`
`Eiuropiii-rzhes
`Patentamt
`Bump-ear.
`Patent Gffice
`Office eumpéen
`des brevets
`
`(11)
`
`EP 2 TT5 2T8 AT
`
`{12)
`
`EURGPEAN PATENT APPLTCATETTN
`pubiished in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC
`
`(-43) Date of pubiieation:
`14,642916 Buiiefin 2010i? 5
`
`{21) Appiication number: 987768825
`
`(22) Date of riiing: 25.037.2{303
`
`(84) Designate-12' Centracting States:
`AT IE IS CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES Ft FR GI GR
`HR HU 3E ES ET Li LT LU LV MC MT NE. N0 PL PT
`RO SE 53 SK TR
`
`Designated Extension States:
`AL BA MK RS
`
`(30:) Pritzrity: 27.375200? JP 2367195283
`
`(7'1) Appiicant: Panasonic Cerperation
`Kedema-shi
`
`(Beaks; 571-8591 (J?)
`
`
`
`(51) intCi.:
`Gem 35/30 {3905-01)
`G01M 33/48 {gm-9’)
`GEHN 37/00 {2005“}
`
`391.; 19/95; imam;
`(301 N 35mg (2006.91,;
`
`(86) internationai application number:
`PCTIJ PEGGEIGM 985
`
`(8'7)
`
`internatienai pubiieatien number:
`WU EOQSIQT 681‘! (05.0220fi3’9 Gazette ESGQIOE)
`
`(7"?)
`
`inventer: HiROSi-ii, Saiki
`Geaka—shi, Osaka 546-6297 (JP)
`
`(74) Representative: Griineeker, Kinkeidey,
`Steekmair & Echwanhé‘iueeer
`Anwaitesezietfit
`
`Lecpnidstraese 4
`80892 Mfinchen (DE)
`
`i
`I
`(54)
`
`DEVECE FOR ANALVSBS, ANT) ANALYZENG APPARATUS AND ANALYZENG METHOD USENG
`THE EEVECE
`
`A device fer aneiyeis used iertransferring a se-
`(57)
`iution to a measurement spot 38 by a centrifuge! farce
`and reading in which a reaction iiquici iocated at the meas—
`urement spot 38 is epticaiiy accessed. An operation cav—
`ity 30 and a receiving cavity 3.2? are arranged from the
`upstream side to the downstream side of the transfer.
`
`The operation cavity 30 and the receiving cavity ”2 corn—
`munieate with each other via a connecticn section 59 to
`
`transfer the seintion of the operation cavity 30 ta the re-
`ceiving cavity 32. The connection section 59 is iceated
`inside the liquid ievei of a diiuted seintion retained in the
`Operation cavity 30, reiative to a retatien axis 102.
`
`EEG. HEB
`
`@q//-\- me
`
`E?212752T8A‘i
`
`
`
`Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)
`
`

`

`__1.
`
`EP 2 "WE 278 A‘i
`
`2
`
`Description
`
`Technical Field
`
`[0001} The present invention relates to a device for
`analysis which is used for analyzing a liquid collected
`from an organism and the like and an analyzing appara—
`tus and method using the device, and specifically relates
`to a technique for transferring a solution mixed in the
`device for analysis to the subsequent step.
`
`Background Art
`
`in t re prior art, a liquid collected from an organ-
`[@023
`ism and the its is analyzed by a known method using a
`device for analysis in which a liquid path is formed. The
`device for analysis can control a fluid by using a rotating
`device. The device for analysis can measure a solution,
`separate solid constituents. transfer and distribute a sep-
`arated fluid, and mix a solution and a reagent by using a
`centrifugal force, thereby conducting a variety of bio--
`chemical analyses.
`[0003} As shown in Fla. '23, a device for analysis 245
`iortransferring a solution by using a centrifugal force ac-
`cording to the prior art includes a sample chamber 248
`having an inlet port 250, a diluent chamber 252 formed
`next to the sample chamber 248, a mixing chamber 254
`disposed outside the sample char her 248 and the dilu—
`ent chamber 252 relative to the radial direction, and a
`separation chamber 260 which receives a solution mixed
`in the mixing chamber 25-4. through a flow limiting path
`262 connected to a position in contact
`rith the solution
`of the mixing chamber 254. Analysis chambers 268 are
`connected to aflow path 266 connected to the separation
`chamber 260.
`
`[Odd-’l} During transfer, a sample to be tested is intro-
`duced into the sample charnberzttlathrough the inlet port
`250, a diluent for diluting the sample is introduced into
`the dilution chamber 252, and then the sample and the
`diluent are both transferred into the tixing chamber 254
`by a rotation of the device for analysis 246. in this con-
`figuration, the sample and diluent transferred into the
`mixing chamber 254 are prevented from being immedi—
`ately transferred to the separation chamber 260 through
`the flow limiting path 262 serving as a capillary path.
`While the sample and the diluent are contained in the
`mixing chamber 254, the device for analysis 246 is re-
`versely rotated or the rotation spee ' of the device for
`analysis 246 is increased or reduced in the same direc-
`tion, so thatthe sample and the diluent are mixed. Patent
`Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 30614i4
`
`Disclosure of the invention
`
`Problems to be Solved by the invention
`
`{coca} However, when the sample and the diluent are
`stirred in the mixing chamber 254 by reversing the rota-
`
`{Ir
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`-a‘3'.
`
`2’5
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`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`tion or increasing or reducing the rotation speed, the so—
`lution may not be sufficiently stirred and flow into the sep-
`aration chamber 250 through the flow limiting path 262.
`so that analyses may be conducted after insufficient stir-
`ring and result in varying analysis results.
`{mud} The present invention has been devised to
`solve the problem otihe priorart. An obi ct ofthe present
`invention is to provide a device for analysis by which a
`sample, a diluent, and a reagent can be fully stirred in a
`mixing chamber even when translerred at differ nttimes.
`and a mixed solution can be transferred to the subse-
`
`quent step at a necessary time, and an analyzing appa~
`ratus and method using the device.
`
`Means for Solving the Problems
`
`{mm} A device for analysis according to a first aspect
`of the present invention has a micro channel structure
`for transferring a solution to a measurement spot by a
`centrifugal force and is used for reading in which a reac—
`tion liquid at the measurement spot is optically accessed,
`the device including: an operation cavity and a receiving
`cavity which are arranged from the upstream side to the
`downstream side of the transfer; and a connection sec
`tion for communicating the operation cavity and the re-
`ceiving cavityto transfer a solution in the operation cavity
`to the receiving cavity, the connection section being lo-
`cated inside the liquid level of the solution retained in the
`operation cavity, relative to a rotation axis for generating
`the centrifugal force.
`[0008} A device for analysis according to a second as-
`pect of the present invention has a micro channel struc-
`ture fortransierring a solution by a centrifugal force. the
`device including: a first retaining section for retaining a
`sample solution; a second retaining section for retaining
`a diluent; athird retaining sectionforreceivingthe sample
`solution andthe diluentfrorntheiirstandsecond retaining
`sections; a tourtn retaining section which communicates
`with the third retaining section through a connection sec--
`tion and receivesadilutedsoiutionfromthethird retaining
`section; and a measurement spot which is formed on the
`downstream side of the transfer from the fourth retaining
`section, retains a reage it, and retains a reaction liquid
`obtained by a reaction alter the reagent is dissolved by
`the diluted solution receivedr'romt .efourth retaining sec-
`tion, wherein the reaction liquid at the measurement spot
`is optically accessed for reading and the connection sec~
`tlon forcornrnunicatirig the third retaining section and the
`fourth retaining section is located inside the liquid level
`oi the diluted solution retained in the third retaining sec-
`tion. relative to a rotation axis for generating the centrif-
`ugal force.
`[0009} A device for analysis according to a third aspect
`oi the press it invention, in the second aspect, includes:
`between the fourth retaining section and the measure-
`ment spot, a retaining cavity which receives the diluted
`solution from the fourth retaining section through a con-
`nection flow path and retains a specified amount of the
`
`

`

`3
`
`EP 2 "WS 278 A‘l
`
`4
`
`diluted solution; a connection tlow path for communicat—
`ing the retaining cavity and the measurement spot; and
`a second measurement spot which is formed on the
`downstream side of the transfer from the measurement
`
`spot. retains the reagent, and retains the reaction liquid
`obtained by the reaction afterthe reagent is dissolved by
`the solution received from the measurement spot, where—
`in a second connection section for communicating the
`measurement spot and the downstream side ofthe trans-
`teris located insidetne liquid level ofthe solution retained
`atthe measurement spot, relative to the rotation axis for
`generating the centrifugal force.
`[0019} A device for analysis according to a fourth as-
`pect of the present: invention, in the third aspect, including
`a third measurement spot which is formed on the down-
`stream side ofthe transfert‘rorh the second measurement:
`
`spot, retains the reagent, and retains the reaction liquid
`obtained by the reaction atterthe reagent is dissolved by
`the solution received from the second measurement
`
`spot, wherein athird connection section torcornmunicat—
`ing the second measurement spot and the downstream
`side ofthe transfer is located inside the liquid level ofthe
`solution retained at the second measurement spot, rel-
`ative to the rotation axis for generating the centrifugal
`force.
`
`[$3011] A device for analysis according to a fifth aspect
`of the present invention, in the first aspect, wherein the
`tourth retaining section. the retaining cavity, and the sec—
`ond connection section are formed with cross—sectional
`
`dimensions in a thickness direction for generating a or p—
`lllary force and a specified amount of the solution is col—
`tested by the capillary force.
`[0012}
`A device foranalysis according to a sixth aspect
`of the present invention, in the first aspect, wherein the
`receiving cavity collects a predetermined amount of the
`solution by a force of gravity generated by inclination.
`[0013} A device for analysis according to a seventh
`aspect ofthe present invention, in the first aspect, where-
`in the receiving cavity collects a predetermined amount:
`ofthe solution by an inertial force generated by swinging
`and a force of gravity generated by inclination.
`{0014] An analyzing apparatus according to an eighth
`aspect of the present invention, in which the device for
`analysis having collected a sample solution according to
`the first aspect is set, including: a rotation driving device
`for rotating the device for analysis about the axis; and an
`analyzing device for conducting an analysis by optically
`accessing the solution in the device for anaiy is which
`has 'oeen transferred by the rotation driving devic ,,
`wherein the axis is inclined and the solution retained in
`
`the operation cavity is transferred to the receiving cavity
`by an inertial force and a force of gravity.
`[(3015] An analyzing apparatus acco ding to a ninth as-
`pect ofthe present invention, in which the device for anal—
`ysis having collected a sample solution according to the
`tirst aspect is set, including: a rotation driving device tor
`rotating the device for analysis about the axis; and an
`analyzing device for conducting an analysis 'oy optically
`
`{It
`
`-a‘3'.
`
`2’5
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`accessing the solution in the device for analysis which
`has been transferred by the rotation driving device,
`wherein the axis is inclined and the solution retained in
`
`the operation cavity is transferred to the connection sec-
`tion of the operation cavity and the receiving cavity by a
`force of gravity.
`[0016} An analyzing apparatus according to atenth as~
`pect ofthe present invention, in which the device for anal-
`ysis having collected a sample solution according to the
`first aspect is set, including: a rotation driving device for
`rotating the device for analysis about the axis; and an
`analyzing device tor conducting an analysis by optically
`accessing the solution in the d vice for analysis which
`has been transferred by the rotation driving device,
`wherein the axis is inclined and the solution retained in
`
`the operation cavity is transferred to the receiving cavity
`by a force of gravity.
`{931?}
`An analyzing apparatus according to an elev-
`enth aspect of the press it invention. in which the device
`for analysis having collected a sample solution according
`to the first aspect is set. including: a rotation driving de-
`vice for rotating the device for analysis about the axis;
`and a. analyzing device for conducting an analysis by
`optically accessing the solution in the device for analysis
`which has been transferred by the rotation driving device,
`wherein the axis is inclined and the solution retained in
`
`the operation cavity is transferred to the connection sec-
`tion of the receiving cavity by an inertial force and a force
`of gravity.
`{0018} An analyzing apparatus ac :ording to a twelfth
`aspect of the present invention, in any one of the eighth
`to eleventh aspects, wherein the device tor analysis is
`movable to a position where the connection section at
`the receiving cavity and the operation cavity is located
`underthe operation cavity when viewed from the fro it of
`the device for analysis.
`{@619} An analyzing apparatus according to a thir-
`teenth aspect of the prese .t invention, in any one of the
`eighth to eleventh aspects, wherein the axis is inclined
`and the device for analysis is swung about the axis at a
`position where the connection section is located under
`the operation cavity when viewed from the front of the
`device for analysis.
`{0020] An analyzing apparatus according to a tour--
`teenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the
`eighth to eleventh aspects, t 'herein the device for anal-
`ysis is swung about the axis at any rotational position.
`[0621}
`An analyzing apparatus according to a fifteenth
`aspect of the present invention, in any one of the eighth
`to eleventh aspects, wherein the axis has an angle of
`inclination that is optionally setta'ole.
`{0622} An analyzing apparatus according to a six—
`teenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the
`eighth to eleventh aspects, wherein the axis has an angle
`of inclination of O“ to 45°.
`
`{0023} An analyzing method according to a seven-
`teenth aspect of the present invention is an analyzing
`method using the device for analysis according to the
`
`

`

`5
`
`EP 2 11:75 278 A‘i
`
`O)
`
`tirst aspect, the method inciuding: setting the device tor
`anaiysis on a rotor having an axis inciined by a predeter-
`mined angle, rotating the rotortotranster, to the operation
`cavity, a diiuent and a sample soiution appiied to the de-
`vice for analysis and mix the diiuent and the sample so—
`iution; moving the rotor such that the connection section
`of the receiving cavity and the operation cavity of the
`device for analysis is iocated underthe operation cavity
`when viewed from the front of the device for analysis,
`and vibrating the device tor analysis at a stop position to
`swingingiytranster a diluted solution having been diluted
`by the mixing to the downstream side ot a transter path;
`rotating the rotor to collect a fixed amount of the diluted
`solution, dissolving the sample soiutzion stored at the
`measurement spot with the solution received at the
`measurement spot after the swinging transfer performed
`by rotating the rotor or vibrating the device for analysis;
`and stirring the sample solution; and rotating the rotorto
`optically access the reaction liquid at tte measurement
`spot when the measurement spot is iocated at a reading
`position.
`An analyzing method according to an eight—
`{(3024}
`eenth aspect of the present invention, in the seventeenth
`aspect, further including: rotating the rotor to coilect the
`fixed amount otthe diiuted soiution, repeating the swing-
`ing transfer; in which the rotor is rotated orthe device for
`anaiysis is vibrated, to sequentiaiiy transterthe reaction
`iiouid to the measurement spots on the downstream side
`out of the plurality of measurement spots connected in
`series aiong the transfer path; and conducting a meas—
`urement by optically accessing the measurement spot
`every time the reaction liquid reaches the measurement
`spot. Advantage ot the invention
`[0025} According to a device for analysis and an ana-
`iyzing apparatus and method using the device of the
`present invention, solutions transferred at different times
`can he transferred to the subsequent process at a nec-
`essary time; so that the soiutions can he transterred to
`the subsequent process after completeiy mixed and the
`accuracy of analysis can be improved. Further, since the
`soiutions can be transferred to the subsequent process
`at a necessary time, the prose it invention can be also
`used as a device which controls transfer other than mix—
`
`(.21
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`-a‘3'.
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`2’5
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`40
`
`ing and can simplify a transfer sequence and a ttow path
`pattern other than mixing.
`
`45
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`[0026}
`
`50
`
`is a main part perspective view showing
`1
`FIG.
`device for analysis set in an anaEyzing apparatus ac—
`cording to an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the
`device for anaEysis according to the embodiment;
`FIG. 3 is an outside drawing showing the analyzing
`apparatus amording to the embodiment;
`FIG. 4 is a structural diagram showing the analyzing
`
`apparatus according to the embodiment;
`PEG. 5 is a sectional viet ' showing the analyzing ap-
`paratus according to the embodime it;
`PEG. EBA shows a rotation stop position otthe device
`for analysis according to the embodiment:
`PEG. 68 shows a rotation stop position ofthe device
`
`for analys
`according to the embodiment;
`PEG. 6C3 shows a rotation stop position of the device
`for analysis according to the embodiment;
`FiG. 7A is a pian view showing the opening part of
`the diiuting unit of the device tor analysis according
`to the embodiment;
`PEG. 78 is a sectional view showing the opening part
`otthe diluting unit otthe device foranaiysis according
`to the embodiment;
`PEG. 8A is an enlarged perspective view around the
`iniet of the device for anaiysis according to the em-
`hodiment;
`FiG. BB is a tront view around the inlet otthe device
`
`for analysis according to the embodiment;
`PEG. 9 is a plan view showing the micro channel
`structure of the device for analysis according to the
`embodiment;
`PEG. i0 is a pian view showing the sectionai position
`of the device for anaiysis according to the embodi-
`ment;
`PEG. 11A is a sectionai view showing the device for
`analysis taken along line AA-AA according to the em-
`'oodiment;
`PiG. 118 is a sectionai view showing the device for
`analysis taken along line 8-8 according to the em-
`hodiment;
`PiG. liC is a sectional view showing the device for
`analysis taken along Eine 00 according to the em-
`bodiment:
`
`PEG. MD is a sectional view showing the device for
`analysis taken along iine D-D ac :ording to the em-
`bodiment;
`PEG. HE is a sectional view showing the device for
`analysis taken along line E-E according to the em-
`hodiment;
`FiG. 12 is a pian view showing the hydrophilizeo‘ io~
`cations of the device for analysis according to the
`embodiment;
`PEG. 13 is a structural diagram showing the device
`for analysis according to the embodiment;
`~
`PEG. MA is an expianatory drawing showing the
`
`jemion process of the device tor anai‘
`is according
`to the embodiment;
`PEG. 'I 48 is an explanatory drawing showing the sep-
`aratiorv’measurement process otthe device tor anal-
`ysis according to the embodiment;
`PiG. 15A is an expianatory drawing showing an ac-
`tion of a separation cavity 18 having a capiiiary cavity
`is according to the embodiment;
`PiG. 158 is an expianatory drawing showing an ac-
`tion of the separation cavity 18 having the capiilary
`cavity 19 according to the embodiment;
`
`

`

`FIG. i563 is an explanatory drawing showrng an ac—
`tion of the separation cavity 18 having the capillary
`cavity 19 according to the embodiment;
`FIG. t52‘. is an explanatory drawing showing an ac-
`tion of the separation cavity 18 having the capillary
`cavity 19 according to the embodiment;
`FIG. 16A is an explanatory drawing showing an ac—
`tion of a separation cavity 18 not having a capillary
`cavity 19 according to a comparative example;
`FiG. 155 is an explanatory drawing showing an ac-
`tion of the separation cavity 18 not having the cap»
`illary cavity 19 according to the comparative exam-
`Pie;
`F G. 17A is an explanatory drawing showing a meas-
`uring rocess of the device for analysis according to
`the embodiment;
`F G. i7B is an explanatory drawing showing a mixing
`process of the device for analysis according to the
`embodiment;
`F G. lBAis an explanatory drawing showing the mix—
`ing process ot the device for analysis according to
`”>-:3“
`e embodiment;
`F G. 188 is an explanatory drawing showing the mix-
`ing process ot the device for analysis according to
`the embodiment;
`F G. 19A is an explanatory drawing showing atrans-
`terprocess of a diluted solution ofthe devicefor anal-
`ysis according to the embodiment;
`F G. 198 is an explanatory dra‘ 'ing showing the
`measuring process otthe device for analysis accord—
`* g to the embodime at;
`“15
`G. 20A is an explanatory drawing showing atrans-
`-<.
`er process of the device for analysis according to
`he embodiment;
`G. 208 is an explanatory drawing showing a rea-
`7-7
`en reaction/measuring process of the device for
`nalysis according to t is embodiment;
`G. 21A is an explanatory drawing showing the
`ransfer process of the device for analysis according
`.-+.-+O
`the embodiment;
`G. 2181s an explanatory drawing showing the re-
`gent reaction/measuring process oi the device for
`nalysis according to the embodiment;
`G. EA is an explanatory drawing showing the
`ranster process otthe device for analysis according
`l
`the embodiment;
`F G. 225 is an explanatory drawing showing the re-
`agent reaction/measuring process of the device for
`analysis according to the embodiment; and
`F G. 2315 a plan view showing a device for analysis
`according to the prior art.
`
`‘T‘lflJCD-Tl
`
`”>-
`.—s
`
`Best lvlode for Carrying Out the invention
`
`1 to 22A and 228, the fol-
`[0027} Reterring tc FiGS.
`iowing will describe an embodiment of a device for anal—
`ysis and an analyzing apparatus and method using the
`device according to the present invention.
`
`7
`
`EP 2 "WS 278 A?
`
`8
`
`(.21
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`-a‘3'.
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`2’5
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`40
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`45
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`50
`
`FiG. 'l shows that a device for analysis 1 is set
`{0628]
`on a rotor 103 cf the analyzing apparatus according to
`the embodiment ofthe prese it invention. FlG. 2 shows
`that the device for analysis l
`is disassembled such that
`a surface in contact with the rotor 103 is placed face up.
`{0929} The device for analysis 1
`is made up of five
`components of a protective cap 2: for preventing the scah
`tering of a sample solution, a base substrate 3 on which
`a micro channel structure having minute asperities ther-
`eon is formed, a cover substrate 4 covering the surface
`of the base substrate 3, a diluting unit 5 tor retaining a
`diluent, and an opening button 6 for discharging the dliu
`ent in the diluting unit 5 set on a recessed portion 50 out
`of several recessed portions formed on the top surface
`of the base substrate 3.
`
`{0630} The base substrate 3 and the cover substrate
`4 are joined to each other with the diluting unit 5 and the
`like set therein. and the protective cap 2 is attached to
`the joined substrates. Further. the opening button 6 is
`joined while being centered at the position ot an opening
`hole .7 formed on the cover substrate 4.
`
`{0031} The openings of the several recessed portions
`formed on the top surface of the base substrate 3 are
`covered with the cover substrate 4, thereby forming a
`plurality of storage areas which will be described later
`(like measurement spots which will be described later)
`and flow paths and the like connecting the storage areas
`(see FlG. 2). Reagents necessary for various anal 's s
`are stored beforehand in necessary ones of the storage
`areas.
`
`The device for analysis 1 can collect a sample
`{0032}
`solution, for example, a solution such as blood from an
`'nlet i 1. By setting the device for analysis i on the rotor
`103 of the analyzing apparatus with the protective cap 2
`closed, the components of the sample solution can be
`analyzed. Reference numeral t02 denotes the axis of
`rotation of the rotor 103.
`
`By using a centrifugal force generated by rotat~
`{0:633}
`ing the device for analysis 1 about the axis 10?. disposed
`inside the inlet it and a capillary force of a capillary flow
`path provided in the device for analysis 1. the device for
`analysis 1 transfers the sample solution therein. the sam~
`ple solution having been collected intothe device toranal—
`ysis 1 from the inlet 11. The protective cap 2 is attached
`to prevent the sample solution having adhered around
`the inlet 1 1 from being scattered to the outside by a pen-
`trifugal torce during an analysis.
`{0634}
`The components constituting the device for
`analysis 1 of the present: invention are desirably made
`of resin materials which can reduce the manufacturing
`cost with high mass productivity. The analyzing appara-
`tus analyzes the sample solution by an optical measure—
`rnent method in which light passing through the device
`for analysis 1
`is measured. Thus the base substrate 3
`and the cover substrate 4 are desirably made ct resins
`such as PC, PlVllle, AS. and MS which have high trans-
`parency.
`{0035}
`
`Further, the diluting unit 5 is desirably made of
`
`-v
`
`
`
`LC!.71we-
`
`a
`'1"!
`
`

`

`9
`
`EP21?5278A1
`
`10
`
`a crystalline resin such as PP and PE which have low
`moisture permeabilities because the diluent has to be
`contained in the diluting unit 5 for a long period of time.
`The opening button 6 is desirably made of a crystalline
`resin such as Pi3 having a high modulus of elasticity be—
`cause the opening button 6 is deformed when the diluting
`unit 5 is opened. The protective cap 2 is desirably made
`of an inexpensive resin such as PP and PE, and may be
`made of any materials as long as high moldability is ob-
`tained.
`
`E0035} The base substrate 3 and the cover substrate
`4 are desirably joined by a method hardly affecting the
`reaction activity ofthe reagent stored in the storage area.
`iditrasonic welding and laser welding are desirable in
`which reactive gas and a reactive solvent are hardly gen-
`erated upon joining.
`[0037} On a part where a solution is transferred by a
`capillary force which is generated through a small clear-
`ance between the substrates 3 and 4 by the joining of
`the base substrate 3 and the coversubstrate 4-, hydrophi—
`lization is performed to increase the capillary force. To
`be specific hydrophilization is performed using a hy—
`drophilic polynt .r. a surface-active agent, and so on.
`1.
`this case, hydrophilicity is a state in which a contact angle
`with water is less than 90". A contact angle of less than
`4 ° is more preferable.
`[0038}
`FIGS. 3 to 5A GB, and 60 show the analyzing
`apparatus in which the device for analysis 1 is set.
`[0039}
`In FIG. 3, the device for analysis 1 is placed on
`the rotor 103, which rotates about the axis 102 of the
`analyzing apparatus 100, with the cover substrate 4
`placed under the base substrate 3, and an analysis is
`conducted with a lid 101 closed.
`
`[0040} As shown in FlGS. 4 and 5, the analyzing ap-
`paratus 100 is made up of a rotation driving device 107
`for rotating the rotor 103, an optical measuring device
`109. tor optically measuring the solution in the device for
`analysis 1: a controller 108 for controlling the rotation
`speed and rotation direction of the rotor 103 and the
`measurement timing and so on of the optical measuring
`device, an arithmetic section 1 10 for processing a signal
`obtained by the optical measuring device 109 and com-
`puting a measurement result, and a display section 111
`tordisplayingthe result obtained bythe arithmetic section
`1 10.
`
`[0041} The rotation driving device 107 rotates the de-
`vice for analysis 1 about the axis 102 in any direction at
`a predetermined rotation speed through the rotor 103
`and the rotation driving device 107futther laterally recip-
`rocates the device for analysis 1 at a predetermined stop
`position about the axis 102 over a predetermined ampli—
`tude range and period, so that the device tor analysis '1
`cart be swung. in this configuration, a rnotor 104 is used
`as the rotation driving device 10? to rotate the rotor 103
`about the axis 102. The axis 102 is inclined only by an
`angle of inclination of 0° relative to a predetermined po—
`sition on the axis 102 and is rotatably mounted.
`[0042}
`In this configuration, the device for analysis 1
`
`()1
`
`-a‘3'.
`
`is rotated and swung bythe single rotation driving device
`10?. Anotherdriving device torswinging may he provided
`to reduce the load of the rotation driving device 107. To
`be specific, a vibratorsuch as a vibration motor prepared
`in addition to the motor 104 is brought into direct or indi-
`rect contactwith the device for analysis 1 set on the rotor
`
`103, so that the device for snails 1 i‘ swung to apply
`an inertial force to the solution in the device for analysis 1.
`{0043} The optical measuring device 100 includes a
`laser light source 105 for irradiating the measureme It
`part of the device for analysis 1 with laser light and a
`photodetector 1 06 tor detecting the quantity of lig
`trans
`mitted through the device for analysis 1 out of the laser
`light emitted from the laser light source 105. When the
`rotor 103 is made of a material having low translucency
`or a material having no translucency, holes 51 and 52
`are drilled atthe mounting positions otthe device for anal-
`ysis 1 on the rotor 103.
`{0044}
`in ttis configuration, the laser light source 105
`is capable oi switching the waveforms of outgoing light
`and the photodetector 106 is capable of detecting light
`oi any waveforms from the outgoing light of the laser lig .t
`source 105.
`
`2’5
`
`Fudher, rnu- ioue pairs of the laser light sources
`{0045}
`105 and the photodetectors106 may be provided accord-
`
`ment.
`
`{0046] The analyzing apparatus 100 may have a
`mechanism in which an opening device is provided for
`automatically opening the diluting urtit 5 in the device for
`analysis 1, to be specific, an arm enabling a vertical mo-
`tion is provided on the rotor 103 to operate the opening
`button d of the device for analysis 1 set on the rotor 103
`and the opening button 6 is Iitted by the arm.
`[0047} As shown in FIG. 5, the rotor 103 is attached to
`the inclined axis 102 and is inclined by the angle of incli-
`nation {310° relative to a horizontal line, and the rotor 103
`can control the direction of gravity applied to the solution
`in the device ioranalysis 1 according to the rotation stop
`position of the device for analysis 1.
`{0048}
`To be specific, when the device for analysis 1
`is stopped at a position shown in i'l.G 6A (a position at
`around 180" when a point immediately above is ex—
`pressed as 0° (360°)i. a lower side 53 of the device for
`analysis 1
`is directed downward when viewed trom the
`front, so that a force of gravity is applied to the solution
`in the device tor analysis 1 toward the outer periphery
`(the lower side 53).
`{0049} When the device for analysis 1 is stopped at a
`position around 60° as shown in FlG. 88, an upper left
`side 54 of the device for analysis 1 is directed downward
`when viewed tront the front, so that a force ot gravity is
`applied to the solution in the device for analysis; 1 toward
`the upper left. Similarly, at a position around 300° in FIG.
`EEC, an upper right side 55 of the device for analysis 1
`is
`directed downward when viewed from the front. so that
`
`a force of gravity is applied to the solution in the device
`for analysis 1 toward the upper right.
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`

`

`11
`
`EPEW5278A1
`
`12
`
`[005133 The axrs 102 is inclined and the device for anal—
`ysis 1
`is stopped at any one of the positions, so that the
`force of gravity can be used as one of driving forces for
`transferring the solution in the device for analysis 1
`in a
`predetermined direction.
`{0051} The force of gravity applied to the solution in
`the devic . for analysis 1 can be set by adjusting the angle
`of inclination (l of the axis 102 and is desira'oiy set ac—
`cording to the relationship between an amount of liquid
`to be transferred and an adhesion force on awall surtace
`
`in the device for analysis 1.
`[(10523 The angle of inclination it is desira‘oiy set at 10°
`to 45“. When the angle of inclination e is smaller than
`10°; the force of gravity applied to the solution is too small
`and a driving force necessary for transfer may not be
`obtained. When the angle of inclination l} is larger than
`45", a load applied to the axis 102 may increase or the
`solution transferred by a centrifugal force may be moved
`by the selt weight in an uncontrolled manner.
`E0053}
`in the analyzing apparatus 100 of the present
`embodiment, the angle of inclination 6 is fixed at any
`angle ranging from 10° to 45° and the motor 104 acting
`as the rotation driving device 107, the laser light source
`105, and the photodetector 1 US are also mounted in par-
`allel with the inclined axis 102. The angle of inclination s
`can be adjusted to any angle and the angles ctthe motor
`104, the laser light source 105, and the photodetector
`106 can he also changed accordingly, so that the opti—
`mum angle of