JP2013108769A - Flow channel chip, liquid feeding device and liquid feeding system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact flow channel chip 100 capable of controlling advance and stop of a liquid at optional timing.SOLUTION: The flow channel chip 100 includes a first open channel 112, a second open channel 113, a first introduction channel 102, a first confluent channel 103, and a valve 141 arranged between a first intersection position and a second intersection position or on the second intersection position to control a flow of liquid introduced from the first confluent channel 103 into a flow channel 114.

Description

  The present invention relates to a compact channel chip, a liquid feeding device, and a liquid feeding system capable of controlling the advance and stop of a liquid at an arbitrary timing.

  In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in clinical testing POCT (Point Of Care Testing) performed near a patient such as a hospital bedside or in the home. If it is POCT, while being able to utilize a test result for a patient's treatment rapidly, a high quality treatment can be provided to a patient. Therefore, in order to carry out POCT, a small analyzer that can perform a quick analysis by a simple operation is required.

  Here, there is an immunoassay method as an analysis method widely used in the medical field, biochemical field, fields where allergens need to be measured, and the like. Conventional immunoassays require large instruments for implementation. Moreover, since the immunoassay is complicated in operation, it requires a time of one day or longer for 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 the liquid feeding means that can be used for such a chip include liquid feeding means using a micropump. 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.

  On the other hand, a liquid feeding means that can be realized with a structure as simple as possible by using a capillary phenomenon (interface tension) generated between a channel and a liquid without providing a large number of pumps is also used. Since these systems do not require a pump, there is an advantage that the chip can be made more compact than the technique described in Patent Document 1.

  For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for supplying a liquid to a chip using the liquid absorption capability of an absorber (for example, a porous body) installed on the downstream side of a flow path. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for branching a flow path into two, stopping the liquid in one flow path, and resuming the liquid feeding by joining the liquid flowing from the other flow path. ing. Moreover, patent document 4 is disclosing the technique of liquid-feeding by a capillary phenomenon.

JP 2008-128906 A (released on June 5, 2008) JP 2001-88096 A (published on April 3, 2001) JP 2004-225912 A (released August 12, 2004) JP 2006-220606 A (published August 24, 2006)

  Here, in order to perform analysis using a chip, it is necessary to perform a predetermined reaction or the like in the flow path. For this purpose, it is necessary to move a plurality of types of liquids such as a sample solution, a reaction solution, a washing solution, and a detection solution 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.

  In this regard, although the technique described in Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing reliable liquid feeding control using a micropump, a sophisticated and complicated processing technique is required to incorporate the micropump into the chip. Have the problem of 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. is there. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to make the chip compact.

  Moreover, in the flow path chip using the absorber described in Patent Document 2, it is not possible to control the advance and stop of the liquid. In the conventional liquid sending technique using the absorber, the liquid flows out of the flow path or the liquid accumulates in the flow path regardless of the intention of the analysis operator. Therefore, the flow channel chip of Patent Document 2 has a problem that it is difficult to perform reaction and measurement stably.

  Moreover, the technique described in Patent Document 3 stops the liquid for a certain period of time by providing a time difference in the movement of the liquid in the two flow paths. However, the technique described in Patent Document 3 depends on the designed flow path shape when the liquid stops, and cannot stop the liquid for an arbitrary time. In addition, when the stop time is longer than the time required for liquid feeding, it is difficult to design the flow path.

  Since the technique described in Patent Document 4 uses an electrowetting valve, the liquid flow can be stopped and advanced only once, and the liquid flow is stopped again after controlling from stop to forward. Such complicated control is not possible. Therefore, when the stoppage and advance control of the liquid flow are performed a plurality of times using the apparatus described in Patent Document 4, it is necessary to use a plurality of apparatuses or electrowetting valves, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus. The problem is not solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a compact flow channel chip or the like that can control the liquid advance and stop at an arbitrary timing. It is in.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a flow channel chip according to the present invention is a flow channel chip having a main flow channel into which a liquid is injected in a substrate, which is open to the atmosphere, and is disposed on one end side of the main flow channel. A first open path formed in the substrate that communicates, a second open path formed in the substrate that is open to the atmosphere and communicates with the other end side of the main flow path, and the main flow path. A first introduction path through which the liquid can be introduced into the main flow path, and the main flow path communicated between the first introduction path and the first open path, and the liquid is introduced into the main flow path. A second introduction path that can be configured, and a first intersection position in the main flow path where the main flow path and the first introduction path intersect, and the main flow path and the second introduction path intersect. Between the second intersection position or at the second intersection position, and the first introduction path and the second guide It is characterized by and a first liquid control unit for controlling the flow of liquid to be introduced into the main channel from the road.

  According to the above configuration, for example, when the first introduction path and the second introduction path are filled with liquid, the liquid filled in the second introduction path is stopped by the first liquid control unit and enters the first introduction path. Liquid can enter the main channel. At this time, the liquid that has entered the main flow path is divided into the first open path and the second open path that are open to the outside air, and the liquid that has advanced to the first open path side is stopped by the first liquid control unit. On the other hand, the liquid that has advanced to the second open path side can be stopped at the position set by the decrease in the water head pressure and the resistance in the flow path.

  In this state, when the first liquid control unit is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid from the second introduction path and the liquid from the first introduction path merge. Then, the liquid introduced from the first introduction path again travels through the main channel due to the weight of the liquid from the second introduction path and the water head pressure.

  As described above, taking the above-described control as an example, the liquid that has stopped moving can be moved again at an arbitrary timing by the operation of the first liquid control unit, and the advance and stop of the liquid can be controlled in a complicated manner. Can do.

  Furthermore, the flow channel chip according to the present invention is in the main flow channel, and the first crossing position where the main flow channel and the first introduction path intersect, and the main flow channel and the second introduction path intersect. A first liquid control unit that is disposed between two crossing positions or at the second crossing position and that controls the flow of liquid introduced from the first introduction path and the second introduction path into the main flow path. It is the composition provided.

  Therefore, a sophisticated flow path chip or the like can be realized without requiring an advanced and complicated processing technique for incorporating the first liquid control unit into the flow dew tip.

  As described above, the flow channel chip according to the present invention can provide a compact flow channel chip capable of controlling the advance and stop of the liquid at an arbitrary timing.

  In the channel chip according to the present invention, the first liquid control unit may be an electrowetting valve.

  According to the above configuration, the flow of the liquid in the main channel is controlled by the electrowetting valve, that is, by an external electric signal.

  Therefore, the first liquid control unit can be realized with a simple configuration.

  In the channel chip according to the present invention, the first liquid control unit may be a light valve that controls the flow of the liquid by light irradiation.

  According to the above configuration, the first liquid control unit can be realized by a light valve. Therefore, a region in which the hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity is changed by light irradiation from the outside can be used as a light valve, and the light valve can be operated by light irradiation.

  Therefore, the first liquid control unit can be realized with a simple configuration.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be configured to have an absorber that absorbs the liquid flowing in the main flow channel in or near the second open channel.

  According to the said structure, the flow-path chip concerning this invention can make the absorber absorb the liquid in a main flow path, and can discharge | emit (absorb) the liquid in a main flow path.

  Thereby, the channel chip according to the present invention can control the advance and stop of the liquid including the discharge of the liquid at an arbitrary timing in an extremely compact manner.

  In addition, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may include a first blocking unit that blocks a liquid flow from the first introduction channel to the main channel.

  According to the above configuration, after introducing (injecting) the liquid to be introduced into the main flow path into the first introduction path and the second introduction path in advance, the advance and stop of two or more liquids can be performed at any timing, and , Can be controlled with more diverse variations.

  In the channel chip according to the present invention, the first blocking unit includes a first bubble generating unit that generates bubbles and a first inflow preventing unit that prevents the generated bubbles from flowing into the main channel. The structure may be included.

  According to the said structure, a liquid can be parted by a 1st bubble generation part generating a bubble, Furthermore, the bubble can be stopped by the 1st inflow prevention part.

  Therefore, the channel chip according to the present invention can stop the inflow of the liquid into the main channel while preventing the bubbles from entering the main channel.

  In the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the first inflow prevention unit may be a plurality of columnar pillars that prevent the generated bubbles from flowing into the main flow channel.

  In the channel chip according to the present invention, the first inflow prevention unit is configured to prevent the generated bubbles from flowing into the main channel by narrowing the channel area or increasing the channel area. It's okay.

  Further, in the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the first inflow prevention unit prevents the generated bubbles from flowing into the main flow channel by changing the contact angle of the flow channel or changing the surface roughness of the flow channel. It may be a configuration.

  According to each said structure, the interfacial tension of the gas and liquid which arises with the bubble which the 1st bubble generation part produced | generated can work more effectively than another part in a 1st inflow prevention part. That is, with each of the above configurations, it is possible to stop the inflow of liquid into the main channel while preventing bubbles from entering the main channel.

  In the channel chip according to the present invention, the first blocking section may be configured to deform the main channel by at least one of electricity, heat, light, magnetic force, and external force.

  According to the above configuration, since the main flow path itself can be simply deformed by at least one of electricity, heat, light, magnetic force, and external force to seal the liquid in the main flow path, the first introduction path to the main flow path It is possible to easily block the flow of liquid.

  The first introduction path and the second introduction path may have a common first liquid introduction port for introducing liquid into the main flow path.

  According to the above configuration, the liquid introduced into the first introduction path and the second introduction path can be shared.

  In addition, the flow channel chip according to the present invention is further connected to the main flow channel between the first open channel and the second introduction channel, and is capable of introducing a liquid into the main flow channel. A fourth introduction path that communicates with the main flow path between the introduction path, the third introduction path, and the first open path and that can introduce liquid into the main flow path, and the main flow path. Between the third intersection position where the main flow path and the third introduction path intersect and the fourth intersection position where the main flow path and the fourth introduction path intersect, or at the fourth intersection position. And a second liquid control unit that controls the flow of the liquid in the main flow path.

  According to the above configuration, for example, the following liquid flow control is possible.

  First, the liquid introduced into the second combined channel can be stopped by the first liquid control unit, and the liquid introduced into the fourth introduction channel can be stopped by the second liquid control unit. On the other hand, the liquid introduced into the first introduction path is caused to enter the main flow path by the action of its own weight or surface tension.

  At this time, the liquid that has entered the main flow path is divided into a first open path and a second open path that are open to the outside air, and the liquid that has advanced to the first open path side is stopped by the first liquid control unit. On the other hand, the liquid that has advanced to the second open path side is stopped at the set position.

  Thereafter, when the first liquid control unit is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid in the second combined channel and the liquid in the main channel merge. Then, the liquid in the main flow path again travels in the main flow path due to the weight of the liquid from the second combined flow path and the water head pressure.

  Next, when the liquid that has traveled in the main channel reaches the absorber, the absorber absorbs the liquid and the liquid in the main channel is discharged.

  When liquid is introduced into the third introduction path at an arbitrary timing, the liquid enters the main flow path. The liquid proceeds separately on the first open path side and the second open path side that are open to the outside air, and the liquid that has advanced to the first open path side is stopped by the second liquid control unit. And the liquid which advances to the 2nd open path side can stop in the set position.

  Subsequently, when the second liquid control unit is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid in the fourth introduction path and the liquid in the main flow path merge. Next, the liquid in the main flow path again travels in the main flow path due to the weight of the liquid from the fourth introduction path and the water head pressure. When the liquid traveling in the main channel reaches the absorber, the absorber absorbs the liquid and the liquid in the main channel is discharged.

  As described above, the channel chip can move the two or more liquids that have stopped moving again at an arbitrary timing and discharge the liquid after the movement, taking the above-described control as an example.

  Here, the second liquid control unit can be manufactured by the same process as the first liquid control unit, and the second liquid control unit can be operated by an external electric signal. The flow channel chip according to the invention can be realized.

  In the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the second liquid control unit may be an electrowetting valve.

  According to the above configuration, the flow of the liquid in the main channel is controlled by the electrowetting valve, that is, by an external electric signal.

  Therefore, the first liquid control unit can be realized with a simple configuration.

  In the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the second liquid control unit may be a light valve that controls the flow of the liquid by light irradiation.

  According to the above configuration, the first liquid control unit can be realized by a light valve. Therefore, a region in which the hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity is changed by light irradiation from the outside can be used as a light valve, and the light valve can be operated by light irradiation.

  Therefore, the first liquid control unit can be realized with a simple configuration.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be configured to include a second blocking unit that blocks the flow of liquid from the third introduction channel to the main channel.

  According to the above configuration, after introducing (injecting) the liquid to be introduced into the main flow path into the third introduction path and the fourth introduction path in advance, two or more liquids are added in cooperation with the first operation control unit. Advance and stop can be controlled at any timing and with more variations.

  Further, in the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the second blocking unit includes a second bubble generating unit that generates bubbles, and a second inflow preventing unit that prevents the generated bubbles from flowing into the main channel. The structure may be included.

  According to the said structure, a liquid can be parted by a 2nd bubble generation | occurrence | production part generating a bubble, Furthermore, the bubble can be stopped by the 2nd inflow prevention part.

  Therefore, the channel chip according to the present invention can stop the inflow of the liquid into the main channel while preventing the bubbles from entering the main channel.

  Moreover, the flow path chip according to the present invention may be configured such that the second inflow prevention portion is a plurality of columnar pillars that prevent the generated bubbles from flowing into the main flow path.

  In the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the second inflow prevention unit is configured to prevent the generated bubbles from flowing into the main flow channel by narrowing the flow channel area or expanding the flow channel area. It's okay.

  Further, in the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the second inflow prevention unit prevents the generated bubbles from flowing into the main flow channel by changing the contact angle of the flow channel or changing the surface roughness of the flow channel. It may be a configuration.

  According to each said structure, the interfacial tension of the gas and liquid which arises with the bubble which the 2nd bubble generation part produced | generated can work more effectively than another part in a 2nd inflow prevention part. That is, with each of the above configurations, it is possible to stop the inflow of liquid into the main channel while preventing bubbles from entering the main channel.

  In the channel chip according to the present invention, the second blocking part may be configured to use at least one of electricity, heat, light, magnetic force, and external force.

  According to the above configuration, since the main flow path itself can be simply deformed by at least one of electricity, heat, light, magnetic force, and external force to seal the liquid in the main flow path, the first introduction path to the main flow path It is possible to easily block the flow of liquid.

  In the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the third introduction channel and the fourth introduction channel may have a common second liquid introduction port for introducing a liquid into the main channel.

  In addition, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be configured to include at least one detection unit that detects whether or not liquid exists in the main flow channel.

  According to the said structure, the presence or absence of the liquid in the main flow path can be detected by the detection means, and the position of the liquid can be grasped. Furthermore, if there are a plurality of detection means, the position of the liquid can be grasped more accurately.

  Further, in the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the detection means has two or more electrodes, and when a voltage is applied between the electrodes, a current value change that changes between the electrodes, or It may be configured to detect whether or not liquid exists in the main flow path by detecting a change in impedance.

  According to the above configuration, the presence / absence of the liquid in the main flow path can be detected as an electrical signal, and a detection means can be provided more simply and accurately.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be configured to include a detection unit that detects the content of a specific substance contained in the liquid flowing in the main flow channel in the main flow channel.

  According to the said structure, content of the specific substance contained in the liquid in the said main flow path can be detected, and the effort of the detection outside can be saved.

  Moreover, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be configured to include reaction means for causing a predetermined reaction to a specific substance contained in the liquid flowing through the main flow channel.

  According to the said structure, a predetermined reaction can be produced in the said main flow path, and the reaction process outside can be skipped.

Further, the liquid feeding device according to the present invention is a liquid feeding device for feeding liquid to any one of the flow path chips,
When the flow channel chip includes at least one detection means for detecting whether liquid exists in the main flow channel,
A configuration may be provided that includes first cutoff operation control means for controlling the operation of the first cutoff section based on the signal detected by the detection means.

  In addition, a liquid feeding device according to the present invention is a liquid feeding device for feeding liquid to any of the flow channel chips described above, and the flow channel chip detects whether or not liquid exists in the main flow channel. When at least one detection unit is provided, the second cutoff operation control unit may be configured to control the operation of the second cutoff unit based on a signal detected by the detection unit.

  According to the above configuration, the liquid feeding device according to the present invention operates the first (second) blocking unit of the channel chip in cooperation with the first and second blocking operation control unit and the detection unit of the channel chip. Therefore, more accurate control of the flow path chip can be realized.

  Moreover, the liquid feeding system which concerns on this invention may be the structure containing the flow-path chip | tip in any one of the said, and the said liquid feeding apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, since the liquid feeding system according to the present invention includes the flow path chip and the liquid feeding device, a compact flow path chip capable of controlling the liquid advance and stop at an arbitrary timing. Can be realized.

  As described above, the flow path chip according to the present invention is open to the atmosphere and communicates with one end side of the main flow path. The first open path formed in the substrate and the first open path are A different liquid passage, which is open to the atmosphere and communicates with the other end of the main flow path, and is formed in the substrate, communicates with the main flow path, and has liquid in the main flow path. And a second introduction capable of introducing a liquid into the main flow path between the first introduction path and the first open path. And the flow of the liquid introduced from the first introduction path and the second introduction path to the main flow path in the main flow path are arranged at positions where the main path, the main flow path and the second introduction path intersect. And a first liquid control unit.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a compact flow path chip or the like that can control the advance and stop of the liquid at an arbitrary timing.

It is a top view of the channel chip concerning this embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the flow-path chip concerning this Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the liquid feeding system which concerns on this Embodiment is shown. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the liquid in the flow-path chip | tip which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a top view of the channel chip concerning other embodiments. It is sectional drawing of the flow-path chip | tip which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the liquid in the flow-path chip | tip which concerns on other embodiment. It is a top view of the channel chip concerning other embodiments. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the liquid in the flow-path chip | tip which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the liquid in the flow-path chip | tip which concerns on other embodiment. It is a top view of the channel chip concerning other embodiments. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the liquid in the flow-path chip | tip which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the liquid in the flow-path chip | tip which concerns on other embodiment. It is a top view of the channel chip concerning other embodiments. It is a figure which shows the pillar-shaped pillar as a trap part. It is a figure which shows the constriction part in the 1st introduction path as a trap part. It is a figure which shows the example of the area | region where the surface roughness differs as a trap part. It is a figure which shows the example of the pillar as a trap part, and a constriction part. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the liquid in the flow-path chip | tip which concerns on other embodiment. It is a top view of the channel chip concerning other embodiments. It is a top view of the channel chip concerning other embodiments. It is a top view of the channel chip concerning other embodiments.

  Hereinafter, the liquid feeding system, the channel chip, and the liquid feeding device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, the effects obtained by the respective embodiments to be described later are not repeated for the same effects.

First, the liquid feeding system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of the liquid delivery system 1. As shown in the figure, the liquid feeding system 1 includes at least a flow channel chip 100 and a liquid feeding device 200. The liquid feeding system 1 may include a channel chip such as a channel chip 130 described later instead of the channel chip 100.
The flow channel chip 100 and the like can measure physical quantities related to the amount of fine particles in the environment, specific components (eg, antigen, antibody, enzyme, substrate, cytokine, etc.) contained in blood, saliva, urine. Chip. The liquid feeding device 200 supplies the flow path chip 100 with a test solution and the like necessary for various measurements by the flow path chip 100.

  In addition, the channel chip 100 and the liquid feeding device 200 may be connected to each other in a wired and / or wireless manner so that they can communicate with each other.

[About channel chip]
[Embodiment 1]
Next, the flow path chip according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the flow channel chip 100.

  As shown in the figure, the channel chip 100 includes a first open channel 112, a second open channel 113, a channel (main channel) 114, a first introduction channel 102, a first liquid introduction port 121, 1 combined flow path (second introduction path) 103, second liquid introduction port 122, and valve (first liquid control unit) 141 are provided. Hereinafter, details of each part will be described.

[Flow path 114]
The flow path 114 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow channel chip 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the flow path 114 is formed by overlapping the second substrate 111 provided with the groove and the first substrate 110 (the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 110). The substrate 111 will be described later).

  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.

  In the present embodiment and various embodiments described later, the flow path 114 that connects the first open path 112 and the second open path 113 may be referred to as a main flow path. In addition, when the flow path is branched or when there are a plurality of flow paths, after the liquid is introduced, the flow path to be controlled to advance / stop the liquid into the flow path 114 is controlled. Sometimes referred to as an introduction channel. In addition, a path through which a liquid for joining (mixing) with the liquid introduced from the introduction flow path is sometimes referred to as a merge flow path.

  The main flow path, the introduction flow path, the combined flow path, and the like are a part of the flow paths provided in the flow path chip, and the shapes thereof can be changed according to the forms of the discharge part and the liquid receiving part. Further, the channel 114 is preferably capable of feeding a liquid to be fed by a capillary phenomenon.

(Capillary phenomenon)
Here, 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, composed of the same material) The pressure acting on the liquid (the pressure of liquid feeding due to capillary action) P is the interface tension at the gas-liquid interface σ, the contact angle of the wall surface of the flow path is θ, and the radius of the flow path is When r, it is shown by the following formula 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.

  In addition, the hydrophobic part may exist in 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 channel, so the sum of interfacial tensions is hydrophilic (cos θ is positive) What should I do.

  Here, the hydrophilic property represents a case where the contact angle measured under conditions of 1 atm and 25 ° C. using pure water (25 ° C.) having a specific resistance larger than 18 mΩ · cm is less than 90 °. 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 largely 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 114 should just be a magnitude | size which the capillary phenomenon produces. For example, the width and height of the cross section of the flow path 114 are preferably 0.1 μm to 10 mm, and more preferably 10 μm to 1 mm.

[First substrate 110 and second substrate 111]
The material used for the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 111 may be selected according to the purpose and application of the channel chip, and is not particularly limited. For example, when optical detection is performed, optical characteristics / features are taken into account, when electrical detection is performed, electrical insulation is taken into account, and when fine processing such as grooves is required, processing is performed. In consideration of ease of use, a material suitable for each application may be selected.

  When the liquid to be absorbed by the absorber described later is water, it is preferable to use a hydrophilic material or perform a hydrophilic treatment for at least one of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 111. 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 110 and the second substrate 111. Examples of such a transparent or translucent material 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 110 and the second substrate 111.

  When an electrical operation (detection, valve, etc.) is performed, it is necessary to form electrodes on the surfaces of the flow path 114, the first substrate 110, and the second substrate 111. Therefore, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 111 are used. It is preferable to use a material capable of forming an electrode. 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 an electrode on the uneven surface, it is preferable to form the electrode on a substrate (second substrate 111 in this embodiment) on which an uneven surface such as a channel groove 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 to 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 114) 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 such 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.

[First open path 112, second open path 113]
The first open path 112 is formed in the second substrate 111 with one end open to the atmosphere and the other end communicating with one end of the flow path 114. The second open path 113 is a liquid flow path different from the first open path 112, one end is opened to the atmosphere, the other end communicates with one end side of the flow path 114, and is formed in the second substrate 111. Yes. The shape of the hole which forms the 1st open path 112 and the 2nd open path 113 is not specifically limited, For example, it can be set as the cylindrical shape of diameter 0.5mm-10mm.

[First introduction path 102, first combined path 103]
The first introduction path 102 is formed in the second substrate 111 with one end open to the atmosphere and the other end communicating with the flow path 114. In order to inject the liquid from the first introduction path 102 to the flow path 114, the liquid may be injected from the first liquid introduction port 121. The first combined channel 103 is formed in the second substrate 111 with one end open to the atmosphere and the other end communicating with the channel 114. In order to inject the liquid from the first combined flow path 103 to the flow path 114, the liquid may be injected from the second liquid introduction port 122. The shape of the hole forming the first open path 112 and the second open path 113 is not particularly limited.

  In FIG. 1, the first open path 112, the first combined flow path 103, the first introduction path 102, and the second open path 113 communicate with the flow path 114 in this order, but the order is not necessarily limited. .

[Valve 141]
As shown in FIG. 1, the valve 141 is located in the flow path 114 where the flow path 114 and the first introduction path 102 intersect (first intersecting position), the flow path 114, and the first combined flow path 103. Is arranged between or at the second intersection position, and controls the flow of the liquid introduced from the first introduction channel 102 and the first combined channel 103 to the channel 114. . More specifically, the valve 141 stops the flow of the liquid from the first introduction path 102 to the first open path 112 and the flow of the liquid from the first combined path 103 to the path 114, and is in a stopped state. It has a role of switching the liquid to forward.

  That is, the valve 141 can stop the flow of liquid in the flow path 114 and the first combined flow path 103. The valve 141 provided in the flow path 114 stops the flow of the liquid in the direction of the first open path 112 in the flow path 114, and the valve 141 provided in the first combined flow path 103 is the first combined flow path. The flow of the liquid in the direction of the flow path 114 in 103 is stopped. The valve 141 having the effect of stopping the flow from the two directions may be a common valve, or may be provided individually instead of being common. The valve 141 can be switched from a state where the liquid is stopped to a state where the liquid flows, and by switching to a state where the liquid flows, the liquid from two directions can be merged.

  Although it does not specifically limit as the valve | bulb 141, For example, an electrowetting valve | bulb or a light valve can be used.

  Further, the valve 141 is provided with a hydrophobic region on the wall surface of the flow channel 114, and a pressing portion is provided on the upstream side of the flow channel 114 with respect to the hydrophobic region, and pressure is applied to the pressing portion from the outside. Therefore, the liquid in the channel 114 can be sent out beyond the hydrophobic region.

  In addition, as the valve 141, a hydrophobic region is provided on the wall surface of the flow channel 114, and an electrode portion that electrolyzes liquid and generates bubbles in the flow channel 114 on the upstream side of the hydrophobic region. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the liquid is sent over the hydrophobic region by the pressure of bubbles generated by electrolysis in the electrode portion.

  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.

  As described above, the electrowetting valve is a working electrode in which a dielectric film is formed on a metal electrode or a metal electrode, and further includes a reference electrode for applying a voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode. Actuating by changing the wettability on the working electrode by applying a voltage. According to the above configuration, since the electrodes are provided in the merging valve portion and the merging valve is operated by an electric signal from the outside, a simple configuration can be realized.

  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. .

  Various photocatalytic films can be used as the photocatalyst. 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 above configuration, since the region in which the hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity changes due to light irradiation from the outside is the light valve and the valve is operated by irradiating the light valve with light, a simple configuration can be realized.

  In addition, for the purpose of providing a stop function for the electrowetting valve and the light valve, a pillar-shaped pillar described later, a shape different from other portions of the flow path, or a portion made of a narrowed portion can be provided.

  The configuration of the valve 141 described above can be adopted as any valve provided in the flow channel chip 100. 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.

[Liquid flow in the channel chip 100]
Next, the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 100.

  First, when the liquid is filled in the first introduction path 102 and the first combined flow path 103, the liquid filled in the first combined flow path 103 is stopped by the valve 141, and the liquid that has entered the first introduction flow path 102 is the flow path. 114 is entered (FIG. 4A).

  Next, the liquid that has entered the flow path 114 proceeds while being divided into a first open path 112 and a second open path 113 that are open to the outside air, and the liquid that has advanced toward the first open path 112 is stopped by the valve 141 ( FIG. 4 (b)).

  On the other hand, the liquid that has advanced to the second open path 113 side stops at the position set by the decrease in the water head pressure and the resistance in the flow path (FIG. 4C).

  When the valve 141 is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid from the first combined flow path 103 and the liquid from the first introduction flow path 102 merge (FIG. 4D).

  Thereafter, the liquid introduced from the first introduction path 102 advances again through the flow path 114 due to the weight of the liquid from the first combined flow path 103 and the water head pressure (FIG. 4E).

  As described above, by the operation of the valve 141, that is, when the wettability of the valve 141 is changed, the liquid that has stopped moving due to the capillary force can be moved again at an arbitrary timing, and the liquid advances and stops. Can be controlled in a complicated manner.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the head pressure decreases as the liquid introduced into the first introduction path 102 moves to the flow path 114, so that the amount of liquid introduced, the flow path 114 and the first introduction path 102 The operation of stopping can be realized by designing the length and the like.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view of the flow path chip 130. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow path chip 130. The channel chip 130 is characterized in that an absorber 131 is provided in the second open channel 113, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Each configuration will be described below.

〔Absorber〕
In the flow channel chip 130, the absorber 131 is provided inside the second open channel 113. A part or all of the absorber 131 can 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.

  Furthermore, specifically, fiber materials (for example, plant 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, etc.). 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.

[Arrangement of Channel 114 and Absorber 131]
The absorber 131 may be disposed in the second open path 113, the flow path 114, or a combination thereof.

[Liquid flow in the channel chip 130]
Next, the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 130 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 130.

  When the first introduction path 102 and the first combined flow path 103 are filled with liquid, the liquid that has entered the first combined flow path 103 is stopped by the valve 141, and the liquid that has entered the first introduction path 102 enters the flow path 114. (FIG. 7A).

  Next, the liquid that has entered the flow path 114 proceeds while being divided into a first open path 112 and a second open path 113 that are open to the outside air, and the liquid that has advanced toward the first open path 112 is stopped by the valve 141 ( FIG. 7B).

  On the other hand, the liquid proceeding to the second open path 113 side stops at a position set by the decrease in the water head pressure and the resistance in the flow path (FIG. 7C).

  When the valve 141 is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid from the first combined channel 103 and the liquid from the first introduction channel 102 merge (FIG. 7D).

  Thereafter, the liquid introduced from the first introduction path 102 advances again through the flow path 114 due to the weight of the liquid from the first combined flow path 103 and the water head pressure (FIG. 7E).

  When the liquid traveling in the channel 114 reaches the absorber 131, the absorber 131 absorbs the liquid and discharges (absorbs) the liquid in the channel 114 (FIG. 7 (f)).

  In this way, the channel chip 130 can move the liquid that has stopped moving due to the capillary force again at an arbitrary timing, and can discharge the liquid after the movement.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the flow path chip 150. There are structural differences between the channel chip 150 and the channel chip 100 in the following points. That is, the flow channel chip 150 includes the absorber 131 in the second open path 113 of the flow channel chip 100. In addition, the channel chip 150 includes a second introduction channel 104, a third liquid introduction port 123, a second combination channel (fourth introduction channel) 105, a first channel between the first combination channel 103 and the first open channel 112. 4 liquid inlets 124 and a valve (second liquid control unit) 142 are provided.

  The valve 142 is in the flow path 114, and a position where the flow path 114 and the second introduction path 104 intersect (third intersection position) and a position where the flow path 114 and the second combined flow path 105 intersect (fourth). (Intersection position) or at the fourth intersection position, and controls the flow of liquid in the flow path 114.

  The absorber 131 has the same form as the absorber 131 of the second embodiment. Further, the second introduction path 104 may have the same form as the first introduction path 102, the second joint path 105 may have the same form as the first joint path 103, and the second valve 142 may have the same form as the valve 141.

[Liquid flow in the channel chip 150]
Next, the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 150. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 150.

  First, the liquid introduced into the first combined flow path 103 is stopped by the valve 141, and the liquid introduced into the second combined flow path 105 is stopped by the valve 142. On the other hand, the liquid introduced into the first introduction path 102 enters the flow path 114 by the action of its own weight or surface tension (FIG. 9A).

  Next, the liquid that has entered the flow path 114 is divided into the first open path 112 and the second open path 113 that are open to the outside air, and the liquid that has advanced toward the first open path 112 is stopped by the valve 141. (FIG. 9B). On the other hand, the liquid that has advanced to the second open path 113 side stops at the set position (FIG. 9C).

  Thereafter, when the valve 141 is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid in the first combined flow path 103 and the liquid in the flow path 114 merge (FIG. 9D).

  Then, the liquid in the flow path 114 travels again in the flow path 114 due to the weight of the liquid from the first combined flow path 103 and the water head pressure (FIG. 9E).

  Next, when the liquid that has traveled in the flow path 114 reaches the absorber 131, the absorbent body 131 absorbs the liquid and discharges the liquid in the flow path 114 (FIG. 9 (f)).

  When liquid is introduced into the second introduction path 104 at an arbitrary timing, the liquid enters the flow path 114. The liquid proceeds separately on the first open path 112 side and the second open path 113 side opened to the outside air, and the liquid advanced to the first open path 112 side is stopped by the valve 142 (FIG. 9 (g)). .

  And the liquid which advances to the 2nd open path 113 side stops at the set position (Drawing 9 (h)).

  Subsequently, when the valve 142 is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid in the second combined flow path 105 and the liquid in the flow path 114 merge (FIG. 10A).

  Next, the liquid in the flow path 114 travels again in the flow path 114 due to its own weight and water head pressure from the second combined flow path 105 (FIG. 10B).

  When the liquid traveling in the flow path 114 reaches the absorber 131, the absorbent body 131 absorbs the liquid and discharges the liquid in the flow path 114 (FIG. 10C).

  That is, the channel chip 150 can again move two or more liquids that have stopped moving due to the capillary force at an arbitrary timing, and discharge the liquid after the movement.

  Here, the valve 142 can be manufactured by the same process as the valve 141, and the valve 142 can be operated by an electric signal from the outside. Therefore, the flow channel chip 150 can be realized with a simple configuration. .

[Embodiment 4]
Next, Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a plan view of the flow path chip 155. The flow path chip 155 and the flow path chip 150 according to the third embodiment have structural differences in the following points. That is, the flow channel chip 155 is characterized by including a third valve 156 that stops the liquid flowing from the second introduction channel 104 to the flow channel 114 of the flow channel chip 150. This is the same as the chip 150.

[Liquid flow in the channel chip 155]
Next, the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 155 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 155. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 155.

  First, the liquid introduced into the first combined flow path 103 is stopped by the valve 141, and the liquid introduced into the second combined flow path 105 is stopped by the valve 142. Further, the liquid introduced into the second introduction path 104 is stopped by the valve 156, and the liquid introduced into the first introduction path 102 enters the flow path 114 by the action of the liquid's own weight or surface tension (FIG. 12). (A)).

  Next, the liquid that has entered the flow path 114 proceeds while being divided into a first open path 112 and a second open path 113 that are open to the outside air, and the liquid that has advanced toward the first open path 112 is stopped by the valve 141 ( FIG. 12 (b)).

  Subsequently, the liquid traveling toward the second open path 113 side stops at the set position (FIG. 12C).

  When the valve 141 is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid in the first combined flow path 103 and the liquid in the flow path 114 merge (FIG. 12D).

  Thereafter, the liquid in the flow path 114 travels again in the flow path 114 due to the weight of the liquid from the first combined flow path 103 and the water head pressure (FIG. 12E).

  When the liquid traveling in the flow path 114 reaches the absorber 131, the absorbent body 131 absorbs the liquid and discharges the liquid in the flow path 114 (FIG. 12 (f)).

  Next, when the valve 156 is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid enters the flow path 114. The entering liquid is divided into the first open path 112 side and the second open path 113 side that are opened to the outside air, and the liquid that has advanced to the first open path 112 side is stopped by the valve 142 (FIG. 12 (g )). On the other hand, the liquid that has advanced to the second open path 113 side stops at the set position (FIG. 12 (h)).

  When the valve 142 is operated at an arbitrary timing, the liquid in the second combined flow path 105 and the liquid in the flow path 114 merge (FIG. 13A).

  Subsequently, the liquid in the flow path 114 again travels in the flow path 114 due to the weight of the liquid from the second combined flow path 105 and the water head pressure. (FIG. 13B).

  When the liquid traveling in the channel 114 reaches the absorber 131, the absorber 131 absorbs the liquid and discharges the liquid in the channel 114 (FIG. 13C).

  That is, the channel chip 155 can move two or more liquids that have stopped moving due to the capillary force again at an arbitrary timing, and can discharge the liquid after the movement.

[Embodiment 5]
Next, a fifth embodiment which is a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a plan view of the flow path chip 160. The flow path chip 160 and the flow path chip 100 have structural differences in the following points. That is, the flow channel chip 160 is characterized in that the first blocking portion 161 that blocks the liquid is provided in the first introduction channel 102 or at a position intersecting the flow channel 114. It is the same as the channel chip 100.

[First blocking portion 161]
The channel chip 160 is provided with a first blocking unit 161 that blocks the liquid in the first introduction path 102. The first blocking portion 161 divides or blocks the liquid by forming an interface or a wall that divides the liquid. That is, the 1st interruption | blocking part 161 functions as a valve | bulb which controls the flow of a liquid.

  In forming the first blocking portion 161, it is possible to use a method of generating bubbles in the liquid and dividing the liquid. As the bubbles, an electrode part (bubble generating part) that electrolyzes a liquid to generate bubbles can be provided, and bubbles generated by electrolysis in the electrode part can be used. The material of the electrode is not particularly limited, and a general conductive material can be used. For example, gold, platinum, silver, silver chloride, copper, iridium, aluminum, ITO (indium tin oxide), nickel, titanium, or chromium can be used. Moreover, the electrode utilized for an electrowetting valve | bulb can also be used for the electrode utilized for electrolysis.

  As a method other than electrolysis, there are a method using heat, a method of injecting gas from the outside, and the like, but there is no particular limitation as long as it is a method capable of forming an interface with the gas in the liquid.

  The first blocking part 161 using the bubble generation may be provided with a trap part (inflow prevention part) 162 for preventing the generated bubbles from entering the flow path 114 side. The trap unit 162 can be realized in various modes described in FIGS. 15 to 18.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a columnar pillar 162a as a trap portion. According to the configuration shown in the figure, since the interfacial tension between the gas and the liquid generated by the generation of bubbles can work more effectively than the other parts in the pillar 162a, the progress of the liquid can be stopped with a simple configuration. .

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the narrowed portion 162b in the first introduction path 102 as a trap portion. According to the configuration shown in the figure, since the interfacial tension between the gas and the liquid generated by the generation of bubbles can work more effectively than the other portions in the narrowed portion 162b, the progress of the liquid can be stopped with a simple configuration. it can.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a region 162c having a different surface roughness as a trap portion. According to the illustrated configuration, the interfacial tension between the gas and the liquid generated by the generation of bubbles can be made to work more effectively than the other portions in the region 162c having a different surface roughness or contact angle. Can be stopped.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the pillar and the narrowed portion 162d as the trap portion. Note that the trap portion shown in FIG. 18 has a pillar shape, a shape different from other portions of the flow path 114, or a constriction portion for the purpose of providing a stop function of the electrowetting valve and the light valve. A part is provided. Further, in FIG. 18, the pillar and the narrowed portion 162 d as the trap portion are provided in the first combined flow path 103, and are different from the trap portion in FIG. 15 and the like. In the present embodiment, in this way, the trap portion 162 can be disposed in either the first introduction path 102 or the first combined path 103.

  As shown in each of these figures, the shape, surface state, or constriction can be different from the other parts in the introduction channel. In other words, areas with rapidly changing shapes such as rapid expansion and contraction, areas with different contact angles and areas with different surface roughness, combinations of channels narrower than other channels, and pillar-shaped structures such as pillars are arranged. By providing the channel or the like, the gas in the liquid can be stopped at the trap portion 162. In addition, these trap structures are not necessarily required as the structure of the blocking part for dividing the liquid.

  For the formation of the first blocking part 161, it is possible to use a method of blocking the liquid by deforming a wall or the like in the flow path by applying pressure to the first blocking part 161 from the outside.

  As a method other than the method of applying pressure from the outside, there are a method of deforming or dissolving by heat, and a method of solidifying a part or all of the liquid by heat or light. According to these configurations, the flow path 114 The liquid itself in the flow path 114 can be blocked and blocked by simply deforming itself. However, there is no particular limitation as long as it is a method for physically blocking the flow of liquid.

  In the present invention, the first blocking portion 161 may be provided in the flow channel of the flow channel chip in any form, and the first blocking portion 161 may be provided in the second introduction path 104 of the third embodiment.

  In this way, the channel chip 160 can divide the liquid due to the generation of bubbles, and can further stop the bubbles at the trap portion 162, thus preventing the bubbles from entering the channel 114. And intrusion of liquid into the flow path 114 can be stopped.

[Liquid flow in the channel chip 160]
Next, the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the liquid in the flow channel chip 160.

  First, the liquid introduced into the first combined flow path 103 stops advancing by the valve 141, and the liquid introduced into the first introduction path enters the flow path 114 by the action of its own weight and surface tension (see FIG. 19 (a)).

  Next, the liquid that has entered the flow path 114 proceeds while being divided into a first open path 112 and a second open path 113 that are open to the outside air, and the liquid that has advanced toward the first open path 112 is stopped by the valve 141 ( FIG. 19 (b)).

  And if the 1st interruption | blocking part 161 is operated at arbitrary timings, the liquid will be parted or interrupted | blocked in the 1st introduction path 102, and the liquid which advances to the 2nd open path 113 side will stop (FIG.19 (c)).

[Embodiment 6]
Next, a sixth embodiment, which is a modification of the first embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a plan view of the flow path chip 165. The flow channel chip 165 is characterized in that it includes a detection unit (detection means) 166 that detects the presence or absence of liquid in the flow channel 114, and has the same configuration as the flow channel chip 100 except that. Hereinafter, the detection unit 166 will be described.

[Detection unit 166]
The flow path 114 is provided with a detection unit 166 for detecting the presence or absence of the liquid (in other words, the position of the liquid).

  For example, when the detection unit 166 is an electrical detection unit, a working electrode is provided in the flow path 114. The reference electrode paired with the working electrode may be disposed at a position connected to the working electrode via the liquid, and may be in the flow path 114 or at another position. A plurality of working electrodes may be arranged depending on the location to be detected. As a material for the working electrode and the reference electrode, common electrode 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.

  The shape of the working electrode and the reference 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 corresponding 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 of optically sensing the liquid, an optical detection element may be provided on the bottom surface or ceiling surface of the detection unit 166. A plurality of detection elements may be arranged depending on the location to be detected. The specific configuration of the optical detection element is not particularly limited, and a known configuration can be used.

  Then, the flow channel chip 165 transmits the signal obtained by the detection unit 166 to an external circuit or device (for example, the liquid feeding device 200), and causes the valve 141, the first blocking unit 161, and the like provided in the flow channel chip. It can also be a trigger (trigger) to operate.

[Embodiment 7]
Next, a seventh embodiment, which is a modification of the first embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a plan view of the flow path chip 170. The flow path chip 170 detects the amount of a specific substance contained in the liquid in the flow path 114 of the flow path chip 100 and / or the substance in the liquid. It is characterized in that a reaction section (reaction means) 172 for causing a desired reaction is provided, and the configuration other than this is the same as that of the flow path chip 100.

[Detection unit 171]
The flow path 114 may be provided with a detection unit 171 for detecting the amount of a specific substance contained in the liquid, whereby the amount of the specific substance contained in the liquid can be detected in the flow path 114. .

  For example, when the detection unit 171 is an electrochemical detection means, the first open path 112 is 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 shapes of the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode are 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 corresponding 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 171 detects the amount of a specific substance contained in the liquid due to a change in impedance, for example, an electrode for impedance detection is provided on the bottom surface of the channel 114. According to this configuration, the presence or absence of liquid in the flow path 114 can be detected as an electrical signal.

  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.

  When the detection unit 171 detects the amount of a specific substance contained in the liquid by fluorescence, for example, a fluorescence detection unit can be provided on the side surface or the bottom surface of the flow path 114. The detection unit 171 can be provided in the flow path 114. The specific configuration of the fluorescence detection unit is not particularly limited, and a known configuration can be used.

[Reaction unit 172]
Instead of the detection unit 171 or together with the detection unit 171, a reaction unit 172 for causing a desired reaction to a substance in the liquid may be provided in the flow path chip. The specific configuration of the reaction unit 172 is not particularly limited. For example, a reaction unit that performs an antigen-antibody reaction and / or an enzyme reaction can be provided.

  In the case of performing an enzyme reaction, for example, an enzyme used for the enzyme reaction may be immobilized on the side surface or the bottom surface of the channel 114 or in the channel 114. In addition, a liquid containing an enzyme can be flowed toward the reaction unit 172.

  When performing an antigen-antibody reaction, the antibody or antigen used for the antigen-antibody reaction may be immobilized in the side surface or the bottom surface of the flow channel 114 or in the flow channel 114 as described above. In addition, a liquid containing an antibody or an antigen can be flowed toward the reaction unit 172.

  The shape of the reaction portion 172 that performs the antigen-antibody reaction or the enzyme reaction is not particularly limited, and can be a desired shape as appropriate.

[Embodiment 8]
Next, an eighth embodiment, which is a modification of the fifth embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a plan view of the flow path chip 175. The channel chip 175 is characterized in that the first introduction channel 102 and the first combined channel 103 have a common liquid inlet 126 for introducing a liquid into the channel 114, and the channel chip 100 is otherwise configured. It has the same configuration as.

  According to this configuration, the liquid introduced into the first introduction path 102 and the first combined path 103 can be shared.

[Embodiment 9]
This embodiment is a modification of the fifth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the second blocking section 163 is provided in the second introduction path 104 of the flow path chip 150 of the third embodiment, and the second introduction path 104 and the second combined flow path 105 are provided in the flow path 114. A common liquid inlet (first liquid inlet) 126 for introducing the liquid is provided, and the other configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment. As a similar configuration, in the flow channel chip 150 of FIG. 8, the second introduction channel 104 and the second combined channel 105 have a common liquid introduction port (second liquid introduction port) for introducing the liquid into the flow channel 114. It is also possible to provide it.

The flow channel chip according to the present invention has been described together with a plurality of embodiments. Next, the flow channel chip according to the present invention will be further described using examples.
〔Example〕
The basic structure of the channel chip according to Example 1 is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the channel chip of Example 1 will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In Example 1, the groove functioning as the flow path 114 was formed in the second substrate 111 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.

  The first introduction path 102 has a width of 300 μm, a height of 50 μm, and a length of 1 mm. The first joint channel 103 had a width of 300 μm, a height of 50 μm, and a length of 1 mm.

  Then, a mold is provided in the manufactured mold, and silicon rubber (polydimethylsiloxane, Zill pot 184 manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd.) is poured into the mold until the thickness becomes 2 mm. Heating was performed to cure the silicone rubber. After curing, the mold and the cured silicone rubber were separated.

  Next, silicon rubber was molded 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 in the silicon rubber using a punch as a hole connected to the flow path, and the first substrate 110 was produced. 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.

  On the second substrate 111, an electrode used for an electrowetting valve was created by a photo process and sputtering to form a valve 141. The working electrode of 2 mm × 1 mm was used as the valve 141, and the size of the paired reference electrode was 3 mm × 1 mm. The reference electrode was disposed at a position in contact with the liquid in the hole 121 and the hole 122.

  As the absorbent 131, a non-woven fabric (BEMCOT (registered trademark) manufactured by Asahi Kasei Fiber) cut to a diameter of 2 mm was used.

  The manufactured first substrate 110 and the second substrate 111 were overlapped to manufacture the flow path chip of Example 1.

  The flow channel chip of Example 1 was tested for flowing liquid. A phosphate buffer solution (PBS solution) is used as the liquid, and 1 μL of the phosphate buffer solution (PBS solution) is introduced into the first liquid introduction port 121 that connects to the first introduction path 102, and the second liquid introduction that connects to the first combined channel 103 is introduced. 0.3 μL was dropped into the mouth 122.

  At this time, the liquid injected into the first combined flow path 103 was stopped by the valve 141. The liquid injected into the first introduction path 102 entered the flow path 114 and advanced separately to the first open path 112 side and the second open path 113 side. The liquid that proceeded to the first open path 112 side stopped at the valve 141, and the liquid that proceeded to the second open path 113 side stopped midway in the flow path 114. When the electrowetting valve is operated by applying a voltage to the valve 141 after being left for a specified time (3 minutes), the liquid from two directions stopped by the valve 141 is merged, The liquid that had been stopped began to advance toward the second open passage 113 again. When the liquid that proceeded to the second open path 113 came into contact with the absorber 131, the liquid was absorbed and the liquid in the flow path 114 was discharged.

[Comparative Example 1]
The same flow path chip as that of Example 1 was produced except that the valve 141 was not provided and the first combined flow path 103 was not provided. With respect to the channel chip of the comparative example, an experiment for flowing a liquid was performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

  Phosphate buffer solution (PBS solution) was dropped into the first liquid inlet 121 connected to the first introduction path 102 by 0.3 μL. The liquid injected into the first introduction path 102 entered the flow path 114 and advanced separately to the first open path 112 side and the second open path 113 side. The liquid that proceeded to the first open path 112 side stopped before the first open path 112, and the liquid that proceeded to the second open path 113 side stopped midway in the flow path 114. The liquid in the channel 114 stayed in place even after being left for a specified time (3 minutes).

  In Example 1, it was confirmed that the liquid can be moved again by merging the stopped liquid, and that the liquid can be discharged by moving the liquid to the absorber. On the other hand, in the flow channel chip according to Comparative Example 1, the liquid once stopped cannot be moved again. As a result, it was confirmed and verified that the flow channel chip according to the first embodiment can control the advance and stop of the liquid at an arbitrary timing.

[Liquid feeding system 1 and liquid feeding device 200]
Next, the liquid delivery device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the channel chip 100 or the like (hereinafter, typically referred to as the channel chip 100) is a specific component (eg, antigen, antibody) contained in the amount of fine particles in the environment, blood, saliva, or urine. , Physical quantities related to enzymes, substrates, cytokines, etc.). At that time, the liquid feeding device 200 sends a predetermined liquid necessary for the flow path chip 100 to measure the physical quantity to the flow path chip 100.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the liquid feeding device 200 includes at least a control unit 210 and a liquid feeding unit 220.

  The control unit 210 controls the liquid feeding device 200, and in particular performs appropriate liquid feeding control from the liquid feeding device 200 to the flow channel chip 100. As an example, the control unit 210 includes a first cutoff operation control unit (first cutoff operation control unit) 212 and a second cutoff operation control unit (first cutoff operation control unit) 214.

  The first cutoff operation control unit 212 can control the liquid passage or cutoff of the liquid into the first introduction path 102 by controlling the first cutoff unit 161. Similarly, the second cutoff operation control unit 214 can control the liquid passage or cutoff of the liquid into the second introduction path 104 by controlling the second cutoff unit 163.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, the liquid feeding device 200 may have a storage unit. The storage unit records (1) a control program of each unit, (2) an OS program, (3) an application program, and (4) various data read when executing these programs. is there. The storage unit is configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, the flow channel chip 100 and the liquid feeding device 200 may be connected by wire and / or wireless so that they can communicate with each other.

[Others]
The flow channel chip according to the present invention can also be realized by the following configuration.

  The flow path chip according to the present invention includes a first hole that is open to the outside air, a main flow path that is bonded to the first hole, a second hole that is bonded to the main flow path, and a main flow path. A flow path chip having a joined introduction flow path, a merge flow path joined to the main flow path on the first hole side of the introduction flow path, and a merge flow path disposed in the main flow path. And the merging valve is introduced from the introduction channel to the main channel, and the liquid A that is stopped in the main channel is merged at the first hole side. The liquid B, which is in contact with the valve and stopped, flows from the merging channel to the main channel and stops in contact with the merging valve, and the liquids A and B in the stopped state merge by changing the wettability of the merging valve. However, it may be a merging valve that goes to the second hole side.

  The flow path chip according to the present invention is a working electrode in which the junction valve is a metal electrode or a dielectric film formed on the metal electrode, and further includes a reference electrode for applying a voltage, It may be an electrowetting valve that operates by applying a voltage between the reference electrodes to change the wettability on the working electrode.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be a light valve that operates when the merging valve reacts to light and wettability changes.

  In addition, the flow path chip according to the present invention may be provided with an absorber that absorbs the merged liquid in the second hole or at a position in contact therewith.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention includes a second introduction flow channel joined to the main flow channel on the first hole side with respect to the merging flow channel, and a first hole than the second introduction flow channel. A second merging channel joined to the main channel on the side, and a second merging valve arranged in the main channel and in a position in contact with the second merging channel, In the merging valve, the liquid C in a stopped state in the main channel introduced from the second introduction channel to the main channel is stopped by the second merging valve on the first hole side, The liquid D heading from the second merging channel to the main channel is stopped by the second merging valve, and the stopped liquids C and D merge when the wetting property of the merging valve changes, and the second hole It may be configured to proceed to the side.

  Further, in the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the liquid flowing from the second introduction flow channel to the main flow channel stops, and the stop state is released, whereby the liquid flows into the main flow channel. The introduction valve may be provided.

  In the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the second introduction valve is a metal electrode or a working electrode in which a dielectric film is formed on the metal electrode, and further includes a reference electrode for applying a voltage, The electrowetting valve may be configured to operate by applying a voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode to change wettability on the working electrode.

  In addition, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be configured such that the second introduction valve is a light valve that operates by an action in which wettability changes in response to light.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention has a configuration in which the liquid is stopped in the main flow channel when the liquid pressure in the introduction flow channel flows into the main flow channel and the hydraulic head pressure applied to the liquid decreases. It may be.

  In addition, the flow channel chip according to the present invention reduces the head pressure applied to the liquid as the liquid in the introduction flow channel and the second introduction flow channel flows into the main flow channel. The liquid may be stopped inside.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be configured to include a stop unit that stops the liquid flow in the main flow channel by dividing or blocking the liquid in the introduction flow channel in the introduction flow channel.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention includes a stop unit that stops the flow of the liquid in the main flow channel by dividing or blocking the liquid in the introduction flow channel and / or the second introduction flow channel. It may be.

  In the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the stop portion may be configured by a bubble generating portion that generates bubbles and a trap portion that traps the generated bubbles.

  Moreover, the channel chip according to the present invention may be configured such that the trap portion is a pillar trap in which a plurality of columnar pillars are arranged at a stop portion in the introduction channel.

  In the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the trap portion may be configured such that the flow channel of the stop portion in the introduction flow channel is a flow channel cross-sectional area changing portion such as a narrowed portion or a rapidly enlarged portion.

  Moreover, the channel chip according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the trap portion has a surface state different from the contact angle of the other surface of the introduction channel.

  Moreover, the flow path chip according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the stop portion includes a portion where the flow path itself is deformed by electricity, heat, light, magnetic force, or external force.

  In addition, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be configured to include a common flow channel or a common hole that is connected to the introduction flow channel and the merge flow channel.

  Moreover, the flow path chip according to the present invention may have a configuration including a common second common flow path or a second common hole connected to the second introduction flow path and the second merge flow path.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention may be configured to include a detection unit that detects liquid in the main flow channel.

  Further, in the flow channel chip according to the present invention, the detection unit is configured by two or more electrodes, a voltage is applied between the electrodes, a change in current value that changes between the electrodes, or a change in impedance is detected. The structure which is a part may be sufficient.

  Further, the flow channel chip according to the present invention has a configuration including a detection unit for detecting the amount of a specific substance contained in the liquid in the main flow channel on the second hole side of the introduction flow channel. You can.

  Moreover, the apparatus which concerns on this invention may be the structure provided with the control part for controlling the liquid feeding of the above-mentioned flow-path chip | tip, and operating a stop part based on the signal which detected the liquid.

  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.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can provide a compact channel chip that can control the advance and stop of liquid at an arbitrary timing, and in particular, an analysis chip that performs reaction and / or detection in the channel chip. For example, it can be suitably applied to a micro analysis chip.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid feeding system 100,130,150,155,160,170,175 Flow path chip | tip 102 1st introduction path 103 1st combined flow path (2nd introduction path)
104 Second introduction path 105 Second joint path (second introduction path)
110 1st board | substrate 111 2nd board | substrate 112 1st open path 113 2nd open path 114 Flow path (main flow path)
121 First liquid inlet 122 Second liquid inlet 123 Third liquid inlet 124 Fourth liquid inlet 126 Liquid inlet 131 Absorbers 141, 142, 156 Valves (liquid control unit)
161 1st interruption | blocking part 162 Trap part (inflow prevention part)
162a Pillar 162c Region 162d Stenosis part 163 Second blocking part 166 Detection part (detection means)
171 Detection unit (detection means)
172 Reaction part (reaction means)
200 Control Unit 200 Liquid Supply Device 210 Control Unit 212 First Blocking Operation Control Unit (First Blocking Operation Control Unit)
214 2nd interruption | blocking operation control part (1st interruption | blocking operation control means)
220 Liquid feeding part

Claims (29)

A channel chip having a main channel into which a liquid is injected in a substrate,
A first open path formed in the substrate that is open to the atmosphere and communicates with one end of the main flow path;
A second open path formed in the substrate that is open to the atmosphere and communicates with the other end of the main flow path;
A first introduction path communicating with the main flow path and capable of introducing a liquid into the main flow path;
A second introduction path that communicates with the main flow path between the first introduction path and the first open path and is capable of introducing a liquid into the main flow path;
Within the main flow path, between a first intersection position where the main flow path and the first introduction path intersect, a second intersection position where the main flow path and the second introduction path intersect, and the above A first liquid control unit that is disposed at at least one of the second intersection positions and controls the flow of the liquid introduced from the first introduction path and the second introduction path to the main flow path;
A flow path chip comprising:   The flow path chip according to claim 1, wherein the first liquid control unit is an electrowetting valve.   The flow path chip according to claim 1, wherein the first liquid control unit is a light valve that controls a flow of liquid by light irradiation.   4. The flow channel chip according to claim 1, further comprising an absorber that absorbs liquid flowing in the main flow channel in or near the second open channel. 5.   5. The flow channel chip according to claim 1, further comprising a first blocking portion that blocks a flow of liquid from the first introduction channel to the main flow channel.   The said 1st interruption | blocking part contains the 1st bubble generation part which generate | occur | produces a bubble, and the 1st inflow prevention part which prevents the inflow to the said main flow path of the produced | generated bubble. Flow channel chip.   The flow path chip according to claim 6, wherein the first inflow prevention part is a plurality of columnar pillars that prevent the generated bubbles from flowing into the main flow path.   7. The flow channel chip according to claim 6, wherein the first inflow prevention unit prevents the generated bubbles from flowing into the main flow channel by narrowing the flow channel area or expanding the flow channel area. .   The said 1st inflow prevention part prevents inflow of the produced | generated bubble to the said main flow path by the contact angle change of a flow path, or the surface roughness change of a flow path, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Channel chip.   6. The flow channel chip according to claim 5, wherein the first blocking part deforms the main flow channel by at least one of electricity, heat, light, magnetic force, and external force.   11. The flow path according to claim 1, wherein the first introduction path and the second introduction path have a common first liquid introduction port for introducing a liquid into the main flow path. Chip. Between the first open path and the second introduction path,
A third introduction path communicating with the main flow path and capable of introducing a liquid into the main flow path;
A fourth introduction path that communicates with the main flow path between the third introduction path and the first open path, and that can introduce liquid into the main flow path;
Within the main channel, between a third intersection position where the main channel and the third introduction path intersect, a fourth intersection position where the main channel and the fourth introduction path intersect, and the above A second liquid control unit disposed at at least one of the fourth intersection positions and controlling the flow of the liquid in the main flow path;
The flow path chip according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising:   The flow path chip according to claim 12, wherein the second liquid control unit is an electrowetting valve.   The flow path chip according to claim 12, wherein the second liquid control unit is a light valve that controls the flow of the liquid by light irradiation.   The flow path chip according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a second blocking portion that blocks a flow of liquid from the third introduction path to the main flow path.   The said 2nd interruption | blocking part contains the 2nd bubble generation | occurrence | production part which generate | occur | produces a bubble, and the 2nd inflow prevention part which prevents the inflow to the said main flow path of the produced | generated bubble. Flow channel chip.   The flow path chip according to claim 16, wherein the second inflow prevention unit is a plurality of columnar pillars that prevent the generated bubbles from flowing into the main flow path.   The flow channel chip according to claim 16, wherein the second inflow prevention unit prevents the generated bubbles from flowing into the main flow channel by narrowing the flow channel area or expanding the flow channel area. .   The said 2nd inflow prevention part prevents inflow of the produced | generated bubble to the said main flow path by the contact angle change of a flow path, or the surface roughness change of a flow path, The feature of Claim 16 characterized by the above-mentioned. Channel chip.   The flow path chip according to claim 15, wherein the second blocking part uses at least one of electricity, heat, light, magnetic force, and external force.   The flow path according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the third introduction path and the fourth introduction path have a common second liquid introduction port for introducing a liquid into the main flow path. Chip.   The flow path chip according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising at least one detection unit configured to detect whether liquid exists in the main flow path.   The detection means has two or more electrodes, and when a voltage is applied between the electrodes, the main flow path is detected by detecting a change in current value or a change in impedance between the electrodes. 23. The flow path chip according to claim 22, wherein it is detected whether or not a liquid is present therein.   24. The flow path chip according to claim 1, further comprising a detecting unit that detects a content of a specific substance contained in a liquid flowing in the main flow path in the main flow path.   25. The flow channel chip according to claim 1, further comprising a reaction means for causing a predetermined reaction to a specific substance contained in the liquid flowing through the main flow channel. A liquid feeding device for feeding liquid to the flow path chip according to claim 5,
When the flow channel chip includes at least one detection means for detecting whether liquid exists in the main flow channel,
A liquid delivery apparatus comprising: a first cutoff operation control unit that controls the operation of the first cutoff unit based on a signal detected by the detection unit. A liquid feeding device for feeding liquid to the flow path chip according to claim 15,
When the flow channel chip includes at least one detection means for detecting whether liquid exists in the main flow channel,
A liquid delivery apparatus comprising: a second cutoff operation control unit that controls the operation of the second cutoff unit based on a signal detected by the detection unit.   A liquid delivery system comprising the flow path chip according to any one of claims 5 to 10 and the liquid delivery apparatus according to claim 26. A liquid feeding system comprising the flow path chip according to any one of claims 15 to 20 and the liquid feeding device according to claim 27.

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