Particle recovery apparatus and particle recovery method

Abstract

The present invention has an object to recover a formed component contained in a liquid sample of various densities. Means for solving the problem is a particle recovery device and a particle recovery method, the particle recovery device being a particle recovery device for recovering a particle contained in a liquid sample, having: a flow cell having a flow path through which the liquid sample flows; a density acquisition section that acquires a density of the liquid sample; a standing wave forming unit that radiates an ultrasonic wave into the flow path to generate a standing wave; a control section that determines a frequency of the ultrasonic wave that generates the standing wave in the flow path based on the density acquired by the density acquisition section, and causes the standing wave forming unit to radiate the ultrasonic wave of the determined frequency; and a recovery unit that recovers the particle gathered in the flow path by the standing wave.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to particle recovery apparatus and particle recovery method. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic waves are irradiated into a flow channel filled with a liquid sample containing particles, forming nodes of a standing wave within the flow channel. Particles that accumulate at the nodes of the standing wave are then recovered.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for a particulate processing device in which ultrasonic waves are applied to a flow channel through which a solution containing solvent components and particulate components flows, generating nodes of sound pressure at predetermined positions in the flow channel, thereby separating and recovering the particulate components.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-82723 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the field of clinical examination, urine sediment analysis is used, for example, to examine the health status of a urine excretor by analyzing the quantity and types of formed elements such as red blood cells and white blood cells in a liquid sample like urine. Since the amount of formed elements in urine is trace, it is preferable to obtain a concentrated solution with increased concentration of formed elements in the urine by recovering the formed elements in the urine into a small amount of solvent, and then analyze the formed elements contained in the concentrated solution.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to effectively recover particles contained in liquid samples.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] In liquid samples such as urine, the amount of urine excreted and the components excreted from the body into the urine vary depending on the individual's water intake, sweating, dietary restrictions, and health status. Therefore, the density and composition of the liquid portion of urine are diverse. The inventors irradiated a flow channel filled with a liquid sample, such as urine, with a single frequency of ultrasound to generate a standing wave with nodes within the flow channel. The formed elements accumulated at the nodes were recovered into a small amount of liquid to obtain a concentrated solution of the formed elements. The recovery rate of the formed elements in the concentrated solution was measured, and the results showed that the frequency of the ultrasound that enables good recovery of formed elements varies depending on the density of the liquid portion of the liquid sample.

[0012] The particle recovery apparatus of the first aspect of this disclosure is based on the above-mentioned discovery. The particle recovery apparatus includes: a flow cell having a flow channel for the flow of a liquid sample; a density acquisition unit for acquiring the density of the liquid sample; a standing wave forming unit for generating a standing wave by irradiating ultrasonic waves into the flow channel; a control unit for determining the frequency of the ultrasonic waves that generate the standing wave in the flow channel based on the density acquired by the density acquisition unit, and irradiating the standing wave forming unit with ultrasonic waves of the determined frequency; and a recovery unit for recovering particles that accumulate in the flow channel by the standing wave.

[0013] The particle recovery apparatus of the first aspect of this disclosure provides an apparatus for recovering particles contained in liquid samples with varying densities with a high recovery rate by comprising a standing wave forming unit that irradiates ultrasonic waves into a flow channel to generate standing waves in the flow channel, and a control unit that determines the frequency of the ultrasonic waves based on the density of the liquid sample.

[0014] In the second aspect of the particle recovery method disclosed herein, the density of a liquid sample is obtained, the frequency of an ultrasonic wave that generates a standing wave in a flow channel of the liquid sample is determined based on the density of the liquid sample, the ultrasonic wave is irradiated into the flow channel, and particles that accumulate in the flow channel due to the standing wave generated by the ultrasonic wave irradiation are recovered.

[0015] In the particle recovery method of the second aspect of this disclosure, the frequency of the ultrasonic wave that generates a standing wave in the flow channel of the liquid sample is determined based on the density of the liquid sample, providing a method for recovering particles contained in liquid samples with varying densities and high recovery rates.

[0016] The effects of the invention

[0017] According to this disclosure, it is possible to effectively recover particles contained in liquid samples with varying densities. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the particle recovery apparatus according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the discharge port of the particle recovery device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the flow pool according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram of particle recovery performed using the particle recovery apparatus according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the optimal frequency determination process using the particle recovery apparatus of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the change in recovery rate obtained by using the optimal frequency determination process of the particle recovery apparatus according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the particle concentration process using the particle recovery apparatus of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a modified example of the particle recovery apparatus according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a modified example of the particle recovery apparatus according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the particle recovery apparatus according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the particle concentration process using the particle recovery apparatus of the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a graph showing the change in optimal frequency caused by density differences in a liquid sample using the particle recovery apparatus of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a graph showing the variation in optimal frequency caused by compositional differences in a liquid sample using the particle recovery apparatus of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the change in recovery rate due to density differences in a liquid sample using the particle recovery apparatus of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the change in recovery rate due to compositional differences in a liquid sample using the particle recovery apparatus of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a graph showing the change in the reciprocal of the aggregation time caused by the difference in density of the liquid sample and the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element in the particle recovery apparatus of the first embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] (First Implementation)

[0035] (constitute)

[0036] First, the configuration of the particle recovery device 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0037] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure includes: a flow cell 40; a support member 18 supporting the flow cell 40; a piezoelectric element 42 disposed on the wall of the flow cell; an oscillator 16 for oscillating the piezoelectric element; a centrifuge tube 12 for storing sample liquid 30 (an example of a "liquid sample containing particles" in one embodiment of this disclosure); an inlet path 14 for allowing the sample liquid 30 to flow from the centrifuge tube 12 into the flow cell 40; a first pump 20 and a second pump 22 for drawing the sample liquid 30; a control unit 44; and a density measuring unit 60, which is a density acquisition unit for measuring the density of the sample liquid 30.

[0038] As an example, the sample solution 30 is a body fluid recovered from an organism containing particles such as epithelial cells, especially human urine, which flows into the flow cell 40 from the state stored in the centrifuge tube 12 through the inlet path 14.

[0039] As an example, the flow cell 40 is a generally cuboid component supported by the support member 18, such as... Figure 3 As shown, a circular flow channel 50 is formed, connecting the upstream side to the downstream side along the length direction. A piezoelectric element 42 is disposed on the wall of the flow cell.

[0040] The density measuring unit 60 is a device for measuring the density or density-related physical property (hereinafter referred to as "density") of the sample liquid 30 that flows through the inlet path 14 and into the flow cell 40. Examples of density-related physical properties include, for example, the specific gravity, osmotic pressure, resistivity, and refractive index of the sample liquid. Furthermore, in the case of urine as the sample liquid, the concentration of creatinine in the urine can be used. The density measuring unit 60 can, for example, use a hydrometer, osmometer, resistivity meter, or refractometer.

[0041] As an example, the density measuring unit 60 is a refractometer installed in the inlet path 14. The refractometer measures the refractive index of the sample liquid 30 flowing in the inlet path 14. After the refractive index is measured, the sample liquid 30 flows into a flow cell installed downstream of the density measuring unit 60. The refractometer of the density measuring unit 60 is connected to the control unit 44 (described later), and the measured value of the refractive index of the sample liquid 30 measured by the refractometer is sent to the control unit 44.

[0042] It should be noted that, as an example, the flow cell 40 is made of a hard material such as glass, and is formed by cutting the central part of a square prism block into a round hole.

[0043] The upstream side of the flow channel 50 is the suction port 52, which allows the sample liquid 30 to flow in from the inlet path 14 as described above, and the downstream side of the flow channel 50 is the discharge port 54, which discharges the sample liquid 30. In addition, in this embodiment, the direction connecting the suction port 52 of the flow channel 50 to the discharge port 54 (the direction of sample liquid flow) is referred to as the "flow direction".

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, a double-layered pipe with an outer tube 56 and an inner tube 58 disposed at the center of the outer tube 56 is connected to the outlet 54. The inner tube 58 extends outward from the opening of the outer tube 56. As an example, the double-layered pipe is connected to the outlet 54 of the flow channel 50 in such a way that the inner tube 58 is arranged along the central axis of the inner diameter of the flow channel 50.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the inner tube 58 is located on the central axis of the flow channel 50 downstream of the portion of the flow channel 50 that contacts the piezoelectric element 42 (downstream of the standing wave SW generation portion described later), and opens toward the upstream side.

[0046] Here, the outer tube 56 is bent into an L-shape and connected to the first pump 20. The inner tube 58 is connected to the second pump 22. Thus, by driving the first pump 20 and the second pump 22, the sample liquid 30 stored in the centrifuge tube 12 can be drawn into the flow cell 40, and the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50 can be discharged to the outside through the outer tube 56 and the inner tube 58 respectively.

[0047] In addition, the particles in the sample solution 30 are discharged to the outside through the inner tube 58 and then recovered. That is, the first pump 20, the second pump 22, the outer tube 56 and the inner tube 58 constitute a "recovery unit" in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0048] The first pump 20 and the second pump 22 can be driven independently, and preferably the sample solution 30 can be drawn from the centrifuge tube 12 into the flow cell 40 by driving only the first pump 20.

[0049] It should be noted that, as Figure 2 As shown, the inner diameter of the outer tube 56 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the flow channel 50, and the inner diameter of the inner tube 58 is about half the inner diameter of the flow channel 50. That is, the cross-sectional area inside the inner tube 58 is about 1 / 4 of the cross-sectional area inside the outer tube 56. The diameter of the inner tube 58 is smaller than the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave generated by the piezoelectric element 42.

[0050] The piezoelectric element 42 is a component that extends and retracts in a predetermined direction when an AC voltage is supplied, and is arranged to contact one side of the flow cell 40 along the flow direction of the flow cell 40.

[0051] The oscillator 16 supplies an alternating voltage to the piezoelectric element 42 of the flow cell 40, thereby causing the piezoelectric element 42 to expand and contract along its thickness direction (towards the inner wall of the flow cell 40). As a result, ultrasonic waves, which are compression and sparsity waves, propagate from the side of the flow cell 40 where the piezoelectric element 42 is mounted toward the interior of the flow cell 40 into the inner wall of the flow cell 40, i.e., the flow channel 50. Furthermore, the generated ultrasonic waves propagate in the flow channel 50, irradiating the sample liquid 30 contained within the flow channel 50 with ultrasonic waves.

[0052] Here, as Figure 4 As shown, in the inner wall surface of the flow channel 50, the wall surface on the side where the piezoelectric element 42 is provided is designated as inner wall surface A, and the wall surface on the opposite side of inner wall surface A across the central axis is designated as inner wall surface B.

[0053] As described above, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the piezoelectric element 42 propagates along the wall of the flow cell 40 in the flow channel 50, thus irradiating the sample liquid 30 with ultrasonic waves (ultrasonic wave A) from the inner wall surface A side within the flow channel 50. The piezoelectric element 42, the inner wall surface A, and the oscillator 16 constitute the first ultrasonic irradiation part for irradiating the sample liquid 30 with ultrasonic waves.

[0054] Subsequently, the ultrasonic wave (ultrasonic wave A) propagating in the sample liquid 30 reaches the inner wall surface B, which is located on the opposite side of the axis center of the flow channel 50.

[0055] At this point, a portion of the ultrasonic wave (ultrasonic wave A) that reaches the inner wall surface B is reflected by the inner wall surface B instead of passing through it. That is, a portion of the ultrasonic wave that reaches the inner wall surface B travels again along the sample liquid 30 towards the inner wall surface A. In other words, the piezoelectric element 42, the inner wall surface B, and the oscillator 16 constitute a second ultrasonic irradiation section that irradiates ultrasonic wave B, which overlaps with ultrasonic wave A. This ultrasonic wave B has the same frequency and amplitude as ultrasonic wave A but travels in the opposite direction. The second ultrasonic irradiation section is opposite to the first ultrasonic irradiation section.

[0056] A portion of the ultrasonic wave B that reached the inner wall surface A again was reflected by the inner wall surface A instead of passing through it. That is, a portion of the ultrasonic wave that reached the inner wall surface A traveled along the sample liquid 30 towards the inner wall surface B again.

[0057] In addition, since the piezoelectric element 42 continuously generates ultrasonic waves (ultrasonic waves A), the ultrasonic waves continuously irradiate the interior of the flow channel 50.

[0058] At this time, when the wavelengths of ultrasonic waves A and B satisfy the conditions described in equation (1) below, the ultrasonic waves reflected from the inner wall surface A and the inner wall surface B overlap and are amplified, thus generating a standing wave SW inside the flow channel 50 in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction. It should be noted that L is the inner diameter of the flow channel 50 [m], λ is the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave [m], and n is any integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0059] [Number 1]

[0060]

[0061] That is, the oscillator 16, the piezoelectric element 42, the inner wall surface A and the inner wall surface B are examples of a "standing wave forming unit" in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0062] It should be noted that the frequency of the AC voltage supplied by the oscillator 16 is equal to the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the piezoelectric element 42 into the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50. That is, by changing the frequency of the AC voltage supplied by the oscillator 16 to the piezoelectric element 42, the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the piezoelectric element 42 can be changed.

[0063] Furthermore, the voltage value (amplitude) of the AC voltage supplied by the oscillator 16 corresponds to the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the piezoelectric element 42. By adjusting the voltage value (amplitude) of the AC voltage supplied by the oscillator 16 to the piezoelectric element 42, the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the piezoelectric element 42 can be adjusted.

[0064] Here, the oscillator 16 controls the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage supplied to the piezoelectric element 42 by means of the waveform controller 46 of the control unit 44 described later.

[0065] As an example, the control unit 44 includes a storage unit 70, a waveform controller 46, a receiving unit 45 that receives density values ​​from the density measuring unit 60, and a waveform output unit 47. The receiving unit 45 receives the density values ​​of the sample liquid 30 from the density measuring unit 60. That is, the control unit 44 and the density measuring unit 60 are examples of a density acquisition unit that acquires the density of the sample liquid 30. The waveform output unit 47 determines the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage supplied by the oscillator 16 to the piezoelectric element 42 based on the density values ​​of the sample liquid 30 received by the receiving unit 45 and the correspondence between the density and frequency of the sample liquid 30 stored in the storage unit 70. Furthermore, the waveform controller 46 controls the oscillator 16 to supply the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage determined by the waveform output unit 47 to the piezoelectric element 42.

[0066] It should be noted that the configuration of the receiving unit 45 is not particularly limited. It can be connected to the density measuring unit 60 via a wired connection to receive the density value of the sample liquid 30 from the density measuring unit 60, or it can be connected to the density measuring unit 60 via a wireless connection to receive the density value of the sample liquid 30 from the density measuring unit 60. In addition, the control unit 44 can instruct the density measuring unit 60 to send the density value to the receiving unit 45, and the density measuring unit 60 sends the density value to the receiving unit 45 according to the instruction from the control unit 44.

[0067] Alternatively, the density measuring unit 60 can also actively send the density value to the receiving unit 45. Similarly, the waveform controller 46 and the waveform output unit 47 can be, for example, computing devices and control devices such as microcontrollers and microprocessors.

[0068] (The generation of standing waves and the principle of particle concentration)

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), before the sample liquid 30 is filled into the flow channel 50 and before the flow channel 50 is irradiated with ultrasound, the particles contained in the sample liquid 30 are uniformly dispersed in the sample liquid 30.

[0070] When an AC voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric element 42 and ultrasonic waves are emitted from the piezoelectric element 42 in this state, ultrasonic waves are irradiated into the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50 along the wall of the flow cell 40.

[0071] Here, when the wavelength λ of the ultrasonic wave propagating in the sample liquid 30 is approximately half the length of the diameter of the flow channel 50, i.e., when n = 1 in the above formula (1), as follows: Figure 4 As shown in (B), a standing wave SW is generated radially along the flow channel 50 in the sample liquid 30. Inner wall surfaces A and B become the free ends of the standing wave.

[0072] In this case, such as Figure 4 As shown in (B), the node N of the standing wave SW is generated on the central axis of the flow channel 50, and the antinode AN of the standing wave SW is generated on the inner wall surface of the flow channel 50, namely the inner wall surface A and the inner wall surface B. Furthermore, particles dispersed between the antinode AN and the node N of the standing wave SW move towards the node N of the standing wave SW. As a result, particles in the sample liquid 30 aggregate at the node N of the standing wave SW, and the particle concentration decreases at locations other than the node N of the standing wave SW, i.e., a low concentration occurs. Therefore, the sample liquid 30 contains a portion (concentrated liquid) 34 where particles have aggregated and a portion (low-concentration liquid) containing almost no particles 32. In other words, depending on the location within the flow channel 50, the particle density in the sample liquid 30 becomes uneven, resulting in a state where the particle concentration (density) is high at the location of the node N of the standing wave SW and low at locations other than the location of the node N.

[0073] Here, even from Figure 4 In the state shown in (B), the vibration of the piezoelectric element 42 stops, and the particles do not immediately disperse throughout the sample liquid 30, but remain at the location of node N of the standing wave SW for a period of time. Therefore, inside the flow cell 40, the sample liquid 30 remains divided into a concentrated liquid 34 and a low-concentration liquid 32. That is, the particle concentration (density) is maintained high at the location of node N of the standing wave SW, and low at locations other than node N.

[0074] And, as Figure 4 As shown in (C), when the particle concentration (density) of the sample liquid 30 at the location of the node N of the standing wave SW is high, the first pump 20 and the second pump 22 are driven respectively, the particles gathered at the location of the node N are discharged into the inner tube 58 located downstream in the form of concentrated liquid 34, while the low concentration liquid 32 is discharged into the outer tube 56.

[0075] In this way, by vibrating the piezoelectric element 42 in a way that generates a standing wave SW in the radial direction of the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50, and by recovering the liquid containing the particles from the inner tube 58, the particles can be concentrated.

[0076] It should be noted that, as Figure 4 As shown in (C), when particles from the sample liquid 30 are discharged by the first pump 20 and the second pump 22 in a state of aggregation, in order not to disturb the flow of the liquid and prevent the particles from being discharged from the outer tube 56, it is preferable to discharge the sample liquid 30 in a laminar flow state inside the flow channel 50. It should be noted that the sample liquid 30 can also be recovered while being irradiated with ultrasound.

[0077] Furthermore, the discharge volume of the first pump 20 connected to the outer pipe 56 is greater than that of the second pump 22 connected to the inner pipe 58. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the ratio of the discharge volumes of the first pump 20 and the second pump 22 is preferably equal to the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the diameters of the outer pipe 56 and the inner pipe 58.

[0078] (Determination of the first frequency)

[0079] In the particle recovery apparatus of this embodiment, the process of measuring the sample solution 30 of samples 1 to 5 is shown as an example of determining the optimal frequency of ultrasound that can effectively recover particles from the sample solution 30. Urine from the same person is used as the standard component, i.e., the matrix, for each sample.

[0080] As Sample 1, Sample Solution 30 was prepared by mixing urine from multiple healthy individuals for averaging, and human epithelial cells, as particles representing the formed elements in urine, were added. The density of Sample Solution 30 for Sample 1 was 1.01 g / cm³. 3 .

[0081] As sample solution 30 for sample 2, glucose was added to sample 1 to adjust the density to 1.02 g / cm³. 3 .

[0082] As sample solution 30 for sample 3, urea was added to sample 1 to adjust the density to 1.02 g / cm³. 3 .

[0083] As sample solution 30 for sample 4, albumin was added to sample 1 to adjust the density to 1.02 g / cm³. 3 .

[0084] As sample solution 30 for sample 5, glucose was added to sample 1 to adjust the density to 1.05 g / cm³. 3 .

[0085] As sample solution 30 for sample 6, urea was added to sample 1 to adjust the density to 1.05 g / cm³. 3 .

[0086] As sample solution 30 for sample 7, albumin was added to sample 1 to adjust the density to 1.05 g / cm³. 3 .

[0087] The descriptions of samples 1 to 7 are summarized in Table 1 below.

[0088] [Table 1]

[0089] Sample number Formed elements <![CDATA[Density (g / cm 3 )]]> Types of sample solutions Sample 1 epithelial cells 1.01 Urine Sample 2 epithelial cells 1.02 Urine with added glucose Sample 3 epithelial cells 1.02 Urine with added urea Sample 4 epithelial cells 1.02 Urine with added albumin Sample 5 epithelial cells 1.05 Urine with added glucose Sample 6 epithelial cells 1.05 Urine with added urea Sample 7 epithelial cells 1.05 Urine with added albumin

[0090] For sample solutions 30 of samples 1 to 7, the concentration of formed elements contained in the concentrate 34 after undergoing the concentration process described below is compared with the concentration of formed elements in the sample solution 30 before the concentration process, and the concentration rate is calculated. Then, the recovery rate is obtained by multiplying the concentration rate by the ratio of the flow rate of the concentrate 34 to the flow rate of the sample solution 30. The recovery rate represents the ratio (B elements / A elements) of the number of formed elements (B) contained in the concentrate 34 to the number of formed elements (A) contained in the sample solution 30 before the concentration process. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the flow rate of the concentrate 34 is 20% of the flow rate of the sample solution 30; therefore, if the recovery rate exceeds 20%, concentration can be considered to have been performed. Furthermore, if the recovery rate exceeds 20%, it can be said that a standing wave SW with nodes is generated at the center of the flow channel 50.

[0091] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the working process of a particle recovery device used to determine the frequency of ultrasonic waves that generate standing waves (SW).

[0092] First, as step S11, with the second pump 22 stopped, only the first pump 20 is driven, thereby causing the sample liquid 30 stored in the centrifuge tube 12 to flow into the flow channel 50 in the flow cell 40.

[0093] Next, as step S12, after the sample liquid 30 flows into the flow channel 50, the first pump 20 is stopped and the flow is allowed to stand by for a specified time T1 until the flow of the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50 stops.

[0094] Next, as step S13, the piezoelectric element 42 is vibrated by supplying a constant AC voltage of 60V to the piezoelectric element 42 by the oscillator 16, thereby irradiating the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50 with ultrasonic waves of a certain frequency for a specified time T2, thereby generating a node N on the central axis of the flow cell 40.

[0095] Next, as step S14, the supply of AC voltage from the oscillator 16 to the piezoelectric element 42 is stopped, and the vibration of the piezoelectric element 42 is stopped.

[0096] Next, as in step 5 S15, the first pump 20 and the second pump 22 are driven, as follows: Figure 4 As shown in (C), the concentrated liquid 34 flows out into the inner tube 58 and the low-concentration liquid 32 flows out into the outer tube 56, thereby discharging the sample liquid 30 from the flow channel 50.

[0097] Here, in step S13, sample 1 is irradiated with ultrasonic waves at frequencies of 330 kHz, 330.5 kHz, and 331 kHz; samples 2 to 4 are irradiated with ultrasonic waves at frequencies of 330.5 kHz, 331 kHz, and 331.5 kHz; samples 5 and 7 are irradiated with ultrasonic waves at frequencies of 332.5 kHz, 333 kHz, and 333.5 kHz; and sample 6 is irradiated with ultrasonic waves at frequencies of 332.5 kHz, 333 kHz, 333.5 kHz, 334 kHz, and 334.5 kHz.

[0098] Figure 6 The recovery rate is obtained by performing the above-mentioned concentration treatment on sample solutions 30 of samples 1 to 7, measuring and comparing the concentration of formed elements before and after the concentration treatment, and thus determining the recovery rate.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown in (A), at a density of 1.01 g / cm³ 3In the sample solution 30 of Sample 1, the recovery rate was greater than 20% at frequencies of 330 kHz, 330.5 kHz, and 331 kHz, thus indicating the formation of a standing wave (SW). The recovery rate increased most significantly when the frequency of the irradiated ultrasound was set to 330.5 kHz. Furthermore, the recovery rate was presumed to decrease when irradiated with ultrasound at frequencies above 331 kHz. Thus, by irradiating the sample solution 30 of Sample 1 with ultrasound at a frequency of 330.5 kHz, particles in the sample solution 30 can be effectively recovered.

[0100] Similarly, as Figure 6 As shown in (B), at a density of 1.02 g / cm³ 3 In the sample solutions 30 of samples 2, 3, and 4, the recovery rates were greater than 20% at frequencies of 330.5 kHz, 331 kHz, and 331.5 kHz, thus indicating the formation of standing waves (SW). Furthermore, the recovery rate was highest when the frequency of the irradiated ultrasound was set to 331 kHz. Therefore, by irradiating the sample solutions 30 of samples 2, 3, and 4 with ultrasound at 331 kHz, a frequency higher than the 330.5 kHz frequency at which the highest recovery rate was obtained in sample 1, particles in the sample solutions 30 can be effectively recovered.

[0101] Similarly, as Figure 6 As shown in (C), at a density of 1.05 g / cm³ 3 In sample solution 30 of samples 5 and 7, the recovery rate was greater than 20% at frequencies of 332.5 kHz, 333 kHz, and 333.5 kHz, therefore it can be said that standing waves (SW) were generated. At a density of 1.05 g / cm³... 3 In sample solution 30 of sample 6, the recovery rate was greater than 20% at 332.5 kHz to 334.5 kHz, thus indicating the formation of a standing wave (SW). Furthermore, the highest recovery rates were observed when the ultrasonic frequencies used to irradiate samples 5 (333 kHz), 6 (334 kHz), and 7 (332.5 kHz). Therefore, by irradiating the sample solutions of samples 5, 6, and 7 with ultrasonic waves at frequencies higher than the 331 kHz frequency used in samples 2–4 (333 kHz, 334 kHz, and 332.5 kHz respectively), particles in sample solution 30 can be effectively recovered.

[0102] Therefore, it can be seen that through the above concentration process, the frequency of the ultrasonic waves that generate standing waves (SW) and improve the recovery rate can be set for any of the sample solutions 30 from Sample 1 to Sample 7. Furthermore, it can be seen that since the densities of each sample are different, the frequencies of the ultrasonic waves that can effectively recover particles from the sample solution 30 are different. Additionally, it is shown that the frequency of the ultrasonic waves that can effectively recover particles from samples with higher densities tends to be higher than the frequency of the ultrasonic waves that can effectively recover particles from samples with lower densities. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a correlation between sample density and the frequency at which sample particles can be effectively recovered; by irradiating the sample with ultrasonic waves of a frequency corresponding to the sample density, the particles contained in the sample can be effectively recovered.

[0103] Therefore, for sample liquids 30 with different densities, such as samples 1 to 7, if ultrasonic waves are irradiated at frequencies corresponding to their respective densities, standing waves SW can be generated even when the density of the sample liquids 30 is different.

[0104] Therefore, a first frequency is determined that can effectively recover the formed elements contained in the sample liquid 30 representing each density. The first frequency is the frequency of the ultrasonic wave that generates a standing wave SW on the central axis of the flow channel 50 containing the sample liquid 30, which can effectively recover particles in the sample liquid 30. Furthermore, the correspondence between density and the first frequency, i.e., the "density-frequency relationship" described later, is obtained and stored in the storage unit 70.

[0105] Then, the density of the sample liquid 30 was measured, and a second frequency was derived based on the measured density value and the relationship between density and frequency. It is speculated that the second frequency is the frequency at which particles contained in the sample liquid 30 can be well recovered. Furthermore, the frequency of the ultrasound waves irradiating the sample liquid in the flow channel of the first embodiment was determined.

[0106] Regarding the first frequency, for example, a plurality of sample solutions 30 exhibiting the same density can be prepared, and the frequencies at which the formed elements contained in the sample solution 30 can be recovered with a high recovery rate can be determined. The median or average of the determined frequencies can then be used as the first frequency. Alternatively, a plurality of sample solutions 30 can be mixed to prepare an averaged sample solution, and the frequency at which the formed elements contained in the averaged sample solution can be recovered well can be used as the first frequency.

[0107] Furthermore, when the frequency of the ultrasonic wave is set to f [Hz], f can be calculated using the following equation (2). It should be noted that v is the speed of sound [m / s] propagating within the sample liquid 30.

[0108] [Number 2]

[0109]

[0110] Then, substitute equation (1) into equation (2) and transform the equation to obtain equation (3) as shown below.

[0111] [Number 3]

[0112]

[0113] Here, in the above equation (3), in order to be called the so-called vibration mode, n can take any integer value (n = 1, 2, 3...). That is, regarding the frequency f of the ultrasonic wave, if it is set to a frequency where n is an integer value, a standing wave SW can be generated in the flow channel 50.

[0114] The number of nodes N in a standing wave SW is an integer value that is the same as n. For example, if the frequency f of the ultrasonic wave is set such that n is 2, the number of nodes N in the resulting standing wave SW will be 2.

[0115] Furthermore, the location where the nodal N is generated occurs at the point where the distance from inner wall surface A to inner wall surface B (the radial length of the flow channel 50) is divided into n+1 equal parts. For example, when n=1, the nodal N is generated at a position relative to 1 / 2 of the length from inner wall surface A to inner wall surface B. When n=2, the nodal N is generated at positions relative to 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the length from inner wall surface A to inner wall surface B.

[0116] Thus, in the case of n=1, such as Figure 4 As shown in (B), the position of the node N of the standing wave SW in the particle recovery device 10 of this embodiment is only on the central axis of the flow channel 50.

[0117] (Particle concentration process)

[0118] Next, refer to the appropriate Figure 7 The particle concentration method of the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0119] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the particle concentration process according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The particle concentration process will be described with reference to this flowchart.

[0120] First, as step S21, with the second pump 22 stopped, only the first pump 20 is driven, thereby causing the sample liquid 30 stored in the centrifuge tube 12 to flow into the density measuring unit 60. The density measuring unit 60 then measures the density of the sample liquid 30 and sends the measured density value to the control unit 44.

[0121] Next, as the second step S22, the control unit 44 derives a second frequency for the sample liquid 30 based on the density value of the sample liquid 30 received from the density measuring unit 60 and the relationship between density and frequency stored in the storage unit 70.

[0122] Next, as a third step S23, only the first pump 20 is driven, thereby causing the sample liquid 30 to flow into the flow channel 50 in the flow cell 40.

[0123] Next, as step 4 S24, after the sample liquid 30 flows into the flow channel 50, the first pump 20 is stopped and the flow is allowed to stand by for a specified time T1 until the flow of the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50 stops.

[0124] Next, as step 5 S25, the piezoelectric element 42 is vibrated by supplying an AC voltage to it via the oscillator 16, thereby irradiating the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50 with the second frequency vibration (ultrasound) derived in S22 for a predetermined time T2. A node N is generated on the central axis of the flow channel 50, and the particles in the flow channel 50 move to the position of node N.

[0125] Next, proceed to step 6, S26. S26 is the same as S14, so its explanation is omitted.

[0126] Next, proceed to step 7, S27. S27 is the same as S15, so its explanation is omitted.

[0127] Next, as step 8 S28, the volume of concentrate discharged into the inner tube 58 is measured to confirm whether the volume of concentrate meets the intended use. At this point, if the volume of concentrate has not been sufficiently obtained, the process returns to step 3 S23, and if the volume of concentrate has been sufficiently obtained, the concentration process ends.

[0128] (Functions and Effects)

[0129] By performing particle concentration treatment according to the above process, the following effects and benefits are achieved.

[0130] First, according to the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit 44 derives the frequency (second frequency) of the ultrasonic waves irradiated into the flow channel 50 based on the density value of the sample liquid 30 measured by the density measuring unit 60 and the relationship between density and frequency. It is presumed that the second frequency derived from the density value of the sample liquid 30 and the relationship between density and frequency is a frequency that exhibits a high recovery rate. Then, the ultrasonic irradiation unit irradiates the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50 with ultrasonic waves of the second frequency derived by the control unit 44.

[0131] As a result, the particles dispersed in the sample liquid 30 aggregate at the node N of the standing wave SW.

[0132] Here, a plurality of sample solutions 30 are prepared. When the density of the sample solutions 30 is different among the plurality of sample solutions 30, the frequency of the ultrasonic waves that can effectively recover the particles in the sample solution 30 is different for each sample solution 30.

[0133] However, in the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the density of the sample liquid 30 is measured by the density measuring unit 60. Therefore, the density of each sample liquid 30 can be measured, and the frequency of the ultrasonic waves that can effectively recover the particles contained in the sample liquid 30 can be determined based on the obtained density value of the sample liquid 30 and the relationship between density and frequency stored in the storage unit 70.

[0134] Thus, according to the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the density of each sample liquid 30 is different and the frequency at which particles in the sample liquid 30 can be effectively recovered is different, for a plurality of sample liquids 30, by determining the frequency of the ultrasonic waves irradiated into the flow channel for each sample liquid 30, ultrasonic waves of a frequency that can effectively recover particles in the sample liquid 30 can be irradiated.

[0135] Therefore, even when multiple sample solutions 30 are subjected to particle determination through a series of operations, the particles can be concentrated, thereby improving operational efficiency and stabilizing the recovery rate of formed elements.

[0136] Furthermore, as mentioned above, since the number of nodes N of the standing wave SW at the optimal frequency is 1, the particles are concentrated at the position of node N, i.e., the radial center of the flow channel 50.

[0137] Here, in one embodiment of the particle recovery device 10 of this disclosure, the outlet 54 is connected to a double-layer tube having an outer tube 56 and an inner tube 58 disposed inside the outer tube 56 along the central axis of the outer tube 56. The outer tube 56 and the flow channel 50 are disposed coaxially, and the inner tube 58 is disposed on the central axis of the flow channel 50.

[0138] Therefore, in the sample liquid 30 filled in the flow channel 50, the concentrated liquid 34 can easily flow into the inner tube 58 and the low-concentration liquid 32 can easily flow into the outer tube 56, which can improve the concentration efficiency of particles.

[0139] In addition, as described above, in the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure, after the sample liquid 30 flows into the flow channel 50, it is left to stand and vibration is applied to the sample liquid 30 in a stored state, thereby suppressing the flow of the sample liquid 30 inside the flow channel 50.

[0140] Therefore, when the sample liquid 30 is discharged from the flow channel 50, the flow mode of the sample liquid 30 can be made into a laminar flow state, so that the concentrated liquid 34 can easily flow to the inner tube 58 and the low-concentration liquid 32 can easily flow to the outer tube 56. As a result, the particle concentration efficiency can be improved.

[0141] (Modified Example)

[0142] In the above description, the density measuring unit 60 and the storage unit 70 constitute the particle recovery device 10, but the configuration of the particle recovery device 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0143] For example, Figure 8 As shown, the density measuring device 62 and the storage device 72 can be separately installed from the housing 24 that houses the support component 18, the oscillator 16, the first pump 20, the second pump 22, and the control unit 44. The density measuring device 62 and the storage device 72 are connected to the control unit 44. In this case, the inlet path 14 is also connected to the centrifuge tube 12, and the sample liquid 30 stored in the centrifuge tube 12 flows through the inlet path 14 and is introduced into the flow cell 40.

[0144] Furthermore, the density measuring device 62, located midway through the inlet path 14, sends the density value of the sample liquid 30 to the control unit 44 of the particle recovery device 10. The control unit 44 determines the frequency of the ultrasound by using the density value of the sample liquid 30 received from the density measuring device 62 and the relationship between density and frequency received from the storage device 72.

[0145] In this case, the same effect as the particle recovery device 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure can be obtained.

[0146] In addition, not only can the frequency be determined based on the density of the sample liquid 30 as described above, but the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave irradiated in S25 and the irradiation time T2 of the ultrasonic wave can also be determined based on the density of the sample liquid 30.

[0147] Even when the sample solution 30 is irradiated with ultrasound of the second frequency, the recovery rate of formed elements contained in the high-density sample solution 30 is lower than that of the low-density sample solution 30. Therefore, irradiating the high-density sample solution 30 with ultrasound of a larger amplitude than irradiating the low-density sample solution 30, or irradiating the high-density sample solution 30 for a longer duration than irradiating the low-density sample solution 30, allows for the stable recovery of particles from the sample solutions 30 with different densities.

[0148] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the flow cell 40 is, for example, made of glass, thus allowing observation of the formed elements contained in the sample liquid 30 flowing within the flow channel 50 through the flow cell 40. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the particle recovery device 10 of this disclosure may further include an image detector 80 for observing the flow channel 50 at a position where the flow cell 40 is observed from the side.

[0149] In this case, the image detector 80 acquires the state of particle aggregation within the flow channel 50 and sends it to the control unit 44. Therefore, the control unit 44 can correct the frequency of the ultrasonic wave, the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave, or the predetermined time T2 in the concentration process S25 based on the particle aggregation state.

[0150] Furthermore, if the control unit 44 has an input unit that inputs a pre-measured density of the sample liquid 30 and determines the frequency based on the input density value of the sample liquid 30, the particle recovery device 10 can be configured without a density measurement unit 60. The input unit is equivalent to a density acquisition unit.

[0151] The input section includes, for example, buttons or terminals for the operator of the particle recovery device 10 to input density into the control section. For instance, if the sample solution 30 is urine, a portion of the urine collected in the urine collection cup is dispensed into the centrifuge tube 12, leaving a portion of the urine in the collection cup. Creatinine test strips are immersed in the urine remaining in the collection cup, and the creatinine concentration in the urine, which is correlated with urine density, is measured. The measured creatinine concentration value is input into the input section, thereby allowing the density to be input into the control section 44.

[0152] Alternatively, if the operator of the particle recovery device 10 directly determines the frequency corresponding to the density of the sample liquid 30, the particle recovery device 10 may also be configured without a storage unit 70.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above description, the density measuring unit 60 measures the density of the sample liquid 30 based on its volume and weight, but it is not limited to this; values ​​with known correlations with density can be used. For example, the osmotic pressure, refractive index, resistivity, or creatinine concentration of the sample liquid 30 can be measured, and the obtained values ​​can be used as a substitute for the density described above.

[0154] Furthermore, by further installing a pressurizing unit such as a liquid delivery pump in the middle of the inlet path 14, it is possible to achieve a configuration in which the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50 is pressurized after the sample liquid 30 has finished flowing into the flow channel 50.

[0155] In this case, since the sample liquid 30 in the flow channel 50 is pressurized by the pressurization unit during process S25, cavitation effect of the sample liquid 30 filled in the flow channel 50 can be prevented. This improves particle concentration efficiency and prevents particle damage.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the piezoelectric element 42 is provided on only one side relative to the flow direction of the flow cell 40, but it is not limited to this. For example, a second piezoelectric element may be provided on the side opposite to the flow direction of the piezoelectric element 42 relative to the flow cell 40. In this case, the ultrasonic waves generated by the second piezoelectric element and irradiated into the flow channel 50 have the same frequency and amplitude as the ultrasonic waves generated by the piezoelectric element 42 and irradiated into the flow channel 50, thus becoming ultrasonic waves with equal phase on the central axis of the flow channel 50.

[0157] It should be noted that in the particle recovery device 10 described above, the diameter of the inner tube 58 is approximately half the diameter of the outer tube 56, but this is not the only embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the particle recovery rate in the sample solution 30 can be appropriately set by preparing various ratios of the inner tube 58 diameter to the outer tube 56 diameter.

[0158] Furthermore, the ratio of the discharge volume of sample liquid 30 from the first pump 20 and the second pump 22 is equal to the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the inner tube 58 and the outer tube 56. However, the ratio of the discharge volume of sample liquid 30 from the first pump 20 and the second pump 22 in the particle recovery apparatus 10 of one embodiment of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the particle recovery rate in the sample liquid 30 can be appropriately set by making various changes to the ratio of the discharge volume of sample liquid 30 from the first pump 20 and the second pump 22.

[0159] Furthermore, in the particle recovery device 10 described above, a predetermined number (the number of nodes N obtained by the standing wave SW) is set to 1, but the standing wave SW of the particle recovery device 10 of one embodiment of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the above formula (3), the frequency of the ultrasonic wave SW can be set to generate the standing wave SW in such a way that n is an integer of 2 or more and the number of nodes N obtained by the standing wave SW is 2 or more (so-called high-order mode). In this case, nodes N are also generated at a position off the radial center of the flow channel 50, so the diameter of the inner tube 58 can be changed to correspond to the position of the nodes N, or the outlet 54 can be replaced by a multi-layer tube formed by connecting more tubes coaxially, and the inner tube 58 can be arranged at the position corresponding to the position of the generated nodes.

[0160] Furthermore, while the particle recovery apparatus 10 of one embodiment of this disclosure can concentrate particles in the sample solution 30, depending on the density, physical properties, etc., of the sample solution 30 and the particles, sometimes the particles are concentrated at the antinodes rather than at the nodes N of the standing wave generated by the vibration of the piezoelectric element 42. In this case, the relationships between the first pump 20 and the second pump 22, as well as the outer tube 56 and the inner tube 58, can be reversed. That is, particle concentration can be achieved by having the low-concentration liquid 32 on the inner tube 58 side and the concentrated liquid 34 on the outer tube 56 side.

[0161] It should be noted that in the above description, the flow cell 40 is, for example, generally rectangular in shape, but this embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it can be cylindrical or regular polygonal prism.

[0162] Furthermore, in the above description, the flow channel 50 is described as a circular hole, but one embodiment of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it can be a polygonal hole.

[0163] (Second Implementation)

[0164] Next, the particle recovery apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. It should be noted that descriptions of configurations and principles that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0165] (constitute)

[0166] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of particle recovery according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 10 As shown, the particle recovery device 10 of the second embodiment of this disclosure differs from the particle recovery device 10 of the first embodiment in the following aspects. That is, the particle recovery device 10 of the second embodiment has a component information acquisition unit 90 in the middle of the guide path 14.

[0167] As an example, the component information acquisition unit 90 is located midway through the inlet path 14 and measures the concentration of multiple components contained in the sample liquid 30 flowing through the inlet path 14 and into the flow cell 40. Then, the component information acquisition unit 90 sends the measured concentration values ​​of the components in the sample liquid 30 to the control unit 44. That is, in the second embodiment, the control unit 44 receives the density value of the sample liquid 30 from the density measurement unit 60 and receives the measured concentration values ​​of the components contained in the sample liquid 30 from the component information acquisition unit 90.

[0168] The components measured by the component information acquisition unit 90 are those whose concentration in the sample solution 30 varies greatly depending on the individual sample solution 30, and which affect the density of the sample solution 30. The components measured by the component information acquisition unit 90 can be appropriately set according to the type of sample solution 30. In the case of urine, the components measured by the component information acquisition unit 90 may be, for example, glucose, urea, or albumin. Furthermore, the component information acquisition unit 90 can use a biosensor such as a glucose sensor.

[0169] Subsequently, based on the density value of the received sample liquid 30, the concentration value of the components contained in the received sample liquid 30, and the correspondence between the density and frequency of each component measured by the component information acquisition unit stored in the storage unit 70, the frequency of the AC voltage supplied by the oscillator 16 to the piezoelectric element is determined.

[0170] The other components are the same as those of the particle recovery device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0171] (Determining the optimal frequency)

[0172] In the particle recovery device 10 of the second embodiment, the same method as in the particle recovery device 10 of the first embodiment is used... Figure 5 The process shown is used to determine the first frequency.

[0173] First, the density of the sample solution 30 and the concentration of the components contained in the sample solution 30 are measured. The process for determining the first frequency through the first embodiment is described below. Figure 13 The density of the sample liquid 30 obtained shown corresponds to the first frequency and is stored in the storage unit 70 as the "density-frequency relationship" of the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0174] Furthermore, during the measurement of the frequency of the ultrasound irradiation of the sample solution 30 in the second embodiment, the first frequency showing a high recovery rate is also measured for the multiple sample solutions 30 containing each component at the highest concentration as measured by the component information acquisition unit 90.

[0175] Then, for each component contained in the sample solution 30 at the highest concentration, the correspondence between the density of the sample solution 30 and the first frequency is stored in the storage unit 70.

[0176] Subsequently, based on the relationship between density and frequency of a sample made using a sample containing the components contained in the sample solution 30 at the highest concentration, and the measured values ​​of the density of the sample solution 30 and the concentrations of the plurality of components, a second frequency is derived, thereby determining the optimal frequency of the second embodiment.

[0177] (Particle concentration process)

[0178] Next, refer to the appropriate Figure 11 The particle concentration method of the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0179] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the particle concentration process according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The particle concentration process will be described with reference to this flowchart.

[0180] First, as step S31, with the second pump 22 stopped, only the first pump 20 is driven, thereby causing the sample liquid 30 stored in the centrifuge tube 12 to flow into the density measuring unit 60 and the composition information acquisition unit 90. Then, the density measuring unit 60 sends the density value of the sample liquid 30 to the control unit 44, and the composition information acquisition unit 90 sends the concentration of the components contained in the sample liquid 30 to the control unit 44.

[0181] Next, as step S32, a second frequency for the sample liquid 30 is derived based on the density value of the sample liquid 30 received from the density measuring unit 60 and the relationship between density and frequency stored in the storage unit 70.

[0182] Among the components contained in the sample liquid 30 received from the component information acquisition unit 90, the component containing the highest concentration in the sample liquid 30 is selected. A density-frequency relationship is then selected and stored in the storage unit 70 using a sample liquid 30 containing the same selected component. Subsequently, based on the selected density-frequency relationship and the density value of the sample liquid 30, a second frequency is calculated, and the frequency (second frequency) of the ultrasound waves irradiating the sample liquid 30 is determined.

[0183] Alternatively, a second frequency for each component can be determined based on the density-frequency relationship of each component stored in the storage unit 70 and the density value of the sample liquid 30. By multiplying the determined second frequency of each component by the proportion of the measured concentration of each component, a concentration-weighted second frequency of each component can be obtained, thereby enabling the determination of the frequency of the ultrasound waves irradiating the sample liquid 30.

[0184] In the particle concentration process of the second embodiment, S33 to S39 are the same as S23 to S29 in the particle concentration process of the first embodiment.

[0185] (Functions and Effects)

[0186] By performing particle concentration treatment according to the above process, the following effects and benefits are achieved.

[0187] First, several sample solutions 30 are prepared. When the density, viscosity, and other liquid properties of the sample solutions 30 differ among the several sample solutions 30, the frequency of the ultrasound waves that effectively recover particles from the sample solution 30 varies for each sample solution 30. Specifically, there is a tendency for the frequency of the ultrasound waves that effectively recovers particles from samples with higher density to be higher than that that effectively recovers particles from samples with lower density. However, even for sample solutions 30 of the same density, if the concentrations of the components contained in the sample solution 30 are different, the frequency of the ultrasound waves that effectively recover particles from the sample solution 30 will vary slightly.

[0188] Here, the particle recovery device 10 of the second embodiment of this disclosure further includes a component information acquisition unit 90 compared with the particle recovery device 10 of the first embodiment, so that the concentration of the components of the sample liquid 30 can be acquired.

[0189] Therefore, in the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the second embodiment of this disclosure, the concentration of the components contained in the sample liquid 30 is measured, and a second frequency is derived based on the relationship between density and frequency of a sample containing the measured components, the measured density of the sample liquid 30, and the measured concentration of the components. Ultrasonic waves of the second frequency are then irradiated onto the sample liquid 30. Therefore, the frequency of the ultrasonic waves irradiating the sample liquid 30 can be determined.

[0190] Therefore, compared with the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the second embodiment of the present disclosure can more accurately and well derive the optimal frequency for generating standing waves and the particles contained in the recovered sample liquid 30.

[0191] Other functions and effects are the same as those of the particle recovery device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0192] (Modified Example)

[0193] In the above description, the particle recovery device 10 of the second embodiment can be further controlled as shown below.

[0194] Furthermore, in the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the second embodiment, the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves irradiating the sample liquid 30 can be adjusted based on the concentration of the components measured by the component information acquisition unit 90. For example, by reducing the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves irradiating the sample liquid 30, cavitation effects can be suppressed in the flow channel, preventing particle damage. Conversely, by increasing the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves irradiating the sample liquid 30, the pressure caused by the standing waves generated in the flow channel increases, thereby accelerating particle aggregation.

[0195] Furthermore, the prescribed time T2 for irradiating the sample solution 30 with ultrasound can be adjusted, for example, based on the type of component measured at the highest concentration among the components measured by the component information acquisition unit 90. Increasing the prescribed time T2 for irradiating the sample solution 30 with ultrasound increases the time for particle aggregation in the sample solution 30, thus improving the recovery rate. Conversely, decreasing the prescribed time T2 for irradiating the sample solution 30 with ultrasound reduces the time spent on particle recovery, thereby improving the efficiency of particle recovery processing.

[0196] Furthermore, the control unit 44 has an input section for inputting the concentration of the components of the pre-measured sample solution 30, and the control unit 44 can determine the frequency based on the input concentration value of the components of the sample solution 30. In this case, the particle recovery device 10 can be configured without a component information acquisition unit 90. The concentration of the components contained in the sample solution 30 can be measured, for example, using urine test strips.

[0197] Furthermore, if the operator of the particle recovery device 10 directly determines the frequency of the ultrasonic waves irradiating the sample liquid 30 based on the concentration of the components of the sample liquid 30, the particle recovery device 10 may be configured without a storage unit 70.

[0198] It should be noted that variations of the particle recovery device 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure may also be applied to the particle recovery device 10 of the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0199] Example

[0200] Next, the effectiveness of the first embodiment of this disclosure was verified based on the various experimental results shown below. It should be noted that the flow cell 40 used in the experiment has a length of 100 mm, a long side width of 16.9 mm and a short side width of 10 mm in the width direction (radial), and a flow channel 50 diameter of 2.6 mm. Furthermore, the piezoelectric element 42 is disposed on one side along the length direction of the short side in the width direction of the flow cell 40.

[0201] Sample solution 30, used as sample 8, was prepared by mixing urine from multiple healthy individuals, to which human epithelial cells were added as the formed element (particles). The density of sample solution 30, used as sample 8, was 1.02 g / cm³. 3 Samples 5, 6, and 7 used the same test specimens as described above. The description of sample 8 is summarized in Table 2.

[0202] [Table 2]

[0203] Sample number Formed elements <![CDATA[Density (g / cm 3 )]]> Types of sample solutions Sample 8 epithelial cells 1.02 Urine

[0204] (Experiment 1)

[0205] As Experiment 1, the first frequency of each sample was measured at intervals of 0.5 kHz using sample solution 30 of samples 1 to 7 to confirm the effectiveness of the particle recovery method of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0206] Figure 12 It shows according to Figure 5 The procedure shown involves measuring the first frequency of sample liquid 30 for samples 1 through 7 at 0.5 kHz intervals, and then using the results to determine the appropriate frequency for each density (1.01 g / cm³). 3 1.02g / cm 3 and 1.05g / cm 3 The result is obtained by taking the median of the first frequency.

[0207] More specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the density is 1.01 g / cm³. 3Sample 1 was irradiated with ultrasound at 330 kHz, 330.5 kHz, and 331 kHz, and the recovery rates of the formed elements contained in Sample 1 were determined. The results showed that the highest recovery rate was observed at 330.5 kHz. Therefore, the density was 1.01 g / cm³. 3 The first frequency of the sample solution 30 was set to 330.5 kHz. Figure 12 Drawing in the middle.

[0208] The density is shown as 1.02 g / cm³. 3 Samples 2–4 were irradiated with ultrasound at 330.5 kHz, 331 kHz, and 331.5 kHz, and the recoveries of the formed elements contained in samples 2–4 were determined. The highest recovery rate was observed at 331 kHz for any sample solution 30 of samples 2–4. Therefore, a density of 1.02 g / cm³... 3 The first frequency of the sample solution 30 was set to 331 kHz. Figure 12 Drawing in the middle.

[0209] The density is shown to be 1.05 g / cm³. 3 Samples 5 and 7 were irradiated with ultrasound at 332.5 kHz, 333 kHz, and 333.5 kHz, and the recovery rates of formed elements contained in samples 5 and 7 were determined.

[0210] For a density display of 1.05 g / cm³ 3 Sample 6 was further tested for the recovery rate of formed elements when irradiated with ultrasound at 334 kHz and 334.5 kHz. Sample 5 showed the highest recovery rate at 333 kHz, sample 6 at 334 kHz, and sample 7 at 332.5 kHz. The median frequency of the highest recovery rates for samples 5, 6, and 7, 333 kHz, was taken as the density of 1.05 g / cm³. 3 The first frequency of the sample solution 30, in Figure 12 Drawing in the middle.

[0211] It should be noted that in this experiment, the density will be displayed as 1.02 g / cm³. 3 However, the median value obtained by measuring the first frequency of multiple sample solutions 30 containing different components was displayed as 1.02 g / cm³. 3 The first frequency of the sample solution 30, but the density can also be displayed as 1.02 g / cm³. 3 A plurality of sample solutions 30 were mixed to prepare an averaged sample solution, and the first frequency of the averaged sample solution was taken as the density of 1.02 g / cm³. 3 The first frequency of the sample solution 30. For a density of 1.05 g / cm³. 3 The first frequency of the sample solution 30 can also be determined in the same way.

[0212] Depend on Figure 12 It can be seen that at each plotted point, the optimal frequency increases simultaneously with the increase in density. That is, from Figure 12 It can be seen that the optimal frequency varies depending on the density of the sample liquid 30.

[0213] And, as Figure 12 As shown, by interpolating between the plotted points, the correspondence between density and optimal frequency, i.e., the relationship between density and frequency, can be obtained as a linear function. Figure 12 In the example shown, let the density be ρ (g / cm³). 3 When the frequency is f (kHz), such as Figure 12 As shown by the dashed line, f = 63.462ρ + 266.35.

[0214] By storing the density-frequency relationship obtained in this way in the storage unit 70 of the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure, it can be said that even when particles contained in an unknown sample liquid 30 are aggregated and recovered, the control unit 44 can determine the second frequency based on the density-frequency relationship stored in the storage unit 70. It should be noted that in this experiment, a correlation formula between density and the first frequency was used as the density-frequency relationship, but a lookup table comparing density and the first frequency can also be used.

[0215] in addition, Figure 13 In this paper, for each of the various components (glucose, urea, and albumin) added to the sample solutions of samples 2 through 7, the relationship between the density of sample solution 30 and the first frequency is shown. That is, Figure 13 (A) shows the relationship between the density of sample solution 30 of samples 2 and 5, in which glucose is the component contained in the sample solution at the highest concentration, and the first frequency. Figure 13 (B) shows the relationship between the density of sample solution 30 and the first frequency for samples 3 and 6, where urea is the component contained in the sample solution at the highest concentration. Figure 13 (C) shows the relationship between the density of sample solution 30 and the first frequency for samples 4 and 7, in which albumin is the component contained in the sample solution at the highest concentration.

[0216] Depend on Figure 13 It can be seen that, with Figure 12 Similarly, at each plotted point, the first frequency increases with increasing density, but the slope of the plotted point, i.e., the relationship between density and frequency, differs for various components. Therefore, from Figure 13As shown in (A) to (C), even if the density of sample liquid 30 is the same, the first frequency will vary depending on the components it contains. Figure 13 In the examples shown in (A) to (C), the frequency of the sample solution 30 with added glucose is set to f. G (kHz), the frequency of the urea-added sample solution 30 is set to f. B (kHz), the frequency of the sample solution 30 with added albumin is set to f. A At (kHz), such Figure 13 As shown by the dashed line in (A), f G =66.667ρ+263, as Figure 13 As shown by the dashed line in (B), f B =100ρ+229, such as Figure 13 As shown by the dashed line in (C), f A =50ρ+280.

[0217] In this way, for each component contained in the sample liquid 30 (each component measured by the component information acquisition unit 90), the correspondence between the density of the sample liquid 30 and the first frequency is pre-stored in the storage unit 70 of the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure. Then, for the component that shows the highest measured value among the concentration measurements of the components detected by the component information acquisition unit 90, the correspondence between density and the first frequency is read from the storage unit. A second frequency is derived using the read correspondence and the density acquired by the density acquisition unit. Therefore, it can be said that even when recovering particles from an unknown sample liquid 30 by aggregating them, the control unit 44 can determine the optimal frequency based on the density-frequency relationship stored in the storage unit 70 for each component.

[0218] It should be noted that, as Figure 13 As shown in (A) to (C), the slope is different for each of the various components. Therefore, the control unit 44 can correct the frequency by weighting the concentrations of the various components contained in the unknown sample liquid 30 based on the relationship between density and frequency for each of the aforementioned components. As a result, the frequency of the ultrasonic wave that generates the standing wave SW can be determined for the unknown sample liquid 30 with greater accuracy.

[0219] (Experiment 2)

[0220] As Experiment 2, the recovery rate was determined using sample solution 30 of samples 1 to 7 to confirm the effectiveness of the particle recovery method of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0221] Figure 14 This shows that the sample solution 30 of samples 1 to 7 was irradiated with... Figure 5The process shown uses the first frequency obtained through Experiment 1 above, from which the recovery rate is determined. Based on the results, the recovery rate is determined using methods for each density (1.01 g / cm³). 3 1.02g / cm 3 and 1.05g / cm 3 The results were obtained by plotting the median recovery rate of 1.01 g / cm³. More specifically, 1.01 g / cm³. 3 The plotted point represents the recovery rate of sample solution 30 of sample 1, which is 1.02 g / cm³. 3 The plotted point represents the recovery rate of sample solution 30 of sample 2, 1.05 g / cm³. 3 The plotting point represents the recovery rate of sample solution 30 of sample 5.

[0222] Depend on Figure 14 It can be seen that at each plotted point, the recovery rate decreases as the density increases. That is, from Figure 14 It can be seen that the recovery rate varies depending on the density of the sample solution 30.

[0223] And, as Figure 14 As shown, by interpolating between the plotted points, the relationship between density and recovery rate can be obtained as a linear function. Figure 14 In the example shown, let the density be ρ (g / cm³). 3 When the recovery rate is C (%), such as Figure 14 As shown by the dashed line, C = -699.23ρ + 775.28.

[0224] By storing the correspondence between the density of the sample liquid 30 and the recovery rate in the storage unit 70 of the particle recovery apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure, it can be said that even if particles contained in an unknown sample liquid 30 are aggregated and recovered, the control unit 44 can determine the recovery rate based on the correspondence stored in the storage unit 70.

[0225] It should be noted that, in the case of recovering sample liquid 30 with reduced recovery rate, i.e., the particles of sample liquid 30 with high density, measures such as increasing the amount of sample liquid 30 introduced and increasing the prescribed time T2 for ultrasonic irradiation can be implemented to compensate for the reduced recovery rate.

[0226] in addition, Figure 15 For each of the various components (glucose, urea, and albumin) added to the sample solutions of samples 2 through 7, the relationship between the density of sample solution 30 and its recovery rate is shown. That is, Figure 15 (A) is the result for sample solution 30 of samples 2 and 5. Figure 15 (B) is the result for sample solution 30 of samples 3 and 6. Figure 15(C) is the result for sample solution 30 for samples 4 and 7.

[0227] Depend on Figure 15 It can be seen that, with Figure 14 Similarly, at each plotting point, the recovery rate decreases as density increases, but the slope of the plotting point, i.e., the correspondence between density and recovery rate, differs for various components. Therefore, from Figure 15 As shown in (A) to (C), the recovery rate varies depending on the components contained in sample solution 30. Figure 15 In the examples shown in (A) to (C), the recovery rate of sample solution 30 with added glucose is set as C. G (%), the recovery rate of the urea-added sample solution 30 was set as C. B (%), the recovery rate of sample solution 30 with added albumin was set as C. A When (%), such as Figure 15 As shown by the dashed line in (A), C G = -113.33ρ + 163.6, as shown Figure 15 As shown by the dashed line in (B), C B =-453.33ρ+523.6, as Figure 15 As shown by the dashed line in (C), C A = -466.67ρ + 522.6.

[0228] By storing the correspondence between the density of the sample liquid 30 and the recovery rate in the storage unit 70 of the particle recovery device 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure, it can be said that even when the particles of the unknown sample liquid 30 are aggregated and recovered, the control unit 44 can determine the recovery rate based on the correspondence stored in the storage unit 70.

[0229] It should be noted that, as Figure 15 As shown in (A) to (C), the slope is different for each of the various components. Therefore, the control unit 44 can estimate the recovery rate based on the concentration measurements of various components obtained by the component information acquisition unit 90, the density measurements of the sample solution 30 obtained by the density acquisition unit, and the aforementioned relationship between density and recovery rate. Thus, the above-mentioned measures can be implemented more reliably on the unknown sample solution 30, and particles in the sample solution 30 can be recovered.

[0230] (Experiment 3)

[0231] As Experiment 3, the effect of the amplitude of the irradiated ultrasonic waves was measured using the sample liquid 30 of Sample 5 and Sample 8 to confirm the effectiveness of the particle recovery method of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0232] In Experiment 3, for the sample solution 30 of samples 5 and 8, make... Figure 5 The frequency of the ultrasonic waves irradiated during the process shown is the optimal frequency obtained in Experiment 1 above. By changing the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves, the change in focusing efficiency was confirmed. More specifically, the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves was controlled by varying the AC voltage supplied from the oscillator 16 to the piezoelectric element 42 between 50V and 80V, and the collection efficiency at each voltage value was measured.

[0233] Here, the aggregation efficiency is derived using the reciprocal of the time (aggregation time) from the start of ultrasonic irradiation of the flow cell 40 until the formed elements contained in the sample solution 30 of samples 5 and 8, which are filled in the flow channel 50, aggregate in the center of the flow channel 50. That is, the larger the reciprocal of the aggregation time, the faster the concentration is achieved, and therefore the efficiency can be said to be good.

[0234] Figure 16 This is a graph showing the result of the reciprocal of the obtained aggregation time. Figure 16 (A) is the result for sample solution 30 of sample 8. Figure 16 (B) is the result for sample solution 30 of sample 5.

[0235] according to Figure 16 (A) and Figure 16 (B) At each plotted point, as the voltage supplied from the oscillator 16 to the piezoelectric element 42, i.e., the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave, increases, the reciprocal of the aggregation time increases; however, as the density increases, the reciprocal of the aggregation time decreases. Therefore, it can be seen that the aggregation efficiency decreases as the density increases.

[0236] And, as Figure 16 (A) and Figure 16 As shown in (B), by interpolating between the plotted points, the correspondence between voltage and the reciprocal of the convergence time can be obtained as a linear function. Figure 16 (A) and Figure 16 In the example shown in (B), assuming the reciprocal of the aggregation time of sample 8 is R2 (1 / s), the reciprocal of the aggregation time of sample 5 is R6 (1 / s), and the voltage supplied to the piezoelectric element 42 is E (V), then... Figure 16 As shown by the dashed line in (A), R² = 0.0278E - 1.0143. Figure 15 As shown by the dashed line in (B), R6 = 0.0225E - 0.9169.

[0237] By storing the correspondence between the ultrasonic amplitude (voltage value of the AC voltage supplied to the piezoelectric element 42) and the aggregation time relative to the density of the sample liquid 30 obtained in this way in the storage unit 70 of the particle recovery device 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit 44 can adjust the aggregation time based on the correspondence stored in the storage unit 70 even when particles contained in an unknown sample liquid 30 are aggregated and recovered.

[0238] It should be noted that, by Figure 16 It can be seen that, in the case of recovering particles of sample liquid 30 with low density, in other words, in the case of effectively recovering particles of sample liquid 30 with high aggregation efficiency, measures can be taken to reduce the prescribed time T2 of ultrasonic irradiation in order to carry out aggregation.

[0239] Therefore, it can be said that in the case of recovering particles contained in the low-density sample liquid 30, the time for ultrasonic irradiation can be shortened, thereby improving the efficiency of particle recovery.

[0240] In addition, by Figure 16 It can be seen that when recovering particles of sample liquid 30 with low density, or in other words, when effectively recovering particles of sample liquid 30 with high aggregation efficiency, measures can be taken to reduce the amplitude of the AC voltage supplied from oscillator 16 to piezoelectric element 42, that is, to reduce the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves irradiating sample liquid 30.

[0241] Therefore, it can be said that in the case of recovering particles contained in the low-density sample liquid 30, by reducing the amplitude of the irradiated ultrasonic waves, the occurrence of cavitation effect can be suppressed and particle damage can be prevented within the flow channel 50.

[0242] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will obviously be able to conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims, and it should be understood that these also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0243] Industrial applicability

[0244] The particle recovery apparatus disclosed herein can be used, for example, in analytical instruments containing liquids containing particles, and the particle recovery method disclosed herein can be used, for example, in the operation of analytical instruments containing liquids containing particles.

[0245] Explanation of symbols

[0246] 10 Particle Recovery Device

[0247] 12 centrifuge tubes

[0248] 14. Import path

[0249] 16 Oscillators

[0250] 18 Support components

[0251] 20 First Pump

[0252] 22 Second Pump

[0253] 24. Shell

[0254] 30. Sample solution (an example of a liquid sample)

[0255] 32 Low concentration solution

[0256] 34 Concentrate

[0257] 40 Flow Pool

[0258] 42. Piezoelectric element (an example of a standing wave forming unit)

[0259] 44 Control Department

[0260] 45 Receiving Section

[0261] 46 Waveform Controller

[0262] 47 Waveform Derivation Section

[0263] 50 flow channels

[0264] 52 suction port

[0265] 54 Discharge outlets

[0266] 56 outer tube

[0267] 58 Inner Tube

[0268] 60 Density Measurement Section

[0269] 62 Density measuring device

[0270] 70 Storage Unit

[0271] 72 Storage devices

[0272] 80 Image Detectors

[0273] 90. Ingredient Information Acquisition Department

[0274] SW standing wave

[0275] A inner wall surface

[0276] B inner wall

[0277] N-node

Claims

1. A particle recovery device for recovering particles contained in a liquid sample, comprising: A flow cell having a flow channel for the liquid sample to flow through; The density acquisition unit acquires the density of the liquid sample; A standing wave forming unit generates a standing wave by irradiating ultrasonic waves into the flow channel. The control unit determines the frequency of the ultrasonic wave based on the density acquired by the density acquisition unit, so that the nodes of the standing wave generated in the flow channel are formed at a predetermined position in the flow channel, and irradiates the standing wave forming unit with the ultrasonic wave of the determined frequency; and The recovery unit recovers the particles that have been gathered by the standing wave at a predetermined location within the flow channel.

2. The particle recovery device of claim 1, wherein, The density acquisition unit obtains the density of the liquid sample from a density measuring device connected to the particle recovery device and measuring the density of the liquid sample.

3. The particle recovery device of claim 1, wherein, The density acquisition unit is a density measuring unit that measures and acquires the density of the liquid sample.

4. The particle recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit further includes a storage unit for storing the relationship between density and frequency, which is the correspondence between the density of the liquid sample in the flow channel and the frequency of the ultrasonic wave that generates a standing wave in the liquid sample. The control unit determines the frequency of the ultrasound based on the density value of the liquid sample and the frequency derived from the density-frequency relationship stored in the storage unit.

5. The particle recovery device of claim 1, wherein, The control unit adjusts the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave based on the density obtained by the density acquisition unit.

6. The particle recovery device of claim 1, wherein, The control unit adjusts the duration of the ultrasonic irradiation based on the density acquired by the density acquisition unit.

7. The particle recovery device as described in claim 4, wherein, The particle recovery device further includes a component information acquisition unit for acquiring the concentrations of multiple components contained in the liquid sample within the flow channel. The storage unit stores the relationship between the density and frequency of each of the plurality of components. The control unit determines the frequency of the ultrasound based on the concentration of the components contained in the liquid sample, the density of the liquid sample, and a plurality of the relationships between density and frequency obtained by the component information acquisition unit.

8. The particle recovery device of claim 7, wherein, The control unit adjusts the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave based on the concentration of the components and the density of the liquid sample obtained by the component information acquisition unit.

9. The particle recovery device of claim 7 or 8, wherein, The control unit adjusts the duration of ultrasonic irradiation based on the concentration of the components and the density of the liquid sample obtained by the component information acquisition unit.

10. The particle recovery device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The direction in which the standing wave occurs is orthogonal to the flow direction of the liquid sample in the flow channel. The recycling unit is a double-layered tube with an inner tube and an outer tube having the same axis on the downstream side of the flow direction.

11. The particle recovery device of claim 10, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the inner tube in the recycling unit is less than 1 / 4 of the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer tube.

12. The particle recovery device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It further includes a pressurizing unit for pressurizing the liquid sample filled in the flow channel. The standing wave forming unit irradiates the ultrasonic waves while the liquid sample is pressurized inside the flow channel by the pressurizing unit.

13. The particle recovery device of claim 1, wherein, The standing wave forming unit generates the standing wave while the liquid sample is stored in the flow channel.

14. The particle recovery device of claim 1, wherein, The number of nodes in the standing wave is 1.

15. A particle recovery method for recovering particles contained in a liquid sample. In the particle recovery method described above Obtain the density of the liquid sample. The frequency of the ultrasonic waves that generate standing waves within the flow channel of the liquid sample is determined based on the density of the liquid sample, so that the nodes of the generated standing waves form at predetermined positions within the flow channel. The ultrasonic waves are irradiated into the flow channel. The particles that have accumulated at a predetermined location within the flow channel due to the standing wave generated by irradiating the ultrasonic waves are recovered.

16. The particle recovery method of claim 15, wherein, The concentrations of a plurality of components contained in the liquid sample are measured, and the frequency of the ultrasonic waves irradiated into the flow channel is determined based on the correspondence between the concentrations of the plurality of components, the density of the liquid sample, the density of each component in the liquid sample, and the frequency of the ultrasonic waves that generate standing waves in the liquid sample.

17. The particle recovery method of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The amplitude of the ultrasound is adjusted based on the concentration and density of the components contained in the liquid sample.

18. The particle recovery method of claim 15, wherein, The duration of ultrasound irradiation is adjusted based on the concentration and density of the components contained in the liquid sample.

19. The particle recovery method of claim 15, wherein, The liquid sample is a bodily fluid recovered from a living organism.

20. The particle recovery method of claim 19, wherein, The fluid in question is urine.

21. The particle recovery method of claim 15, wherein, The number of nodes of the standing wave is 1.

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