U.S. patent application number 11/923007 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-28 for reaction cell and operation method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to NGK Insulators, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Toshikazu Hirota, Yukihisa TAKEUCHI, Yasuko Yoshida.
Application Number | 20080050285 11/923007 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27784627 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080050285 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TAKEUCHI; Yukihisa ; et
al. |
February 28, 2008 |
REACTION CELL AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A reaction cell is provided with a vessel-like cell main body
and a circular piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator fixed to
an outside of a bottom surface of the cell main body. The cell main
body includes a circular bottom plate portion and a circumferential
wall portion which rises from a circumferential edge of the bottom
plate portion so as to thereby surround the bottom plate portion.
The bottom plate portion and the circumferential wall portion are
integrally formed from ceramics. A solution accommodation space is
formed above the bottom plate portion and is partially enclosed by
the circumferential wall portion. The
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator is concentrically adhered
to the outside of the bottom surface of the cell main body.
Inventors: |
TAKEUCHI; Yukihisa;
(Nishikamo-Gun, JP) ; Yoshida; Yasuko;
(Nagoya-City, JP) ; Hirota; Toshikazu;
(Nagoya-City, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BURR & BROWN
PO BOX 7068
SYRACUSE
NY
13261-7068
US
|
Assignee: |
NGK Insulators, Ltd.
Nagoya-City
JP
|
Family ID: |
27784627 |
Appl. No.: |
11/923007 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10377579 |
Feb 28, 2003 |
|
|
|
11923007 |
Oct 24, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/400 ;
310/358 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 11/0266 20130101;
G01N 33/54393 20130101; G01N 11/16 20130101; B01L 2400/0439
20130101; B01L 2300/0627 20130101; B01L 2300/0803 20130101; B01L
3/5085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/102 ;
310/358; 422/099 |
International
Class: |
B01L 3/00 20060101
B01L003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 1, 2002 |
JP |
P2002-056041 |
Claims
1. A reaction cell, comprising: a cell having a main body including
a circumferential wall portion and a bottom portion forming a space
to accommodate a solution, said main body comprising at least one
of ceramic and glass; and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator formed integrally with at least one surface of the
circumferential wall portion, and at least a part of the bottom
portion so as to agitate the solution, wherein an amplitude
(.DELTA.d) of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator and a
length (d) of the cell in a vibration direction thereof satisfy the
following inequality: 0.000001<.DELTA.d/d<0.01.
2. The reaction cell of claim 1, wherein the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator further comprises
electronic means for detection of a change in the electric constant
of the oscillator.
3. The reaction cell of claim 1, wherein the reaction cell
comprises a plurality of the cells.
4. The reaction cell of claim 1, wherein the circumferential wall
portion and the bottom portion comprise zirconia and are integrally
sintered.
5. The reaction cell of claim 1, wherein the circumferential wall
portion and the bottom portion comprise optically transmissive
ceramics and are integrally sintered.
6. The reaction cell of claim 1, wherein the circumferential wall
portion comprises ceramics and the bottom portion comprises
transparent glass.
7. The reaction cell of claim 1, wherein the circumferential wall
portion comprises ceramics and the bottom portion comprises a
transparent synthetic resin.
8. The reaction cell of claim 1, wherein the circumferential wall
portion and the bottom portion comprise a transparent glass or a
transparent synthetic resin and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator is formed integrally with the circumferential wall
portion or the bottom portion.
9. The reaction cell of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the
cell further comprises one or more first recess portions which
accommodate the solution.
10. A reaction cell comprising: a cell having a main body including
a circumferential wall portion and a bottom portion forming a space
to accommodate a solution; and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator formed integrally with at least one of a surface of the
circumferential wall portion and a part of the bottom portion so as
to agitate the solution, wherein an amplitude (.DELTA.d) of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator and a length (d) of the
cell in a vibration direction thereof satisfy an inequality of
0.000001<.DELTA.d/d<0.01.
11. A method of using a reaction cell, comprising: accommodating a
solution in a reaction cell in which a plurality of
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators are disposed along one
of a circumferential wall surface of the reaction cell and a bottom
surface of the reaction cell; and oscillating the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators sequentially in a
circumferential direction of the reaction cell, wherein an
amplitude (.DELTA.d) of at least one of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators and a length (d) of the
cell in a vibration direction thereof satisfy an inequality of
0.000001<.DELTA.d/d<0.01.
12. A method of using a reaction cell, comprising: accommodating a
solution in a first reaction cell in which a plurality of
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators are fixed directly to
one of a circumferential wall surface of the first reaction cell
and a bottom surface of the first reaction cell; and oscillating
the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators with an amplitude
and a timing that are independently controlled, wherein at least a
portion of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator has no
optical transmissivity, wherein an amplitude (.DELTA.d) of at least
one of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators and a length
(d) of the cell in a vibration direction thereof satisfy an
inequality of 0.000001<.DELTA.d/d<0.01.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a reaction cell and, more
specifically, to a reaction cell in which a biochemical reaction,
such as an enzyme reaction or nucleic acid hybridization, proceeds,
and a method of using the reaction cell to carry out and observe
chemical reactions.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, detecting a degree of a reaction or
identifying a characteristic of a sample, the nature of which is
unknown, is achieved by receiving the sample into a reaction cell
and, after the passage of a prescribed reaction length of time,
carrying out colorimetric analyses or the like.
[0005] Hybridization between complementary nucleic acid strands is
an effective method for detecting and identifying genetic
materials. The hybridization reaction is a chemical technique
wherein two nucleic-acid strands having complementary bases, such
as the strands forming molecules of DNA, are bonded to each other
to thereby form a double-stranded material. For performing an
analysis of hybridized nucleic acid strands, one of the nucleic
acid strands is labeled with, for example, a fluorescent material
or tag before hybridization with its complementary nucleic acid
strand. After hybridization is complete, the amount of labeled
material present in the double-stranded material is detected in
order to thereby measure the hybridized amount of material in the
sample. Namely, the hybridization method is used for the estimation
of a base sequence of an unknown nucleic acid material by means of
detecting whether it has hybridized with its complementary
counterpart. Detection of whether an unknown target genetic
material is present in a sample occurs when a known base sequence
of one nucleic acid strand contacts a complementary base sequence
from the sample, which results in the two complementary nucleic
acid strands being hybridized. The hybridized nucleic acid strands
are then detected and quantified.
[0006] There are cases with various kinds of enzyme reactions, not
limited to the above-described nucleic acid hybridization, where
merely putting a relevant solution into the reaction cell results
in a failure for the reaction to proceed with a high efficiency.
For this reason, it is considered as being effective to vibrate and
agitate the solution within the reaction cell by using a vibrator
or an ultrasonic oscillator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A reaction measuring device, a DNA analyzer, etc. each of
which is provided with the above-described reaction cell, are
desired to be miniaturized for the convenience of using it at a
medical scene or a laboratory or in the field, etc. In accordance
with this, it has also been demanded that the reaction cell itself
should be miniaturized and made finer. In addition, using expensive
material such as a DNA sample, reagent, enzyme, etc. in large
amount runs counter to reducing the cost for analysis and
production. On the other hand, vibration means such as the
above-described vibrator and ultrasonic oscillator has the
difficulty of reducing the size thereof and, therefore, it is also
difficult to apply that vibration means to the reaction cell that
has been made smaller in size or finer in structure.
[0008] Also, even if using the above-described vibrator or
ultrasonic oscillator for agitating the solution within the
reaction cell, the internal solution becomes likely to get
stagnated or come into a laminar flow. In a case where the solution
within the reaction cell is in a state of being stagnated or being
in a laminar flow, the reaction rate becomes likely to depend on a
diffusion rate, with the result that the effect of promoting the
reaction within the reaction cell using the above-described
vibration means is small. Especially, in a case where the amount of
the solution is small and the viscosity of the solution is
relatively high, effective agitation becomes further difficult to
perform. Further, in a case where the vibrator or the ultrasonic
oscillator is employed, there is the inconvenience that cavitation
becomes likely to occur and this damages the biopolymer in the
solution.
[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the
above-described problems and an object thereof is to provide a
reaction cell which can be made small in size and which can enhance
the agitation efficiency and realize the control of the reaction,
and a method of using that reaction cell.
[0010] The reaction cell of the present invention is provided with
a cell that has provided thereon a circumferential wall portion and
a bottom portion so as to accommodate a relevant solution therein
and with a piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator that is fixed
to the outside surface of the circumferential wall portion, the
bottom portion or a part of the bottom portion and that integrally
vibrates.
[0011] In the reaction cell of the present invention, the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator oscillates integrally
with the circumferential wall portion or the bottom portion,
thereby the solution is agitated. Therefore, with the device that
is very small in size, it is possible to highly efficiently promote
the progress of the reaction. Also, by controlling the vibration
length of time of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator,
the interval at which the vibration is performed, etc., it is
possible to control the degree of the progress of the reaction of
the solution, the reaction length of time, etc.
[0012] Preferably, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator is
provided with electronic means for detection of its electric
constant change. As the reaction proceeds, properties of the
solution such as viscosity vary and, resultantly, the electric
constant of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator changes.
Therefore, by equipping the oscillator with means for detection of
this electric constant, it is possible to determine the state of
reaction of the solution. In this manner, it is possible to
dynamically control the reaction of the solution.
[0013] Preferably, when .DELTA.d represents an amplitude of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator and d represents a length
in the vibration direction of the cell, the vibration of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator is set in the way of
0.000001<.DELTA.d/d<0.01. If 0.000001>.DELTA.d/d, the
effect of the vibration cannot be exhibited, whereas, if
.DELTA.d/d>0.01, the solution, especially in the case of a
solution containing a biopolymer, the decompositions other than
that intended to be made by the vibration, etc. become likely to
occur. By setting the amplitude to be within the above-described
range, more preferable promotion of the reaction is realized.
[0014] Preferably, the cell is constructed in a way in which the
bottom portion of the cell is formed into a plurality of recesses
so as to be partial cells and the plurality of partial cells are
disposed in the form of a matrix. As a result of this, performing
the reaction of the solution at multiple positions becomes possible
and each of the partial cells can be provided with a
piezoelectric/electrostrictive element. By simultaneously or
individually controlling the operations of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators provided on the cells,
it becomes possible to perform the control of the agitation, the
control of the reaction, the detection of the status, etc.
correspondingly in each partial cell. The
piezoelectric/electrostrictive element can also be disposed on
portions other than those of the bottom portion having formed
therein those partial cells. In this case, the solution
accommodated in a portion other than those where the partial cells
are disposed can have its reaction controlled independently from
the solution accommodated within the partial cells. Therefore, the
degree of freedom for controlling the reaction is increased.
[0015] More preferably, a plurality of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators are disposed along the
circumferential surface or bottom surface of the reaction cell and
they are sequentially vibrated in the circumferential direction, or
the amplitude and timing of that vibration are independently
controlled. In a case where the solution within the reaction cell
is not easily uniformly agitated, the vibration of a plurality of
the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators promotes uniform
agitation.
[0016] More preferably, the circumferential wall portion and the
bottom portion are constructed in the way of their being made of
zirconia and integrally sintered. In a case where each of them is
made of zirconia, the cell can have accommodated the solution
therein so as to less attenuate the vibration of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator. In addition, zirconia
has small reactability with raw materials of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator and, therefore, the
deterioration of the zirconia does not occur, thereby an integrally
formed cell can be realized. Incidentally, in general, zirconia can
be sintered with an additive such as yttria so that a crystalline
structure thereof can be made up of a mixture of tetragonal
crystal, cubic crystal, and monoclinic crystal and thereby has a
sufficiently high level of mechanical strength. In this case, the
cell may be formed into a multilayer structure, a portion of which,
especially the inside of the cell that contacts a water-soluble
solution, has a higher proportion of the cubic crystal with a
higher content of an additive such as yttria. By doing so, in
addition to the merit that the mechanical strength of the cell is
maintained, the occurrence of the crystalline metamorphosis of
zirconia at the portion in contact with the solution can be
prevented. Consequently, it is possible to realize the reaction
cell, the durability of which has been more enhanced.
[0017] In place of zirconia, the cell may be made from optical
transmissive ceramics. In a case where using the optical
transmissive ceramics, the status of reaction of the solution can
be detected by light. Also, the cell may be made into a hybrid
structure wherein the circumferential wall portion is formed using
ceramics and the bottom portion is formed using transparent glass
or synthetic resin. Further, the cell may also be made into a
structure wherein the circumferential wall portion and bottom
portion are formed using transparent glass or synthetic resin and
the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator is adhered onto the
circumferential wall or bottom portion. By having the cell
integrally sintered with optical transmissive ceramics, the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator can be sintered and
formed directly on the cell. Also, by having the cell made up into
a structure wherein the circumferential wall portion is made of
ceramics and the bottom portion is made of transparent glass or
synthetic resin, the following merits are obtained. Namely,
peripheral portions of the cell can stably be produced employing a
manufacturing method that is suitable for mass-production, such as
green sheet lamination, sintering, etc. In addition, a combined
structure with the transparent glass or synthetic resin as the
bottom portion which is suitable for immobilizing biopolymer, etc.
and detecting the status of the reaction through the use of a light
can be realized. This enables providing a reaction cell that is
inexpensive and has high performance. Also, by having the cell made
up into a structure wherein the piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator is adhered onto the circumferential wall portion or the
bottom portion, more options about a selection of the material
applied to the circumferential wall portion or bottom portion are
given. As a result, optimum selection of the material becomes
possible from the biochemical point of view.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the first embodiment of the present invention, the section being
shown taken along a line IB-IB of FIG. 1A;
[0020] FIG. 2A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the second embodiment of the present invention, the section
being shown taken along a line IIB-IIB of FIG. 2A;
[0022] FIG. 3A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the third embodiment of the present invention, the section being
shown taken along a line IIIB-IIIB of FIG. 3A;
[0024] FIG. 4A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the section
being shown taken along a line IVB-IVB of FIG. 4A;
[0026] FIG. 5A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the section being
shown taken along a line VB-VB of FIG. 5A;
[0028] FIG. 6A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the section being
shown taken along a line VIB-VIB of FIG. 6A;
[0030] FIG. 7A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the section
being shown taken along a line VIIB-VIIB of FIG. 7A;
[0032] FIG. 8A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to an
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 8B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the section
being shown taken along a line VIIIB-VIIIB of FIG. 8A;
[0034] FIG. 9A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
ninth embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the section being
shown taken along a line IXB-IXB of FIG. 9A;
[0036] FIG. 10A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the section being
shown taken along a line XB-XB of FIG. 10A;
[0038] FIG. 11A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to an
eleventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 11B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, the section
being shown taken along a line XIB-XIB of FIG. 11A;
[0040] FIG. 12A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
twelfth embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 12B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the section
being shown taken along a line XIIB-XIIB of FIG. 12A;
[0042] FIG. 13A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 13B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, the section
being shown taken along a line XIIIB-XIIIB of FIG. 13A;
[0044] FIG. 14A is a plan view of a reaction cell according to a
fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 14B is a sectional view of the reaction cell according
to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, the section
being shown taken along a line XIVB-XIVB of FIG. 14A;
[0046] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating an example of a method
of using a reaction cell according to the present invention;
and
[0047] FIG. 16 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the
reaction length of time and the yield of each of the reaction cell
provided with a piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator according
to the present invention and an ordinary cell according to the
prior art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] A reaction cell and a method of using it according to
respective embodiments illustrated in the drawings will be
described hereinafter.
[Reaction Cell]
First Embodiment
[0049] A first embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0050] A reaction cell 1 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 2 and a circular
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3 which is provided on
the underside (outside surface) of a bottom portion of the cell
main body 2. It is to be noted that, although details of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3 are not illustrated in
the drawings, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3 has a
sandwiched structure wherein a dielectric material member is
sandwiched between an upper electrode and a lower electrode. In the
cell main body 2, a circular bottom plate portion 2A and a
circumferential wall portion 2B which rises from a circumferential
edge of the bottom plate portion 2A to thereby surround the bottom
plate portion 2A are integrally formed using, for example,
zirconia. In the reaction cell 1 having that structure, a space
which is surrounded by the circumferential wall portion 2B on the
bottom plate portion 2A constitutes a solution accommodation space
4. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3, as illustrated
in FIG. 1A, is disposed and adhered on the underside of the bottom
plate portion 2A concentrically with the bottom plate portion 2A.
The diameter of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3 is
set to be shorter than that of the bottom plate portion 2A.
Incidentally, the diameter of the solution accommodation space of
the reaction cell 1 can suitably be set to a value falling within a
range of from several tens of .mu.m to several tens of cm according
to the kind of the solution or the purpose of detection thereof.
Especially, when .DELTA.d represents the amplitude of the vibration
of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3 and d represents
the length as viewed in the vibration direction, preferably,
0.000001<.DELTA.d/d<0.01. If 0.000001>.DELTA.d/d, the
effect of the vibration cannot be exhibited, whereas, if
.DELTA.d/d>0.01, the solution, especially in the case of its
being a solution containing biopolymer, the decompositions other
than that intended to be made by the vibration, etc. become likely
to occur.
[0051] In the reaction cell 1 according to this embodiment, the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3 is driven in a state
where a solution is accommodated within the solution accommodation
space 4. By doing so, the bottom plate portion 2A makes its
deflection oscillation, whereby the vibration can be transmitted to
the solution within the solution accommodation space 4.
Incidentally, in a case where the frequency of the drive is
sufficiently higher than the resonance frequency of the reaction
cell 1 having accommodated therein the solution, or in a case where
the rigidity of the bottom plate portion 2A is sufficiently high,
the oscillation which has occurred from the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3 is transmitted to the
solution within the solution accommodation space 4 via the bottom
plate portion 2A. And, it is arranged that, by the oscillation
being transmitted to the solution, the solution be agitated,
whereby a prescribed reaction of solution proceeds. Here, the
oscillation of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3 is
fine oscillation, and, therefore, agitation can be done without
causing the occurrence of cavitation in the solution and, for
example, without the three-dimensional structure such as a
biopolymer being damaged.
[0052] Also, because the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
3 is used as the oscillation source, concurrent use of other
chemical appliances such as heating means can easily be made.
[0053] Incidentally, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
3 is connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring not
illustrated so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation
length of time and so forth may suitably be controlled.
[0054] Further, to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 3
there is connected via a wiring (not illustrated) a signal
generating/analyzing circuit. A voltage signal which excites feeble
oscillation is applied thereto and there is detected a change in
the electric constant which follows that oscillation. By doing so,
it is possible to determine the specific gravity, viscosity, etc.
of the solution. The status in which the reaction within the
reaction cell 1 proceeds is detected as above by means of the
viscosity and, by doing so, it is possible to automatically perform
optimum oscillation in correspondence with the status of progress
of the reaction. Detecting the change in the characteristic of the
fluid in that way is described in, for example, Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. 8-201265. In this embodiment as well, the
contents therein can be referred to.
Second Embodiment
[0055] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0056] A reaction cell 10 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 11 and an annular
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 12 which is provided on
the underside of a bottom portion of the cell main body 11.
[0057] In the cell main body 11, a circular bottom plate portion
11A and a circumferential wall portion 11B which rises from a
circumferential edge of the bottom plate portion 11A to thereby
surround the bottom plate portion 11A are integrally formed using,
for example, optical transmissive alumina. In the reaction cell 10
having that structure, a space which is surrounded by the
circumferential wall portion 11B on the bottom plate portion 11A
constitutes a solution accommodation space 13. Incidentally, the
diameter of the solution accommodation space 13 of the reaction
cell 10 can suitably be set to a value falling within a range of
from several tens of .mu.m to several tens of cm according to the
kind of the solution or the purpose of detection thereof. In this
embodiment as well, for the same reason as stated above, when
.DELTA.d represents the amplitude of the oscillation of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 12 and d represents the
length as viewed in the oscillation direction, preferably,
0.000001<.DELTA.d/d<0.01.
[0058] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 12, as
illustrated in FIG. 2A, is disposed and adhered on the underside of
the bottom plate portion 11A concentrically with the bottom plate
portion 11A. The maximum diameter of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 12 is set to be shorter
than that of the bottom plate portion 11A. Since as described above
the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 12 is annular, the
central part of the bottom plate 11A constitutes an area where the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 12 does not exist. For
this reason, by setting the thickness of the bottom plate portion
11A to be at a value permitting this portion 11A to have optical
transmissivity, or by forming the bottom plate portion 11A using a
material having good optical transmissivity, monitoring the status
of the solution at the central part of the bottom plate portion 11A
becomes possible by measuring the optical transmittance at the
central part.
[0059] In the reaction cell 10, as well, according to this
embodiment, when driving the piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 12 in a state where the solution is accommodated within
the solution accommodation space 13, the bottom plate portion 11A
makes its deflection oscillation, and this oscillation is
transmitted to the solution within the solution accommodation space
13. Or, via the bottom plate portion 11A, the oscillation which has
occurred in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 12 can be
transmitted to the solution within the solution accommodation space
13. And, it is arranged that, by the oscillation being transmitted
to the solution, the solution be agitated whereby the reaction of
the solution is promoted.
Third Embodiment
[0060] A third embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0061] A reaction cell 20 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 21 and a circular
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 22 which is provided
within the cell main body 21. It is to be noted that, although the
details of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 22 are not
illustrated, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 22 has a
sandwiched structure wherein a dielectric material member is
sandwiched between an upper electrode and a lower electrode. The
cell main body 21 is constructed of a circular bottom plate portion
21A and a circumferential wall portion 21B which rises from a
circumferential edge of the bottom plate portion 21A to thereby
surround the bottom plate portion 21A. And the bottom plate portion
21A and the circumferential wall portion 21B are integrally formed,
the bottom plate portion 21A being formed of, for example, optical
transmissive alumina and the circumferential wall portion 21B being
formed of, for example, zirconia. In the reaction cell 20 having
that structure, a space which is surrounded by the circumferential
wall portion 21B on the bottom plate portion 21A constitutes a
solution accommodation space 23.
[0062] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 22, as
illustrated in FIG. 3A, is disposed and adhered along the inside
surface of the circumferential wall portion 21B in the way of its
circumferentially extending. Like that, in this embodiment as well,
it becomes possible to detect the status of reaction of the
internal solution using a light by constructing the bottom plate
portion 21A using a structure, or material, having optical
transmissivity. Incidentally, in this embodiment as well, the
diameter of the solution accommodation space 23 of the reaction
cell 20 can suitably be set according to the kind of the solution
or the purpose of detection thereof.
[0063] In the reaction cell 20 according to this embodiment, by
driving the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 22 in a state
where the solution is accommodated within the solution
accommodation space, it is possible to transmit the oscillation
which has occurred in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
22 to the solution within the solution accommodation space 23
directly, or via the bottom plate portion 21A. And, it is arranged
that, by the oscillation being transmitted to the solution, the
solution be agitated whereby a prescribed reaction of solution is
promoted.
[0064] Incidentally, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
22 is connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring not
illustrated so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation
length of time and so forth may suitably be controlled. And, on the
surface of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator inside the
cell there is applied over an upper electrode thereof a waterproof
coat made of resin, etc. in the way in which the waterproof coat
covers the oscillator as a whole.
Fourth Embodiment
[0065] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0066] A reaction cell 30 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 31 and a pair of
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 32 provided on the
underside (outside surface) of the cell main body 31. The cell main
body 31 is constructed of a circular bottom plate portion 33, the
thickness of which is relatively great, and a circumferential wall
portion 34 which rises from the circumferential edge of the bottom
plate portion 33 and which surrounds the bottom plate portion 33,
the both portions 33 and 34 being integrally formed using, for
example, zirconia.
[0067] In the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 33 there
are formed a pair of U-shaped recesses 35 which, when viewed from
above them, are circular in the way in which they sandwich the
central part of the bottom portion 33. These U-shaped recesses 35
each form a solution accommodation small space 36 for accommodating
therein a relevant solution. And, the above-described
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 32 is disposed and
adhered on the central part of the underside of a relatively thin
bottom plate 37 of the corresponding U-shaped recess 35. The
reaction cell 30 having such structure has the solution
accommodation small space 36 within each U-shaped recess 35 and a
solution accommodation large space 38 which is surrounded by the
circumferential wall portion 34 on the bottom plate portion 33. The
above-described piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 32 is
circular, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the bottom
plate 37. Incidentally, the solution accommodation large space 38
in the reaction cell 30 can suitably be set to a value falling
within a range of from several tens of .mu.m to several tens of cm
according to the kind of the solution or the purpose of detection
thereof.
[0068] The reaction cell 30 according to this embodiment may be
used in a state where the relevant solution is accommodated within
only the solution accommodation small space 36 alone, or may be
used in a state where the solution is accommodated within the
solution accommodation large space 38. And, by driving the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 32, the oscillation which
has occurred in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 32
can be transmitted to the solution within the solution
accommodation small space 36 and the solution within the solution
accommodation large space 38. And, because the oscillation is
transmitted to the solution, the solution is agitated and a
prescribed reaction of the solution is promoted. Incidentally, by
individually oscillation controlling the solution accommodation
small space 36, the reaction of the solution in each small space
(cavity) is optimized, with the result that the reaction within the
solution accommodation large space 38 can also be controlled to a
desired status of reaction.
[0069] Incidentally, in the reaction cell 30, as well, according to
this embodiment, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 32
is connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring not
illustrated so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation
length of time and so forth may suitably be controlled.
Fifth Embodiment
[0070] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0071] A reaction cell 40 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 41 and a pair of
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 42 provided on the
underside (outside surface) of the bottom portion of the cell main
body 41. The cell main body 41 is constructed of a circular bottom
plate portion 33, the thickness of which is relatively great, and a
circumferential wall portion 44 which rises from the
circumferential edge of the bottom plate portion 43 and which
surrounds the bottom plate portion 43, the both portions 43 and 44
being integrally formed using, for example, zirconia.
[0072] In the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 43 there
are formed a pair of U-shaped recesses 45 which, when viewed from
above them, are circular in the way in which they sandwich the
central part of the bottom portion 43. These U-shaped recesses 45
each form a solution accommodation small space 46 for accommodating
therein a relevant solution. And, the above-described
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 42 is disposed and
adhered on the central part of the underside of a relatively thin
bottom plate 47 of the corresponding U-shaped recess 45. The
reaction cell 40 having such structure has the solution
accommodation small space 46 within each U-shaped recess 45 and a
solution accommodation large space 48 which is surrounded by the
circumferential wall portion 44 on the bottom plate portion 43. The
above-described piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 42 is
circular, the diameter of which is equal to that of the bottom
plate 47. Incidentally, the diameter of the solution accommodation
large space 48 in the reaction cell 40 can suitably be set to a
value falling within a range of from several tens of .mu.m to
several tens of cm according to the kind of the solution or the
purpose of detection thereof.
[0073] The reaction cell 40 according to this embodiment may be
used in a state where the relevant solution is accommodated within
only the solution accommodation small space 46 alone, or may be
used in a state where the solution is accommodated within the
solution accommodation large space 48. And, by driving the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 42, the oscillation which
has occurred in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 42
can be transmitted to the solution within the solution
accommodation small space 46 and the solution within the solution
accommodation large space 48. And, because the oscillation is
transmitted to the solution, the solution is agitated and a
prescribed reaction of the solution is promoted. Incidentally,
since the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 42 has a
diameter that is equal to the diameter of the bottom plate 47, the
oscillation within the U-shaped recess 45 can be uniformly
transmitted to the solution.
[0074] Incidentally, in the reaction cell 40, as well, according to
this embodiment, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 42
is connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring not
illustrated so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation
length of time and so forth may suitably be controlled.
Sixth Embodiment
[0075] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0076] A reaction cell 50 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 51 and a pair of annular
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 52 provided on the
underside (outside surface) of the bottom portion of the cell main
body 51. The cell main body 51 is constructed of a circular bottom
plate portion 53, the thickness of which is relatively great, and a
circumferential wall portion 54 which rises from the
circumferential edge of the bottom plate portion 53 and which
surrounds the bottom plate portion 53, the both portions 53 and 54
being integrally formed using, for example, zirconia.
[0077] In the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 53 there
are formed a pair of U-shaped recesses 55 which, when viewed from
above them, are circular in the way in which they sandwich the
central part of the bottom portion 53 therebetween. These U-shaped
recesses 55 each form a solution accommodation small space 56 for
accommodating therein a relevant solution. And, the above-described
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 52 is disposed and
adhered on the central part of the underside of a thin bottom plate
57 of the corresponding U-shaped recess 55. The reaction cell 50
having such structure has the solution accommodation small space 56
within each U-shaped recess 55 and a solution accommodation large
space 58 which is surrounded by the circumferential wall portion 54
on the bottom plate portion 53. The above-described
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 52 is annular the maximum
diameter of which is equal to that of the bottom plate 57.
[0078] Incidentally, the diameter of the solution accommodation
large space 58 in the reaction cell 50 can suitably be set to a
value falling within a range of from several tens of .mu.m to
several tens of cm according to the kind of the solution or the
purpose of detection thereof. In the reaction cell 50 according to
this embodiment, in order to make great the depth of the U-shaped
recess 55, the thickness of the bottom plate portion 53 is set to
have a great thickness. Also, the thickness of the bottom plate 57
is set to have a small thickness so as to permit a light to pass
therethrough. And, since the piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 52 does not exist at the central part of the bottom
plate 57, it is possible to detect the change in the optical
transmittance of the solution due to the progress of the solution
within the U-shaped recess 55, or to detect the luminous reaction
of the solution. In addition, the portion where the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 52 is designed to have no
optical transmissivity. Therefore, in a case where detecting the
luminous reaction, that construction is advantageous for decreasing
the crosstalk of light which is emitted from each U-shaped recess
55.
[0079] The reaction cell 50 according to this embodiment may also
be used in a state where the relevant solution is accommodated
within only the solution accommodation small space 56 alone, or may
be used in a state where the solution is accommodated within the
solution accommodation large space 58. And, by driving the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 52, the oscillation which
has occurred in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 52
can be transmitted to the solution within the solution
accommodation small space 56 and the solution within the solution
accommodation large space 58 via the bottom plate 57. And, because
the oscillation is transmitted to the solution, the solution is
agitated and a prescribed reaction of the solution is promoted.
[0080] Incidentally, in the reaction cell 50, as well, according to
this embodiment, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 52
is connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring not
illustrated so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation
length of time and so forth may suitably be controlled.
Seventh Embodiment
[0081] A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.
[0082] A reaction cell 60 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 61 and a pair of annular
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 62 provided within the
cell main body 61. The cell main body 61 is constructed of a
circular bottom plate portion 63, the thickness of which is great,
and a circumferential wall portion 64 which rises from the
circumferential edge of the bottom plate portion 63 and which
surrounds the bottom plate portion 63, the both portions 63 and 64
being integrally formed using, for example, zirconia.
[0083] In the bottom plate portion 63 there are formed a pair of
circular holes 65 in the way in which they sandwich the central
part of the bottom portion 63 therebetween. These circular holes 65
each have formed along their inner-circumferential wall surfaces
the above-described piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 62.
On the underside of the bottom plate portion 63, over its entire
surface, there is integrally fixedly provided a transparent plate
66 consisting of, for example, a transparent glass. Accordingly,
the through-holes of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
62 and the transparent plate 66 constitute a solution accommodation
small space 67 for accommodating therein a relevant solution. Since
the bottom portion of the solution accommodation small space 67 is
formed of the transparent plate 66 in the reaction cell 60
according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to grasp the
status of reaction of the internal solution by measuring the
optical transmittance and luminous reaction and so forth. In
addition, since the portion where the thick bottom plate portion 63
exists is formed of zirconia having no optical transmissivity and,
therefore, in a case where detecting the luminous reaction, that
construction is advantageous for decreasing the crosstalk of light
emitted from the solution accommodation small space 67.
[0084] The reaction cell 60 having such structure has the solution
accommodation small space 67 and a solution accommodation large
space 68 which is surrounded by the circumferential wall portion 64
on the bottom plate portion 63. The diameter of the solution
accommodation large space 68 in the reaction cell 60 can suitably
be set to a value falling within a range of from several tens of
.mu.m to several tens of cm according to the kind of the solution
or the purpose of detection thereof.
[0085] The reaction cell 60 according to this embodiment may also
be used in a state where the relevant solution is accommodated
within only the solution accommodation small space 67 alone, or may
be used in a state where the solution is accommodated within the
solution accommodation large space 68. And, by driving the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 62, the oscillation which
has occurred in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 62
can be transmitted directly to the solution within the solution
accommodation small space 67 and the solution within the solution
accommodation large space 68. And, by because the oscillation is
transmitted directly to the solution, the solution is reliably
agitated and a prescribed reaction of the solution is promoted.
[0086] Incidentally, in the reaction cell 60, as well, according to
this embodiment, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 62
is connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring not
illustrated so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation
length of time and so forth may suitably be controlled.
Eighth Embodiment
[0087] An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0088] A reaction cell 70 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 71 and a pair of annular
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 72 provided on the
underside (outside surface) of the bottom portion of the cell main
body 71 and an annular second piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 78 provided within the cell main body 71. The cell main
body 71 is constructed of a circular bottom plate portion 73, the
thickness of which is relatively great, and that, when viewed from
above the cell main body, is circular and a circumferential wall
portion 74 rises from and surrounds the circumferential edge of the
bottom plate portion 73, the both portions 73 and 74 being
integrally formed using, for example, zirconia. The second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 78 is formed in such a
way that it circumferentially extends along the
inner-circumferential surface of the circumferential wall portion
74.
[0089] In the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 73 there
are formed a pair of U-shaped recesses 75 which, when viewed from
above them, are circular in the way in which they sandwich the
central part of the bottom portion 73 therebetween. These U-shaped
recesses 75 each form a solution accommodation small space 76 for
accommodating therein a relevant solution. And, the above-described
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 72 is disposed and
adhered on the underside of a thin bottom plate 77 of the
corresponding U-shaped recess 75.
[0090] The first piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 72 is in
the form of an annulus and has a maximum diameter equal to the
diameter of the bottom plate 77.
[0091] Incidentally, the diameter of the solution accommodation
large space 79 in the reaction cell 70 can suitably be set to a
value falling within a range of from several tens of .mu.m to
several tens of cm according to the kind of the solution or the
purpose of detection thereof. In the reaction cell 70 according to
this embodiment, in order to make great the depth of the U-shaped
recess 75, the thickness of the bottom plate portion 73 is set to
have a great thickness. Also, the thickness of the bottom plate 77
is set to have a small thickness so as to permit a light to pass
therethrough. And, since the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 72 does not exist at the central part of the bottom
plate 77, it is possible to detect the status of solution within
the U-shaped recess 75 by measuring the change in the optical
transmittance of the solution.
[0092] The reaction cell 70 according to this embodiment may also
be used in a state where the relevant solution is accommodated
within only the solution accommodation small space 76 alone, or may
be used in a state where the solution is accommodated within the
solution accommodation large space 79. And, by driving the first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 72, the bottom plate 77
makes its deflection oscillation whereby this oscillation can be
transmitted to the solution within the solution accommodation small
space 76. Also, by driving the second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 78, the oscillation can
be transmitted directly to the solution within the solution
accommodation large space 79. And, because the oscillation is
transmitted to the solution, the solution is agitated and a
prescribed reaction of the solution is promoted.
[0093] Incidentally, in the reaction cell 70, as well, according to
this embodiment, the first and second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 72 and 78 are each
connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring (not illustrated)
so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation length of
time and so forth may suitably be controlled. And, by adjusting the
driving timing, amplitude, etc. of each of the first and second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator, finer agitation of the
solution and finer control and promotion of the reaction become
possible.
Ninth Embodiment
[0094] A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.
[0095] A reaction cell 80 comprises a vessel-like cell main body 81
and a plurality of first piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators
82 provided on the underside (outside surface) of the bottom
portion of the cell main body 81 and a second annular second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 83 provided within the
cell main body 81. The cell main body 81 is constructed of a
circular bottom plate portion 84, the thickness of which is
relatively great and when viewed from above the cell main body, is
circular and a circumferential wall portion 85 rises from and
surrounds the circumferential edge of the bottom plate portion 84,
the both portions 84 and 85 being integrally formed using, for
example, zirconia. The second piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 83 is formed in such a way that it circumferentially
extends along the inner-circumferential surface of the
circumferential wall portion 85. And, the space which is surrounded
by the circumferential wall portion 85 on the bottom plate portion
84 constitutes a solution accommodation space 89.
[0096] In the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 84 there
are formed at the central part of the bottom plate portion 84 and
in the neighborhood of it a plurality of U-shaped recesses 86. This
plurality of U-shaped recesses 86, when viewed from above them, are
circular and these U-shaped recesses 86 each form a solution
accommodation small space 87 for accommodating therein a relevant
solution. And, the above-described first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 82 is disposed and
adhered on the underside of a thin bottom plate 88 of the
corresponding U-shaped recess 86. Incidentally, the first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 82 is in the form of an
annulus and has a maximum diameter substantially equal to the
diameter of the bottom plate 88.
[0097] Incidentally, the diameter of the solution accommodation
large space 89 in the reaction cell 80 can suitably be set
according to the kind of the solution or the purpose of detection
thereof. In the reaction cell 80 according to this embodiment, in
order to make great the depth of the U-shaped recess 86, the
thickness of the bottom plate portion 84 is set to have a great
thickness.
[0098] Also, the thickness of the bottom plate 88 is set to have a
small thickness so as to permit a light to pass therethrough. And,
since the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 82 does
not exist at the central part of the bottom plate 88, it is
possible to detect the status of solution within the U-shaped
recess 86 by measuring the optical transmittance through the bottom
plate 88.
[0099] The reaction cell 80 according to this embodiment may also
be used in a state where the relevant solution is accommodated
within only the solution accommodation small space 87 alone, or may
be used in a state where the solution is accommodated within the
solution accommodation large space 89. And, by driving the first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 82, which causes the
deflection oscillation of each of the plurality of bottom plates
88, the oscillation can be transmitted to the solution within the
solution accommodation small space 87. Also, by driving the second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 83, the oscillation can
be transmitted directly to the solution within the solution
accommodation large space 89. And, because the oscillation is
transmitted to the solution, the solution is agitated and a
prescribed reaction of the solution is promoted.
[0100] Incidentally, in the reaction cell 80, as well, according to
this embodiment, the first and second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 82 and 83 are each
connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring (not illustrated)
so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation length of
time and so forth may suitably be controlled.
Tenth Embodiment
[0101] A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.
[0102] A reaction cell 90 comprises a vessel-like cell main body 91
and a plurality of piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 92
provided on the underside (outside surface) of the bottom portion
of the cell main body 91. The cell main body 91 is constructed of a
circular bottom plate portion 93, the thickness of which is great
and when viewed from above the cell main body, is circular and a
circumferential wall portion 94 rises from and surrounds the
circumferential edge of the bottom plate portion 93, the both
portions 93 and 94 being integrally formed using, for example,
zirconia.
[0103] In the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 93 there
are formed a pair of U-shaped recesses 95 each of which, when
viewed from above, is circular in the way in which they sandwich
the central part of the bottom plate portion 93. Each of these
U-shaped recesses 95 forms a solution accommodation small space 96
for accommodating therein a relevant solution. And, the space which
is surrounded by the circumferential wall portion 94 on the bottom
portion 93 forms a solution accommodation large space 98.
Incidentally, the bottom plate portion 93 is set to be relatively
thick. As a result of the relatively large-depth U-shaped recesses
95 being formed in the bottom plate portion 93, the U-shaped recess
95 includes a small-thickness bottom plate 97. Incidentally, the
thickness of the bottom plate 97 is set to be thin enough to permit
a light to pass therethrough.
[0104] And, on the thin bottom plate 97 of each U-shaped recess 95,
there are intermittently disposed and adhered along the
circumferential edge of the underside of the bottom plate 97 a
plurality of piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 92.
Incidentally, since the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
92 is not disposed at the central part of the bottom plate 97, it
becomes possible, by passing a light from the central part of the
bottom plate 97, to grasp the status of solution (the status of the
reaction) within the U-shaped recess 95 through the change in the
optical transmittance.
[0105] Incidentally, the diameter of the solution accommodation
large space 98 in the reaction cell 90 can suitably be set
according to the kind of the solution or the purpose of detection
thereof. The other construction of the reaction cell 90 according
to this embodiment is the same as that according to the sixth
embodiment.
[0106] Since the reaction cell 90 according to this embodiment is
constructed so that the bottom plate 77 has optical transmissivity,
it is possible to detect the status of solution within the U-shaped
recess 95 by measuring the optical transmittance.
[0107] The reaction cell 90 according to this embodiment may also
be used in a state where the relevant solution is accommodated
within only the solution accommodation small space 96 alone, or may
be used in a state where the solution is accommodated within the
solution accommodation large space 98. And, by driving the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 92 which causes the
partial deflection oscillation of the bottom plates 97, the
oscillation can be transmitted to the solution within the solution
accommodation small space 96 and solution accommodation large space
98. And, because the oscillation is transmitted to the solution,
the solution is agitated and a prescribed reaction of the solution
is promoted.
[0108] Especially, in this embodiment, by individually driving the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 92, the flow of the
solution within the solution accommodation small space 96 becomes
able to be freely controlled. In addition, agitating the solution
so as for it to have the form of, for example, a vortex also
becomes possible whereby it is possible to enhance the agitating
efficiency. Also, optimum oscillation which is in compliance with
the status of the reaction can be performed in every solution
accommodation small space 96.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0109] An eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.
[0110] A reaction cell 100 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 101 and a plurality of first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 102 provided on the
underside (outside surface) of the cell main body 101, and a pair
of second piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 103 provided
within the cell main body 101 and a plurality of third
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 104.
[0111] The cell main body 101 is constructed of a first circular
bottom plate portion 105, the thickness of which is great and when
viewed from above, is circular and a circumferential wall portion
106 rises from and surrounds the circumferential edge of the first
bottom plate portion 105, the both portions 105 and 106 being
integrally formed using, for example, zirconia.
[0112] On the circumferential edge portion of the first bottom
plate portion 105 there are intermittently disposed and fixed along
the circumferential edge of it the third
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 104. Also, in the bottom
plate portion 105 there are formed a pair of first U-shaped
recesses 107 at the positions that sandwich the central part of the
first bottom plate portion 105. In this first U-shaped recess 107,
there is formed the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 103 in such a way that it circumferentially extends
along the inner-circumferential surface of the recess 107.
[0113] Also, on the bottom of the first U-shaped recess 107, there
is formed a second bottom plate portion 108 and, in the second
bottom plate portion 108, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, there are
formed a plurality of second U-shaped recesses 109 at the central
part and in the neighborhood thereof.
[0114] Further, in the bottom of the second U-shaped recess 109,
there is formed a third bottom plate portion 110. On the underside
of the third bottom plate portion 110, there is fixedly provided
the above-described piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 102.
Incidentally, the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
102 is in the form of an annulus and has a maximum diameter equal
to the diameter of the bottom plate portion 110. Also, since the
first piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 102 has formed at
its central part a hole, and, from this hole, the third bottom
plate portion 110 is exposed.
[0115] And, the space which is surrounded by the circumferential
wall portion 106 on the first bottom plate portion 105 forms a
solution accommodation large space 111. Also, the space which is
surrounded by the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
103 on the second bottom plate portion 108 forms a solution
accommodation middle space 112. Further, the space which is within
the second U-shaped recess 109 on the third bottom plate portion
110 forms a solution accommodation small space 113.
[0116] Incidentally, the diameter of the first bottom plate portion
105 in the reaction cell 100 is preferably set to be at a value
falling within a range of from several mm to several tens of cm.
Also, the diameter of the second bottom plate portion 108 is
preferably set to be at a value falling within a range of from
several tens of .mu.m to several mm. Further, the diameter of the
third bottom plate portion 110 is preferably set to be at a value
falling within a range of from several tens of .mu.m to several
mm.
[0117] In the reaction cell 100 according to this embodiment, the
thickness of the third bottom plate portion 110 is set to have a
small thickness so as to permit a light to pass therethrough. And,
since the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 102 does
not exist at the central part of the third bottom plate portion
110, it is possible to detect the status of solution within the
second U-shaped recess 109 by measuring the optical transmittance
through the bottom plate portion 110.
[0118] The reaction cell 100 according to this embodiment also
enables the reaction of the solution to be performed in a state
where the solution is accommodated within only the solution
accommodation small space 113 alone, or in a state where the
solution is accommodated within the solution accommodation middle
space 112, or in a state where the solution is accommodated within
the solution accommodation large space 111.
[0119] And, by driving the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 102, the oscillation which has occurred in the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 102 can be transmitted to
the solution within the solution accommodation small space 113 via
the third bottom plate portion 110. Also, by driving the second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 103, the oscillation can
be transmitted to the solution within the solution accommodation
middle space 112. Further, by driving the third
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 104, the oscillation can
be transmitted to the solution within the solution accommodation
large middle space 111. As a result, a prescribed reaction of
solution can be promoted within the reaction cell 100.
[0120] Incidentally, in the reaction cell 100, as well, according
to this embodiment, the first, second and third
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 102, 103, and 104 are
each connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring (not
illustrated) so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation
length of time and so forth may suitably be controlled. Also, the
plurality of third piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 104
may be driven in synchronism with each other and, other than this,
may also be driven in the way their driving timings are
sequentially shifted in the circumferential direction illustrated
by an arrow (a) in FIG. 11A. In this case, the solution within the
solution accommodation large space 111 can be made to have a macro
rotational flow in the circumferential direction. Also, the first
to the third piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 102, 103,
and 104 can also be driven in a multistage way for every solution
accommodation space.
[0121] Also, in the reaction cell 100, each of the first to third
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 102, 103, and 104 is so
arranged that it can detect the change in the viscosity that
follows the change in the status of reaction of the solution within
the solution accommodation small space 113, solution accommodation
middle space 112, or solution accommodation large space 111 that it
is located close to or it directly contacts with. Concretely, it is
arranged that by detecting the electric constant following the
oscillation of each piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator, the
viscosity of the solution can be determined.
Twelfth Embodiment
[0122] A twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B.
[0123] A reaction cell 200 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 201 and a plurality of first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 202 provided on the
underside (outside surface) of the cell main body 201, and a pair
of second piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 203 provided
within the cell main body 201 and a plurality of third
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 204.
[0124] The cell main body 201 is constructed of a first circular
bottom plate portion 205, the thickness of which is great, and
which, when viewed from above, is circular and a circumferential
wall portion 206 rises from and surrounds the circumferential edge
of the first bottom plate portion 205, the both portions 205 and
206 being integrally formed using, for example, plastics.
Incidentally, the inside surface of the circumferential wall
portion 206 is formed into a tapered surface 206A which is inclined
slantwise inward and downward. On the upper portion of the tapered
surface 206A of the circumferential wall portion 206 there is
formed the above-described third piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 204 in such a way that it circumferentially extends
along the tapered surface 206A.
[0125] Also, in the bottom plate portion 205 there are formed a
pair of first U-shaped recesses 207 at the positions that sandwich
the central part of the first bottom plate portion 205. In this
first U-shaped recess 207, there is formed the second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 203 in such a way that it
circumferentially extends along the inner-circumferential surface
of the recess 207.
[0126] Further, on the bottom of the first U-shaped recess 207,
there is formed a second bottom plate portion 208 and, in the
second bottom plate portion 208, as illustrated in FIG. 12A, there
are formed a plurality of second U-shaped recesses 209 at the
central part and in the neighborhood thereof.
[0127] Further, in the bottom of the second U-shaped recess 209,
there is formed a third bottom plate portion 210. On the underside
of the third bottom plate portion 210, there is fixedly provided
the above-described piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 202.
Incidentally, the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
202 is in the form of an annulus and has a maximum diameter
substantially equal to the diameter of the third bottom plate
portion 210. Also, since the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 202 has formed at its central part a hole, and, from
this hole, the third bottom plate portion 210 is exposed.
[0128] The space which is surrounded by the circumferential wall
portion 206 on the first bottom plate portion 205 forms a solution
accommodation large space 211. Also, the space which is surrounded
by the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 203 on the
second bottom plate portion 208 forms a solution accommodation
middle space 212. Further, the space which is within the second
U-shaped recess 209 on the third bottom plate portion 210 forms a
solution accommodation small space 213.
[0129] Incidentally, the diameter of the first bottom plate portion
205 in the reaction cell 200 is preferably set to be at a value
falling within a range of from several mm to several tens of cm.
Also, the diameter of the second bottom plate portion 208 is
preferably set to be at a value falling within a range of from
several tens of .mu.m to several mm. Further, the diameter of the
third bottom plate portion 210 is preferably set to be at a value
falling within a range of from several .mu.m to several mm.
[0130] In the reaction cell 200 according to this embodiment, the
thickness of the third bottom plate portion 210 is set to have a
small thickness so as to permit a light to pass therethrough. And,
since the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 202 does
not exist at the central part of the third bottom plate portion
210, it is possible to detect the status of solution within the
second U-shaped recess 209 by measuring the optical transmittance
through the third bottom plate portion 210.
[0131] The reaction cell 200 according to this embodiment also
enables the reaction of the solution to be performed in a state
where the solution is accommodated within only the solution
accommodation small space 213 alone, or in a state where the
solution is accommodated within the solution accommodation middle
space 212, or in a state where the solution is accommodated within
the solution accommodation large space 211.
[0132] By driving the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 202, the oscillation which has occurred in the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 202 can be transmitted to
the solution within the solution accommodation small space 213 as
the deflection oscillation of the third bottom plate portion 210.
Also, by driving the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 203, the oscillation can be transmitted to the solution
within the solution accommodation middle space 212. Further, by
driving the third piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 204,
the oscillation can be transmitted to the solution within the
solution accommodation large middle space 211. As a result, a
prescribed reaction of solution can be promoted within the reaction
cell 200.
[0133] Incidentally, in the reaction cell 200, as well, according
to this embodiment, the first, second and third
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 202, 203, and 204 are
each connected to a drive control circuit via a wiring (not
illustrated) so that the number of oscillations and the oscillation
length of time and so forth may suitably be controlled.
[0134] In this embodiment, as in the case of the above-described
eleventh embodiment, in the reaction cell 200, each of the first to
third piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 202, 203, and 204
is so arranged that it can detect the changes in the specific
gravity and viscosity that follow the change in the status of
reaction of the solution within the solution accommodation small
space 213, solution accommodation middle space 212, or solution
accommodation large space 211 that is located close to or directly
contacts with one of the oscillators. Concretely, by detecting the
electric constant following the oscillation of each
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator, the specific gravity and
viscosity of the solution can be determined.
Thirteenth Embodiment
[0135] A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B.
[0136] A reaction cell 300 according to this embodiment comprises a
vessel-like cell main body 301 and a plurality of first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 302 provided on the
underside (outside surface) of the cell main body 301, and second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 303 provided on the
underside (outside surface) of the bottom portion of the cell main
body at a position other than that where the first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators have been formed.
[0137] The cell main body 301 is constructed of a first circular
bottom plate portion 305, the thickness of which is great and when
viewed from above, is circular and a circumferential wall portion
306 rises from and surrounds the circumferential edge of the first
bottom plate portion 305, the both portions 305 and 306 being
integrally formed using, for example, zirconium ceramics.
[0138] In the first bottom plate portion 305, there are formed in
the neighborhood of its central part a plurality of U-shaped
recesses 307. In the relatively thin bottom plate 310 of each
U-shaped recess 307 there are formed a plurality of second U-shaped
recesses 309. On the central part of the underside of a thin bottom
plate 308 of each second U-shaped recess 309 there is disposed and
adhered the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 302. The
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 302 is circular and has a
diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the bottom plate
310. The reaction cell 300 having such structure has a solution
accommodation small space 313 within the second U-shaped recess
309, a solution accommodation middle space 312 within the U-shaped
recess 307, and a solution accommodation large space 311 which is
surrounded by the circumferential wall portion 306 on the bottom
plate 305. Further, in the first bottom plate portion 305, there
are formed at the central part of it and in the neighborhood of the
central part which is other than the portions where the U-shaped
recesses 307 are disposed a plurality of U-shaped recesses 317.
This U-shaped recess 317 is circular when viewed from above it and,
on the underside of a thin bottom plate 320 at that bottom surface,
there are disposed and adhered the piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 303.
[0139] Incidentally, the diameter of the first bottom plate portion
305 in the reaction cell 300 is preferably set to be at a value
falling within a range of from several mm to several tens of cm.
Also, the diameter of the relatively thin bottom plate 310 at the
second bottom plate portion is preferably set to be at a value
falling within a range of from several tens of .mu.m to several mm.
Further, the diameter of the thin bottom plate 308 at the third
bottom plate portion is preferably set to be at a value falling
within a range of from several .mu.m to several mm.
[0140] In the reaction cell 300 according to this embodiment, the
second piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 303 which has been
optimally designed for movement and agitation of the solution
within the solution accommodation large space 311 is formed
whereby, by driving the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator,
it is possible to freely agitate the solution in the entire large
cell including the smaller cells. Incidentally, the configuration
of the U-shaped recess 317 on the bottom plate of which there is
formed the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 303 is
not limited in particular but can be made into one that is suitable
for moving and agitating the solution within the solution
accommodation large space 311. However, to efficiently transmit the
oscillation of the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator
303 to the solution, that configuration preferably is in the form
of a U-shaped recess which enables using the deflection oscillation
of the thin bottom plate 320.
[0141] In the reaction cell 300 according to this embodiment, it is
preferable to cause the reaction of the solution to be performed in
a state where the solution is accommodated within every one of the
solution accommodation small space 313, solution accommodation
middle space 312, and solution accommodation large space 311.
[0142] Incidentally, in the reaction cell 300 according to this
embodiment, the first and second piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillators 302 and 303 are each connected to a drive control
circuit via a wiring (not illustrated) so that the number of
oscillations and the oscillation length of time and so forth may
suitably be controlled.
[0143] Also, in the reaction cell 300, each of the first and second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 302 and 303 is so
arranged that it can detect the change in the specific gravity and
viscosity that follows the change in the status of reaction of the
solution within the solution accommodation small space 313,
solution accommodation middle space 312, or solution accommodation
large space 311, which is located close to or it directly contacts
with one of the oscillators. Concretely, by detecting the electric
constant following the oscillation of each
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator, the gravity and the
viscosity of the solution can be determined. Incidentally, in the
case of the reaction cell 300, since the second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 303 does not exist inside
the reaction cell, when the oscillator 303 is other than when it
acts on the movement and agitation of the solution, it can be
exclusively used for measuring the specific gravity and viscosity.
For this reason, finer monitoring becomes possible.
Fourteenth Embodiment
[0144] A fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B.
[0145] The structure of a reaction cell 400 according to this
embodiment is that a pair of first U-shaped recesses 107 are
further added to the first bottom plate portion 105 in the reaction
cell 100 according to the above-described eleventh embodiment.
Other constructions are the same as those in the reaction cell 100
according to the eleventh embodiment and therefore they are denoted
by the same reference numerals and their explanation will be
omitted.
[0146] Such reaction cell 400 is the one that is provided with four
groups A, B, C, and D each of which includes a plurality of
solution accommodation small spaces 113 such as those illustrated
in FIG. 14A. The reaction cell 400 is advantageous when those
groups A, B, C, and D corresponding to the solution accommodation
small spaces 113 are used for immobilizing the captures having
adsorption specificity such as immune bodies of different kinds.
Incidentally, the method of using the reaction cell 400 will later
be described.
EXAMPLES
[0147] Next, Examples that use the reaction cells according to the
present invention will be described.
[0148] First of all, a reaction cell according to the present
invention which is provided with a piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator and an ordinary cell which is not provided with a
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator were prepared. It is to
be noted that each of the reaction cell and ordinary cell is
provided with more than 15 solution accommodation spaces.
[0149] A 30% (w/v) aqueous solution of sucrose was poured into each
of 15 solution accommodation spaces of each of the reaction cell
and ordinary cell and was pre-incubated at a temperature of
37.degree. C.
[0150] After each cell had been pre-incubated for 10 minutes, a
fixed quantity of sucrose hydrolase was added, at intervals of 2
seconds, to the cells one lot per cell.
[0151] Next, after the enzyme was added, at various lengths of time
from 1 to 60 minutes, the reaction solution was sampled from each
cell and the glucose was determined (colorimetry determined with a
spectrophotometer, such as an F-kit made by Berlinger/Manheim
Company). The results are shown in a graph depicted in FIG. 16
along the abscissa axis of which the reaction length of time is
plotted and along the ordinate axis of which the yield (the
quantity of glucose produced/the quantity of sucrose added (W/W))
is plotted.
[0152] As illustrated in FIG. 16, in the reaction cell (oscillation
cell) according to the present invention which is provided with the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator, the reaction properly
proceeded up to around a theoretical value, whereas, in the
ordinary cell, the speed at which the reaction proceeded was low
and, in addition, data variance was also wide.
[Method of Manufacturing a Reaction Cell]
[0153] Next, various kinds of manufacturing methods according to
the present invention will briefly be described.
(Method of Manufacturing Using Zirconia)
[0154] First, green sheets of zirconia were suitably laminated and
were formed into a configuration as a cell main body. Thereafter,
the green sheet laminate was sintered and produced into the cell
main body.
[0155] Next, on the reverse surface of the bottom plate portion of
the cell main body, a lower electrode,
piezoelectric/electrostrictive member, and upper electrode were
sequentially formed by printing and sintering techniques. By doing
so, it is possible to produce a reaction cell.
(Method of Manufacturing by Cutting Working)
[0156] Alumina having optical transmissivity which was sintered in
bulk was cutting worked and was worked into a configuration as a
cell main body. Thereafter, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator was fabricated. In the method of fabricating a
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator, a lower electrode,
piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer, and upper electrode were
sequentially printed to a prescribed position of the cell main
body, after which sintering was performed to fabricate a reaction
cell.
(Method of Manufacturing by Pasting a Transparent Plate)
[0157] A cell main body is formed by laminating ceramic green
sheets so that the portion where a solution is accommodated may
become a through-hole. Thereafter, the laminate consisting of the
ceramic green sheets is sintered. After that, a plate consisting of
a transparent glass or synthetic resin is adhered to the underside
of the sintered body by adhesive agent, or thermal diffusion, or
thermal bond (in a case where the synthetic resin is thermoplastic
resin) to thereby fabricate a cell main body. Further, a
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator is adhered onto a
suitable position of the cell main body by using an adhesive agent
to thereby fabricate a reaction cell.
(Method of Manufacturing by Using Etched Glass)
[0158] Transparent glass is etching worked and a U-shaped recess is
thereby formed. After that, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator is adhered onto the resulting structure by using an
adhesive agent to thereby fabricate a reaction cell.
(Method of Manufacturing by Using a Transparent Synthetic
Resin)
[0159] Transparent synthetic resin material is poured into a die to
thereby form a cell main body, and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator is adhered onto a suitable position by using an adhesive
agent to thereby form a reaction cell.
[0160] Although various kinds of the manufacturing methods for
fabricating a reaction cell have been described as above, in a case
where, for example, a capture having adsorption specificity needs
to be adhered to within the reaction cell, as one method the
capture may be immobilized to the reaction cell which has been
manufactured with the above-described method. However, as an
alternative to that, a transparent glass or transparent synthetic
resin having immobilized thereto beforehand the capture may be
adhered to a wall portion of the cell main body.
[0161] Incidentally, when fabricating a
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator, the process step wherein
pastes containing therein respective raw materials of a lower
electrode, piezoelectric/electrostrictive element layer, and upper
electrode are printed onto the cell main body by screen printing is
repeatedly executed for every one of the lower electrode,
piezoelectric/electrostrictive element layer, and upper electrode,
to thereby form a laminate. Then, the laminate needs only to be
sintered. Or, a respective one of the pastes may be sintered for
every printing, or both techniques may be combined together. Here,
as the method of supplying the pastes containing therein the raw
materials onto the ceramics, in a case where supplying them to the
underside of the bottom plate portion, they can be supplied by
screen printing. However, in a case where supplying them to the
circumferential wall portion, a through-hole printing technique may
be used, or they may be supplied by dipping into the solution
containing therein the respective raw materials the cell main body
having masked its portions where the piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator is not formed. Also, especially the upper electrode is
not limited to being formed by printing, dipping, and sintering but
may be formed by using a thin film forming technique such as a
sputtering technique, a deposition technique, etc.
[Method of Using a Reaction Cell]
[0162] The method of using the reaction cell 400 according to the
above-described thirteenth embodiment will be described next with
reference to FIG. 15.
(First Method of Using)
[0163] FIG. 15 shows that groups A, B, C, and D each include 9
solution accommodation small spaces 113 and reference letters a, b,
c, d, e, f, g, h, and i sequentially represent 8 small spaces and 1
center space, respectively, clockwise as shown in FIG. 15. Into
each of the spaces a to h, there is poured a different diluted
stage of enzyme solution, the activity of which is unknown. Here,
the space i is left blank. After that, the first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 102, which is provided on
the underside of the space having the solution accommodated
therein, is driven for a prescribed length of time to thereby
transmit a prescribed strength of oscillation to the solution
within each space. After the passage of a prescribed reaction
length of time, the status of the solution is detected by
performing a colorimetry analysis of the solution in each space or
by measuring the viscosity of the solution. Incidentally,
colorimetry can be performed, for example, by radiating a light
from a position above the reaction cell 400 toward a position below
it and by measuring the optical transmittance of a light, passing
through the third bottom plate portion 110, on the side of the
underside of the reaction cell 400. Also, the measurement of the
viscosity may be performed simply by detecting the change in the
electric constant following the oscillation of the first
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 102 and by determining
the viscosity of the solution. By detecting the status of the
solution in that way, it is possible to calculate the activity (U)
of the enzyme.
(Second Method of Using)
[0164] Into each of the spaces a to h illustrated in FIG. 15, there
is poured a different diluted stage of enzyme solution, the
activity of which is unknown. Here, the space i is made blank.
Next, by driving the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator 102 and by, after the passage of a prescribed length of
time, (even when it is unclear what kind of reaction has been
proceeding in that state) putting a mixed solution of enzyme
substrate that is predicted into the solution accommodation middle
space 112, the resulting solution is caused to react. At this time,
the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator 103 which
surrounds solution accommodation middle space 112 is driven and the
solution is agitated, thereby the reaction is promoted.
[0165] By performing colorimetry or measuring the viscosity of the
solution in the same way as in the above-described method, it is
determined which substrate has reacted. By doing so, the function
of the enzyme and the specificity of the substrate can be
determined.
(Third Method of Using)
[0166] Into the groups A, B, C, and D each having the solution
accommodation small spaces illustrated in FIG. 15, there are
immobilized, respectively, the captures having adsorption
specificity such as for different kinds of antibodies sampled from
respective organs (e.g. liver, spleen, blood, and large intestine)
of a living organism. Into the solution accommodation middle spaces
112 of the respective groups, there are added the samples taken
away from the respective organs. At this time, the first and second
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators 102, 103 are driven. By
this driving, the solution within the respective solution
accommodation middle spaces 112 is agitated, thereby a biochemical
reaction is promoted.
[0167] After the passage of a prescribed reaction length of time,
the degree of progress of the reaction in each of the groups A, B,
C, and D is determined by performing pattern recognition, and, by
this, it is possible to determine whether the relevant organ has an
abnormality. That pattern recognition can be performed, because the
third bottom plate portion 110 has optical transmissivity, from the
side of the underside of the reaction cell 400.
[0168] As is apparent from the foregoing explanation, in the
present invention, by setting the length of time during which the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator oscillates, the intervals
at which the oscillation is made, etc., it is possible to control
the degree of the progress of the reaction of the solution and the
reaction length of time and so forth. For this reason, it is
possible to perform sufficient, uniform agitation with no
contamination occurring between the cells and within a very small
space. Since the configuration of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator can be freely designed,
optical sensing is possible, i.e. it is possible to optically grasp
the status of the solution.
[0169] According to the present invention, when the chemical
reaction of the solution proceeds and for example the specific
gravity, viscosity, etc. of the solution has varied, it is possible
to detect the change in the electric constant following the
oscillation of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator and,
thereby, to detect the status of the reaction, and, further, the
degree of progress of the reaction and the status of the reaction.
Therefore, it is possible to perform optimum oscillation while
sensing the status of the specific gravity, viscosity, etc.
[0170] Further, according to the present invention, it is possible
to perform the control of the agitation, the control of the
reaction, the detection of the status, etc. for every cell by
controlling the operation of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator provided for the relevant cell. Also, it is possible for
the piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator to transmit its
oscillation directly to the solution and it is possible to
independently control the oscillation for every cell.
[0171] Also, by driving the piezoelectric/electrostrictive
oscillator provided for the cell including a plurality of cells, it
is possible to evenly agitate the solution in these cells as a
whole. In addition, regarding the respective individual cells that
are included, they can be agitation controlled by using the
relevant piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillators.
[0172] Further, it is possible to detect the change in the electric
constant following the oscillation of the
piezoelectric/electrostrictive oscillator, and, thereby, to detect
the specific gravity, viscosity, etc. of the solution, and,
thereby, to detect the status of the reaction of the solution.
[0173] The contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-56041
(filed on Mar. 1, 2002) are incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0174] Although the invention has been described above by reference
to certain embodiments of the invention, the invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications and
variations of the embodiments described above will occur to those
skilled in the art, in light of the above teachings.
[0175] For instance, although in the above-described eleventh to
fourteenth embodiments the spaces which are formed in the reaction
cell have been provided in three stages of the solution
accommodation large space, solution accommodation middle space, and
solution accommodation small space, the spaces may also be
constructed in a larger number of stages, i.e. in the way the
reaction cell has a solution accommodation space wherein smaller
U-shaped recesses are formed in the bottoms of the solution
accommodation small spaces. Namely, within a large solution
accommodation space, solution accommodation spaces the sizes of
which are sequentially reduced may be formed stepwise so that they
may form a piece of nesting.
[0176] Also, in the reaction cell of the present invention, the
number of the solution accommodation spaces formed in the interior
thereof can suitably be changed according to the solution used and
the purpose of the analysis. For example, they may be disposed in
the form of a matrix.
* * * * *