U.S. patent application number 12/848323 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-18 for chemical reaction cartridge and method of using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hidetoshi AOKI, Takeyuki MOGI, Saya SATOU, Takeo TANAAMI.
Application Number | 20100288789 12/848323 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37757691 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100288789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TANAAMI; Takeo ; et
al. |
November 18, 2010 |
CHEMICAL REACTION CARTRIDGE AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Abstract
A chemical reaction cartridge enabling chemical reaction to be
stably and safely carried out therein, and a method of using the
same are provided. A chemical reaction cartridge is provided with a
substrate, and an elastic member 2 overlaid on the substrate. A
recess of a predetermined shape, depressed toward the top surface
of the elastic member is formed in the back surface of the elastic
member. The recess creates space between the substrate, and the
elastic member, thereby making up a well, for holding the main
ingredient of the epoxy adhesive, a flow path communicating with
the well, a well for holding a curing agent for the epoxy adhesive,
a flow path communicating with the well, a mixing part for mixing
the main ingredient with the curing agent, and a discharge path for
discharging a mixture. While the chemical reaction cartridge is not
in use as yet, the flow paths, and the discharge path are closed,
so that the wells are, in effect, in a hermetically sealed
condition. The mixing part is made up of a plurality of flow paths
intersecting each other. The respective starting ends of the flow
paths are each linked with the flow path, or the flow path, and the
respective terminals of the flow paths are linked with the
discharge path. The terminal of the discharge path communicates
with the outside via an end face of the cartridge.
Inventors: |
TANAAMI; Takeo; (Tokyo,
JP) ; AOKI; Hidetoshi; (Tokyo, JP) ; SATOU;
Saya; (Tokyo, JP) ; MOGI; Takeyuki; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTERMAN, HATTORI, DANIELS & ADRIAN, LLP
1250 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC
CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
37757691 |
Appl. No.: |
12/848323 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11524948 |
Sep 22, 2006 |
7789270 |
|
|
12848323 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/1 ; 206/221;
222/101; 222/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 13/0059 20130101;
B01J 2219/00889 20130101; B01J 2219/00783 20130101; B01J 2219/0086
20130101; B01F 5/0641 20130101; B01L 2400/0481 20130101; B01L
3/5027 20130101; B01J 2219/00835 20130101; B01J 2219/00833
20130101; B01J 2219/00891 20130101; B01F 15/025 20130101; B01L
2300/0816 20130101; B01L 3/502707 20130101; B01J 19/0093 20130101;
B01F 5/0645 20130101; B01F 5/0693 20130101; B01F 5/0696 20130101;
B01L 2300/0867 20130101; B01F 15/0201 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/1 ; 222/94;
222/101; 206/221 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/22 20060101
B65D035/22; B65D 35/40 20060101 B65D035/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 27, 2005 |
JP |
2005-279505 |
Claims
1. A chemical reaction cartridge capable of causing deformation to
occur thereto upon application of an external force thereto, and
transferring substances contained therein to thereby apply a
chemical reaction, said cartridge comprising: a plurality of
substance holding wells which are distributed along a length
direction of the cartridge, and a substance receiving well
connected to each of said plurality of substance holding wells and
disposed at a different position along the length direction of the
cartridge as said plurality of substance holding wells, wherein
distances in the length direction between each of said plurality of
substance holding wells and said substance receiving well are
different, and wherein upon application of the external force the
substance is transferred from at least one of said plurality of
identical substance wells to said substance receiving well.
2. A method of adjusting the quantity of a substance to be
transferred by a roller, comprising: providing a cartridge having a
plurality of substance holding wells which are distributed along a
length direction of the cartridge, and a substance receiving well
connected to each of said plurality of substance holding wells and
disposed at a different position along the length direction of the
cartridge as said plurality of substance holding wells, such that
distances in the length direction between each of said plurality of
substance holding wells and said substance receiving well are
different, and positioning the roller prior to rolling at a
position corresponding to a quantity of the substance to be
transferred, and rolling the roller in order to transfer the
quantity of the substance to said substance receiving well, wherein
when a greater quantity of the substance is to be transferred, the
roller is positioned with a greater number of said plurality of
substance holding wells between said roller and said substance
receiving well than when a lesser quantity of the substance is to
be transferred.
3. A method of adjusting the kind or quantity of a substance to be
transferred by a roller, comprising: providing a cartridge having a
plurality of substance holding wells which are distributed at
different positions in a width direction of the cartridge, and a
substance receiving well connected to each of said plurality of
substance holding wells, and positioning the roller prior to
rolling at a position corresponding to one or more of said
plurality of substance holding wells which contain the substance to
be transferred, and rolling the roller in order to transfer the
substance to said substance receiving well, wherein the roller is
positionable in the width direction at a position corresponding to
a first one of said plurality of substance holding wells but not a
second one of said plurality of substance holding wells, or is
positionable in the width direction at a position corresponding to
the second one of said plurality of substance holding wells but not
the first one of said plurality of substance holding wells.
Description
INCORPORATED-BY-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser.
No. 11/524,948, filed Sep. 22, 2006, and is based upon and claims
the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No.
2005-279505, filed Sep. 27, 2005, the entire contents of which are
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a chemical reaction cartridge
capable of causing deformation to occur thereto upon application of
an external force thereto, and transferring substances contained
therein to thereby apply a chemical reaction, and a method of using
the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the case of preparing, for example, a two-liquid
curing-type epoxy resin, two liquids are normally mixed together
manually if a quantity involved is small. In the case of using a
large quantity of the epoxy resin, a dedicated mixer is used.
Meanwhile, there has been disclosed a closed-type chemical reaction
cartridge wherein deformation is caused to occur thereto upon
application of an external force thereto, thereby causing liquids
contained therein to be transferred so as to undergo chemical
reaction for inspection of a sample (refer to, for example, Patent
Document 1).
[Patent Document 1] JP 2005-37368 A
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In the case of preparing a two-liquid curing-type epoxy
resin, however, a manual mixing operation takes long time, and
there occurs large variation in workmanship. Particularly, in the
case of a ratio of a curing agent to the main ingredient being low,
it will be difficult to achieve satisfactory mixing. Further, if a
quantity of a reagent to be prepared is small, mixing by use of a
mixer is wasteful, and operations for replacement of substances
contained in a cartridge, and cleaning of the cartridge will impose
an additional burden on workers.
[0005] Further, as is often the case, in the course of various
chemical reactions, evolution of noxious gasses occurs, and it is
necessary to handle substances which contact with skin is to be
avoided, so that it is difficult to ensure work safety.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
chemical reaction cartridge enabling chemical reaction to be stably
and safely carried out therein, and a method of using the same.
More specifically, with the cartridge according to the invention,
it is not a case where a specific sample is injected therein from
outside when the cartridge is put to use before carrying out
inspection of the sample inside the cartridge, but the invention
provides the cartridge that is an intelligent container having a
mixing function for mixing a plurality of substances contained
therein beforehand with each other at the time when the cartridge
is put to use before discharging, and a method of using the
same.
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is
provided a chemical reaction cartridge capable of causing
deformation to occur thereto upon application of an external force
thereto, and transferring substances contained therein to thereby
apply a chemical reaction, the cartridge comprising a plurality of
holding parts for holding the substances in a hermetically sealed
condition, a mixing part for mixing the substances with each other
in accordance with the deformation of the cartridge, and a
discharge part for discharging a mixture produced in the mixing
part to the outside of the cartridge, in accordance with the
deformation of the cartridge.
[0008] With the chemical reaction cartridge according to the
invention, since there are provided the mixing part for mixing the
substances contained therein with each other in accordance with the
deformation of the cartridge, and the discharge part for
discharging the mixture produced in the mixing part to the outside
of the cartridge, in accordance with the deformation of the
cartridge, mixing and discharging processes can be rapidly and
stably carried out. Further, since the substances contained therein
are held in the hermetically sealed condition, it is possible to
ensure safety prior to, and at the time of usage of the
cartridge.
[0009] The mixing part may have a plurality of intersections where
the substances contained cross each other.
[0010] The mixing part may comprise a plurality of wells, and flow
paths interconnecting the wells, respectively.
[0011] The mixing part may be made up by use of beads or a mesh
filter, held in the cartridge.
[0012] By causing the deformation of the cartridge to occur upon
application of the external force thereto, thereby transferring the
substances contained in the cartridge, in one direction, mixing and
discharging of the substances contained may be carried out.
[0013] In this case, a series of processes can be executed by a
simple operation.
[0014] The chemical reaction cartridge according to the invention
may comprise a first mixing part for mixing first and second
substances contained in the cartridge, respectively, in a
hermetically sealed condition, with each other, in accordance with
deformation of the cartridge, and a second mixing part for mixing a
mixture produced in the first mixing part with a third substance
contained in the cartridge, in a hermetically sealed condition, in
accordance with the deformation of the cartridge.
[0015] In this case, mixing in multi-stages can be carried out.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of using a chemical reaction cartridge, said
method comprising the step of providing the chemical reaction
cartridge capable of causing deformation to occur thereto upon
application of an external force thereto, and transferring
substances contained therein, with a plurality of holding parts for
holding the substances in a hermetically sealed condition, a mixing
part for mixing the substances with each other in accordance with
the deformation of the cartridge, and a discharge part for
discharging a mixture produced in the mixing part to the outside of
the cartridge, in accordance with the deformation of the cartridge,
so as to keep the cartridge in a state where the substances are
held in the respective holding parts, and the step of applying the
external force to the cartridge, and the step of mixing the
substances held in the respective holding parts before discharging.
With the method of using the chemical reaction cartridge, according
to the invention, since the cartridge is kept in the state where
the substances are held in the respective holding parts, and mixing
of the substances held in the respective holding parts is executed
before discharging by applying the external force to the cartridge,
a predetermined chemical reaction can be safely and stably carried
out.
[0017] The method of using the chemical reaction cartridge,
according to the invention, may further comprise the step of
disposing of the cartridge after the step of mixing the substances
held in the respective holding parts before discharging.
[0018] In such a case, safety after usage of the cartridge can be
ensured, and operations for cleaning, and so forth become
unnecessary.
[0019] In the step of mixing the substances held in the respective
holding parts before discharging, make up fresh when the cartridge
is put to use may be carried out.
[0020] In the step of mixing the substances held in the respective
holding parts before discharging, chemical reaction on the
substances may be started or promoted.
[0021] In the step of mixing the substances held in the respective
holding parts before discharging, the substances may be brought
into contact with catalysts.
[0022] In the step of mixing the substances held in the respective
holding parts before discharging, enzyme and substrate as the
substances, respectively, may be brought into contact with each
other.
[0023] In the step of mixing the substances held in the respective
holding parts before discharging, a detection medicine may be
prepared.
[0024] In the step of mixing the substances held in the respective
holding parts before discharging, a reagent for cell culture
chamber may be prepared.
[0025] The cartridge may be provided with a culture chamber for
cells or bacteria, serving as one of the holding parts, and
substances in the cells or bacteria may be extracted in the step of
mixing the substances held in the respective holding parts before
discharging.
[0026] A reagent made up fresh when the cartridge is put to use may
be a mixture of a monomer and a polymerization initiator, a mixture
of a monomer and a polymerization promoter, or a therapeutic
reagent.
[0027] The monomer described as above may be acrylamide.
[0028] The reagent made up fresh when the cartridge is put to use
may be a reagent having toxicity, hazards, explosiveness, or
carcinogenicity.
[0029] The reagent having carcinogenicity may be a Western blotting
detection liquid.
[0030] The reagent having explosiveness may be a silver staining
liquid.
[0031] The detection medicine may be a cyanide detection reagent,
or an acid phosphatase detection reagent.
[0032] The invention further provides a chemical reaction cartridge
capable of causing deformation to occur thereto upon application of
an external force thereto, and transferring substances contained
therein to thereby apply a chemical reaction, the cartridge
comprising a plurality of holding parts for holding the substances
therein, respectively, and a discharge part for discharging a
mixture of the substances to the outside of the cartridge, in
accordance with the deformation of the cartridge, wherein the
substances each are a fluid and fine particles, and the mixture of
the fluid and the fine particles is discharged from the discharge
part.
[0033] With the chemical reaction cartridge described as above, a
discharging process can be rapidly, and stably executed after
mixing the fine particles with the fluid.
[0034] The fluid may be transferred so as to enter one of holding
parts, for holding the fine particles, to be thereby mixed
together.
[0035] With the chemical reaction cartridge according to the
invention, there are provided the mixing part for mixing the
substances with each other in accordance with the deformation of
the cartridge, and the discharge part for discharging the mixture
produced in the mixing part to the outside of the cartridge, in
accordance with the deformation of the cartridge, so that mixing
and discharging processes can be rapidly and stably carried out.
Further, since the substances contained therein are held in the
hermetically sealed condition, safety prior to, and at the time of
usage of the cartridge can be ensured.
[0036] Yet further, the chemical reaction cartridge according to
the invention is made up such that the mixture of the fluid and the
fine particles is discharged from the discharge part even though
the substances each are the fluid and the fine particles, so that
the discharging process can be rapidly, and stably executed after
mixing the fine particles with the fluid.
[0037] With the method of using the chemical reaction cartridge,
according to the invention, the cartridge is kept in the state
where the substances are held in the respective holding parts, and
mixing and discharging are carried out by applying the external
force to the cartridge, so that a predetermined chemical reaction
can be safely and stably carried out.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a view showing a construction of a chemical
reaction cartridge according to one of working examples of the
invention, in which FIG. 1(A) is a plan view showing the
construction of the chemical reaction cartridge, FIG. 1(B) is a
sectional view taken on line 1b-1b in FIG. 1(A), and FIG. 1(C) is a
partially enlarged view of a mixing part of the chemical reaction
cartridge;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a view showing a method of using the cartridge, in
which FIG. 2(A) shows a state where a roller is rotated while
pressed into contact with the cartridge, and FIG. 2(B) shows a
state where a roller is further rotated;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a view showing a construction of another working
example of the chemical reaction cartridge according to the
invention, in which FIG. 3(A) is a view showing a case where three
wells are formed in the cartridge, and FIG. 3(B) is a view showing
a case where three substances held in three wells, respectively,
are mixed in orderly sequence as predetermined:
[0041] FIG. 4 is a view showing a construction of a mixing part by
way of example, in which FIG. 4(A) is a view showing a case where
baffles are provided, FIG. 4(B) is a plan view showing a
construction where wells and flow paths are alternately linked with
each other, respectively, and FIG. 4(C) is a sectional view taken
on line IVc-IVc of FIG. 4(B);
[0042] FIG. 5 is a view showing a construction of another mixing
part by way of example, in which FIG. 5(A) is a view showing a case
where a mixing part is made up in the form of a mesh of flow paths,
and FIG. 5(B) is a view showing a case where mixing is executed by
use of beads or a mesh filter;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a view showing substances held in wells,
respectively, by way of example, in which FIG. 6(A) is a view
showing a case where fine particles are held in one of wells, and
FIG. 6(B) is a view showing a case where catalysts are held in one
of wells;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a view showing a case of making proper use of
substances contained by way of example, in which FIG. 7(A) is a
view showing a case where a usable quantity of the substances held
in wells can be adjusted, and FIG. 7(B) is a view showing a case
where a plurality of wells are installing in a direction orthogonal
to a drive direction of a roller; and
[0045] FIG. 8 is a view showing a construction of still another
working example of the chemical reaction cartridge according to the
invention, in which FIG. 8(A) is a view showing a case where a cell
culture chamber is formed inside the cartridge, and FIG. 8(B) is a
view showing a case of executing a multistage mixing
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, working examples of a chemical
reaction cartridge according to the invention are described
hereinafter. The working examples represent a case where the
chemical reaction cartridge according to the invention is used as a
container of an epoxy adhesive.
[0047] FIG. 1(A) is a plan view showing a construction of the
chemical reaction cartridge according to one of the working
examples, FIG. 1(B) is a sectional view taken on line 1b-1b in FIG.
1(A), and FIG. 1(C) is a partially enlarged view of a mixing part
of the chemical reaction cartridge.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the chemical reaction cartridge
according to the present working example comprises a substrate 1,
and an elastic member 2 overlaid on the substrate 1.
[0049] A recess of a predetermined shape, depressed toward the top
surface of the elastic member 2 (an upper surface thereof, in FIG.
1(B)) is formed in the back surface of the elastic member 2 (the
underside surface thereof, in FIG. 1(B)). The recess creates space
between the substrate 1, and the elastic member 2, thereby making
up a well 21 for holding the main ingredient of the epoxy adhesive,
a flow path 22 communicating with the well 21, a well 23 for
holding a curing agent for the epoxy adhesive, a flow path 24
communicating with the well 23, a mixing part 25 for mixing the
main ingredient with the curing agent, and a discharge path 26 for
discharging a mixture.
[0050] While the chemical reaction cartridge is not in use as yet,
the flow paths 22, 24, and the discharge path 26 are closed, so
that the wells 21, 23 are, in effect, in a hermetically sealed
condition. In order to ensure the hermetically sealed condition, a
valve for securing the hermetically sealed condition may be
provided at a predetermined site of the chemical reaction
cartridge, and the valve may be kept in a closed state while the
cartridge is not in use as yet.
[0051] The mixing part 25 is made up of a plurality of flow paths
25a intersecting each other. The respective starting ends of the
flow paths 25a are each linked with the flow path 22, or the flow
path 24, and the respective terminals of the flow paths 25a are
linked with the discharge path 26. FIG. 1(C) is a view showing a
part of the mixing part 25, showing a manner in which the flow
paths 25a are linked with each other at respective intersections
25b.
[0052] The terminal of the discharge path 26 communicates with the
outside via an end face of the cartridge (the right-hand end face
in FIG. 1(A))
[0053] FIG. 2 is a view showing a method of using the
cartridge.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 2(A), a roller 3 is rotated rightward while
pressed into contact with the cartridge, whereupon the elastic
member 2 undergoes elastic deformation to thereby cause the main
ingredient held in the well 21, and the curing agent held in the
well 23 to push and open the flow paths 22, 24, respectively,
before reaching the mixing part 25.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2(B), upon the roller 3 being further
rotated, the main ingredient, and the curing agent proceed
rightward in the respective flow paths 25a to be thereby mixed
together at one of the intersections 25b. A mixture thus produced
further proceeds in the respective flow paths 25a to be further
evenly mixed at the other intersection 25b.
[0056] The mixture that has advanced as far as the discharge path
26 due to rotation of the roller 3 is in a state as sufficiently
mixed, and is discharged from the end face of the cartridge.
[0057] Thus, with the cartridge according to the present working
example, the main ingredient held in the well 21, and the curing
agent held in the well 23 are mixed with each other in the process
of both being transferred by the roller 3, so that the mixture in
the state as sufficiently mixed is discharged. Consequently,
processes for mixing and discharging can be automatically and
stably executed, thereby eliminating the needs for a complex
operation required by mixing. Further, even when a small quantity
of an adhesive is prepared, no waste is generated, and there is no
risk of the hands of a worker and a jig being soiled due to a
mixing operation. Since the cartridge is a throwaway type, cleaning
after the mixing operation is unnecessary. Further, since the main
ingredient, and the curing agent can be mixed and discharged in
short time, the cartridge is suitable for application to an
adhesive high in curing rate. Furthermore, if the substrate 1 is
formed of a hard material, the substrate 1 can be utilized for
handling, and positioning.
[0058] The main ingredient, and the curing agent may be mixed with
each other manually without the use of the roller to be
subsequently discharged. In such a case, the cartridge in whole may
be made up of an elastic member or a flexible member, and the main
ingredient, and the curing agent may be squeezed out by rounding
the cartridge to thereby cause the main ingredient, and the curing
agent to be mixed with each other before discharging.
[0059] With the present working example of the invention, described
as above, a case of preparing the adhesive is described by way of
example, however, the cartridge according to the invention can be
used in various applications. With the cartridge, it is also
possible to prepare, for example, silicone rubber, urethane resin,
acrylic resin, various inks, paints, and so forth. The substance
contained in the cartridge is not limited to a liquid provided that
the same has liquidity, and the substance may be gel, and so
forth.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows a construction of another working example of
the chemical reaction cartridge according to the invention.
[0061] The cartridge can contain three or more substances. With the
cartridge according to the working example shown in FIG. 3(A),
three wells 31, 32, 33 are formed, and three substances held in the
three wells 31, 32, 33, respectively, are mixed together in a
mixing part 34 to be discharged via a discharge path 35.
[0062] With the cartridge according to the working example shown in
FIG. 3(B), there is shown a case where three substances held in
three wells, respectively, are mixed in orderly sequence as
predetermined. In this case, the substances held in wells 37, 38,
respectively, are mixed with each other in a mixing part 40, and
further, a mixture thus produced is mixed with a substance held in
a well 39 in a mixing part 41. It is possible to cause mixing in
the mixing part 41 to take place after the elapse of time necessary
for chemical reaction to proceed after mixing in the mixing part
40.
[0063] FIGS. 4, and 5 are views each showing a construction of a
mixing part by way of example.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 4(A), baffles 46 may be provided in a flow
path of the mixing part 45 to create a complex streaming movement
of substances held in wells 43, 44, respectively, to thereby
implement mixing therebetween.
[0065] Further, as shown in FIGS. 4B, and 4C, the mixing part may
be made up such that wells and flow paths are alternately linked
with each other, respectively. FIG. 4(B) is a plan view of the
cartridge, and FIG. 4(C) is a sectional view taken on line IVc-IVc
of FIG. 4(B). With this working example, wells 49A, and 49B are
disposed in three-dimensions, and flow paths 50 each interconnect
the wells 49A, and the wells 49B, respectively. Substances held in
wells 47, 48, respectively, are mixed together while sequentially
passing through the respective wells 49A, the respective flow paths
50, and the respective wells 49B.
[0066] In the case of the flow path interconnecting the respective
wells in this manner, if the flow path is excessively small in
width or diameter, this will cause formation of laminar flows,
resulting in deterioration of mixing efficiency. If the flow path
has a width 200 .mu.m or less, the laminar flows will occur
depending on viscosity of the substances contained, for example, in
the case of the viscosity of the substances contained being
substantially equivalent to that for water, so that the flow path
is preferably formed so as to be over 200 .mu.m in width or
diameter.
[0067] With the working example shown in FIG. 5(A), a mixing part
53 is made up in the form of a mesh of flow paths. In this case,
mixing of substances held in wells 51, 52, respectively, proceeds
every time the substances pass through respective intersections of
the mesh of the flow paths. The mesh of the flow paths may be made
up either two-dimensionally, or three-dimensionally.
[0068] With the working example shown in FIG. 5(B), there is shown
a case where mixing is executed by use of beads or a mesh filter.
In this case, substances held in wells 55, 56, respectively, are
guided into a well 57. The well 57 is filled up with beads or a
mesh filter 58, and mixing of the substances held in the wells 55,
56, respectively, proceeds every time the substances pass through a
gap between the respective beads or a mesh filter 58. A mixture
thus produced is discharged via a flow path 59.
[0069] A construction of the mixing part is selected as appropriate
according to viscosity and fluidity of the substances held in the
wells 55, 56, respectively.
[0070] The cartridge according to the invention can be used in the
case of mixing fine particles with a fluid. With the chemical
reaction cartridge according to the working example shown in FIG.
6(A), a well 60 holds a substance having fluidity, and a well 61
holds fine particles 62, respectively. In this case, the fine
particles 62 can be mixed with a fluid by causing the fluid to be
transferred from the well 60 toward the well 61.
[0071] The cartridge according to the invention is not limited in
application to the case of mixing substances that mutually undergo
chemical reaction with each other.
[0072] With the chemical reaction cartridge according to the
working example shown in FIG. 6(B), a well 64 holds catalysts 65.
Upon a substance held in a well 63 being guided to the well 64, the
substance held in the well 63 comes into contact with the catalysts
65, whereupon a predetermined chemical reaction occurs. A reaction
product or the substance in the middle of the chemical reaction is
transferred toward a well 66. As to a state in which the catalysts
are held in the well 64, any suitable state can be adopted provided
that the catalysts can exhibit a catalysis function. The catalysts
may be securely held onto a predetermined site of the cartridge,
for example, the wall face of the well, and so forth. Further, if
the cartridge is made up by use of an optical transmission
material, photo-catalysts can be held in the well.
[0073] Further, enzyme in place of the catalysts may be contained
in the cartridge to thereby cause the enzyme to react against
substrate that is the substance contained.
[0074] FIG. 7(A) shows the working example of the cartridge,
capable of adjusting a usable quantity of substances contained
therein. In FIG. 7A, an identical substance is held in wells 67a,
67b, and 67c, respectively. With this working example, the usable
quantity of the substances can be adjusted according to a transfer
range of a roller. If the roller is driven by starting, for
example, from a position A, the aggregate of the quantities of the
substances held in the wells 67a, 67b, and 67c, respectively, is
transferred to a well 68 to be thereby used. If the roller is
driven by starting from a position B, the aggregate of only the
quantities of the respective substances held only in the wells 67b,
and 67c is used. Further, if the roller is driven by starting from
a position C, the quantity of the substance held only in the well
67c is used. Thus, the cartridge according to the invention can be
made up in such a way as to enable only a portion of the substances
contained to be used.
[0075] Further, in FIG. 7(A), if substances differing in kind from
each other are held in the wells 67a, 67b, and 67c, respectively,
it is possible to vary the kind of the substance that is put to use
according to a drive range of the roller.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 7(B), it is possible to vary the kind or
quantity of the substances in use by installing a plurality of
wells along a direction orthogonal to a drive direction of the
roller. With this working example, in the case of a roller 71 being
driven on a side of the cartridge, for example, adjacent to a well
69a, only a substance held in the well 69a is guided into a well
70. Meanwhile, in the case of the roller 71 being driven on a side
of the cartridge, adjacent to a well 69b, only a substance held in
the well 69b is guided into the well 70.
[0077] The cartridge according to the invention can also hold cells
or bacteria, in cultured state. With the working example shown in
FIG. 8(A), a cell culture chamber 73 is formed inside the
cartridge. Further, a dissolution liquid for dissolving cell
membranes is held in a well 74. By mixing cells in the chamber 73
with the dissolution liquid in the well 74 in a mixing part 75, it
is possible to extract substances in the respective cells, for
example, protein, magnetic particles, and so forth. If a function
for analyzing the substances is provided in the cartridge,
processing up to analysis of the substances can be continuously
carried out.
[0078] Further, the cartridge according to the invention can be
applied to a multistage reaction series. With the working example
shown in FIG. 8(B), substances held in wells 76, 77, respectively,
are mixed in a mixing part 78, and subsequently, a mixture thus
produced is merged with a substance held in a well 79 to be thereby
mixed together in a mixing part 80. If the well 79 holds, for
example, a reaction-stop agent or a quencher, this will enable
reaction of the mixture produced in the mixing part 78 to be
stopped, or the mixture to undergo deactivation. Mixing in the
mixing part 80 is carried out at a suitable time in a stage of
reaction stoppage or according to timing for causing the
deactivation.
[0079] Further, the multistage reaction series can include a
reverse transcription reaction. For example, mRNA is held in the
well 76, reverse transcriptase is held in the well 77, and RNA
lytic enzyme is held in the well 79, respectively. In this case,
the mRNA and the reverse transcriptase are mixed with each other in
the mixing part 78 to thereby synthesize cDNA having base sequence
complementary to the mRNA. Thereafter, the RNA lytic enzyme is
added to the cDNA at a suitable time to be mixed together in the
mixing part 80, whereupon an unnecessary portion of the mRNA
undergoes decomposition, and the cDNA is taken out.
[0080] With the cartridge according to the invention, the
substances contained therein can be mixed and discharged in short
time. Accordingly, the cartridge according to the invention is
suited for use in the case requiring make up fresh when the
cartridge is put to use. The case requiring the make up fresh when
the cartridge is put to use can include, for example, the
following.
(1) Curing Reaction
[0081] As shown in the cases of the working examples described in
the foregoing, the cartridge according to the invention can be
widely used in the case requiring make up fresh when the cartridge
is put to use, including the case of mixing a monomer with a
polymerization initiator, and addition of a polymerization
promoter, and so forth. As in the case of producing acrylamido gel,
acrylamide can be mixed with a polymerization initiator, and
further, a polymerization promoter is added to a mixture
thereof.
(2) Reaction Series Unstablized after Reaction
[0082] As a procedure for detection of cyanide, the make up fresh
when the cartridge is put to use is required, including, for
example, a pyridine.pyrazolone method (a diffusion process).
Although pyridine used in this method evolves malodor, and has
toxicity, use of the cartridge enables the hermetically sealed
condition thereof to be maintained, thereby ensuring safety.
[0083] Further, since an acid phosphatase detection reagent (SM
reagent) is unstable against heat and light, the make up fresh when
the cartridge is put to use is considered preferable.
[0084] Still further, the cartridge according to the invention is
suited for use in the case of preparing a reaction product
undergoing deactivation early on at the time when the cartridge is
put to use. For example, in the case of cell culture, it is
possible to prepare a reagent maintaining a specific chromosome at
the time when the cartridge is put to use.
(3) A Case where Difficulties are Encountered in Mixing
[0085] In the case of a biotechnological experiment, difficulties
with mixing two substances with each other are generally perceived,
and techniques for mixing are generally required as the basic
factor of the experiment (Non-patent Document; for example, "Basic
Q and A on Bio-experiment" by Michiei Ofuji, 2001, published by
Yodo Co. Ltd., pp. 62 to 63, p. 167). With the cartridge according
to the invention, a mixing condition is pre-designed owing to the
constructions of the mixing part, and so forth, so that mixing on a
predetermined condition can be stably implemented by a simple
operation. For this reason, the cartridge according to the
invention is effectively applicable to even a situation where there
exist difficulties with mixing. In the case of mixing by use of
microtubes, there occurs personal difference included in the result
of mixing, however, this does not occur with the use of the
cartridge according to the invention. For example, mixing enzyme
and other components in a PCR reaction, and other
molecular-biological reactions can be stably carried out.
(4) A Case where Deterioration and so Forth Occur after Mixing
[0086] In the case where there occur inactivation and degradation
early on after mixing, the make up fresh when the cartridge is put
to use is required. Further, the make up fresh when the cartridge
is put to use is also required in the case where it s desired to
prevent proliferation of bacteria contamination after mixing. The
make up fresh of pharmaceuticals, in particular, when the cartridge
is put to use, is widely required. For example, a medicine, such as
Peguintron (trade name) as a therapeutic reagent for hepatitis, and
so forth, need be used immediately after dissolution, and is
prohibited from frothing up upon dissolution.
[0087] Further, since a Silver stain solution for detection of
protein has a possibility of generating explosive silver amide if
the former is left standing, the make up fresh of the same, when
the cartridge is put to use, is required, and after use, HCl or
NaCl, and so forth are added to the same to be thereby turned into
precipitates of AgCl. Further, because the Silver stain solution,
if held in such a condition as mixed with a reagent, has a
possibility of explosion, mixing need be carried out immediately
before the cartridge is put to use.
[0088] The cartridge according to the invention is suited for use
in such a case as well. In the case of using a syringe in
administering a medicine, if the cartridge is made up so as to be
integral with the syringe, this will eliminate the necessity of
taking the medicine out of the cartridge.
(5) A Case where Substances have Toxicity and Hazards Prior to
Reaction
[0089] With the cartridge according to the invention, a fluid and
fine particles, prior to reaction, are contained inside the
cartridge. Accordingly, the fluid and fine particles that are
noxious or hazardous can be handled with the use of the
cartridge.
[0090] For example, detecting solution for western blotting
contains carcinogen, however, airtightness can be maintained if the
cartridge is used, so that safety can be ensured.
[0091] As described in the foregoing, the chemical reaction
cartridge according to the invention has the construction capable
of predetermining the chemical reaction condition, so that the
predetermined chemical reaction can be rapidly and stably applied.
Further, since the substances contained therein are held in the
hermetically sealed condition, it is possible to ensure safety
prior to, and during usage of the cartridge. Still further, since
post-reaction of the cartridge is completed simply by disposing of
the same, there will be no need for an operation for cleaning an
instrument, and so forth.
[0092] It is to be pointed out, however, that the present invention
is not limited in scope of application to the working examples
described hereinbefore. The present invention can be widely used in
the case of executing a chemical reaction without limitation owing
to the content of the chemical reaction.
* * * * *