JP2015222177A - Chip, analysis device and analysis system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a chip in which the volume of liquid introduced into a channel is defined in a specific range and accurate measurements can be taken.SOLUTION: A chip (1a) has an absorber (21) that is disposed inside a channel (13) or inside an open channel (12) and absorbs liquid, and the absorber (21) has, on its surface close to an air hole (15), a hydrophobic area (110) with high hydrophobicity.

Description

  The present invention relates to a chip, an analysis apparatus, and an analysis system, and more particularly to a chip including an absorber that absorbs a liquid, an analysis apparatus that analyzes the chip, and an analysis system that includes the chip and the analysis apparatus.

  In recent years, interest in a clinical test POCT (Point Of Care Testing) performed near a patient such as a hospital bedside or in a home has increased. 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. In order to carry out POCT, a small analyzer capable of performing a quick analysis with a simple operation is required.

  In order to perform such an analysis, for example, a test paper as described in Patent Document 1 is used. In the test paper described in Patent Document 1, a sample such as blood or urine is supplied to the test paper, and the reagent and the sample contained in the test paper are reacted to cause coloration. Furthermore, the substance contained in the specimen can be quantified by irradiating the colored area with light and measuring the reflected light.

  However, in the test paper as described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it takes time to measure because the specimen is supplied and developed on the test paper, reacted and further measured by another measuring machine. .

  Therefore, in order to perform quicker measurement, a chip provided with an absorber such as a test paper is used. However, the above-described chip has a problem that it is difficult to make the supply amount of the sample to the test paper constant, the measurement result becomes inaccurate, and the measurement accuracy is lowered.

  Therefore, in the chip described in Patent Document 2, in order to solve the above problem, a specimen reservoir is provided around the test paper. 21A and 21B are cross-sectional views showing the chip 200 described in Patent Document 2. FIG. As shown in FIG. 21A, the chip 200 includes a sample introduction channel 213 and a test paper 221 that can absorb a sample 321 such as blood. In the chip 200, the sample 321 is introduced from the sample inlet 211 into the sample introduction channel 213 and supplied to the test paper 221 through the sample introduction channel 213. The components in the specimen 321 react with the reagent carried on the test paper 221, and the test paper 221 is colored. The light emitted from the light emitting element 251 is applied to the test paper 221, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving element 252. In the chip 200, an extra sample flows into the sample reservoir 216.

JP 2006-275716 A (released on October 12, 2006) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-10167 (released on January 13, 2005)

  However, the conventional techniques as described above have a problem that the amount of liquid introduced into the flow path (flow path structure) cannot be made constant, and as a result, accurate analysis cannot be performed.

  Specifically, in the chip 200 described in Patent Document 2, as shown in FIG. 21B, when an excessive amount of sample exceeding the capacity of the sample reservoir 216 is introduced, the test paper 221 is loaded. The sample flows excessively, and the excess sample 323 oozes out on the surface of the test paper 222 that has absorbed the sample. Therefore, the amount of sample flowing into the sample introduction channel 213 cannot be made constant, and accurate measurement cannot be performed by the chip 200.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is a chip capable of performing an accurate analysis with a constant amount of liquid introduced into a flow path (flow path structure). Is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems, a chip according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a flow path for moving a liquid and an introduction path having one end connected to one end side of the flow path. An introduction path provided with an inlet for introducing the liquid into the flow path at the other end of the path, and an open path having one end connected to the other end side of the flow path, An open path having an air hole that is open to the atmosphere at the other end of the open path, and an absorber that is disposed inside the flow path or inside the open path and absorbs the liquid. The absorber has a hydrophobic region having a higher hydrophobicity than the other regions of the absorber on the surface close to the air hole in the path connecting the inlet to the air hole. It is characterized by.

  The chip of the present invention includes an absorber, and the absorber has a hydrophobic region on the surface close to the air hole, which has a hydrophobic region having a higher hydrophobicity than other regions of the absorber.

  Therefore, the oozing out of the liquid absorbed by the absorber to the air hole side is suppressed. Therefore, regardless of the water head pressure of the liquid, the volume of the liquid introduced into the flow channel structure is defined within a specific range, and an accurate analysis can be performed.

The chip | tip which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional drawing in A-A 'of (a). It is the schematic explaining absorption of the liquid by the absorber with which the chip | tip concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention was equipped. It is the schematic explaining the flow of the liquid in the chip | tip which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic explaining the flow of the liquid in the chip | tip which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The chip | tip provided with the absorber which does not have a hydrophobic area | region is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional drawing in A-A 'of (a). It is the schematic explaining absorption of the liquid by the absorber which does not have a hydrophobic region. It is the schematic explaining the flow of the liquid in the chip | tip provided with the absorber which does not have a hydrophobic area | region. It is the schematic explaining the flow of the liquid in the chip | tip provided with the absorber which does not have a hydrophobic area | region. The chip | tip which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional drawing in A-A 'of (a). The chip | tip which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional drawing in A-A 'of (a). It is the schematic explaining absorption of the liquid by the absorber with which the chip | tip which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention was equipped. It is the schematic explaining the flow of the liquid in the chip | tip which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is the schematic explaining the flow of the liquid in the chip | tip which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The chip | tip provided with the absorber which does not have a hydrophobic area | region is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional drawing in A-A 'of (a). It is the schematic explaining absorption of the liquid by the absorber which does not have a hydrophobic region. It is the schematic explaining the flow of the liquid in the chip | tip provided with the absorber which does not have a hydrophobic area | region. It is the schematic explaining the flow of the liquid in the chip | tip provided with the absorber which does not have a hydrophobic area | region. It is the schematic which shows the modification of the analysis system containing the chip | tip and the analyzer based on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the modification of the analysis system containing the chip | tip and the analyzer based on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the modification of the analysis system containing the chip | tip and analyzer based on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the conventional chip | tip.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For convenience of explanation, members having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

Embodiment 1
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Chip 1a>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a chip 1a according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1A is a top view illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a chip 1a, and FIG. ) Is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. The chip 1a according to this embodiment includes a flow path 13 for moving a liquid, an introduction path 11 connected to one end side of the flow path 13, an open path 12 connected to the other end side of the flow path 13, And it is the structure provided with the absorber 21 which absorbs a liquid. The chip 1a according to the present embodiment enables analysis of a liquid introduced into the chip 1a and analysis of a substance contained in the liquid. In the present specification, the flow path 13, the introduction path 11, and the open path 12 are collectively referred to as a “flow path structure”.

  For example, these analyzes are performed by inserting the chip 1a into an analyzer 50 described later. In order to realize the analysis of the chip 1a, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the introduction path 11, the flow path 13, the open path 12, the absorber 21, the first substrate 41, and the second And a substrate 42.

  In this specification, “liquid” indicates a liquid to be analyzed or a liquid containing a substance to be analyzed. Although it does not specifically limit as said liquid, For example, blood, urine, saliva, tears, a runny nose etc. are mentioned.

<Introduction path 11>
The introduction path 11 has one end connected to one end side of the flow path 13 and introduces a liquid to be analyzed into the flow path 13. The introduction path 11 is provided with an introduction port 14 at the other end, and the introduction port 14 is open to the atmosphere. The introduction port 14 is for introducing a liquid to be analyzed into the introduction path 11. That is, the liquid to be analyzed is introduced from the introduction port 14 and flows into the flow path 13 through the introduction path 11.

  For example, the introduction path 11 has a cylindrical shape, and its inner diameter R (diameter in the cross section in the plane shown in FIG. 1A) is about 0.5 to 10 mm, and its height (thickness, that is, FIG. 1). (Length in the vertical direction of the paper surface shown in (b)) H is about 0.1 to 10 mm.

<Open road 12>
One end of the open path 12 is connected to the other end side of the flow path 13, and an air hole 15 is provided at the other end of the open path 12. That is, the open path 12 is connected to one end of the flow path 13 opposite to the end to which the introduction path 11 is connected. The air hole 15 is open to the atmosphere like the introduction port 14, and has a structure that promotes liquid feeding from the introduction port 14 toward the air hole 15.

  For example, the open channel 12 has a cylindrical shape, and its inner diameter R (diameter in the cross section in the plane shown in FIG. 1A) is about 0.5 to 10 mm, and its height (thickness, that is, FIG. 1). (Length in the vertical direction of the paper surface shown in (b)) H is about 0.1 to 10 mm.

<Flow path 13>
The flow path 13 enables the analysis of the liquid introduced from the introduction port 14 and the analysis of the substance contained in the liquid. One end is connected to the introduction path 11 and the other end is connected to the open path 12. Yes. The width w of the flow path 13 (length in the vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 1A) is 1 to 5000 μm, preferably 100 to 2000 μm, and its depth (the vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 1B). The length) is 1-1000 μm, preferably 10-300 μm. Thus, the flow path 13 has a structure that generates capillary force as power for feeding the liquid introduced into the flow path 13 by being formed with the above size (micrometer order). It can be said that. According to the above configuration, the liquid introduced into the flow path 13 can flow in one direction without requiring power generated by a mechanism other than the flow path 13.

  In the present specification, in the path connecting the inlet 14 to the air hole 15, the inlet 14 side may be referred to as “upstream” and the air hole 15 side may be referred to as “downstream”.

<First substrate 41 and second substrate 42>
The first substrate 41 functions as a pedestal of the chip 1a and as the bottom of the introduction path 11, the flow path 13, and the open path 12, and can be made of glass, resin, or the like. The second substrate 42 defines the shape of each member formed on the chip 1 a. Specifically, the side surface of the introduction path 11 and the introduction port 14, the side surface of the open path 12, and the air hole 15. , And the side surface and the upper portion (region facing the bottom portion) of the flow path 13. Similarly to the first substrate 41, the second substrate 42 may be made of glass, resin, or the like.

  The processing and positional relationship of the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 are examples, and partial processing to the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42, change in the vertical arrangement, and arrangement in the horizontal direction And other modifications using known methods can be made. For example, the first substrate 41 and / or the second substrate 42 may be formed by combining a plurality of members. In addition, instead of a configuration in which the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 are bonded together, the introduction path 11 and the introduction port 14, the release path 12, the air hole 15, and the flow path 13 are formed by excavating one substrate. It may be formed.

  Each configuration such as the introduction path 11, the introduction port 14, the open path 12, the air hole 15, and the flow path 13 in the chip 1a can be formed by wet etching, dry etching, molding using a mold, or machining.

<Absorber 21>
The absorber 21 absorbs the liquid introduced into the flow path 13 and is disposed, for example, in the open path 12 connected to the flow path 13 as shown in FIG. In the chip according to the present invention, the absorber 21 may be arranged so that the liquid can flow up to a region where it is possible to analyze the liquid or its components.

  Therefore, the absorber 21 does not necessarily need to be provided at the bottom of the open path 12. For example, when a region for analyzing a liquid or its component exists in the middle of the flow path 13, The liquid may be provided on the downstream side of the region where the liquid is analyzed in the liquid feeding direction. That is, the position of the absorber 21 can be inside the flow path 13 or inside the open path 12.

  Thereby, like the air hole 15, the absorber 21 has the effect of promoting the liquid feeding of the liquid introduced from the introduction port 14 to the air hole 15 side. By adjusting the size of the absorber 21, the pore (hole) diameter, the type of material, etc., at least the amount of liquid introduced into the flow channel structure can be adjusted, so the amount of liquid required for analysis (sample Amount) can be set.

  Furthermore, the absorber 21 has a hydrophobic region 110 having a lower hydrophilicity than the other regions of the absorber 21 on the surface close to the air hole 15 in the path connecting the inlet 14 to the air hole 15. Yes. That is, when the absorber 21 is disposed inside the flow path 13, it can be said that the hydrophobic area 110 is provided on the surface close to the connection surface between the flow path 13 and the open path 12. Further, it can be said that the hydrophobic region 110 has higher hydrophobicity than the other regions of the absorber 21.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining liquid absorption by the absorber provided in the chip according to the present embodiment. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 21 before absorbing the liquid, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 22 that has absorbed the liquid. As shown in FIG. 2A, even if the liquid 121 exceeding the saturated absorption amount of the absorber 21 is supplied to the absorber 21 having the hydrophobic region 110, the surface of the absorber 21 is not affected. Due to the decrease in hydrophilicity (in other words, improvement in hydrophobicity), bleeding of the liquid is suppressed. That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, the liquid does not ooze out on the surface of the absorber 22 beyond the hydrophobic region 110 of the absorber 22 that has absorbed the liquid. The “saturated absorption amount” of the absorber means the maximum amount of liquid that can be absorbed by the absorber.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of liquid when a relatively small amount of liquid is introduced into the flow channel structure in the chip 1a according to the present embodiment. The “relatively small amount” means, for example, a case where the volume of the liquid is less than (the saturated absorption amount of the absorber + the volume of the channel from the absorber to the introduction channel side + the volume of the introduction channel).

  3A is a cross-sectional view of the chip 1a before the absorber absorbs the liquid, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the chip 1a after the absorber has absorbed the liquid. When the liquid 121 is introduced into the flow channel structure in a relatively small amount as shown in FIG. 3A, it is a matter of course that absorption by absorbing the liquid is performed as shown in FIG. The liquid 121 does not exude beyond the hydrophobic region 110 of the body 22.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of liquid when a relatively large amount of liquid is introduced into the flow channel structure in the chip 1a according to the present embodiment. The “relatively large amount” indicates, for example, the case where the volume of the liquid exceeds (the saturated absorption amount of the absorber + the volume of the channel on the introduction path side from the absorber + the volume of the introduction path).

  4A is a cross-sectional view of the chip 1a before the absorber absorbs the liquid, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chip 1a after the absorber absorbs the liquid. When the liquid 121 is introduced into the flow path structure in a relatively large amount as shown in FIG. 4A, the liquid passes over the surface of the absorber 21 unless the absorber 21 has a hydrophobic region. The water head pressure so that it oozes out is applied to the liquid 121 through the inlet 14. However, since the chip 1a is provided with the absorber having the hydrophobic region 110, as shown in FIG. 4B, the tip 1a exceeds the hydrophobic region 110 of the absorber 22 that has absorbed the liquid. The liquid 121 does not ooze out. Therefore, the amount of liquid absorbed by the absorber 21 is accurately quantified regardless of the water head pressure. Therefore, the amount of the liquid 121 introduced into the channel structure is quantified. That is, the upper limit of the volume of the liquid introduced into the channel structure is (saturated absorption amount of the absorber + volume of the channel from the absorber to the introduction channel side + volume of the introduction channel) regardless of the liquid head pressure. It is prescribed.

  FIG. 5 shows a chip 2a provided with an absorber 31 that does not have a hydrophobic region. FIG. 5 (a) is a top view, and FIG. 5 (b) is AA ′ in FIG. 5 (a). FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the absorption of the liquid by the absorber having no hydrophobic region. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the absorber 31 before absorbing the liquid, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the absorber 32 that has absorbed the liquid.

  When the liquid 121 exceeding the saturated absorption amount of the absorber 31 is supplied to the absorber 31 that does not have the hydrophobic region as shown in FIG. Thus, the excess liquid 122 oozes out on the surface of the absorber 32 that has absorbed the liquid.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of liquid when a relatively small amount of liquid is introduced into the flow path structure in the chip 2a including the absorber that does not have a hydrophobic region. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the chip 2a before the absorber absorbs the liquid, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the chip 2a after the absorber absorbs the liquid. When the liquid 121 is introduced into the flow channel structure in a relatively small amount as shown in FIG. 7A, as shown in FIG. 7B, the surface of the absorber 32 that has absorbed the liquid is used. The liquid 121 does not ooze out.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of liquid when a relatively large amount of liquid is introduced into the flow path structure in the chip 2a having the absorber that does not have a hydrophobic region. . 8A is a cross-sectional view of the chip 2a before the absorber absorbs the liquid, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the chip 2a after the absorber absorbs the liquid. When the liquid 121 is introduced into the flow path structure in a relatively large amount as shown in FIG. 8A, the water head pressure so that the liquid oozes over the surface of the absorber 31 passes through the inlet 14. To the liquid 121. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, excess liquid 122 oozes over the surface of the absorber 32 that has absorbed the liquid.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the case of the chip 2 a having an absorber that does not have a hydrophobic region, if there is a difference in the amount of liquid introduced from the inlet 14, the liquid head pressure is increased. The amount of liquid absorbed by the absorber (flowing into the absorber) changes depending on the magnitude of the water head pressure.

  The hydrophobic region 110 is preferably formed so as to cover the entire movement path of the liquid 121 when viewed from the air hole 15 side in the path connecting the inlet 14 to the air hole 15. According to the above configuration, the liquid migration path is completely blocked by the hydrophobic region, thereby preventing the liquid absorbed by the absorber from exuding to the air hole side. That is, for example, when the absorber 21 is disposed inside the open path 15, as shown in FIG. 1A, the hydrophobic region 110 is formed so as to cover the inside of the open path 15 as viewed from above. It is preferable.

  When the absorbent body 21 is a water-absorbing (hydrophilic) material, the hydrophobic region 110 can be formed by using the surface of the absorbent body 21 (the surface close to the air hole 15 in the path connecting the inlet 14 to the air hole 15). ) To improve the hydrophobicity.

  As the material of the hydrophilic absorbent body 21, for example, an absorbent material such as a polymer film, a collagen film, a cellulose fiber, a glass fiber, a polymer fiber, or a porous body is used. Among the above materials, it is preferable to use hydrophilic fibers such as cellulose fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers.

As treatment for increasing hydrophobicity, application of a hydrophobic resin material, application of a fluorine-based hydrophobic agent, surface treatment with a fluorine-based gas, or the like can be used. In the present specification, the fluorine-based hydrophobic agent and the fluorine-based gas may be referred to as “fluorine-based material”. Examples of the hydrophobic resin material include fluorine resin, epoxy resin, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyimide, siloxane, silicone, and silane. Examples of fluorine-based hydrophobic agents include perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), and ethylene / chlorotrifluoro. Examples thereof include a solvent containing ethylene copolymer (ECTFE) or the like as a component. Examples of the fluorine-based gas include tetrafluoromethane (CF ₄ ), hexafluoroethane (C ₂ F ₆ ), octafluoropropane (C ₃ F ₈ ), hexafluoro 1,3 butadiene (C ₄ F ₆ ), Examples thereof include perfluorocarbon (PFC) gas such as perfluorocyclobutane (C ₄ F ₈ ), octafluorocyclopentene (C ₅ F ₈ ), sulfur hexafluoride (SF ₆ ), and the like.

  In particular, the absorbent body 21 is formed of hydrophilic fibers such as cellulosic fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers, and a fluorine-based material is applied or chemically deposited on the surface of the hydrophilic fibers. It is preferable that the hydrophobic region is formed. According to the said structure, the oozing-out to the air hole side of the liquid absorbed by the absorber can be prevented more effectively.

  Further, when the absorbent body 21 itself is a hydrophobic material, treatment for increasing hydrophilicity in a region other than the surface of the absorbent body 21 (surface close to the air hole 15 in the path connecting the inlet 14 to the air hole 15). Good to do. As a material of the hydrophobic absorber 21, for example, a fluorine resin film, a siloxane resin film, a water-repellent gas permeable film, or the like can be used. For the treatment for increasing hydrophilicity, application of a material containing a surfactant, treatment with plasma, treatment with UV irradiation, treatment with application of a photocatalyst material, or the like can be used.

[Embodiment 2]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows a chip 1b according to the present embodiment, where FIG. 9A is a top view and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. The chip 1b according to the present embodiment includes a reaction unit 135 and a detection unit 136. According to the above configuration, since the amount of the liquid flowing into the flow path structure is accurately quantified in the chip 1b, the amount of the liquid passing through the reaction unit 135 and the detection unit 136 is constant, and a constant amount in the reaction unit 135 is obtained. It is possible to perform a reaction using the liquid and measurement related to a certain amount of liquid in the detection unit 136. About another structure, it is the same as that of the chip | tip 1a which concerns on Embodiment 1, The description regarding these structures is abbreviate | omitted.

<Reaction unit 135>
The reaction unit 135 is for causing a substance contained in the liquid to perform a predetermined reaction, and is provided between the introduction port and the detection unit in a path connecting the introduction port to the air hole. Has been placed. According to the above configuration, the reaction using the specific substance contained in the liquid is performed before the detection by the detection unit, and the substance after the reaction can be detected by the detection unit. That is, the reaction unit 135 performs preprocessing for detecting the substance contained in the liquid by the detection unit 136.

  The structure of the reaction part 135 is not specifically limited, What is necessary is just to set it as the structure according to the detection method. For example, the reaction unit 135 may have a configuration in which a reagent used for an antigen-antibody reaction or an enzyme substrate reaction of a substance contained in the liquid is directly immobilized in the flow path. Alternatively, the reaction unit 135 may be formed of the same material as that of the absorber 21, and the reaction unit 135 may carry the reagent.

  The reagent may contain a substance that reacts with a substance contained in a liquid, for example, may contain an antigen, an antibody, an enzyme, or a substrate. Examples of the reagent include cholesterol esterase, cholesterol oxidase, peroxidase, and 3,5-dimethoxy-N-ethyl-N when the liquid is blood and the detection unit 136 measures cholesterol in the blood. Examples of the color former include-(2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl) -aniline sodium, 4-aminoantipyrine, and ascorbate oxidase. Moreover, when measuring a uric acid level, the coloring agent which has uricase, peroxidase, 4-aminoantipyrine lipoprotein lipase, ascorbate oxidase as a main component, etc. are mentioned.

<Detection unit 136>
The detection unit 136 is for detecting a substance contained in the liquid, and is disposed between the introduction path 11 and the absorber 21. In the chip according to the present invention, the volume of the liquid introduced into the flow channel structure is defined in a specific range regardless of the liquid head pressure. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the detection unit 136 has a specific volume. The substance contained in the liquid can be detected.

  The configuration of the detection unit 136 is not particularly limited, and may be configured according to the detection method. For example, when the substance contained in the liquid is electrically detected, the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode are preferably provided in the detection unit 136. In addition, when the substance is optically detected, the substrate 41 or 42 is preferably formed of a transparent material. According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect color development, coloration, luminescence, fluorescence, and the like due to the substance. Further, light can be emitted from a light emitting element described later to the detection unit 136, and reflected light, scattered light, or transmitted light can be measured by a light receiving element described later.

  In the chip 1b shown in FIG. 9, the substance generated by the reaction in the reaction unit 135 provided on the upstream side is detected by the detection unit 136 provided on the downstream side. It is also possible to have a configuration including only the detection unit 136 without including the detector. For example, when the substance contained in the liquid can be detected by the detection unit 136 without requiring pretreatment, the reaction unit 135 may not be provided. In addition, the reaction unit 135 may not be provided even when a liquid that has been subjected to pretreatment necessary for detection is introduced into the flow path.

  Further, both the reaction and the detection may be performed by the detection unit 136. That is, even if the reagent is immobilized on the detection unit 136 and a reaction is performed in the detection unit 136, current, voltage or impedance generated by the reaction, color development, coloration, luminescence, fluorescence, or the like is detected. Good. The reagent may be directly immobilized on the flow path, or may be immobilized on the same material as that of the absorber 21.

[Embodiment 3]
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 shows a chip 1c according to the present embodiment, where FIG. 10A is a top view and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ of FIG. In the present embodiment, the absorber 23 includes a detection unit for detecting a substance contained in the liquid. That is, the absorber 23 has the functions of the absorber 21, the reaction unit 135, and the detection unit 136 in FIG. According to the said structure, the volume of the liquid introduce | transduced in a flow-path structure is prescribed | regulated to a specific range irrespective of the liquid head pressure of a liquid. Therefore, the detection unit can detect a specific substance contained in a specific volume of liquid. Furthermore, since the seepage of the liquid absorbed by the absorber to the air hole side is suppressed, the liquid level does not fluctuate due to the exuded liquid, and the detection by the detection unit can be performed accurately. .

  The absorber 23 can be formed by the same material and method as the absorber 21 described above. The phrase “the absorber 23 includes a detection unit” means that, for example, the above-described reagent is immobilized on the absorber 23. Therefore, when the liquid is absorbed by the absorber 23, the substance contained in the liquid reacts with the reagent to exhibit color development, coloration, light emission, fluorescence, and the like. For example, the light emitting element 51 provided in the analyzer described later irradiates the detection unit with light, and the reflected light, scattered light, or transmitted light is received by the light receiving element 52 described later, whereby the above color development or coloration is achieved. What is necessary is just to detect.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining liquid absorption by the absorber provided in the chip 1c according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 23 before absorbing the liquid, and FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 24 after absorbing the liquid. Even if the liquid 121 exceeding the saturated absorption amount of the absorber 23 is supplied to the absorber 23 having the hydrophobic region 110 as shown in FIG. The deterioration of the property (in other words, the improvement in hydrophobicity) suppresses the liquid from exuding. That is, as shown in FIG. 11B, the liquid does not ooze out over the surface beyond the hydrophobic region 110 of the absorber 24 that has absorbed the liquid. Therefore, the fluctuation of the liquid level due to the exuded liquid does not occur, and reflected light, scattered light, transmitted light or the like can be accurately detected using the light emitting element 51 and the light receiving element 52, for example.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the flow of liquid when a relatively small amount of liquid is introduced into the flow channel structure in the chip 1c according to the present embodiment. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the chip 1c before the absorber absorbs the liquid, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the chip 1c after the absorber has absorbed the liquid. When the liquid 121 is introduced into the flow channel structure in a relatively small amount as shown in FIG. 12 (a), naturally, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), absorption by absorbing the liquid. The liquid 121 does not exude beyond the hydrophobic region 110 of the body 24.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of liquid when a relatively large amount of liquid is introduced into the flow channel structure in the chip 1c according to the present embodiment. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the chip 1c before the absorber absorbs the liquid, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the chip 1c after the absorber absorbs the liquid. When the liquid 121 is introduced into the flow channel structure in a relatively large amount as shown in FIG. 13A, the liquid exceeds the surface of the absorber 23 unless the absorber 23 has a hydrophobic region. The water head pressure so that it oozes out is applied to the liquid 121 through the inlet 14. However, since the chip 1a includes the absorber having the hydrophobic region 110, as shown in FIG. 13B, the liquid 121 passes over the hydrophobic region 110 of the absorber 24 that has absorbed the liquid. Will not ooze out. Therefore, the amount of liquid absorbed by the absorber 23 is accurately quantified regardless of the water head pressure. Therefore, the amount of the liquid 121 flowing into the flow path 13 is quantified. That is, the upper limit of the volume of the liquid introduced into the channel structure is (saturated absorption amount of the absorber + volume of the channel from the absorber to the introduction channel side + volume of the introduction channel) regardless of the liquid head pressure. It is prescribed. Further, since the liquid level does not change due to the exuded liquid, for example, reflected light, scattered light, transmitted light, or the like can be accurately detected using the light emitting element 51 and the light receiving element 52.

  FIG. 14 shows a chip 2b having an absorbent body 33 that does not have a hydrophobic region. FIG. 14 (a) is a top view, and FIG. 14 (b) is an AA ′ line in FIG. 14 (a). FIG. The absorber 33 is provided with a detection unit in the same manner as the absorber 23 in FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic view for explaining absorption of a liquid by an absorber that does not have a hydrophobic region. FIG. 15A shows a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 33 before absorbing the liquid, and FIG. 15B shows a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 34 that has absorbed the liquid.

  When the liquid 121 exceeding the saturated absorption amount of the absorber 33 is supplied to the absorber 33 having no hydrophobic region as shown in FIG. Thus, the excess liquid 123 oozes out on the surface of the absorber 34 that has absorbed the liquid. In the case where the substance contained in the liquid absorbed by the absorber 34 and / or the substance contained in the extra liquid 123 exhibits color development or coloration, for example, even if the light emitting element 51 and the light receiving element 52 are used, the extra Accurate detection cannot be performed due to the fluctuation of the liquid level of the liquid 123.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of liquid when a relatively small amount of liquid is introduced into the flow path structure in the chip 2b including the absorber having no hydrophobic region. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the chip 2b before the absorber absorbs the liquid, and FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the chip 2b when the absorber absorbs the liquid. When the liquid 121 is introduced into the flow channel structure in a relatively small amount as shown in FIG. 16A, the surface of the absorber 34 that has absorbed the liquid is used as shown in FIG. The liquid 121 does not ooze out.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of a liquid when a relatively large amount of liquid is introduced into the flow channel structure in the chip 2b including an absorber that does not have a hydrophobic region. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the chip 2b before the absorber absorbs the liquid, and FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the chip 2b after the absorber absorbs the liquid. When the liquid 121 is introduced into the flow path structure in a relatively large amount as shown in FIG. 17A, the water head pressure so that the liquid oozes over the surface of the absorber 33 is introduced through the inlet 14. To the liquid 121. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17B, excess liquid 123 oozes out over the surface of the absorber 34 that has absorbed the liquid. Therefore, if there is a difference in the amount of liquid introduced from the inlet 14, the head pressure of the liquid changes, and the amount of liquid absorbed by the absorber (flows into the absorber) changes depending on the magnitude of the head pressure. End up. Furthermore, accurate detection cannot be performed due to fluctuations in the liquid level of the excess liquid 123.

[Embodiment 4]
Embodiment 4 of this invention is demonstrated based on FIGS. 18 to 19 are schematic views of an analysis system 500 including the chip 1b or 1c according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the analysis device 50.

<Analyzer 50 and Analysis System 500>
The analysis device 50 according to the present invention is an analysis device for analyzing the chip according to the present invention, and includes a receiving unit that receives a signal emitted from a detection unit included in the chip, and the chip based on the signal. And an analysis unit 53 for analyzing a substance contained in the introduced liquid.

  According to the said structure, the signal which the detection part with which a chip | tip comprises is emitted can be received by a receiving part. In the above chip, since the absorber has a hydrophobic region on the air hole side, the liquid absorbed by the absorber is prevented from seeping out to the air hole side and introduced into the flow channel structure. The volume of the liquid is defined within a certain range. Thus, a substance contained in a specific volume of liquid can be detected. As a result, a substance contained in a specific volume of liquid can be analyzed in the analysis unit.

  Moreover, when the absorber of the said chip | tip is equipped with a detection part, since the fluctuation | variation of the liquid level by the oozing-out liquid does not generate | occur | produce on the absorber surface, a detection can be performed correctly.

  The analysis system 500 includes a chip according to the present invention and an analysis apparatus 50 according to the present invention.

  According to the above configuration, since the chip and the analyzer are included, a system capable of detecting and analyzing a specific substance contained in a specific volume of liquid can be realized.

  In addition, when the absorber of the chip includes a detection unit, the surface of the absorber provided in the chip has no fluctuation of the liquid level due to the leaked liquid, and therefore a system that can analyze more accurately realizable.

  The configuration of the receiving unit and the analyzing unit may be appropriately determined according to the detection method. FIG. 18 shows a schematic diagram of an analysis apparatus 50 and an analysis system 500 that optically detect a substance contained in a liquid using the chip 1b according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The chip 1b may or may not include the reaction unit 135. When optically detecting a substance contained in a liquid, the analyzer 50 may include a light emitting element 51 and a light receiving element 52 as a receiving unit, for example. The light emitting element 51 is composed of, for example, an LED or the like, and irradiates the detection unit 136 with light. The light receiving element 52 receives a signal such as reflected light, scattered light, or transmitted light emitted from the detection unit 136 as a result of irradiating the detection unit 136 with light.

  The positional relationship between the light emitting element 51 and the light receiving element 52 may be determined as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, light is emitted from the light emitting element 51 to the upper surface of the chip 1b and emitted from the detection unit 136. The reflected light or scattered light may be received by the light receiving element 52. Further, as shown in FIG. 18B, light may be emitted from the light emitting element 51 to the bottom surface of the chip 1 b, and reflected light or scattered light emitted from the detection unit 136 may be received by the light receiving element 52. Further, as shown in FIG. 18 (c), light is emitted from the light emitting element 51 to the bottom surface of the chip 1b, and transmitted light emitted from the detection unit 136 is opposite to the light emitting element 51 across the chip 1b. The light may be received by the light receiving element 52 provided in.

  When optically detecting a substance contained in a liquid, the analysis unit 53 analyzes the substance contained in the liquid based on, for example, a signal transmitted from the light receiving element 52. For example, the analysis unit 53 obtains the concentration of the substance in the liquid by analyzing the color development state in the detection unit 136.

  FIG. 19 shows a schematic diagram of an analysis apparatus 50 and an analysis system 500 that electrically detect a substance contained in a liquid using the chip 1b according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the case where a substance contained in a liquid is electrically detected, the analyzer 50 may include a current measuring unit 54 as a receiving unit, for example, as shown in FIG. The current measurement unit 54 measures the current value detected by the detection unit 136 and transmits the current value to the analysis unit 53. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 19B, the analysis device 50 may include a voltage measurement unit 55 as a reception unit. The voltage measurement unit 55 measures the voltage value detected by the detection unit 136 and transmits the voltage value to the analysis unit 53. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 19C, the analysis device 50 may include an impedance measurement unit 56 as a reception unit. The impedance measurement unit 56 measures the impedance value detected by the detection unit 136 and transmits the impedance value to the analysis unit 53. The analysis unit 53 obtains the concentration and the like of the substance contained in the liquid based on the current value, voltage value, or impedance value.

  FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram of an analysis apparatus 50 and an analysis system 500 that optically detect a substance contained in a liquid using a chip 1c according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As in the case of analysis using the chip 1b, for example, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), light is emitted from the light emitting element 51 to the upper surface of the chip 1c, and emitted from the detection unit provided in the absorber 23. The reflected light or scattered light may be received by the light receiving element 52. Further, as shown in FIG. 20B, light is emitted from the light emitting element 51 to the bottom surface of the chip 1 b, and reflected light or scattered light emitted from the detection unit provided in the absorber 23 is received by the light receiving element 52. It may receive light. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20 (c), light is emitted from the light emitting element 51 to the bottom surface of the chip 1c, and transmitted light emitted from the detection unit provided in the absorber 23 is emitted across the chip 1c. Light may be received by the light receiving element 52 provided on the side opposite to the element 51. The analysis unit 53 obtains the concentration of the substance in the liquid by analyzing the color development state in the detection unit provided in the absorber 23 based on, for example, a signal transmitted from the light receiving element 52.

[Summary]
A chip according to an aspect of the present invention is a flow path for moving a liquid and an introduction path having one end connected to one end side of the flow path, and the liquid is supplied to the other end of the introduction path. An introduction path provided with an inlet for introduction into the flow path, and an open path having one end connected to the other end of the flow path, and is open to the atmosphere at the other end of the open path. An open path having an air hole, and an absorber that is disposed inside the flow path or inside the open path and that absorbs the liquid, and the absorber includes the inlet In the path from the air hole to the air hole, the surface close to the air hole has a hydrophobic region having higher hydrophobicity than other regions of the absorber.

  According to the above configuration, since the absorber has a hydrophobic region on the surface close to the air hole, when the liquid is introduced from the introduction path, the liquid absorbed by the absorber toward the air hole side. Exudation is suppressed. Therefore, the volume of the liquid to be introduced is defined within a specific range regardless of the water head pressure. That is, the upper limit of the volume of the liquid to be introduced is defined as (saturated absorption amount of the absorber + volume of the channel on the side of the introduction channel from the absorber + volume of the introduction channel).

  Furthermore, in the chip according to one aspect of the present invention, the hydrophobic region covers the entire movement path of the liquid when viewed from the air hole side in a path connecting the introduction port to the air hole. It may be formed.

  According to the above configuration, the liquid migration path is completely blocked by the hydrophobic region, thereby preventing the liquid absorbed by the absorber from exuding to the air hole side.

  Furthermore, in the chip according to one embodiment of the present invention, the absorber is formed by hydrophilic fibers, and the surface of the hydrophilic fibers is coated or chemically vapor-deposited to form the above-described absorber. A hydrophobic region may be formed.

  According to the said structure, the oozing-out to the air hole side of the liquid absorbed by the absorber can be prevented more effectively.

  Furthermore, in the chip according to one embodiment of the present invention, a detection unit for detecting a substance contained in the liquid may be provided between the introduction path and the absorber.

  According to the said structure, the volume of the liquid introduce | transduced is prescribed | regulated to a specific range irrespective of a water head pressure. Therefore, the detection unit can detect a substance contained in a specific volume of liquid.

  Furthermore, in the chip according to one embodiment of the present invention, the absorber may include a detection unit for detecting a substance contained in the liquid.

  According to the said structure, the volume of the liquid introduce | transduced is prescribed | regulated to a specific range irrespective of a water head pressure. Therefore, the detection unit can detect a specific substance contained in a specific volume of liquid. Furthermore, since the seepage of the liquid absorbed by the absorber to the air hole side is suppressed, the liquid level does not fluctuate due to the exuded liquid, and the detection by the detection unit can be performed accurately. .

  Furthermore, in the chip according to one aspect of the present invention, a predetermined reaction is performed on a substance contained in the liquid between the introduction port and the detection unit in a path from the introduction port to the air hole. The reaction part for making it may be provided.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to react with a specific substance contained in the liquid before detection by the detection unit, and detect the substance after the reaction by the detection unit.

  An analyzer according to an aspect of the present invention is an analyzer for analyzing a chip according to the present invention, and includes a receiver (a light receiving element 52, a current measuring unit 54) that receives a signal emitted from a detector included in the chip. , A voltage measuring unit 55 or an impedance measuring unit 56) and an analyzing unit for analyzing a substance contained in the liquid introduced into the chip based on the signal.

  According to the said structure, the signal which the detection part with which a chip | tip comprises is emitted can be received by a receiving part. In the above chip, the absorber has a hydrophobic region on the air hole side, so that the liquid absorbed by the absorber is prevented from seeping out to the air hole side, and the volume of the introduced liquid is reduced. It is defined in a specific range. Thus, a substance contained in a specific volume of liquid can be detected. As a result, a substance contained in a specific volume of liquid can be analyzed in the analysis unit.

  Moreover, when the absorber of the said chip | tip is equipped with a detection part, since the fluctuation | variation of the liquid level by the oozing-out liquid does not generate | occur | produce on the absorber surface, a detection can be performed correctly.

  An analysis system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a chip according to the present invention and an analysis apparatus according to the present invention.

  According to the above configuration, since the chip and the analyzer are included, a system capable of detecting and analyzing a specific substance contained in a specific volume of liquid can be realized.

  In addition, when the absorber of the chip includes a detection unit, the surface of the absorber provided in the chip has no fluctuation of the liquid level due to the leaked liquid, and therefore a system that can analyze more accurately realizable.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention provides a chip and the like capable of accurately quantifying and analyzing a liquid. The present invention can be suitably used for a chip for quantifying and analyzing blood, urine, and the like, for example.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a, 1b, 1c ... chip | tip 11 ... introduction path 12 ... open path 13 ... flow path 14 ... introduction port 15 ... air hole 21, 22, 23, 24 ... absorption Body 41 ・ ・ ・ first substrate 42 ・ ・ ・ second substrate 50 ・ ・ ・ analyzer 51 ・ ・ ・ light emitting element 52 ・ ・ ・ light receiving element 53 ・ ・ ・ analyzing unit 54 ・ ・ ・ current measuring unit 55 ・・ ・ Voltage measurement unit 56 ・ ・ ・ Impedance measurement unit 110 ・ ・ ・ Hydrophobic region 121 ・ ・ ・ Liquid 122, 123 ・ ・ ・ Excess liquid 135 ・ ・ ・ Reaction unit 136 ・ ・ ・ Detection unit 500 ・ ・ ・ Analysis system

Claims (8)

A flow path for moving the liquid;
An introduction path in which one end is connected to one end side of the flow path, and the other end of the introduction path includes an introduction port for introducing the liquid into the flow path; and
An open path having one end connected to the other end side of the flow path, and having an air hole open to the atmosphere at the other end of the open path;
The liquid absorber is disposed inside the flow path or the open path, and absorbs the liquid.
The absorber has a hydrophobic region having a higher hydrophobicity than the other regions of the absorber on the surface close to the air hole in a path connecting the inlet to the air hole. A featured chip.   The hydrophobic region is formed so as to cover the entire movement path of the liquid when viewed from the air hole side in a path connecting the introduction port to the air hole. The chip according to 1. The absorber is formed of hydrophilic fibers,
3. The chip according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic region is formed by applying or chemical vapor-depositing a fluorine-based material on the surface of the hydrophilic fiber.   The chip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a detector for detecting a substance contained in the liquid is provided between the introduction path and the absorber. .   The chip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorber includes a detection unit for detecting a substance contained in the liquid.   In the path from the inlet to the air hole, a reaction part for causing a substance contained in the liquid to perform a predetermined reaction is provided between the inlet and the detection part. The chip according to claim 4 or 5. An analyzer for analyzing the chip according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
A receiving unit that receives a signal emitted by a detection unit included in the chip;
An analyzer that analyzes a substance contained in the liquid introduced into the chip based on the signal.   An analysis system comprising the chip according to any one of claims 4 to 6 and the analysis apparatus according to claim 7.

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