Bioparticle sorting apparatus and bioparticle sorting methods

Abstract

The purpose of this disclosure is to meet the needs described in the specification. For example, one object of this disclosure is to provide a technique that enables the simultaneous acquisition of two specific types of sorted products from a single sample. This disclosure provides a biological particle sorting apparatus, comprising: a determining unit for performing particle sorting determination on particles contained in a biological sample, such that particles to be sorted and particles not to be sorted but permitted to be sorted are sorted into a first containment space; and a display unit for displaying information relating to the purity of the particles to be sorted contained in the first containment space. This disclosure also provides a biological particle sorting method, comprising: performing particle sorting determination on particles contained in a biological sample, such that particles to be sorted and particles not to be sorted but permitted to be sorted are sorted into a first containment space; and displaying information relating to the purity of the particles to be sorted contained in the first containment space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a biological particle sorting device and a biological particle sorting method. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a biological particle sorting device configured to perform sorting determination on target particles and non-target but permissible particles to be sorted, and to a biological particle sorting method comprising performing the sorting determination. Background Technology

[0002] For example, a swarm of particles (such as cells, microorganisms, and liposomes) is labeled with a fluorescent dye, and the particles are characterized by emitting a laser onto each particle in the swarm and measuring the intensity and / or pattern of fluorescence generated from the excited fluorescent dye. Embodiments of biosample analyzers performing the measurements include flow cytometers. Furthermore, embodiments of biosample analyzers configured to sort cells include cell sorters.

[0003] Flow cytometers and cell sorters can be configured to emit laser light (excitation light) of a specific wavelength onto particles flowing in a single file within a flow channel and detect the fluorescence and / or scattered light generated from each particle, thereby analyzing multiple particles individually. For example, these devices can determine the characteristics of individual particles, such as type, size, and structure, by converting the light detected by a photodetector into an electrical signal to digitize the light and performing statistical analysis.

[0004] Several proposals have been made to date regarding techniques for sorting processes performed in such biological sample analyzers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a particle sorting apparatus comprising: a determination unit that performs sorting determination on particles, wherein the determination unit performs determination using rule data based on a particle group to which a target particle belongs and a particle group to which a non-target particle belongs within a predetermined range surrounding the target particle. This rule data defines the relationship between the target particle and the non-target particles. The particle groups to which the target particle and the non-target particles within the predetermined range may belong include the particle group of the target particle (a), the particle group of particles that are not the target particle but can be ignored in the determination (b), and the particle group of particles that are neither the target particle nor the negligible particles (c), and negligible particles include red blood cells (claim 1). The document describes how, by including a determination unit that performs sorting determination using rule data, a particle sorting apparatus can perform sorting determination with an improved recovery rate of the target particle while minimizing the impact on its purity (paragraph 0018).

[0005] Reference List

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: JP-2022-17705-A Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] In sorting processes performed by biological particle sorting equipment (such as cell sorters), in some cases, it is necessary to sort the target cells with the highest possible purity. Furthermore, when the number of target cells to be sorted is small, in some cases, sorting efficiency needs to be prioritized, ensuring that as many target cells as possible are sorted, even if the purity is slightly reduced. In some cases, depending on the type or characteristics of the sample to be sorted by the device, it is particularly desirable to address the latter requirement. Additionally, in some cases, both requirements need to be met simultaneously.

[0010] Examples of situations prioritizing sorting efficiency, as described above, include cases where a number of particles that are to be sorted but are not the sorting target (also referred to in this specification as "non-sorting target but allowed to be sorted particles") are present in the sample. Furthermore, regarding the sample, it is considered particularly useful if both of these requirements can be met simultaneously.

[0011] In view of this, the purpose of this disclosure is to satisfy at least one of the above-mentioned needs. For example, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a particle sorting technique particularly suitable for biological samples that include a number of non-sorting targets but allow for the sorting of particles.

[0012] Technical solutions to technical problems

[0013] This disclosure provides a biological particle sorting device, comprising: a determination unit for performing sorting determination on particles included in a biological sample, such that target particles and non-target particles, but allowed to be sorted, are sorted into a first containment space; and a display unit for displaying information related to the purity of the target particles included in the first containment space.

[0014] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides a biological particle sorting method, comprising: performing sorting determination on particles included in a biological sample, such that target particles and non-target particles that are allowed to be sorted are sorted into a first containment space; and displaying information relating to the purity of the target particles included in the first containment space. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration embodiment of a biological particle sorting device according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration embodiment of a biological particle sorting device according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3A This is an embodiment of a flowchart of a biological particle sorting operation performed by a biological particle sorting device according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the sorted products.

[0019] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen for setting a particle sorting mode.

[0020] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen for setting a particle sorting mode.

[0021] Figure 4C This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen for setting a particle sorting mode.

[0022] Figure 4D This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen for setting a particle sorting mode.

[0023] Figure 4E This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen for setting a particle sorting mode.

[0024] Figure 4F This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen for setting a particle sorting mode.

[0025] Figure 4G This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen for setting a particle sorting mode.

[0026] Figure 4H This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen for setting a particle sorting mode.

[0027] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen showing a particle sorting operation.

[0028] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen showing a particle sorting operation.

[0029] Figure 5C An embodiment of a screen is shown for prompting the selection of a particle sorting mode. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The desired mode for implementing this disclosure is described below. Note that the embodiments described below are representative embodiments of this disclosure, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Note that the description of this disclosure is provided in the following order.

[0031] 1. First Embodiment (Bioparticle Sorting Equipment)

[0032] (1) Basic Concepts

[0033] (2) Configuration Example

[0034] (3) Examples of sorting operations

[0035] (4) Examples of particle counting

[0036] (5) Example of a sorting mode setting screen

[0037] (6) Example of a screen that prompts the switching of sorting modes

[0038] 2. Second Implementation Method (Bioparticle Sorting Method)

[0039] 1. First Embodiment (Bioparticle Sorting Equipment)

[0040] (1) Basic Concepts

[0041] This disclosure relates to a biological particle sorting device. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the biological particle sorting device may include: a determination unit for performing sorting determination on particles included in a biological sample, such that target particles and non-target particles, but allowed to be sorted, are sorted into a first containment space; and a display unit for displaying information related to the purity of the target particles included in the first containment space.

[0042] For example, the determining unit can perform sorting determination in a sorting mode in which particles included in a biological sample are sorted into two or more containment spaces, including a first containment space and a second containment space. The sorting mode can be configured to perform at least one of sorting operation (A) and sorting operation (B).

[0043] (A) A sorting operation that only sorts the target particles into the second containment space; and

[0044] (B) A sorting operation that sorts only target particles and non-target particles but allows them to be sorted into the first containment space.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, the biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can be configured to perform particle sorting operations in a sorting mode that yields two or more types of sorting products from a biological sample.

[0046] In the above sorting mode, at least two types of sorted products with different purities of the target particles can be obtained.

[0047] The biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure performs sorting operations based on the characteristics of the sample or the user's needs. For example, the biological particle sorting device is suitable for performing particle sorting operations on biological samples that include many non-sorting targets but are allowed to be sorted particles.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, this disclosure implements a particle sorting operation in which two types of sorted products with different purities of the target particles are obtained from a biological sample.

[0049] Furthermore, the biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can present users with useful information related to the sorted products obtained through the sorting operation.

[0050] For example, embodiments of particle sorting operations using a biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure include cases where the proportion of the target particle to be sorted is very low among all particles included in the sample.

[0051] In this context, for example, obtaining sorted products that prioritize the purity of the target particles and those that prioritize sorting efficiency (despite some reduction in the purity of the sorted products) is considered beneficial for the user's analysis or development. For instance, the sorted product recovered prioritizing purity can be used to perform analysis targeting only the sorted target cells. Furthermore, the sorted product recovered prioritizing sorting efficiency can undergo further sorting operations, or it may be conceivable to use it for further analysis.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, when performing particle sorting operations on biological samples containing unsorted target particles such as red blood cells, in some cases, the target particles are undesirably discarded, and the yield decreases when unsorted target particles such as red blood cells approach the target particles. By applying the particle sorting technology according to this disclosure, discarding can be avoided, and the yield of sorted target particles can be improved.

[0053] For example, information relating to the purity of the target particles to be sorted, included in the first containment space, may include at least one of the following: In the first containment space, the proportion of the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to particle group (a), particle group (b) and particle group (c); In the first containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b); and In the first containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (c).

[0054] The biological particle sorting device (specifically, the display unit) can be configured to display one or more of these ratios.

[0055] In addition, the display unit can display information related to the purity of the sorted target particles included in the second containment space.

[0056] Information relating to the purity of the sorted target particles included in the second containment space may include at least one of the following: In the second containment space, the proportion of the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to particle groups (a) to (c) is as follows: In the second containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b); and In the second containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (c).

[0057] The biological particle sorting device (specifically, the display unit) can be configured to display one or more of these ratios.

[0058] This information is useful for users performing particle sorting operations.

[0059] In several embodiments, the biological particle sorting device can be configured to display the ratio of the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) in the containment space to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b). For example, the biological particle sorting device (specifically, the display unit) can be configured to display the ratio of the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) in the first containment space to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b). The biological particle sorting device can obtain the ratio associated with performing the sorting operation described above. This ratio can be presented to the user as information related to purity.

[0060] As described above, the determining unit can perform sorting determination in a sorting mode in which particles included in a biological sample are sorted into two or more containment spaces including a first containment space and a second containment space, and can be configured to perform at least one of sorting operation (A) and sorting operation (B) in the sorting mode.

[0061] (A) A sorting operation that only sorts the target particles into the second containment space; and

[0062] (B) A sorting operation that sorts only target particles and non-target particles but allows them to be sorted into the first containment space.

[0063] Furthermore, in several embodiments, the biological particle sorting device can be configured to perform sorting operations (A') and (B') in a particle sorting operation in a sorting mode.

[0064] (A') A sorting operation that sorts only the target particles into a single containment space, and

[0065] (B') A sorting operation that sorts only target particles and non-target particles but allows the sorted particles to be sorted into alternative containment spaces.

[0066] The sorted products obtained by sorting operation (A) (or (A')) in the second containment space (or a containment space) and the sorted products obtained by sorting operation (B) (or (B')) in the first containment space (or an alternative containment space) can be two types of sorted products with different purities.

[0067] The sorted product obtained in the second containment space (or one containment space) and through sorting operation (A) (or (A')) has high purity of sorted target particles. Furthermore, the purity of the sorted product obtained in the first containment space (or alternative containment space) through sorting operation (B) (or (B')) is lower than that of the sorted product obtained through (A) (or (A')), but the sorted target particles can be effectively recovered through sorting operation (B) (or (B')).

[0068] For example, being configured to perform sorting operations (A) and (B) (or sorting operations (A') and (B')) is particularly useful when the proportion of the target particles to be sorted is low among all the particles included in the sample and the proportion of the non-target particles to be sorted is high.

[0069] Examples of this scenario include performing a sorting operation on a blood-derived sample in which the proportion of a specific leukocyte, the target particle for sorting, is low, and the sample includes many non-target but permissible red blood cells. In this case, sorting operation (A) (or (A')) yields a sorted product of the specific leukocytes with high purity, while sorting operation (B) (or (B')) yields a product of the specific leukocytes with lower purity than the product obtained through sorting operation (A) (or (A')), but with high sorting efficiency. The sorted product obtained through sorting operation (B) (or (B')) may include red blood cells, but can be used for analysis or development that allows the presence of red blood cells.

[0070] Additionally, other embodiments where the proportion of sorted target particles among all particles included in the sample is low, and where non-sorted target particles but allowed to be sorted constitute a high proportion of all particles, include cases where, in addition to sorted target cells, the sample also includes non-biological particles (e.g., microbeads, etc.) used for the analysis of sorted target cells. For example, the non-biological particles could be those used to capture sorted target cells, or they could be those used to analyze specific components (e.g., components generated from sorted target cells). In such cases, sorting operation (A) (or (A')) can yield a sorted product with high purity of sorted target cells, and sorting operation (B) (or (B')) yields a sorted product with a lower purity of sorted target cells than the sorted product obtained through sorting operation (A) (or (A')), but with high sorting efficiency to recover the sorted target cells. The sorted product obtained through sorting operation (B) (or (B')) may include non-biological particles, but, for example, it can be used for analysis or development where the presence of non-biological particles can be easily removed or otherwise permitted.

[0071] Note that, as explained later, the particles can be, for example, biological particles (such as cells or non-cellular biological particles), or particles other than biological particles (such as microbeads). Furthermore, for example, microbeads can be microbeads in which biological components (e.g., cells, cell-derived component secretions, etc.) are captured on the surface of the microbead or within the internal cavities of the microbead. For example, the microbeads can be microbeads used for secretion analysis. Furthermore, the particles can be recovered in a state where they are contained within emulsion particles. In this case, the sorting product can be an emulsion, and the dispersed phase forming the emulsion can be emulsion particles containing the target particles for sorting. For example, those skilled in the art can appropriately select the dispersion medium forming the emulsion depending on the type of emulsion particles. That is, the biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can be configured as a sorting device for biological component-capturing particles (specifically, biological component-capturing microbeads) or can be configured as a sorting device for emulsion particles. In this way, the biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can be configured as a sorting device for particles other than biological particles (e.g., microbeads or emulsion particles).

[0072] To perform sorting operations (A) and (B) (or sorting operations (A') and (B')), for example, a determination unit that performs sorting determination on particles can be used.

[0073] That is, the biological particle sorting device may include a determination unit for performing sorting determination on particles, and the determination unit may be configured to determine, in a particle sorting operation according to the sorting mode of the present disclosure, which of the particle groups (a) to (c) the target particle and particles that may exist within a predetermined range around the target particle belong to.

[0074] (a) Sorting the target particle group; (b) A group of particles that are not the sorting target but are allowed to be sorted; and (c) A group of particles that are not the sorting target and are not allowed to be sorted.

[0075] By determining which of (a) to (c) the target particle and the particles that may exist within a predetermined range around the target particle belong to, sorting operations (A) and (B) (or sorting operations (A') and (B')) can be performed.

[0076] For example, biological particle sorting equipment

[0077] When it is determined that the target particle belongs to particle group (a), and particles belonging to particle group (b) or particle group (c) do not exist within the predetermined range, the determined target particle is sorted into a containment space, and

[0078] When it is determined that the target particle belongs to particle group (a), and particles belonging to particle group (b) exist within a predetermined range but particles belonging to particle group (c) do not exist within the predetermined range, the target particle is sorted into the alternative containment space.

[0079] A bioparticle sorting device configured to perform both sorting modes can, for example, acquire a first sorted product with high-purity target particles in one containment space, and acquire a second sorted product with slightly lower purity than the first sorted product, but including both target particles and allowable particles to be sorted, in an alternative containment space. The second sorted product includes allowable particles to be sorted, and by acquiring the second sorted product, the target particles can be effectively recovered.

[0080] (2) Configuration Example

[0081] The following describes a configuration embodiment of a biological particle sorting device configured to perform sorting operations in sorting mode according to the present disclosure.

[0082] The biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can be configured as a biological sample analyzer as described below. That is, the "biological sample analyzer 6100" described below can be described as "biological particle sorting device 6100". Furthermore, the determination unit that performs the sorting determination for particles can be configured as the information processing unit 6103 described below. That is, the "information processing unit 6103" described below can be described as "determination unit 6103".

[0083] Figure 1 An exemplary configuration of the biological sample analyzer of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1The biosample analyzer 6100 shown includes: a light irradiation unit 6101 that irradiates a biological sample S flowing in a flow channel C with light; a detection unit 6102 that detects the light generated by irradiating the biological sample S; and an information processing unit 6103 that processes information related to the light detected by the detection unit. For example, the biosample analyzer 6100 is a flow cytometer or an imaging cytometer. The biosample analyzer 6100 may include a sorting unit 6104 that sorts specific biological particles P from the biological sample. A biosample analyzer 6100 including a sorting unit is, for example, a cell sorter.

[0084] (Biological sample)

[0085] The biological sample S can be a liquid sample containing biological particles. Biological particles can be, for example, cells or non-cellular biological particles. Cells can be living cells, and more specific embodiments include blood cells (such as red blood cells and white blood cells) and germ cells (such as semen and fertilized eggs). Furthermore, cells can be those collected directly from a sample such as whole blood, or can be cultured cells obtained after culturing. Non-cellular biological particles, for example, are extracellular vesicles, or specifically, exosomes and microsomes. Biological particles can be labeled with one or more labeling substances, such as dyes (specifically, fluorescent dyes) and antibodies labeled with fluorescent dyes. Note that particles other than biological particles can be analyzed using the biological sample analyzer of this disclosure, and microbeads, etc., can be analyzed for calibration, etc.

[0086] (Flow channel)

[0087] The flow channel C is designed to form a flow of biological sample S. Specifically, the flow channel C can be designed to form a flow in which biological particles contained in the biological sample are substantially aligned in a single row. The flow channel structure including the flow channel C can be designed to form laminar flow. Specifically, the flow channel structure is designed to form a laminar flow such that the flow forming the biological sample (sample flow) is surrounded by a flow of sheath fluid. The design of the flow channel structure can be suitably chosen by those skilled in the art, or a known design can be used. The flow channel C can be formed in a flow channel structure such as a microchip (a chip with micron-sized flow channels) or a flow cell. The width of the flow channel C is less than 1 mm, or specifically, it can be greater than 10 μm and less than 1 mm. The flow channel C and the flow channel structure including the flow channel C can be made of materials such as plastic or glass.

[0088] The biosample analyzer of this disclosure is designed to irradiate a biological sample flowing in a flow channel C, or specifically, biological particles within the biological sample, with light from the light irradiation unit 6101. The biosample analyzer of this disclosure can be designed such that the irradiation point on the biological sample is located within the flow channel structure forming the flow channel C, or it can be designed such that the irradiation point is located outside the flow channel structure. An embodiment of the former may be a configuration where light is emitted onto the flow channel C in a microchip or flow cell. In the latter case, biological particles exiting the flow channel structure (specifically, its nozzle portion) can be irradiated with light, and an air-jet flow cytometer may be used, for example.

[0089] (Light Illumination Unit)

[0090] The light illumination unit 6101 includes a light source unit that emits light and a light-guiding optical system that guides the light to the illumination point. The light source unit includes one or more light sources. The type of light source is, for example, a laser source or an LED. The wavelength of the light emitted from each light source can be any wavelength of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. For example, the light-guiding optical system includes optical components such as beam splitters, mirrors, or optical fibers. The light-guiding optical system may also include a lens group for focusing the light and includes, for example, an objective lens. There may be one or more illumination points where the biological sample and the light intersect. The light illumination unit 6101 can be designed to collect light emitted from one or more light sources to one illumination point.

[0091] (Detection unit)

[0092] Detection unit 6102 includes at least one photodetector for detecting light generated by emitting light onto biological particles. For example, the light to be detected can be fluorescent or scattered light (such as one or more of the following: forward-scattered light, back-scattered light, and side-scattered light). For example, each photodetector includes one or more light-receiving elements and has an array of light-receiving elements. Each photodetector may include one or more photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and / or photodiodes such as APDs and MPPCs as light-receiving elements. The photodetector includes, for example, an array of PMTs arranged in a one-dimensional direction. Detection unit 6102 may also include an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. Using the image sensor, detection unit 6102 can acquire images of the biological particles (e.g., bright-field images, dark-field images, or fluorescence images).

[0093] The detection unit 6102 includes a detection optical system that directs light of a predetermined detection wavelength to a corresponding photodetector. The detection optical system includes a beam-splitting unit such as a prism or diffraction grating, or a wavelength-separating unit such as a dichroic mirror or filter. For example, the detection optical system is designed to disperse light generated by light irradiation onto biological particles and to detect the dispersed light using a photodetector that is larger than the number of fluorescent dyes labeling the biological particles. Flow cytometers that include such detection optical systems are called spectroscopic flow cytometers. Furthermore, for example, the detection optical system is designed to separate light corresponding to the fluorescence band of a specific fluorescent dye from the light generated by light irradiation onto biological particles and to detect the separated light using a corresponding photodetector.

[0094] The detection unit 6102 may further include a signal processing unit that converts the electrical signal acquired by the photodetector into a digital signal. The signal processing unit may include an A / D converter as a means of performing the conversion. The digital signal acquired by the conversion performed by the signal processing unit may be sent to the information processing unit 6103. This digital signal may be processed by the information processing unit 6103 into light-related data (hereinafter also referred to as "light data"). For example, the light data may be light data including fluorescence data. More specifically, the light data may be light intensity data, and the light intensity may be light intensity data including fluorescence (the light intensity data may include characteristic quantities such as area, height, and width).

[0095] (Information Processing Unit)

[0096] For example, the information processing unit 6103 includes a processing unit that performs processing on various types of data (e.g., light data) and a storage unit that stores various types of data. When the processing unit acquires light data corresponding to a fluorescent dye from the detection unit 6102, the processing unit can perform fluorescence leakage correction (compensation processing) on ​​the light intensity data. In the case of a spectroscopic flow cytometer, the processing unit also performs fluorescence separation processing on the light data and acquires light intensity data corresponding to the fluorescent dye. For example, fluorescence separation processing can be performed using the unmixing method disclosed in JP 2011-232259 A. When the detection unit 6102 includes an image sensor, the processing unit can acquire morphological information related to biological particles based on the image acquired by the image sensor. The storage unit can be designed to store the acquired light data. The storage unit can be designed to further store spectral reference data to be used in the unmixing processing.

[0097] In the case where the biological sample analyzer 6100 includes a sorting unit 6104, which will be described later, the information processing unit 6103 can determine whether to sort the biological particles based on optical data and / or morphological information. Then, the information processing unit 6103 controls the sorting unit 6104 based on the determination result, and the biological particles can be sorted by the sorting unit 6104.

[0098] The information processing unit 6103 can be designed to output various types of data (e.g., light data and images). For example, the information processing unit 6103 can output various data generated based on light data (e.g., two-dimensional curves or spectral curves). The information processing unit 6103 can also be designed to accept various types of data input and accept user-gated processing on the curve. The information processing unit 6103 may include output units (e.g., a display) or input units (e.g., a keyboard) for performing output or input.

[0099] The information processing unit 6103 can be designed as a general-purpose computer and can be designed as an information processing device including, for example, a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The information processing unit 6103 can be included in a housing including a light irradiation unit 6101 and a detection unit 6102, or it can be located outside the housing. Furthermore, various processes or functions to be performed by the information processing unit 6103 can be implemented via a server computer or the cloud connected to a network.

[0100] (Sorting Unit)

[0101] The sorting unit 6104 performs the sorting of biological particles based on the determined result executed by the information processing unit 6103. The sorting method may involve generating droplets containing biological particles through vibration, applying charge to the droplets to be sorted, and controlling the direction of droplet travel via electrodes. The sorting method may also be a method for sorting biological particles by controlling the direction of travel of the biological particles in a flow channel structure. For example, the flow channel structure has a control mechanism based on pressure (injection or aspiration) or charge. An embodiment of the flow channel structure may be a chip with a flow channel C branching downstream into a recovery flow channel and a waste flow channel, and specific biological particles being collected in the recovery flow channel (e.g., the chip disclosed in JP2020-76736 A).

[0102] (3) Examples of sorting operations

[0103] The following reference Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B An embodiment of the sorting operation according to this disclosure is described. Figure 2 An embodiment of the configuration of the biological particle sorting device according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3A This is a flowchart of the sorting process performed by the biological particle sorting equipment. Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the sorted products obtained through the sorting process.

[0104] (Equipment configuration example)

[0105] Figure 2 The illustrated biological particle sorting device 100 includes a light irradiation unit 101, a detection unit 102, and an information processing unit (determination unit) 103. Embodiments of the biological particle sorting device 100 include a cell sorter, a flow cytometer, and an imaging cell analyzer. The biological particle sorting device 100 also includes a sorting unit 104 for sorting biological particles.

[0106] The light irradiation unit 101, detection unit 102, information processing unit 103, and sorting unit 104 correspond to the light irradiation unit 6101, detection unit 6102, information processing unit 6103, and sorting unit 6104 described in (2) above. Therefore, the description of the light irradiation unit 6101, detection unit 6102, information processing unit 6103, and sorting unit 6104 also applies to the light irradiation unit 101, detection unit 102, information processing unit 103, and sorting unit 104. As described later, the sorting unit 104 can be configured to sort biological particles in an open space or a closed space. That is, the biological particle sorting device can be configured as a flow cytometer to sort biological particles in an open space or a closed space.

[0107] In addition, the biological particle sorting device 100 may also include a liquid supply unit 112, a storage unit 113, a display unit 114, a user interaction device (UI) 115, etc., which supplies various types of liquids (e.g., sample liquid, sheath fluid, etc.) to the chip 111 having a flow channel for sample flow.

[0108] For example, chip 111 may be a microfluidic chip. Alternatively, a flow cell may be used instead of a chip. Chip 111 may be alternatively attached to the bioparticle sorting device 100. The structure of the flow channel P of chip 111 may be suitably designed by those skilled in the art, and specifically, may be configured to form a laminar flow comprising a sheath fluid and a sample fluid comprising a sample of bioparticles.

[0109] The liquid supply unit 112 performs liquid supply to the chip as a sample solution including biological particles, and / or performs liquid supply to the chip's sheath fluid. For example, the liquid supply unit may include a pump, etc. Figure 2In the chip shown, the liquid supply unit introduces sample liquid into sample liquid flow channel P11 and sheath fluid into two sheath fluid flow channels P12a and P12b. Sample liquid flow channel P11 and sheath fluid flow channels P12a and P12b merge to form a main flow channel P13. The laminar flow of sample liquid supplied in sample liquid flow channel P11 and the laminar flow of sheath fluid supplied in sheath fluid flow channels P12a and P12b merge in the main flow channel P13 to form a sheath flow where the laminar flow of sample liquid is sandwiched between the laminar flow of sheath fluid.

[0110] For example, storage unit 113 can store various types of programs and various types of data to be used to control the biological particle sorting equipment, such as data related to the sorting results and data related to the number of particles.

[0111] Display unit 114 can display various types of screens that the user needs to use in order to use the biological particle sorting equipment.

[0112] For example, UI 115 can include various types of input / output devices. Users can operate the bioparticle sorting device through the UI.

[0113] (Processing procedure)

[0114] Referring to FIG3, an embodiment of the processing flow performed by the sorting operation executed by the biological particle sorting device 100 is described. The processing procedure is an embodiment of a processing procedure from sorting determination based on the detection result of light generated by irradiating a target particle with light to the sorting operation. Note that light irradiation can be performed by a light irradiation unit. Furthermore, light detection can be performed by a detection unit.

[0115] When the biological particle sorting device 100 performs a sorting operation (A) that sorts the target particles into only one containment space, the sorted target particles are recycled into the second container 122 through the sorting operation.

[0116] When the biological particle sorting device 100 performs a sorting operation (B) that sorts only target particles and non-target particles but allows sorted particles to be placed in an alternative containment space, the target particles are recovered into the first container 121 through the sorting operation. For example, sorting operation (B) can be performed when only non-target particles are allowed to be present in the vicinity of the target particles.

[0117] When these sorting operations are not performed, the identified target particles can be recycled into the third container 123. Alternatively, in this case, the identified target particles can be recycled into another flow channel.

[0118] In step S11, the biological particle sorting device 100 determines whether the target particle is the target particle to be sorted.

[0119] When the target particle is determined to be the target particle for sorting, the biological particle sorting device 100 proceeds to step S12.

[0120] When it is determined that the target particle is not the target particle for sorting, the biological particle sorting device 100 proceeds to step S13.

[0121] Step S11 can be specifically executed by the information processing unit 103.

[0122] In step S12, the biological particle sorting device 100 determines which of the particle groups (a) to (c) a particle may belong to within a predetermined range around the target particle (which is the sorting target particle).

[0123] (a) Sorting the target particle group; (b) A group of particles that are not the sorting target but are allowed to be sorted; and (c) A group of particles that are not the sorting target and are not allowed to be sorted.

[0124] Note that particles included in a biological sample can be particles belonging to any of (a) through (c). For example, particles in a biological sample can include particles belonging to particle group (a), particles belonging to particle group (b), and other particles (equivalent to particles belonging to particle group (c)).

[0125] When it is determined, as a result, that particles belonging to particle group (b) or particle group (c) do not exist within a predetermined range (shown as determination result A in the figure), the biological particle sorting device 100 proceeds to step S13. Note that, similarly, the biological particle sorting device 100 may proceed to step S13 when particles belonging to particle group (a) exist within a predetermined range (i.e., when one or more other sorting target particles exist within a predetermined range around the sorting target particles).

[0126] When it is determined that particles belonging to particle group (b) exist within a predetermined range but particles belonging to particle group (c) do not exist (shown as determination result B in the figure), the biological particle sorting device 100 proceeds to step S14. When it is determined that particles belonging to particle group (c) exist within a predetermined range (shown as determination result C in the figure), the biological particle sorting device 100 proceeds to step S15. Note that even if particles belonging to particle group (b) exist within the predetermined range, the biological particle sorting device 100 still proceeds to step S15 when it is determined that particles belonging to particle group (c) exist within the predetermined range. As described later, different operations are performed in steps S13, S14, and S15. That is, the biological particle sorting device 100 selects the operation to be performed based on the type of particles present within the predetermined range.

[0127] Step S12 can be specifically executed by the information processing unit 103.

[0128] For example, a biological particle sorting device can determine whether particles exist within a predetermined range around a target particle based on the time when light generated by illuminating a target particle has been detected and the time when light generated by illuminating a non-target particle flowing before and / or after the target particle has been detected.

[0129] For example, the velocity of the particles in the flow channel C can be calculated based on the difference between the time it takes for light generated by illuminating particles flowing in the flow channel at one location to be detected and the time it takes for light generated by illuminating particles at another location to be detected. For this calculation, the distance between the two illumination locations can be predetermined, and the particle velocity can be determined based on the difference between the two detection times and the distance.

[0130] Based on the difference between the time it takes for light generated by illuminating a defined target particle to be detected and the time it takes for light generated by illuminating a non-defined target particle to be detected, the biological particle sorting device can determine whether non-defined target particles exist within a predetermined range. More specifically, based on whether the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the biological particle sorting device can determine whether non-defined target particles exist within the predetermined range. In this way, the predetermined range can be a range identified based on a predetermined value related to the difference between time intervals.

[0131] Predetermined values ​​can be identified in advance. For example, a predetermined value can be identified by determining the degree of separation between target particles and non-target particles when forming a droplet containing particles, at which the non-target particles will no longer be included in the droplet.

[0132] Note that in this specification, the predetermined value is also referred to as "Guard Time". Furthermore, since the predetermined range can be identified based on the predetermined value as described above, the term "Guard Time" is used in some cases to mean the predetermined range in this specification.

[0133] Furthermore, although the above-described techniques assess the presence of particles within a predetermined region based on particle velocity, another technique described in this disclosure can also be used to assess the presence of particles within a predetermined region.

[0134] As described above, the biological particle sorting device can determine whether to recover the target particle based on whether the non-target particle exists within a predetermined range around the target particle and / or based on the type of the non-target particle.

[0135] As described above, by identifying unsorted target particles when non-target particles are present within a predetermined range, the purity of the target particles in the recovered particles can be improved.

[0136] On the other hand, when non-determined target particles are present within a predetermined range and are allowed to be included in the sorted product (e.g., where non-determined target particles do not adversely affect the analysis or use of the sorted product, or in other cases), the recovery of determined target particles also results in the recovery of non-determined target particles in the same container. This slightly reduces the purity of determined target particles in the sorted product, but can improve the recovery rate of sorted target particles.

[0137] In step S13, the biological particle sorting device 100 performs a sorting operation to sort the identified target particles (which are the sorting target particles) into the second container 122.

[0138] Since the particles identified as belonging to particle group (b) or particle group (c) are not present within a predetermined range around the identified target particle, the identified target particle is recovered into the second container 122 by performing a sorting operation.

[0139] Therefore, by repeating step S13, the sorted product obtained in the second container is a sorted product comprising the target particles of extremely high purity. For example, the purity may be equal to or higher than 90%, specifically equal to or higher than 93%, more specifically equal to or higher than 95%, and even more specifically equal to or higher than 97%, equal to or higher than 98%, or equal to or higher than 99%. Purity is the proportion of the number of target particles to the total number of particles in the sorted product. Note that in some cases, the sorted product includes particles other than the target particles, and the purity may be equal to or lower than 100%.

[0140] In step S13, specifically, the sorting unit 104 in the biological particle sorting device 100 performs a sorting operation. As explained in (2), the sorting operation can be an operation in which the sorting unit 104 generates droplets containing the target particles by vibration, applies a charge to the droplets, and uses electrodes to control the direction of the droplets' movement, thereby causing the droplets to move into the second container 122. In this way, the sorting operation can be a sorting operation that sorts biological particles in an open space. Alternatively, the sorting operation can be another sorting operation described above. The sorting operation can be a sorting operation in a closed space, for example, a sorting operation by suction or the like.

[0141] In this way, in step S13, a sorting operation can be performed to sort only the target particles into a single containment space.

[0142] In step S14, the biological particle sorting device 100 performs a sorting operation to sort the identified target particles (which are the sorting target particles) into the first container 121.

[0143] Since particles belonging to particle group (b) exist, but particles belonging to particle group (c) do not exist within a predetermined range around the target particle, particles belonging to particle group (b) are recycled into the first container 121 by performing a sorting operation, in addition to sorting the target particle.

[0144] Therefore, the sorting product obtained by repeating step S14 is a sorting product that includes non-sorting targets other than the target particles, but allows for the sorting of particles. For example, the purity of the target particles in the sorting product may be lower than the purity of the target particles in the sorting product obtained by repeating step S13, and may, for example, be equal to or lower than 70%, equal to or lower than 65%, or equal to or lower than 60%. Furthermore, for example, the purity of the sorting product obtained by repeating step S14 may be equal to or higher than 30%, equal to or higher than 35%, or equal to or higher than 40%.

[0145] If, when the proportion of permissible particles in a biological sample is high and the proportion of target particles to be sorted is very low, attempting to sort only the target particles will result in reduced sorting efficiency due to the large number of permissible particles. According to this disclosure, by sorting the target particles even when the permissible particles are within the predetermined range described above, the sorting efficiency of the target particles can be improved.

[0146] In step S14, specifically, the sorting unit 104 in the biological particle sorting device 100 performs a sorting operation. As explained in (2), the sorting operation can be performed by the sorting unit 104 generating droplets containing the target particles by vibration, applying a charge to the droplets, and using electrodes to control the direction of the droplets' movement, thereby causing the droplets to move into the first container 121. In this way, the sorting operation can be a sorting operation that sorts biological particles in an open space. Alternatively, the sorting operation can be another sorting operation described above. The sorting operation can be a sorting operation in a closed space, for example, a sorting operation by suction or the like.

[0147] In this way, in step S14, a sorting operation can be performed that sorts only target particles and non-target particles but allows the sorted particles to be sorted into alternative containment spaces.

[0148] In step S15, the biological particle sorting device 100 recovers the identified target particles into the third container 123.

[0149] Since the particles belonging to particle group (c) are present within a predetermined range around the identified target particle, the identified target particle is recycled into the third container 123, and the particles belonging to particle group (c) are also recycled into the third container 123.

[0150] In step S15, specifically, the sorting unit 104 in the biological particle sorting device 100 performs a recovery operation. For example, the recovery operation can be an operation as described in (2) that allows particles to advance to the third container 123 without using electrodes to control the direction of the generated droplets. The product in the third container can be treated as waste liquid or can be used as a sample for other sorted target particles.

[0151] In step S16, the biological particle sorting device 100 recovers the identified target particles into the third container 123.

[0152] In step S16, specifically, the sorting unit 104 in the biological particle sorting device 100 performs a recovery operation. For example, the recovery operation can be an operation as described in (2) that allows particles to advance to the third container 123 without using electrodes to control the direction of the generated droplets. The product in the third container can be treated as waste liquid or can be used as a sample for other sorted target particles.

[0153] By performing the processing procedure described above, a sorting product comprising high-purity sorting target particles is formed in the second container, and a sorting product comprising sorting target particles with a purity lower than that in the sorting product in the second container but with a relatively high purity is formed in the first container. Figure 3B Only those shown are from Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the portion S enclosed by the dashed line. (See diagram below.) Figure 3B As shown, a sorting product comprising high-purity sorting target particles 131 is obtained in the second container 122, and a sorting product comprising non-sorting target particles 132 other than the sorting target particles 131 is obtained in the first container 121. The purity of the sorting target particles in the first container 121 is lower than the purity of the sorting target particles in the second container 122.

[0154] In this way, the present disclosure enables the extraction of two or more types of sorted products with different purities of the target particles from a biological sample.

[0155] Furthermore, since the sorting product in the first container includes not only the target particles but also particles that are not the target particles, and these non-target particles are particles that are allowed to be sorted, the sorting product can be used for analyses that allow the presence of particles, etc.

[0156] In addition, by obtaining the sorted product in the first container in addition to the sorted product in the second container, the yield of the sorted target particles can be improved.

[0157] (4) Examples of particle counting

[0158] The biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can be configured to count the number of particles belonging to the particle group (b) described in (3), that is, to count the number of particles that are not the sorting target but are allowed to be sorted. The number of particles can be the number of particles in any containment space (specifically, any container), and specifically, the number of particles in a first containment space. For example, the counting can be performed by an information processing unit counting the number of times a particle (e.g., a target particle, particles surrounding the target particle, etc.) belongs to the particle group (b).

[0159] Note that in this specification, the number of particles belonging to particle group (a), the number of particles belonging to particle group (b), and the number of particles belonging to particle group (c) are also referred to as "the number of (a)," "the number of (b)," and "the number of (c)." Furthermore, these numbers can be the number of particles in any containment space (specifically, any container).

[0160] For example, the quantity of (b) is useful for identifying the composition ratio of particles in a sample. Furthermore, the quantity of (b) is also useful for identifying the recovery efficiency (also known as "efficiency") of the target particles being sorted. Specifically, these are particularly useful when the composition ratio of (b) in the sample is high.

[0161] The biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can be configured to display the quantity of (b) or to calculate a value or index using the quantity of (b).

[0162] Examples of values ​​calculated using the quantity of (b) include values ​​calculated using the quantity of (b) as a numerator or as an element of a numerator (specifically, proportionally), and values ​​calculated using the quantity of (b) as a denominator or as an element of a denominator (specifically, proportionally), and these are not the only examples. Examples of values ​​calculated using the quantity of (b) include the recovery efficiency of the sorted target particles described above.

[0163] For example, this value can be a proportion expressed by the following formula.

[0164] Ratio 1=(a) / ((a)+(b)+(c))

[0165] In the formula, (a), (b), and (c) represent the quantities of (a), (b), and (c), respectively. This also applies to the other formulas mentioned below.

[0166] In addition, this value can be a proportion expressed by the following formula.

[0167] Ratio 2 = (b) / ((a) + (b) + (c))

[0168] In addition, this value can be a proportion expressed by the following formula.

[0169] Ratio 3 = ((a)+(b)) / ((a)+(b)+(c))

[0170] An embodiment of an index calculated using the quantity of (b) includes a determination result based on the quantity of (b) and a determination result based on the value calculated using the quantity of (b). For example, the determination result may be a display indicating good recycling efficiency (e.g., a character or symbol indicating good recycling efficiency, such as "good") or a display indicating poor recycling efficiency (e.g., a character or symbol indicating poor recycling efficiency, such as "bad"). For example, such a determination result may be output when the value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold or less than a threshold.

[0171] The biological particle sorting apparatus according to this disclosure can definitively display the calculated value or index without using the quantity of (b). Furthermore, the biological particle sorting apparatus according to this disclosure can display the quantity of (a) and / or (c).

[0172] Examples of values ​​calculated without using the quantity in (b) include values ​​calculated using the quantity in (a) as a molecule or as an element of a molecule (specifically, a proportion), but this is not the only example. Examples of values ​​calculated using the quantity in (a) include the recovery efficiency of the sorted target particles described above. For example, this value could be a proportion expressed by the following formula.

[0173] Ratio 4=(a) / ((a)+(c))

[0174] An embodiment of an index calculated without using the quantity in (b) includes a determination result based on the quantity in (a) and a determination result based on the value calculated using the quantity in (a). For example, the determination result could be a display indicating whether the recovery efficiency is good or bad. For example, such a determination result could be output when the recovery efficiency is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold or lower than a threshold.

[0175] Furthermore, the following ratios 5 and / or 6 can be calculated according to the biological particle sorting device of this disclosure.

[0176] Ratio 5 = (a) / ((a)+(b))

[0177] Ratio 6 = (b) / ((a) + (b))

[0178] The biological particle sorting apparatus (specifically, the display unit) according to this disclosure can display any one or more of the above-mentioned proportions (specifically, proportions 1 to 6). This proportion can be a proportion within any of the above-mentioned containment spaces, and specifically, a proportion within the first containment space.

[0179] In one embodiment, the biological particle sorting device (specifically, the display unit) can display a ratio 5. For example, ratio 5 can be a ratio in any of the aforementioned containment spaces, and specifically, it can be a ratio in the first containment space.

[0180] Since the biological particle sorting apparatus according to this disclosure may have a display section that displays information relating to the purity of the target particles to be sorted, which are included in the first containment space, such information may include a ratio.

[0181] Furthermore, the biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can calculate the following totals 1 and / or 2.

[0182] Total 1 = (a) + (b)

[0183] Total 2 = (a) + (b) + (c)

[0184] The biological particle sorting device (specifically, the display unit) according to this disclosure can display one or more of the above totals (specifically, totals 1 and 2). The total can be the total number of particles in any of the above-mentioned containment spaces, and specifically, it can be the proportion in the first containment space.

[0185] Since the biological particle sorting apparatus according to this disclosure can have a display section that displays information related to the purity of the target particles to be sorted, which are included in the first containment space, the display section can display the total number as a part of the information related to purity or as information different from the information related to purity.

[0186] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the number of counts per unit time (b) can be calculated. Similarly, the number of counts per unit time (a) or the number of counts per unit time (c) can be calculated. The biological particle sorting device (specifically, the display unit) according to this disclosure can display values ​​related to the frequency of such events.

[0187] For example, it is also conceivable to use, for example, (a) / ((a)+(c)) as purity, and by using the quantity of (b), the extent to which (a) is included relative to (a)+(b)+(c) can be known. Furthermore, this disclosure can also know the quantity of (b) itself.

[0188] In this disclosure, as an index relating to the sorting product (the sorting product recovered in the first container mentioned above) which is intended to sort only particles belonging to particle group (a), for example, the sorting target particle ratio (specifically, the sorting target cell ratio) relating to (a) can be represented by (a) / ((a)+(b)).

[0189] Furthermore, in the case of obtaining a sorted product that includes only particles belonging to particle group (a) and a sorted product that includes only particles belonging to particle group (b), (a) / ((a)+(c)) can be used as the purity of (a). In this case, the true proportion of (a) can be determined by presenting the proportion of (b).

[0190] By displaying the quantity of (b) or using the value or index calculated from the quantity of (b), in cases where the sample includes particles of (b), specifically, in cases where many particles belonging to particle group (b) are included in the sample, or in other cases, information useful for the analysis of biological samples can be provided to the user.

[0191] Additionally, a predetermined particle sorting operation can be performed based on the quantity of (b). For example, a biological particle sorting device can be configured to perform a particle sorting operation in a sorting mode that acquires two or more types of sorted products when the quantity of particles belonging to particle group (b) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or when the ratio of the quantity of particles belonging to particle group (b) to the quantity of particles belonging to particle group (a) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this way, the biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can automatically adopt a specific sorting mode based on the quantity of (b).

[0192] (5) Example of a sorting mode setting screen

[0193] The biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can be configured to perform particle sorting operations in a sorting mode other than the sorting mode that obtains two or more types of sorted products.

[0194] For example, a biological particle sorting device can perform a sorting process in which, when a determination result A as described in (3) is obtained for a determined target particle, the determined target particle is sorted, and when a determination result B or C as described in (3) is obtained for a determined target particle, the determined target particle is discarded without being sorted. That is, the biological particle sorting device can be configured to perform a sorting mode that obtains a sorting product with high purity of the sorted target particle.

[0195] For example, the sorting mode can be set by accepting user input into the biological particle sorting device and displaying the screen on the display unit.

[0196] In one embodiment, the bioparticle sorting device is configured such that a display shows a screen prompting a user to select a sorting mode, and the screen can be configured to allow selection of a sorting mode that acquires two or more types of sorted products. (See also...) Figures 4A to 4H This illustrates an embodiment of such a display. The display 200 shown in the figure is an embodiment of a biological particle sorting device configured to recover sorted products in each of four containers.

[0197] Biological particle sorting equipment (e.g., display unit) displays Figure 4A The screen shown is (e.g., window) 200. For example, the screen can be displayed at any stage before the sorting process is performed on the biological sample, but it can also be displayed at another stage. On screen 200, far left, left, right, and far right are displayed as the individual names of four containers. These displays also indicate the positions of the containers.

[0198] like Figure 4B As shown, screen 200 has a sorting scheme selection field 201 (sorting type), a sorting gate selection field 202 (sorting gate), an allow sorting gate selection field 203 (ignore gate), and a sorting stop count selection field 204 (stop count) associated with each of the four containers. Note that the allow sorting gate can be referred to as the ignore gate.

[0199] For example, each selection field can be displayed as a dropdown list as shown in the image, but it can also be displayed in another way. The following explains each selection field.

[0200] When a user selects sorting scheme selection field 201 to specify the sorting products to be formed in the far left of the container, for example... Figure 4C As shown, a list of selectable sorting schemes is displayed. In the figure, the purity priority scheme (purity) and the ignore scheme (ignore) are displayed as selectable sorting types in the list of selectable sorting schemes.

[0201] The system identifies the sorting scheme used to obtain the sorted product to be formed in the far left of the container by having the user select the desired sorting scheme from the sorting schemes.

[0202] Furthermore, when a user selects the sorting gate selection field 202 to specify the target particles to be included in the sorting product to be formed in the far left of the container, for example, as Figure 4D As shown, a list of selectable gates is displayed. In the figure, four gates A through D are shown as selectable gates in the list. Each gate can be preset by the user. For example, the gate setting can be appropriately performed by the user based on the target particles and / or biological samples to be sorted.

[0203] The system identifies target particles that should be sorted into the far left of the container by having the user select the desired gate from the sorting gates.

[0204] Furthermore, when the user selects the allow sorting gate selection field 203 to specify particles that are allowed to be included in the sorting product to be formed in the far left of the container but are not the sorting target, for example, such as Figure 4E As shown, a list of selectable doors is displayed. In the diagram, four doors, A through D, are shown as selectable doors in the list. Each door can be configured appropriately by the user.

[0205] By allowing the user to select a sorting gate from the gates, particles that are allowed to be sorted into the far left of the container but are not the sorting target are identified.

[0206] Furthermore, to allow users to specify the number of particles that should be recycled into the container, the sorting stop count selection field 204 can be configured to allow selecting the desired number from a list, or it can be configured to allow entering the desired number. The sorting stop count allows the sorting operation to stop when the number of particles to be sorted reaches the number selected or entered in the field.

[0207] For example, depending on the sorting scheme selected in the sorting scheme selection field, the allowable sorting gate selection field can be displayed as selectable or as unselectable. For instance, for a purity-first scheme (purity), the allowable sorting gate selection field does not need to be considered. Therefore, a bioparticle sorting device can make the allowable sorting gate selection field unselectable, and, for example, can disable the dropdown menu in response to selecting a purity-first scheme in the sorting scheme selection field. Figure 4F In the figure, an embodiment in which the selection field of the sorting gate is not selectable is indicated by reference numeral 208.

[0208] On the other hand, in the ignore scheme (ignore), it is necessary to consider the allowable sorting gate selection field. Therefore, the biological particle sorting device can make the allowable sorting gate selection field selectable, and for example, in response to the ignore scheme being selected in the sorting scheme selection field, a drop-down box can be enabled.

[0209] In this way, the biological particle sorting equipment can change the allowed sorting gate selection fields according to the selected sorting scheme. This prevents users from making unnecessary gate selections.

[0210] exist Figure 4F The screen then displays the settings related to the four containers.

[0211] For the container far left, the purity priority scheme is selected as the sorting scheme, gate A is selected as the sorting gate, and 10000 is selected as the sorting stop count.

[0212] For the left container, the ignore scheme is selected as the sorting scheme, gate A is selected as the sorting gate, gate B is selected as the allowed sorting gate, and 1000 is selected as the sorting stop count.

[0213] That is, based on the settings related to the far left of the container and the settings related to the left of the container, the sorting operation according to this disclosure is performed on the particles belonging to gate A, and two types of sorted products with different purities of the target particles (particles belonging to gate A) are obtained.

[0214] Furthermore, in the diagram, a purity-priority scheme and an ignore scheme are selected for the same sorting target particles (particles belonging to gate A). When both the purity-priority scheme and the ignore scheme are set in this way for the same sorting target particles (e.g., particles belonging to the same gate), for example, the sorting operation in the purity-priority scheme can be preferentially assigned to a specific sorting target particle.

[0215] Furthermore, for container right, the purity priority scheme was selected as the sorting scheme, gate C was selected as the sorting gate, and 10000 was selected as the sorting stop count.

[0216] For containers far to the right, the ignore scheme is selected as the sorting scheme, gate C is selected as the sorting gate, gate D is selected as the allowed sorting gate, and 1000 is selected as the sorting stop count.

[0217] That is, based on the settings related to the right of the container and the settings related to the far right of the container, the sorting operation according to this disclosure is performed on particles belonging to gate C, and two types of sorted products with different purities of the target particles (particles belonging to gate C) are obtained.

[0218] Furthermore, in the diagram, for the same sorting target particles (particles belonging to gate C), a purity-priority scheme and an ignore scheme are selected. As mentioned above, when both a purity-priority scheme and an ignore scheme are set for the same sorting target particles, for example, the sorting operation in the purity-priority scheme can be preferentially assigned to a specific sorting target particle.

[0219] In this way, the biological particle sorting device according to the present disclosure includes a display unit that displays a screen for prompting a user to select a sorting mode, and the screen can be configured to allow selection of a sorting mode that acquires two or more types of sorted products.

[0220] In addition, this screen can be used to set up various particle sorting operations.

[0221] For example, a bioparticle sorting device can perform particle sorting operations in a sorting mode, wherein high-purity sorted products of two or more types of target particles are obtained by performing sorting operations only according to a purity priority scheme for each of two or more types of target particles. For example, the bioparticle sorting device can be configured to perform a sorting mode that obtains sorted products of high-purity target particle A, high-purity target particle B, high-purity target particle C, and high-purity target particle D. Figure 4G An example of screen settings for performing particle sorting operations in this sorting mode is shown. As shown, a purity priority scheme can be selected as the sorting scheme for each of the target particles A to D.

[0222] Furthermore, the biological particle sorting device can be configured to perform particle sorting operations for each of one or more types of target particles, in a particle sorting operation that yields two types of sorting products with different purities according to this disclosure. An implementation of the screen settings for performing the particle sorting operation is as described above. Figure 4F As explained, and the screen in the figure is set up so that for each of the two types of target particles (particles belonging to gate A and particles belonging to gate C), a particle sorting operation is performed in a sorting mode that obtains two types of sorting products with different purities.

[0223] Furthermore, the biological particle sorting device can perform particle sorting operations in this sorting mode: obtaining a sorted product with high purity for each of one or more types of target particles; and performing a particle sorting operation according to this disclosure for each of one or more other types of target particles to obtain two types of sorted products with different purities. Figure 4H The figure illustrates an embodiment of the screen setup for performing particle sorting operations in this sorting mode. The screen in the figure is set to perform a particle sorting operation in a sorting mode that obtains two sorting products with different purities for a sorting target particle (particles belonging to gate A), and selects a purity priority scheme as the sorting scheme for each of the two sorting target particles (particles belonging to gate C and particles belonging to gate D).

[0224] (6) Example of a screen that prompts the switching of sorting modes

[0225] The biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure can be configured to allow switching of sorting modes during particle sorting operations on samples.

[0226] For example, in some cases, the proportion of target particles and / or the proportion of non-target but permissible particles to be sorted are only known after the particle sorting operation has been performed. By enabling the sorting mode to be changed at a stage where the proportions are known, it is possible to select an appropriate sorting mode corresponding to the proportions.

[0227] In this way, particle sorting operations that correspond to the user's needs become possible by displaying a screen during the particle sorting operation to prompt the selection of a sorting mode.

[0228] Reference Figures 5A to 5C An example illustrating the display mode of the screen. Figure 5A This is an example of a screen illustrating a sorting operation. The screen shown in the figure illustrates the sorting of particles belonging to phylum A and particles belonging to phylum B from a specific biological sample. In the figure, a sorting operation is being performed that results in different sorting products forming in two containers (right and left).

[0229] The sorting gate represents the gate through which target particles are sorted into each container. Elapsed time represents the elapsed time of the sorting operation. Remaining time represents the remaining time of the sorting operation. Sorting count represents the number of target particles sorted. Sorting rate represents the rate at which the sorting operation is performed, and eps is (number of events / second) and represents the frequency of the relevant events. Sorting efficiency represents the sorting efficiency. Discard count represents the number of times particles were discarded.

[0230] Based on such values ​​related to the sorting operation results, the biological particle sorting equipment can display a screen to prompt the selection of a sorting mode.

[0231] For example, such as Figure 5B As shown, based on the discard count, specifically, based on the sorting count and the discard count, a screen 400 can be displayed that prompts the selection of a sorting mode. Figure 5C An example of the screen is shown. As illustrated, the screen indicates a large discard count. Furthermore, the screen indicates that by employing an alternative sorting scheme (ignore mode), it is possible to obtain sorted products with high purity and yield. This display encourages the user to change the sorting mode.

[0232] In addition, the screen displays button 401 (Sorting Setting) for starting to change the sorting mode settings. In response to button selection, the bioparticle sorting device can display the settings described above. Figure 4A This is a sorting operation setting screen similar to the one shown. Therefore, the sorting mode settings can be changed easily and conveniently.

[0233] In addition, the screen also displays a button 402 (Close) for closing screen 400. In response to button selection, the biological particle sorting device closes screen 400. For example, the button allows for situations where the user does not wish to change the sorting settings during the sorting operation.

[0234] Biological particle sorting equipment can present scenarios for sorting-based operations, such as... Figure 5C The screen shown prompts you to select a sorting mode.

[0235] For example, a biological particle sorting device may display this screen when, for instance, the number of discarded particles equals or exceeds a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be a value pre-set by the device or a value set by the user. The predetermined value can be appropriately set by someone skilled in the art.

[0236] In several embodiments, the biological particle sorting device may display a screen prompting the selection of a sorting mode based on the ratio between the sorting count and the discard count. For example, the biological particle sorting device may display this screen when the discard count is equal to or greater than, 1.5 times or greater than, 2 times or greater than, 2.5 times or greater than, or 3 times or greater than the sorting count.

[0237] In this way, by prompting a change in sorting mode when the number of discarded samples is large, sorting processes suitable for the composition of the samples can be performed.

[0238] Note that the discard count can represent the number of times a target particle was determined to be a sorting target particle, but because non-target particles exist within a predetermined range around the target particle (e.g., because non-target particles are non-sorting target particles), it also represents the number of times the target particle was not sorted. The discard count can be represented by the number of particles belonging to particle group (b).

[0239] The sorting count can represent the number of times a target particle is identified as a sorting target particle and the number of times the target particle is identified through sorting. The sorting count can be represented by the number of particles belonging to particle group (a).

[0240] Therefore, when the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or when the ratio of the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) to the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the biological particle sorting device can display a screen on the display unit to prompt the selection of a sorting mode for obtaining two or more types of sorted products.

[0241] 2. Second Implementation Method (Bioparticle Sorting Method)

[0242] This disclosure also relates to a method for sorting biological particles. The method may include: performing a sorting determination on particles included in a biological sample, such that target particles and non-target particles, but allowed to be sorted, are sorted into a first containment space; and displaying information relating to the purity of the target particles included in the first containment space. The sorting determination can be performed when executed by the biological particle sorting apparatus (specifically, the determination unit) according to this disclosure as described in "1.", and this description also applies to the method. Furthermore, the display of information can be performed when executing the biological particle sorting apparatus (specifically, the display unit) according to this disclosure as described in "1.", and this description also applies to the method.

[0243] Furthermore, the biological particle sorting method may include performing a particle sorting operation, wherein two or more types of sorted products are obtained from a biological sample, and the particle sorting operation may be performed to obtain at least two types of sorted products having different purities of the target particles. The biological particle sorting method may include a particle sorting operation performed by the biological particle sorting apparatus according to the present disclosure as described in "1.", and this description also applies to the method. That is, the biological particle sorting method may be a particle sorting operation wherein two or more types of sorted products are obtained from a biological sample, and at least two types of sorted products having different purities of the target particles can be obtained in the particle sorting operation.

[0244] Details of each step performed in the method according to this disclosure are as described in “1.” and specifically as illustrated in the flowchart with reference to FIG3, and this description also applies to this embodiment.

[0245] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides a program for causing a bioparticle sorting device to execute the bioparticle sorting method according to this disclosure. For example, the program can be stored in the bioparticle sorting device (e.g., a storage unit) or in an information storage medium. For example, the information storage medium can be an SD card, a micro SD card, a CD, a DVD, flash memory, or a magnetic recording medium.

[0246] Note that this disclosure can be configured in the following ways.

[0247] [1] A biological particle sorting device, comprising: The determination unit performs sorting determination on particles included in the biological sample, such that target particles and non-target particles, but allowed to be sorted, are sorted into a first containment space; and The display unit shows information related to the purity of the sorted target particles included in the first accommodating space.

[0248] [2] According to the biological particle sorting equipment in [1], wherein, The determining unit performs sorting determination in a sorting mode, in which particles included in the biological sample are sorted into two or more containment spaces, including a first containment space and a second containment space. The sorting mode is configured to perform at least one of sorting operation (A) and sorting operation (B), wherein, Sorting operation (A) is a sorting operation that only sorts the target particles into the second containment space, and Sorting operation (B) is a sorting operation that sorts only target particles and non-target particles but allows the particles to be sorted into the first containment space.

[0249] [3] According to the biological particle sorting equipment in [2], wherein, The display unit shows information related to the purity of the sorted target particles included in the second containment space.

[0250] [4] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein, The biological particle sorting device is configured to display at least one of the following as information relating to the purity of the target particles to be sorted, included in the first containment space: In the first containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to particle groups (a), (b), and (c) is as follows: In the first containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b), and In the first containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (c) is as follows: Particle group (a) is the particle group that is being sorted for the target particles. Particle group (b) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target but are allowed to be sorted, and Particle group (c) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target and are not allowed to be sorted.

[0251] [5] According to the biological particle sorting equipment of [3] or [4], wherein, The biological particle sorting device is configured to display at least one of the following as information relating to the purity of the target particles to be sorted, included in the second containment space: In the second containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to particle groups (a), (b), and (c) is as follows: In the second containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b), and In the second containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (c) is as follows: Particle group (a) is the particle group that is being sorted for the target particles. Particle group (b) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target but are allowed to be sorted, and Particle group (c) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target and are not allowed to be sorted.

[0252] [6] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [2] to [5], wherein, The determining unit performs sorting determination in a sorting mode, in which particles included in the biological sample are sorted into two or more containment spaces, including at least a first containment space and a second containment space. The sorting mode is configured to perform at least one of sorting operation (A) and sorting operation (B), wherein, Sorting operation (A) is a sorting operation that only sorts the target particles into the second containment space, and Sorting operation (B) is a sorting operation that only sorts target particles and non-sorting target particles, but allows the particles to be sorted to be placed into the first containment space, and The purity of the sorted target particles included in the first containment space is different from the purity of the sorted target particles included in the second containment space.

[0253] [7] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein, The determining unit performs sorting determination in a sorting mode, in which particles included in the biological sample are sorted into two or more containment spaces, including a first containment space. The bioparticle sorting equipment is configured to display at least one of the following as information related to the purity of the target particles to be sorted: In at least one of two or more containment spaces, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to particle groups (a), (b), and (c) is given. In the containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b), and In the containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (c) is given by: Particle group (a) is the particle group that is being sorted for the target particles. Particle group (b) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target but are allowed to be sorted, and Particle group (c) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target and are not allowed to be sorted.

[0254] [8] According to the biological particle sorting equipment of [7], wherein, The biological particle sorting equipment is configured to perform sorting operations (A') and (B') in the particle sorting operation of the sorting mode, wherein, The sorting operation (A') is a sorting operation that only sorts the target particles into a single containment space, and The sorting operation (B') is a sorting operation that separates only the target particles from the non-target particles, but allows the particles to be sorted to be placed into alternative containment spaces. The sorted product obtained by sorting operation (A') in one containment space and the sorted product obtained by sorting operation (B') in an alternative containment space are two types of sorted products with different purities.

[0255] [9] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [2] to [8], wherein, The determination unit is configured to, during particle sorting operations in sorting mode, determine which of the following groups—particle group (a), particle group (b), and particle group (c)—the target particle and particles that may exist within a predetermined range around the target particle belong to. Particle group (a) is the particle group that is being sorted for the target particles. Particle group (b) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target but are allowed to be sorted, and Particle group (c) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target and are not allowed to be sorted. Biological particle sorting equipment: When a target particle is determined to belong to particle group (a), and when particles belonging to particle group (b) or particle group (c) are not present within a predetermined range, the determined target particle is sorted into the second containment space, and When it is determined that the target particle belongs to particle group (a), and when particles belonging to particle group (b) exist within a predetermined range but particles belonging to particle group (c) do not exist within the predetermined range, the target particle is sorted into the first containment space.

[0256]

[10] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [2] to [9], wherein, In addition to the sorting mode, the bioparticle sorting equipment is configured to perform particle sorting operations in another sorting mode.

[0257]

[11] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [2] to

[10] , wherein, The biological particle sorting equipment is configured to display a screen on the display unit to prompt the user to select a sorting mode, and The screen is configured to allow selection of sorting modes.

[0258]

[12] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [2] to

[11] , wherein, When the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or When the ratio of the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) to the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, The biological particle sorting equipment performs particle sorting operations in sorting mode.

[0259]

[13] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [2] to

[12] , wherein, The biological particle sorting equipment is configured to switch sorting modes during particle sorting operations, and When the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or When the ratio of the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) to the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, The biological particle sorting equipment displays a screen on the display unit to prompt the selection of a sorting mode.

[0260]

[14] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein, The biological particle sorting equipment is configured to count the number of particles that are not the sorting target but are allowed to be sorted.

[0261]

[15] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein, The biological particle sorting device is a flow cytometer configured to sort biological particles in an open or closed space.

[0262]

[16] A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [1] to

[15] , wherein, The biological particle sorting equipment is an imaging flow cytometer.

[0263]

[17] A method for sorting biological particles, comprising: Sorting determination is performed on particles included in the biological sample, such that target particles and non-target particles, but allowing particles to be sorted, are sorted into a first containment space; and Displays information related to the purity of the sorted target particles included in the first containment space.

[0264] List of reference numerals

[0265] 100 biological particle sorting equipment

[0266] 101 light irradiation units

[0267] 102 Detection Units

[0268] 103 Information Processing Unit

[0269] 6100 Biosample Analyzer (Bioparticle Sorting Equipment)

[0270] 6101 Light Illumination Unit

[0271] 6102 Detection Unit

[0272] 6103 Information Processing Unit.

Claims

1. A biological particle sorting device, comprising: The determination unit performs sorting determination on particles included in the biological sample, such that target particles and non-target particles that are allowed to be sorted are sorted into the first containment space; as well as The display unit shows information related to the purity of the sorted target particles included in the first accommodating space.

2. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The determination unit performs the sorting determination in a sorting mode, in which the particles included in the biological sample are sorted into two or more containment spaces including the first containment space and the second containment space, and The sorting mode is configured to perform at least one of sorting operation (A) and sorting operation (B), wherein, The sorting operation (A) is a sorting operation that only sorts the target particles into the second containment space, and The sorting operation (B) is a sorting operation that sorts only target particles and non-target particles but allows the particles to be sorted into the first containment space.

3. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein, The display unit shows information related to the purity of the sorted target particles included in the second containment space.

4. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The bioparticle sorting device is configured to display at least one of the following as information relating to the purity of the target particles to be sorted, included in the first containment space: In the first accommodating space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to particle group (a), particle group (b), and particle group (c) is as follows: In the first accommodating space, the proportion of the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b), and In the first accommodating space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (c) is as follows: The particle group (a) is the particle group for sorting the target particles. The particle group (b) is a non-sorting target but allows for the sorting of particles, and The particle group (c) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target and are not allowed to be sorted.

5. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 3, wherein, The bioparticle sorting device is configured to display at least one of the following as information relating to the purity of the target particles to be sorted, included in the second containment space: In the second containment space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to particle group (a), particle group (b), and particle group (c) is... In the second containment space, the proportion of the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b), and In the second accommodating space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (c) is as follows: The particle group (a) is the particle group for sorting the target particles. The particle group (b) is a non-sorting target but allows for the sorting of particles, and The particle group (c) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target and are not allowed to be sorted.

6. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein, The determining unit performs the sorting determination in the sorting mode, in which the particles included in the biological sample are sorted into two or more containment spaces, including at least the first containment space and the second containment space. The sorting mode is configured to perform at least one of the sorting operation (A) and the sorting operation (B), wherein, The sorting operation (A) is a sorting operation that only sorts the target particles into the second containment space, and The sorting operation (B) is a sorting operation that only sorts target particles and non-sorting targets, but allows the particles to be sorted to be placed into the first receiving space, and The purity of the sorted target particles included in the first containment space is different from the purity of the sorted target particles included in the second containment space.

7. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The determining unit performs the sorting determination in a sorting mode, in which the particles included in the biological sample are sorted into two or more containment spaces including the first containment space, and The biological particle sorting device is configured to display at least one of the following as information relating to the purity of the target particles to be sorted: In at least one of the two or more containment spaces, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to particle group (a), particle group (b), and particle group (c) is as follows: In the containing space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (b), and In the containing space, the proportion of particles belonging to particle group (a) to the total number of particles belonging to both particle group (a) and particle group (c) is as follows: The particle group (a) is the particle group for sorting the target particles. The particle group (b) is a non-sorting target but allows for the sorting of particles, and The particle group (c) is a group of particles that are not the sorting target and are not allowed to be sorted.

8. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 7, wherein, The biological particle sorting device is configured to perform sorting operation (A') and sorting operation (B') in the particle sorting operation of the sorting mode, wherein, The sorting operation (A') is a sorting operation that only sorts the target particles into a single containment space, and The sorting operation (B') is a sorting operation that only sorts target particles and non-sorting targets, but allows the sorted particles to be placed into alternative containment spaces, and The sorted product obtained by the sorting operation (A') in the one containment space and the sorted product obtained by the sorting operation (B') in the alternative containment space are two types of sorted products with different purities.

9. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein, The determining unit is configured to, during particle sorting operations in the sorting mode, determine which of the following groups—particle group (a), particle group (b), and particle group (c)—the target particle and particles that may exist within a predetermined range around the target particle belong to. The particle group (a) is the particle group for sorting the target particles. The particle group (b) is a non-sorting target but allows for the sorting of particles, and The particle group (c) is a non-sorting target and a particle group that is not allowed to be sorted. The biological particle sorting equipment: When the identified target particle belongs to particle group (a), and when particles belonging to particle group (b) or particle group (c) are not present within the predetermined range, the identified target particle is sorted into the second containing space, and When the determined target particle belongs to the particle group (a), and when the particles belonging to the particle group (b) exist within the predetermined range but the particles belonging to the particle group (c) do not exist within the predetermined range, the determined target particle is sorted into the first accommodating space.

10. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein, In addition to the aforementioned sorting mode, the biological particle sorting device is configured to perform particle sorting operations in another sorting mode.

11. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein, The biological particle sorting device is configured to display a screen on the display unit that prompts the user to select a sorting mode, and The screen is configured to allow selection of the sorting mode.

12. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein, When the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or When the ratio of the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) to the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, The biological particle sorting equipment performs particle sorting operations in the sorting mode.

13. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein, The biological particle sorting device is configured to switch sorting modes during particle sorting operations, and When the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or When the ratio of the number of particles belonging to particle group (b) to the number of particles belonging to particle group (a) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, The biological particle sorting device displays a screen on the display unit that prompts the selection of the sorting mode.

14. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The biological particle sorting device is configured to count the number of particles that are not the sorting target but are allowed to be sorted.

15. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The biological particle sorting device is configured as a flow cytometer to sort biological particles in an open or enclosed space.

16. The biological particle sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The biological particle sorting device is an imaging flow cytometer.

17. A method for sorting biological particles, comprising: Sorting determination is performed on particles included in the biological sample, such that target particles and non-target particles, but allowing particles to be sorted, are sorted into a first containment space; and This displays information related to the purity of the sorted target particles included in the first containment space.

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