number corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, and having a water-repellent region provided around each supply port on a surface forming the supply port surface. Probe carrier manufacturing method.