JP2025125755A - container structure - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent scattering of liquid to the outside of a container and mixing of liquid from the outside of the container occurring when liquid is supplied to or discharged from a spot array formed on an array plate.SOLUTION: A container structure is configured to form a container that can retain liquid and has, as a bottom plate, an array plate having a top face on which a spot array including tissue-derived substances is formed, when mounted on the array plate. The container structure has a bank part that forms side walls of the container when mounted on the array plate, an opposite part that forms a top plate of the container opposite to the array plate, and an access part that forms a path for supplying liquid or discharging liquid to the outside of an area where the spot array is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a container structure used to supply and hold liquids such as liquid samples and chemical solutions to an array plate in a sample analyzer.

Array plates such as protein arrays, peptide arrays, and DNA arrays are known, in which numerous substances such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids are fixed in the form of spots on a substrate. By using an array plate to analyze a sample, it is possible to simultaneously observe the interactions between the numerous substances fixed on the array plate and substances in the sample. This allows for comprehensive analysis of the interactions between numerous substances and liquid samples of biological origin, such as blood, cell extracts, saliva, and interstitial fluid.

Another known sample analysis method using an array plate involves selectively fluorescently labeling spots where an interaction of interest has occurred, thereby obtaining optical information. A known device for observing fluorescently labeled samples is the confocal laser microscope. A confocal laser microscope has an illumination optical system, a fluorescence detection optical system, and a two-dimensional scanning system. The fluorescence detection optical system has the function of detecting the amount of fluorescence from spots labeled with fluorescent probes. The two-dimensional scanning system has the function of acquiring a fluorescent image of the spot area on the array plate by two-dimensionally scanning the array plate or the optical system.

Patent Document 1 describes a reaction process in which a frame is fixed to an array plate to allow liquid to be stored, and a pipette tip moves over the framed array plate to sequentially supply and drain multiple chemical liquids to cause a reaction. The sample evaluation device then performs optical scanning measurement while maintaining the liquid retention state after the reaction process is complete, and acquires a fluorescent image of the spot area.

Patent Document 2 describes a chamber slide in which the bottom plate and the bank that makes up the side are glued together to prevent leakage of chemical solutions outside the holding section. In this chamber slide, the cover is secured to the bank with a snap mechanism, allowing the holding section to be kept moist and warm. All of the components that make up this covered chamber slide are made from materials that allow optical measurements from the outside, so it can also be used directly for fluorescence observation.

JP 2023-12426 A US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/017143

With the device configuration of Patent Document 1, when supplying liquid to an array plate, there is a risk that the force of the liquid being ejected from the pipette tip may cause the liquid to splash out of the container. Furthermore, some liquids contain surfactants, which can easily generate bubbles at the tip of the pipette tip, and when these bubbles burst, the liquid may splash out of the container. Furthermore, when supplying or draining liquid to or from an array plate, there is a risk that liquid adhering to the outer surface of the pipette tip may drip and become mixed into the container as the pipette tip moves above the array plate. In this case, there is a risk that the amount of liquid supplied may vary, or that unwanted drained liquid may re-enter the container. Furthermore, in a configuration where multiple array plates are arranged, there is a risk that the above-mentioned splashing or dripping may become mixed into other array plates.

The present invention provides a container structure that is attached to an array plate having an upper surface on which a spot array containing a biological substance is formed, and is configured to form a container that can store a liquid using the array plate as a bottom plate,
a bank portion that forms a side wall of the container when attached to the array plate;
an opposing portion forming a top plate of the container facing the array plate;
an access portion that forms a path for supplying or draining liquid outside an array area where the spot array is formed;
The present invention provides a container structure having the above structure, thereby solving the above-mentioned problems.

The container structure according to the present invention has a bank portion that forms the side wall of the container and an opposing portion that forms the top plate of the container, which reduces the splashing of liquid outside the container that occurs when liquid is supplied. Furthermore, by having an access portion outside the area where the spot array is formed, it is possible to prevent unwanted liquid from getting into areas other than the access portion within the array plate when liquid is supplied or drained.

1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of a container constituted by a container structure and an array plate, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a container structure of the present invention. 2(a) shows a first embodiment of a container structure of the present invention. FIG. 2(a) is a plan view of a container composed of a container structure and an array plate as viewed from above. FIG. 2(b) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a container structure constituting the container, cut vertically along line 2B-2B in FIG. 2(a). FIG. 2(c) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a container structure constituting the container, cut vertically along line 2C-2C in FIG. 2(a). FIG. 2(d) is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a container structure constituting the container, cut horizontally along line 2D-2D in FIG. 2(b). 3(a) to 3(e) are vertical cross-sectional views showing a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG. 2(b), each of which illustrates a series of operations for supplying a chemical solution to a container constituted by a first embodiment of the container structure of the present invention and an array plate. 4A and 4B are perspective views showing a second embodiment of a container structure of the present invention, in which Fig. 4A is a perspective view and Fig. 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in Fig. 2B. 5A and 5B show a third embodiment of the container structure of the present invention, in which Fig. 5A is a perspective view and Fig. 5B is an exploded perspective view. 6(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG. 2(b), and FIG. 6(b) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG. 2(c). 2B shows a fifth embodiment of the container structure of the present invention, which is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG. 2B shows a sixth embodiment of the container structure of the present invention, which is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG. 9(a) and 9(c) are schematic diagrams showing the internal structure of the housing (enclosure) of a sample analyzer that uses a container composed of the container structure and an array plate of the present invention, in which Fig. 9(a) is a schematic diagram of the inside of the device as seen from the front, Fig. 9(b) is a schematic diagram of the inside of the device as seen from above, and Fig. 9(c) is a schematic diagram of the inside of the device as seen from the side.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of a container structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1( a) is a perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of a container 1 formed by engaging a container structure 5 of this embodiment with an array plate 2. FIG. 1( b) is an exploded perspective view showing the individual components constituting the container 1 of FIG. 1( a). The container 1 has a configuration in which a container structure 5 consisting of a bank portion 3 and an opposing portion 4 is engaged with an array plate 2. The array plate 2 is a rectangular, flat glass slide, and its upper surface has an array area 2a in which a plurality of spots, each of which has a biological substance fixed thereto, are arranged. The bank portion 3 forming the side plate of the container structure 5 is formed of a resin material so as to surround a space in the shape of a rectangular frame. A groove-like recess 3a is formed near the lower end of the inner surface of each of the three walls of the bank portion 3 and along the lower end of the bank portion. The side edge of the array plate 2 is slidably engaged into this recess, thereby fixing the container structure 5 to the array plate 2, thereby forming the container 1. A chemical solution can be stored in the space within the container surrounded by the bank portion 3 and reacted with each spot arranged in the array region 2a on the upper surface of the array plate 2. Therefore, the dimensions of the recess 3a formed in the bank portion 3 are determined so that the side end or side edge of the array plate 2 fits tightly against the recess 3a and the chemical solution does not leak from the bottom of the container 1. An opposing portion 4 that forms the top plate of the container structure 5 is installed on the upper end surface of the bank portion 3. The opposing portion 4 is a rectangular flat plate with the same frame shape as the bank portion 3, and a hole that forms an access portion 4a necessary for supplying and draining liquid penetrates through part of it in the thickness direction.

Figure 2 shows the configuration of the container 1 in more detail. Figure 2(a) is a plan view of the container 1 formed by engaging the array plate 2 with the container structure 5, viewed from above. Figure 2(b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the container structure 5 constituting the container 1, cut vertically along line 2B-2B in Figure 2(a) (without cutting the array plate 2), viewed from the side of the container (longitudinal side, from below in Figure 2(a)). Figure 2(c) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the container structure 5 constituting the container 1, cut vertically along line 2C-2C in Figure 2(a) (without cutting the array plate 2), viewed from the front of the container (front, from the left in Figure 2(a)). Figure 2(d) is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the container structure 5 constituting the container 1, cut horizontally along line 2D-2D in Figure 2(b), viewed from above the container structure.

As shown in Figures 2(b) and 2(c), the underside of the opposing portion 4 has a convex shape with a recessed outer periphery that contacts the upper end surface of the bank portion 3. At the same time, the stepped fixing portion 4b, a vertical surface formed between the outer periphery and its inner region, contacts the upper edge of the inner surface of the bank portion 3 over the entire periphery, thereby fixing the bank portion 3 to the opposing portion 4. This prevents the bank portion 3 and the opposing portion 4 from shifting when the container 1 is moved.

As shown in Figure 2(a), the facing portion 4 is provided with an access portion 4a consisting of an oval-shaped through-hole. This is an opening for inserting and removing a pipette tip when supplying and discharging the medicinal liquid into the container.

In Figure 2(d), the shape 4a' of the access portion 4a projected onto the upper surface of the array plate 2 is shown by a dotted line. The array region 2a, in which multiple spots 2b are two-dimensionally arranged on the upper surface of the array plate 2, is positioned at a position offset in the longitudinal direction of the array plate 2 from the center of the region surrounded by the inner surface of the bank portion 3 when the array plate 2 and the container structure 5 are engaged. In addition, the opening of the access portion 4a is provided in the opposing portion 4 so that the position of its projected shape 4a' is outside the array region 2a.

Figure 3 shows a series of operations performed when supplying a chemical solution to a container. Note that the term "chemical solution" does not necessarily refer to a liquid reagent, but may also refer to a liquid specimen or the like. For convenience, all liquids injected into the array area during sample analysis using an array plate will be referred to as "chemical solution." In Figure 3(a), the pipette tip 6 used to supply the chemical solution is located above the container 1. The pipette tip 6 begins to descend toward the opening of the access portion 4a in the facing portion 4 by a Z-drive mechanism (not shown). In Figure 3(b), the pipette tip 6 passes through the opening of the access portion 4a and continues to descend until its tip reaches a position within the space enclosed by the bank portion 3. In Figure 3(c), once the descent is complete, an automatic dispenser (not shown) dispenses the chemical solution 7 from the pipette tip 6, initiating the liquid supply. In Figure 3(d), the supply of the chemical solution is completed, the pipette tip begins to rise, and the chemical solution 7 flows over the top surface of the array plate 2 and reaches the top surface of the array area 2a. In Figure 3(e), the tip of the pipette tip 6 moves above the opening of the access part 4a, completing the operation.

The above-described configuration is expected to have the following effects.
By using a container structure in which an opening of access part 4a is provided in facing part 4 facing the spot array, the tip of the pipette tip is inserted into the space surrounded by bank part 3 via access part 4a, and liquid supply is performed in this state. This makes it possible to prevent liquid splashing from the tip of the pipette tip and liquid splashing caused by the liquid hitting array plate 2 and bouncing off the surface of the array plate immediately after liquid supply begins from scattering outside the container.

This configuration can also be expected to be effective when draining chemical liquid from a container. The operation of draining chemical liquid from a container is performed in the reverse order of the operations shown in Figure 3, except that the tip of the pipette tip is lowered from when dispensing chemical liquid, and then immersed in the chemical liquid and aspirated. At this time, chemical liquid also adheres to the outer surface of the pipette tip. If a large amount of chemical liquid adheres to the outer surface, it may drip (drip) when the pipette tip is moved out of the container, and fall back into the container; however, providing the opposing portion 4 can prevent this.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(d), the access portion 4a is positioned outside the array area in the longitudinal direction of the array plate 2 so that the position 4a' of the projected shape of the access portion 4a onto the array plate surface does not overlap with the array area. This separates the array area from the position where the chemical solution is ejected from the pipette tip during liquid supply, and reduces the flow rate when it reaches the array area 2a, preventing damage to the spots.

It is also preferable to separate the access part from the array area along the direction of shaking used in the reaction process (the longitudinal direction of the array plate). This can mitigate unevenness (e.g., differences in specific gravity) caused by multiple components in the chemical solution when it is supplied from the access part, thereby reducing reaction unevenness within the array area.

In Figures 1 to 3, the access portion 4a is shown as an oval opening, but the shape, size, and position of the opening are not limited to this. Matching the size, size, and position of the tip to the smallest possible size that allows for liquid supply and drainage is effective in preventing the chemical solution from splashing outside the container. The planar shape of the frame formed by the bank portion 3 may be a shape other than the rectangular shape shown in Figures 1 to 3. Furthermore, the shape of the outer surface and the shape of the inner surface of the bank portion 3 may be different. Because some types of chemical solutions are expensive, the shape may be matched to the liquid supply and drainage patterns that allow for a reduction in the amount of chemical solution used.

Second Embodiment
Figure 4 shows a container using a container structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the container, and Figure 4(b) is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 2(b) in the first embodiment. Note that members (parts) having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The container 1 is composed of an array plate 2 and a container structure 5 consisting of a bank portion 8 and an opposing portion 9. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the location of the access portion. In this embodiment, the bank portion 8 is provided with an access portion 8a that forms a path for supplying and discharging the chemical solution into the container. The access portion 8a has a circular hole penetrating obliquely downward from the outer surface of the bank portion 8 toward the internal space. The lower surface of the opposing portion 9 abuts against the upper end surface of the bank portion 8. The opposing portion 9 is a rectangular flat plate, and as in the first embodiment, the lower surface has a convex shape with a recessed outer periphery. The outer periphery contacts the upper end surface of the bank portion 8, and the stepped fixing portion 9a contacts the upper edge of the inner surface of the bank portion 8 along the entire periphery, thereby being fixed.
With the above-described configuration, the container structure of the present invention can be used even when the shape of the pipette tip used for supplying and discharging liquid, the direction of movement of the pipette tip, etc. are different.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows a container using a container structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the container, and FIG. 5(b) is an exploded perspective view showing the individual members that make up the container.

The vessel 1 is composed of an array plate 2 and a vessel structure 5 consisting of a bank portion 10 and an opposing portion 11 .
This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the way in which the opposing portions are fixed.

The vessel 1 is configured such that a vessel structure 5 consisting of a bank portion 10 and an opposing portion 11 is engaged with and fixed to an array plate 2 .
The facing portion 11 is a rectangular flat plate of uniform thickness, with an opening that serves as the access portion 11a. A handle portion 11b extends outward from the rectangular periphery of the facing portion on part of the periphery. The upper end surface of the bank portion 10 is formed with a facing portion contact surface 10a that contacts the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the facing portion 11, and peripheral steps 10b and 10c that contact the side end surfaces of the facing portion 11 to secure the facing portion 11 in the X and Y directions. The protrusion 10d is a portion of the peripheral step 10b that protrudes inward and restrains the facing portion 11 in the Z direction. Furthermore, the peripheral step 10c is lower than the peripheral step 10b, facilitating the attachment and detachment of the facing portion 11. The handle portion 11b makes it easy to lift the facing portion 11 when removing it from the bank portion 10.
With this configuration, the opposing portions can be reliably fixed in the Z direction in addition to the X and Y directions.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a container using a container structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
6A is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2B in the first embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2C in the first embodiment.
This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the way in which the facing portion is fixed to the bank portion. The container 1 of this embodiment comprises an array plate 2 and a container structure 12 in which the bank portion and the facing portion are integrated.

A groove-shaped recess 12b is provided along the lower edge of the side wall (corresponding to the bank portion) of the container structure 12 near the lower end of the inner surface on three sides. This recess engages to sandwich the edges of the array plate 2 on three sides to form the container 1, maintaining airtightness to prevent leakage of the chemical solution supplied to the container. An elliptical hole penetrates the ceiling portion (corresponding to the opposing portion) of the container structure 12, forming an access portion 12a that allows a pipette tip to be inserted into the space of the container when injecting or draining the chemical solution stored in the container. The configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the number of parts compared to the first embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment
FIG. 7 shows a container using a container structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the structure of the access portion differs from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the container structure corresponding to FIG. 2( a) in the first embodiment. The access portion 13a is formed by an elliptical opening (hole) 14 penetrating the facing portion 13 and an opening lid (flap) 15 provided below the hole. The flap 15 is rotatably attached downward by a rotation support portion 16. When a pipette tip (not shown) descends and the tip of the pipette tip presses against the flap 15, the flap opens downward, allowing the pipette tip to further descend. When the pipette tip subsequently ascends and leaves the hole, the flap closes again and returns to the position shown in the figure. The rotation support portion 16 is supported by an elastic support portion 17 made of an elastic material such as rubber. The elastic support portion 17 is also provided around the hole 14 in areas other than the position where the rotation support portion 16 is provided, and elastically abuts against the entire outer periphery of the flap.

In this embodiment, a flap 15 is installed in the hole 14 of the access part 13a to make the inside of the container a closed space, which prevents the liquid on the outer surface of the pipette tip from dripping when draining and re-entering the container. It also makes it possible to prevent the intrusion of droplets of liquid from outside.
In addition, by elastically supporting the outer periphery of the flap 15 and the rotation support part 16, the internal pressure of the container, which occurs when adjusting the temperature of the underside of the array plate 2 in the reaction process, can be displaced upward by the elastic support part 17, increasing the internal volume and preventing the pressure increase. In other words, this functions as a pressure adjustment part.

Sixth Embodiment
A container using a container structure according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the structure of the access portion as a pressure adjusting portion is partially different from that of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the container.
The pressure adjusting section has a flap 18 attached to a rotation support section 16 so as to be freely rotatable downward, but the rotation support section 16 itself is fixed to the opposing section 13. A part of the flap 18 (the central section in the drawing) is made of a flexible diaphragm 19 made of elastic rubber.

With this configuration, as in the fifth embodiment, a flap is installed in the access section to create a closed space inside the container, preventing the liquid on the outer surface of the tip that drips when draining from reentering the container. It also prevents droplets of liquid from flying in from the outside from getting into the container. Furthermore, by configuring part of the flap with a flexible diaphragm, the elastic structure of the diaphragm can prevent an increase in the internal pressure of the container.

[Example of use of container structure]
An example of using the container structure of the present invention in an apparatus for performing sample analysis, which includes a reaction process in which a chemical solution is supplied to and discharged from biological material on an array plate, and a measurement process in which optical measurements are performed on the biological material after the reaction process, is described using Figure 9.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a sample analyzer using a container structure of the present invention. Figure 9(a) is a front view, Figure 9(b) is a top view of the 9B-9B cross section of Figure 9(a) viewed from above, and Figure 9(c) is a right side view of the 9C-9C cross section of Figure 9(a) viewed from the side. The sample analyzer 101 performs sample analysis on multiple array plates 102, including a reaction process and a measurement process. The array plates 102 installed in the sample analyzer 101 are fitted with container structures 103 for storing chemical solutions, forming containers 104. The sample analyzer 101 has multiple mounting sections 105, on which the containers 104 are placed, at different positions in a direction intersecting the vertical direction so that multiple array plates can be processed in parallel. Each mounting section 105 is maintained approximately horizontal in the Y-axis direction and is equipped with a mechanism for reciprocating movement in the Y-axis direction. Additionally, a temperature control block 106 is provided above the mounting section 105 and is in thermal contact with the underside of the array plate 102. This allows multiple array plates 102 to be heated or maintained at a desired temperature by each individual temperature control block 106. The chemical solution stored on the upper surface of the array plate 102 is agitated by the reciprocating movement and the temperature is controlled via the array plate 102, thereby promoting the reaction between the multiple spots on the array plate and the stored chemical solution. At the same time, reaction uniformity among the multiple spots within each array plate can be maintained. The multiple mounting sections 105 are arranged in a row on a table 108 that can be moved in the X direction by an actuator 107. Figure 9 shows the sample analyzer 101 equipped with five mounting sections 105, with containers 104 placed on each of the four mounting sections on the left.

During the reaction process, the drainage area 120, where the chemical solution is discharged from the container 104, and the supply area 121, where the chemical solution is supplied, are located at predetermined positions within the device. When draining the chemical solution, the actuator 107 is driven to move the table 108 so that the container containing the chemical solution to be drained is positioned in the drainage area 120. When supplying the chemical solution, the actuator 107 is driven to move the table 108 so that the container 104 to be supplied is positioned in the supply area 121. After the reaction process, the container 104, still holding the chemical solution injected during the final reaction step, is moved to the delivery area 122 within the device by driving the actuator 107. The container 104 is then delivered to the transfer hand 110 by the transfer actuator 109, which is movable at least in the Y direction. The delivered container 104 is then transported in the Y direction to the measurement area 123 while still mounted on the transfer hand 110. After transport, the measurement process is performed in the measurement area 123 with the liquid still held in the container 104. At this time, the transport hand 110 continues to hold the container 104 even within the measurement area 123.

The measurement system 111 is a confocal laser microscope and has an illumination optical system, a fluorescence detection optical system, and a scanning system 116 (not shown). The illumination optical system has the function of focusing and irradiating laser light onto an observation spot on the array plate 102. The fluorescence detection optical system has the function of detecting the amount of fluorescence from spots labeled with fluorescent probes. The scanning system 116 is positioned below the container 104 and performs reciprocal scanning in the X direction. By combining the Y direction scanning by the transport hand 110 and the X direction reciprocal scanning by the measurement system, a two-dimensional fluorescence image of multiple spot areas on the array plate 102 can be obtained.

When supplying or discharging reagents, disposable pipette tips 112 are attached to the tip of the automatic dispenser 117 via a tip rack 113. The automatic dispenser 117, which serves as a liquid handling device for supplying and discharging liquids, is moved in the X, Y, and Z directions by an XY biaxial actuator 118 and a Z-axis actuator 119, respectively. The chemical tube rack 114 contains multiple tubes containing different types of chemical solutions 114a, 114b, and 114c, each configured to function as an individual liquid storage unit. The automatic dispenser 117 then aspirates the required chemical solution from the designated tube in accordance with the reaction process and moves it to the liquid supply area 121. After the container 104 to be supplied is moved to the liquid supply area 121 by the actuator 107, the chemical solution is dispensed onto the array plate inside the container 104. After the liquid supply operation, unnecessary tips 112 are moved from the automatic dispenser 117 to a waste tip rack 115 and removed from the automatic dispenser 117.

When draining the chemical solution contained in the container 104, the container 104 is moved to the drainage area 120 by the actuator 107. The automatic dispenser 117 is moved by , and after the chip 112 is attached, the chemical solution on the array plate 102 is aspirated and drained in the drainage area 120. After discharging any unnecessary chemical solution from the chip into a drainage container (not shown), the unnecessary chip 112 is detached from the automatic dispenser 117 in a waste tip rack 115. In this example, one automatic dispenser is used for both liquid supply and drainage operations, but separate liquid handling means may be used for liquid supply and drainage.

In this example, the positions of the drainage area 120, the supply area 121, and the delivery area 122 are different, but this is not a limitation. For example, because there is a time difference between the supply area 121 used in the reaction process and the delivery area 122 used in the measurement process, it is possible to place these two areas in the same position. It is also possible to place the drainage area 120 and the supply area 121 in the same position. This shortens the stroke of the actuator 107 and reduces the amount of space required for the device. In this example, the actuator 107 is used to move the mounting unit 105 on which the container 104 is placed, and an XY biaxial actuator 118 and a Z-axis actuator 119 are used to move the automatic dispenser 117, which serves as the liquid manipulation means. However, it goes without saying that the moving means for moving at least one of the liquid manipulation means and the mounting unit relative to the other is not limited to this configuration and can have any appropriate configuration that can achieve the relevant function.

When supplying and draining liquid with multiple containers placed adjacent to each other, as in the device of this example, by configuring the containers by attaching the container structure of the present invention to an array plate, it is possible to prevent liquid that splashes out of the container during liquid supply from entering other containers. It is also possible to prevent liquid that is accidentally dropped while a pipette tip holding the liquid is being moved from entering a container. In addition, the flow rate of the liquid when it reaches the array area can be reduced, preventing damage to the spots.

The present invention includes a container structure having the following configuration, as well as a container using the same and a sample analyzer using the same.
(Configuration 1)
A container structure configured to form a container capable of storing liquid with the array plate as a bottom plate when the container structure is attached to an array plate having an upper surface on which a spot array containing a biological substance is formed,
A container structure having a bank portion that forms the side wall of the container when attached to the array plate, an opposing portion that forms the top plate of the container facing the array plate, and an access portion that forms a path for supplying or draining liquid outside the area where the spot array is formed.
(Configuration 2)
The container structure of configuration 1, wherein the facing portion has an outer peripheral edge portion that is in contact with and fixed to the upper end surface of the bank portion.
(Configuration 3)
The container structure of configuration 2, wherein the facing portion is fixed by contacting the bank portion with its outer peripheral edge portion over the entire periphery.
(Configuration 4)
2. The container structure of configuration 1, wherein the opposing portion is integral with the bank portion.
(Configuration 5)
5. The container structure of any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the access portion is provided in a part of the opposing portion or a part of the bank portion.
(Configuration 6)
6. The container structure of any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the position of the projected shape of the access portion onto the array plate does not overlap with the spot array.
(Configuration 7)
7. The container structure of any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the access portion is configured to be able to adjust the pressure inside the container.
(Configuration 8)
8. The container structure of configuration 7, wherein the access portion includes an opening and an opening lid that closes the opening, and the opening lid is configured to include a flexible diaphragm or is resiliently supported.
(Configuration 9)
A container structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the access portion is located outside the region in which the spot array is formed in the longitudinal direction of the container.
(Configuration 10)
A container constituted by the container structure of any one of configurations 1 to 9 and the array plate.
(Configuration 11)
a mounting portion on which the container of configuration 10 is mounted;
a liquid handling means for supplying or discharging liquid to or from the container placed on the placement section;
a moving means for moving at least one of the liquid handling means and the placement unit relative to the other;
A sample analyzer having:
(Configuration 12)
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the container comprises the container structure of claim 9, and the placement portion comprises a mechanism for longitudinally shaking the container.
(Configuration 13)
12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of the placement units at different positions in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.
(Configuration 14)
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of liquid storage units, wherein said liquid handling means is configured to be able to dispense liquid from said plurality of liquid storage units into said container.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Container 2 Array plate 2 a Array region 2 b Spot 3 Bank portion 3 a Recess 4 Opposing portion 4 a Access portion 4 b Step fixing portion 5 Container structure 6 Pipette tip 7 Chemical solution 8 Bank portion 8 a Access portion 9 Opposing portion 9 a Step fixing portion 10 Bank portion 10 a Opposing portion contact surface 10 b Peripheral step 1
10c Outer periphery step 2
10d Protrusion 11 Opposing portion 11a Access portion 11b Handle portion 12 Container structure 13 Opposing portion 13a Access portion 14 Opening 15 Flap 16 Rotation mechanism 17 Elastic support portion 18 Flap 19 Diaphragm 101 Sample analyzer 102 Array plate 103 Container structure 104 Container 105 Placement portion 106 Temperature control block 107 Actuator 108 Table 109 Transport actuator 110 Transport hand 111 Measurement unit 112 Pipette tip 113 Tip rack 114 Chemical liquid tube rack 115 Disposal tip rack 116 Scanning system 117 Automatic dispenser 118 XY two-axis actuator 119 Z-axis actuator 120 Drainage area 121 Liquid supply area 122 Delivery area 123 Measurement area

Claims (14)

an array plate having an upper surface on which a spot array containing a biological material is formed;
A container structure configured to form a container capable of storing liquid with the array plate as a bottom plate,
a bank portion that forms a side wall of the container when attached to the array plate;
an opposing portion forming a top plate of the container facing the array plate;
an access portion that forms a path for supplying or draining liquid outside the area where the spot array is formed;
A container structure having: The container structure described in claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral edge of the facing portion is fixed in contact with the upper end surface of the bank portion. The container structure described in claim 2, wherein the opposing portion is fixed by contacting the bank portion along its entire outer periphery. The container structure according to claim 1, wherein the opposing portion is integrated with the bank portion. The container structure according to claim 1, wherein the access portion is provided in a part of the opposing portion or a part of the bank portion. The container structure of claim 1, wherein the position of the projected shape of the access portion onto the array plate does not overlap with the spot array. The container structure of claim 1, wherein the access portion is configured to allow pressure within the container to be adjusted. The container structure described in claim 7, wherein the access portion includes an opening and an opening lid that closes the opening, and the opening lid is at least one of: configured to include a flexible diaphragm; and being elastically supported. The container structure described in claim 1, wherein the access portion is located outside the area in which the spot array is formed in the longitudinal direction of the container. A container constructed from the container structure described in any one of claims 1 to 9 and the array plate. a mounting portion on which the container according to claim 10 is mounted;
a liquid handling means for supplying or discharging liquid to or from the container placed on the placement section;
a moving means for moving at least one of the liquid handling means and the placement unit relative to the other;
A device having: The device described in claim 11, wherein when the container includes the container structure described in claim 9, the placement section is provided with a mechanism for shaking the container in the longitudinal direction. The device described in claim 11, comprising a plurality of the placement sections at different positions in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The device described in claim 11, comprising a plurality of liquid storage units, and the liquid handling means is configured to supply liquid from the plurality of liquid storage units to the container.