Electrophoresis device and capillary array

Abstract

In order to provide an electrophoresis device capable of reducing a noise signal caused by a foreign matter around an excitation light irradiation unit of a capillary array, the electrophoresis device is provided with: a capillary array in which capillaries for electrophoresis of a sample are arranged in a planar shape; an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light to the capillary array; and a fluorescence measurement unit that measures fluorescence induced from the capillary array, in which the capillary array has a sealed structure in which the periphery of an excitation light irradiation unit, which is a site to be irradiated with the excitation light, is filled with air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrophoresis device for separating and analyzing samples such as DNA and a capillary array installed in the electrophoresis device. Background Art

[0002] An electrophoresis device is a device that separates fluorescently labeled samples by electrophoresis, detects fluorescence induced by irradiation with excitation light, and analyzes the samples. In particular, when analyzing trace samples such as DNA, the sample filled in a quartz glass capillary together with a separation medium is separated by electrophoresis. In addition, in order to analyze multiple samples at the same time, the capillary array in which the capillaries are arranged in a plane is sometimes irradiated with excitation light along the arrangement direction. However, at the boundary surface between the capillary and the air, the excitation light is dispersed and reflected due to the difference in the refractive index of the two, so the excitation light passing through the capillary array decays exponentially, and the fluorescence emitted by the sample is also reduced.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that, in order to suppress attenuation of excitation light passing through a capillary array, a liquid or solid optical transmission medium having a refractive index greater than air but not greater than water is interposed between capillaries in a space through which the excitation light passes.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-96778 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, in Patent Document 1, foreign matter present in the vicinity of the portion irradiated with the excitation light is not sufficiently considered. The Raman scattered light emitted from the optical transmission medium between the capillaries becomes a noise signal relative to the fluorescence emitted by the sample, so the sensitivity limit becomes larger and it is impossible to detect a trace amount of fluorescence from the sample. In addition, the fluorescence emitted from the floating dust in the atmosphere attracted by the capillaries charged during electrophoresis also becomes a noise signal. Furthermore, when the adhesive used to fix the capillaries flows into the excitation light irradiation portion, the fluorescence emitted from the adhesive becomes a noise signal.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrophoresis device and a capillary array capable of reducing noise signals caused by foreign matter around an excitation light irradiation portion of a capillary array.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the electrophoresis device of the present invention comprises: a capillary array, in which capillaries for electrophoresis of a sample are arranged in a planar shape; an excitation light source, which irradiates excitation light to the capillary array; and a fluorescence measuring unit, which measures the fluorescence induced from the capillary array, characterized in that the capillary array has a closed structure in which the area irradiated with the excitation light, i.e., the excitation light irradiation unit, is filled with air around the area.

[0012] In addition, the electrophoresis device of the present invention comprises: a capillary array in which capillaries for electrophoresis of a sample are arranged in a planar shape; an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light to the capillary array; and a fluorescence measuring section that measures fluorescence induced from the capillary array, and is characterized in that a groove is provided between a portion where the adhesive is applied, i.e., a coating portion, and a portion where the excitation light is irradiated, i.e., an excitation light irradiation section, on a substrate on which the capillary array is arranged and fixed by an adhesive.

[0013] The present invention is also directed to a capillary array in which capillaries for sample electrophoresis are arranged in a plane, and is characterized in that the capillary array has a sealed structure in which the periphery of a portion irradiated with excitation light, ie, an excitation light irradiation portion, is filled with air.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrophoresis device and a capillary array capable of reducing noise signals caused by foreign matter around an excitation light irradiation portion of a capillary array. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of the electrophoresis device of Example 1.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of the capillary array of Example 1.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the detection unit of Example 1.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing components constituting the detection unit of Example 1.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a cross section of the detection unit of Example 1.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the remaining adhesive in the detection section of Example 1.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a diagram illustrating the influence of a noise signal.

[0023] Figure 8This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the detection unit of Example 2.

[0024] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the detection unit of Example 3.

[0025] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a cross section of a detection unit according to Example 3.

[0026] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the detection unit of Example 4.

[0027] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of the electrophoresis device of Example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the electrophoresis device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The electrophoresis device is a device that separates a fluorescently labeled sample by electrophoresis and detects fluorescence induced by irradiation with excitation light to analyze the sample.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] use Figure 1 An example of the overall structure of the electrophoresis device of Example 1 is described. The electrophoresis device includes a light source 165, a fluorescence measuring unit 167, a capillary array 119, a constant temperature bath 168, a voltage source 169, an anode side buffer container 160, a cathode side buffer container 155, and a gel block 157. Each unit is described below.

[0031] The light source 165 is a device for irradiating the capillary array 119 with excitation light, and is, for example, a laser light source. The excitation light 163 emitted from the light source 165 is divided into two excitation lights 172 and 173 by the half mirror 171. After the excitation lights 172 and 173 change their traveling directions respectively by the reflection mirror 174, they are focused by the focusing lens 175 and irradiate the excitation light irradiation section 164 of the detection section 101 in the capillary array 119 from both sides roughly coaxially. In addition, the irradiation to the excitation light irradiation section 164 may be either the excitation light 172 or the excitation light 173.

[0032] The fluorescence measuring unit 167 is a device for measuring the fluorescence 132 induced in the capillary array 119 by irradiation with the excitation lights 172 and 173 , and includes, for example, a CCD camera, a diffraction grating, and a lens. The fluorescence measuring unit 167 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement plane of the capillary array 119 .

[0033] The capillary array 119 is a consumable part that is replaced as needed, and has capillaries 103 arranged therein for electrophoresis of samples such as DNA molecules. Figure 2The structure of the capillary array 119 is described. The capillary array 119 includes a plurality of capillaries 103, a capillary head 170, a detection unit 101, and an electrode holding unit 183. The number of capillaries 103 is not limited to Figure 2 8 shown.

[0034] The capillary 103 is a capillary used for electrophoresis of the sample. For example, the outer surface of a glass tube with an inner diameter of tens to hundreds of μm and an outer diameter of hundreds of μm is coated with a polyimide of tens of μm for reinforcement. The capillary 103 is filled with a sample and a separation medium as an electrolyte solution. The separation medium may also include a high molecular gel, a polymer, etc.

[0035] The plurality of capillaries 103 are held by a capillary holding portion 182 having a circular ring shape. By holding the capillary 103 in the capillary holding portion 182, the capillary array 119 can be easily transported. The capillary holding portion 182 is provided with a separator 181 via a plurality of diaphragm holding portions 185. The diaphragm 181 is provided with holes having the same number as the number of capillaries 103 at equal intervals, and the capillaries 103 are inserted into each hole. By inserting the capillaries 103 into the holes of the diaphragm 181, the distance between the capillaries 103 is kept at equal intervals, and the temperature management of the capillaries 103 is easily performed.

[0036] The electrode holder 183 holds the cathode 152, which is a metal hollow electrode. The number of cathodes 152 and capillaries 103 is the same, and one end of each capillary 103 passes through each cathode 152, and both are fixed by adhesive etc. The capillary head 170 is a resin component that bundles the other ends of a plurality of capillaries 103.

[0037] The detection section 101 is irradiated with the excitation light 172, 173 from the light source 165 and the fluorescence is measured by the fluorescence measurement section 167. In the detection section 101, the polyimide on the outer surface of the capillary 103 is removed so as not to hinder the irradiation of the excitation light and the measurement of the fluorescence. In addition, in the detection section 101, a plurality of capillaries 103 are arranged in a plane.

[0038] return Figure 1 The constant temperature bath 168 is a temperature regulator that maintains the capillary array 119 at a predetermined temperature, for example, 60°C.

[0039] The voltage source 169 is a power source for applying voltage to both ends of the capillary array 119. The anode is connected to the capillary head 170 side, and the cathode is connected to the electrode holding part 183 side. The anode side buffer container 160 and the cathode side buffer container 155 are containers for storing buffers 159 and 154 for supplying electric charge during electrophoresis. The anode side buffer container 160 is arranged on the capillary head 170 side, and the cathode side buffer container 155 is arranged on the electrode holding part 183 side.

[0040] The gel block 157 has a tube connected to the capillary head 170 inside. The upper end of the tube of the gel block 157 is connected to a syringe 161, and the lower end of the tube is immersed in a buffer solution 159 in an anode-side buffer solution container 160. The separation medium is injected into the capillary 103 by operating the valve 156 and the syringe 161 provided in the middle of the tube.

[0041] use Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , the detection unit 101 of Example 1 is described. Figure 3 The state where the components constituting the detection unit 101 are assembled is shown in a three-dimensional diagram. Figure 4 In the figure, a three-dimensional diagram is used to show the separated state of each component. Figure 5 , as a cross-sectional view of the detection unit 101, an excitation light irradiation unit and a detection unit mounting unit are shown.

[0042] The detection unit 101 includes a plurality of capillaries 103, a substrate 102, a fixing plate 104, and a light-transmitting plate 106. The plurality of capillaries 103 are arranged on the substrate 102, and the fixing plate 104 and the light-transmitting plate 106 are sequentially covered on the plurality of capillaries 103. In addition, the substrate 102 and the fixing plate 104 are composed of components that block light, and the two are bonded by an adhesive 105, thereby fixing the plurality of capillaries 103 on the substrate 102. In addition, the light-transmitting plate 106 is composed of a component that transmits light.

[0043] The substrate 102 has a capillary arrangement surface 111 that serves as a reference plane, and a plurality of capillaries 103 are arranged in contact with the upper surface of the capillary arrangement surface 111. Positioning grooves 118 of a V shape or the like may be formed at equal intervals on the fixing plate 104. The capillaries 103 are arranged at desired intervals by inserting the capillaries 103 into the positioning grooves 118. In addition, in the case where the capillaries 103 are arranged on the substrate 102 in close contact with each other, that is, in the case where the diameter of the capillaries 103 is the same as the arrangement interval of the capillaries 103, the positioning grooves 118 may not be formed on the fixing plate 104.

[0044] In the excitation light irradiation section 164, which is a portion irradiated with the excitation lights 172 and 173, the coating of the capillary 103 is removed to expose the quartz tube 115. The fixing plate 104 is provided with a fluorescence passage port 112 for passing the fluorescence 132 from the sample. After passing through the fluorescence passage port 112, the fluorescence 132 is transmitted through the light-transmitting plate 106 and reaches the fluorescence measurement section 167.

[0045] The light-transmitting member 107 of the light-transmitting plate 106 is fitted into the recess 109 provided in the substrate 102. Figure 4 The shaded portion shown is coated with an adhesive or the like, so that the light-transmitting plate 106 is assembled to the substrate 102. The light-transmitting component 107 is a component that transmits the excitation light 172 and 173 irradiated to the quartz tube 115. The light-transmitting component 107 is fitted into the recess 109, and the light-transmitting plate 106 is assembled to the substrate 102, thereby forming a sealed structure in which the periphery of the quartz tube 115 of the excitation light irradiation section 164 is filled with air. The periphery of the quartz tube 115 of the excitation light irradiation section 164 is filled with air, so that there is no foreign matter that emits Raman scattered light in the excitation light irradiation section 164, so that noise signals can be suppressed. In addition, by forming a sealed structure around the quartz tube 115, floating dust in the atmosphere and the like will not adhere to the quartz tube 115, so that noise signals can be suppressed.

[0046] In addition, coating Figure 4 The adhesive on the oblique line portion shown emits fluorescence as a noise signal by incident scattered light of the excitation lights 172 and 173 transmitted from the light-transmitting member 107. Therefore, by using a light-proof non-transparent member as a constituent material of the substrate 102, it is possible to suppress the fluorescence emitted by the adhesive from reaching the excitation light irradiation section 164. Furthermore, by providing a convex light shielding portion 113 having a convex shape on the substrate 102, it is possible to further suppress the fluorescence emitted by the adhesive from reaching the excitation light irradiation section 164.

[0047] In addition, detection unit installation surfaces 114 having steps of height S with respect to the capillary array surface 111 may be provided at the four corners of the substrate 102. The detection unit installation surface 114 is Figure 5 The detection unit fixing mechanism 134 shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the device mating surface 133. In addition, the detection unit fixing mechanism 134 is provided in the electrophoresis device, and a substrate pressing plate 136 is used when the detection unit setting surface 114 is brought into contact with the device mating surface 133. In a multi-focus method in which an excitation light is irradiated along the arrangement direction to a capillary array in which the capillaries are arranged in a plane, the laser irradiation efficiency to each capillary 103 is determined by the diameter of the quartz tube 115, the arrangement interval of the capillaries 103, and the refractive index of the polymer filled in the capillary. Therefore, by using capillary arrays 119 having different values ​​of height S according to the analytical application, a plurality of analytical applications can be used to analyze the sample in one capillary array electrophoresis device.

[0048] In addition, an adhesive groove 108 may be provided on the substrate 102. The adhesive used to fix the capillary 103 to the substrate 102 may flow into the excitation light irradiation section 164 due to the capillary phenomenon, and the adhesive flowing into the excitation light irradiation section 164 emits fluorescence that becomes a noise signal. Therefore, a groove, that is, an adhesive groove 108, is provided on the substrate 102 to prevent the adhesive from flowing into the excitation light irradiation section 164. The adhesive groove 108 is provided, for example, in a manner extending in the direction in which the capillaries 103 are arranged.

[0049] use Figure 6 The adhesive groove 108 is further described. Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view of the detection unit 101, omitting the light-transmitting plate 106. The adhesive groove 108 is provided between the portion where the adhesive for fixing the capillary 103 is applied and the excitation light irradiation unit 164. A portion of the adhesive for fixing the capillary 103 becomes the remaining adhesive 116 and is about to flow into the excitation light irradiation unit 164, but because it is accumulated in the adhesive groove 108, the remaining adhesive 116 does not reach the excitation light vicinity surface 110. In addition, the adhesive groove 108 does not need to be formed from end to end of the substrate 102, as long as it is provided at the portion where the adhesive is applied.

[0050] In addition, since the adhesive groove 108 is covered by the region of the fixing plate 104 where the fluorescence passage opening 112 is not formed, the adhesive fluorescence 117 emitted from the excess adhesive 116 accumulated in the adhesive groove 108 does not reach the fluorescence measuring section 167. That is, by providing the fixing plate 104 as a light shielding section for shielding light between the adhesive groove 108 and the fluorescence measuring section 167, the adhesive fluorescence 117 that becomes a noise signal is shielded.

[0051] use Figure 7 The effects of Example 1 are described. Figure 7 (a) is an example of a measurement signal when the noise signal cannot be sufficiently reduced. Figure 7 (b) is an example of a measurement signal of the detection unit 101 of Example 1. In addition, Figure 7 The vertical axis represents the signal intensity measured by the fluorescence measuring unit 167, and the horizontal axis represents the electrophoresis time. The signal intensity is displayed in an enlarged manner in the vertical axis direction.

[0052] In cases where the noise signal cannot be sufficiently reduced, such as Figure 7 As shown in (a), the baseline intensity rises to H, and the amplitude of the signal intensity of the noise N is I N The signal intensity I of the fluorescence S from the sample increases. S The amplitude I buried in the noise N N In, cannot be detected.

[0053] In contrast, when the noise signal can be reduced by the detection unit 101 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in (b), the baseline intensity drops to L, and the amplitude of the signal intensity of the noise N′ is I N ' becomes smaller, the signal intensity I of the fluorescence S' from the sample S ' can not be buried in the amplitude of the noise N' N In addition, the fluorescence S from the sample does not depend on the baseline intensity, and the signal intensity I S With signal strength I S 'same.

[0054] Therefore, according to Example 1, it is possible to reduce noise signals caused by foreign matter around the excitation light irradiation unit 164. As a result, the sensitivity limit is reduced, and detection is possible even when the fluorescence from the sample is small.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] In the first embodiment, the case where the excitation light vicinity surface 110 of the substrate 102 and the capillary arrangement surface 111 are at substantially the same height, and the detection unit installation surface 114 has a step of height S relative to the capillary arrangement surface 111 is described. In the second embodiment, the case where the excitation light vicinity surface 210 of the substrate 202 is formed at a position lowered by height T from the capillary arrangement surface 211, and the detection unit installation surface 214 and the capillary arrangement surface 211 are at the same height is described.

[0057] use Figure 8 The detection unit 201 of the second embodiment is described. Figure 8 2 shows a state in which a substrate 202, a plurality of capillaries 203, and a fixing plate 204 constituting a detection unit 201 are assembled, and a light-transmitting plate 206 is separated. In addition, the substrate 202 has a capillary arrangement surface 211, a detection unit setting surface 214, an adhesive groove 208, a recessed portion 209, and a convex light shielding portion 213, similarly to the first embodiment. In addition, the fixing plate 204 has a fluorescence passage port 212, similarly to the first embodiment, and is bonded to the substrate 202 by an adhesive 205. Furthermore, the light-transmitting plate 206 has a light-transmitting member 207, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0058] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated substrate 202 , the detection unit installation surface 214 is at the same height as the capillary array surface 211 , and processing of a step of height S as shown in the first embodiment is unnecessary, so the substrate 202 can be easily manufactured.

[0059] In addition, in the multi-focusing method, by tilting the excitation light 172 and 173 irradiated to the quartz tube 215 relative to the excitation light near surface 210, the excitation light of one side is sometimes prevented from returning to the light source 165 along the path of the excitation light of the other side. There is a case where the excitation light 172 and 173 tilted relative to the excitation light near surface 210 is blocked by the substrate 202, but by forming the excitation light near surface 210 at a position lowered by a height T from the capillary array surface 211, the excitation light 172 and 173 will not be blocked by the substrate 202.

[0060] In addition, even when the excitation light vicinity surface 110 is at substantially the same height as the capillary arrangement surface 111 as in Example 1, a slope may be provided at the end of the convex light shielding portion 113 so that the excitation lights 172 and 173 are not blocked by the substrate 102 .

[0061] In Example 2, the periphery of the quartz tube 215 of the excitation light irradiation section 164 is also a sealed structure filled with air, so as in Example 1, the noise signal caused by foreign matter around the excitation light irradiation section 164 can be reduced, and the sensitivity limit becomes smaller.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] In the first embodiment, the case where the plurality of capillaries 103 are fixed by the fixing plate 104 bonded to the substrate 102 is described. In the third embodiment, the case where the plurality of capillaries 303 are fixed by the light-transmitting plate 306 is described.

[0064] use Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 , the detection unit 301 of Example 3 is described. Fig. 9 In the figure, a three-dimensional diagram is used to show a state where the substrate 302 and the plurality of capillaries 303 constituting the detection unit 301 are assembled and the light-transmitting plate 306 is separated. Fig.10 , the excitation light irradiation section and the detection section mounting section are shown as a cross-sectional view of the detection section 301. In addition, the substrate 302 has a capillary array surface 311, an adhesive groove 308, and a convex light shielding section 313 similarly to the first embodiment.

[0065] exist Fig. 9 The capillaries 303 arranged on the capillary arrangement surface 311 of the illustrated substrate 302 are bonded and fixed by a light-transmitting plate 306. The lower surface of the light-transmitting plate 306, i.e., the surface in contact with the capillaries 303, is coated with a light-shielding material 316 by evaporation or the like. However, the light-shielding material 316 is not coated in the region of the fluorescence passage opening 312.

[0066] The capillary arrangement surface 311 of the substrate 302 is provided with positioning guides 317. The positioning guides 317 are formed by, for example, curing an adhesive applied at equal intervals using a dispenser. The capillaries 303 are arranged at equal intervals by arranging the capillaries 303 between the positioning guides 317 formed at equal intervals. Therefore, by changing the interval of the adhesive applied to the capillary arrangement surface 311, the arrangement interval of the capillaries 303 can be changed.

[0067] In the third embodiment, the light-transmitting member 307 is provided with a detection unit installation surface 314. Fig.10 As shown in the example, the detection unit installation surface 314 contacts the device matching surface 335 of the detection unit fixing mechanism 334. The detection unit fixing mechanism 334 is provided in the electrophoresis device, and the substrate pressing plate 136 is used when the detection unit installation surface 314 and the device matching surface 335 are brought into contact.

[0068] In Example 3, the periphery of the quartz tube 315 of the excitation light irradiation section 164 is also a sealed structure filled with air, so as in Example 1, the noise signal caused by foreign matter around the excitation light irradiation section 164 can be reduced, and the sensitivity limit becomes smaller.

[0069] Example 4

[0070] In the first embodiment, the case where the detection unit 101 includes the light-transmitting plate 106 and the light-transmitting member 307 is described. If the light-transmitting plate 106 and the light-transmitting member 307, which are relatively expensive components, are mounted on the capillary array 119, which is a consumable, the unit price of the capillary array 119 increases, and the running cost also increases. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the running cost is suppressed by mounting substitutes for the light-transmitting plate 306 and the light-transmitting member 307 on the electrophoresis device.

[0071] use Fig.11 and Fig.12 Example 4 is described. Fig.11 4 shows a state where a substrate 402, a plurality of capillaries 403, and a fixing plate 404 constituting a detection unit 401 of Example 4 are assembled in a three-dimensional view. Fig.12 4 shows a main part of the electrophoresis device with the detection unit 401 installed in a three-dimensional view. In addition, the substrate 402 has a capillary arrangement surface 411, a detection unit installation surface 414, an adhesive groove 408, and a recess 409 in the same manner as in Example 1. In addition, the fixing plate 404 has a fluorescence passage port 412 and a positioning groove 418 in the same manner as in Example 1, and is bonded to the substrate 402 by an adhesive 405.

[0072] Fig.12The illustrated electrophoresis device is provided with a light source 465 and a fluorescence measuring unit 467 in the same manner as in Example 1. The excitation light 431 emitted from the light source 465 is split into two excitation lights by a half-reflecting mirror 471, passes through a plurality of reflectors 474 and a focusing lens 475, and then passes through excitation light exit holes 476 (two locations, upper and lower). The excitation light exit holes 476 are provided in the detection unit fixing mechanism 434 on which the detection unit 401 is mounted, and the excitation light exit holes 476 are provided with an excitation light transmission window 477. When the detection unit 401 is mounted on the detection unit fixing mechanism 434, the excitation light transmission window 477 is engaged with the recess 409 of the detection unit 401, and the excitation light transmitted from the excitation light transmission window 477 is irradiated to the excitation light irradiation unit 464. That is, the excitation light transmission window 477 serves as a substitute for the light-transmitting member 307.

[0073] The fluorescence 432 emitted from the excitation light irradiation unit 464 by the irradiation of the excitation light is transmitted through the fluorescence transmission window 478 provided in the fluorescence entrance hole 479, and is measured by the fluorescence measurement unit 467. That is, the fluorescence transmission window 478 serves as a substitute for the light-transmitting plate 306. In addition, the fluorescence measurement unit 467 includes a fluorescence condensing lens 481, a transmission type diffraction grating 482, an imaging lens 483, and a two-dimensional CCD 484.

[0074] According to the fourth embodiment, the light-transmitting plate 106 and the light-transmitting member 307, which are relatively expensive components, do not need to be mounted on the capillary array 119, which is a consumable part, so that the running cost can be suppressed. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the periphery of the quartz tube 415 of the excitation light irradiation unit 164 is also a sealed structure filled with air, so as in the first embodiment, the noise signal caused by foreign matter around the excitation light irradiation unit 164 can be reduced, and the sensitivity limit becomes smaller.

[0075] The embodiments of the present invention are described above. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the constituent elements may be deformed within the scope of the main purpose of the invention. In addition, the multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments.

[0076] Explanation of symbols

[0077] 101, 201, 301, 401…Detection Department

[0078] 102, 202, 302, 402...Substrate

[0079] 103, 203, 303, 403…capillary

[0080] 104, 204, 404…Fixed plate

[0081] 105, 205, 405… adhesive

[0082] 106, 206, 306…light-transmitting board

[0083] 107, 207, 307…light-transmitting components

[0084] 108, 208, 308, 408…adhesive slot

[0085] 109, 209, 409…concave

[0086] 110, 210, 310, 410…surface near the excitation light

[0087] 111, 211, 311, 411…capillary array surface

[0088] 112, 212, 312, 412…fluorescence through port

[0089] 113, 213, 313...convex light shielding part

[0090] 114, 214, 314, 414…Detection unit installation surface

[0091] 115, 215, 315, 415…quartz tube

[0092] 116…Remaining adhesive

[0093] 117…Adhesive Fluorescence

[0094] 118, 418… positioning groove

[0095] 119…Capillary array

[0096] 163, 172, 173, 331, 431…excitation light

[0097] 132, 332, 432…fluorescence

[0098] 133, 335…device mating surface

[0099] 134, 334, 334…Detection unit fixing mechanism

[0100] 136, 336…Base plate pressing plate

[0101] 152…Cathode

[0102] 153…Sample introduction section

[0103] 154, 159…Buffer

[0104] 155…Catheter side buffer container

[0105] 156…Valve

[0106] 157…Gel Block

[0107] 158…Ground electrode

[0108] 160…Anode side buffer container

[0109] 161…Syringe

[0110] 164, 464…excitation light irradiation unit

[0111] 165, 465…light source

[0112] 167, 467…Fluorescence measurement unit

[0113] 168…Thermostatic bath

[0114] 169…Voltage source

[0115] 170…Capillary head

[0116] 171, 471…half-mirror

[0117] 174, 474…reflector

[0118] 175, 475…condenser lens

[0119] 181…Diaphragm

[0120] 182…Capillary holding part

[0121] 183…Electrode holding part

[0122] 185…Diaphragm retaining part

[0123] 316…Light-shading materials

[0124] 320…Mating surface of light-transmitting component

[0125] 476…Excitation light exit hole

[0126] 477…Excitation light transmission window

[0127] 478…Fluorescence transmission window

[0128] 479…fluorescence entrance hole

[0129] 481…Fluorescence condenser lens

[0130] 482…Transmission type diffraction grating

[0131] 483…Imaging lens

[0132] 484…2D CCD.

Claims

1. An electrophoresis device comprising: a capillary array having capillaries for electrophoresis of a sample arranged in a plane; an excitation light source for irradiating the capillary array with excitation light; and a fluorescence measuring unit for measuring fluorescence induced from the capillary array, characterized in that: The capillary array has a sealed structure in which the periphery of the excitation light irradiation portion, which is a portion irradiated with the excitation light, is filled with air.

2. The electrophoresis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: On the substrate on which the capillary array is arranged and fixed by an adhesive, a groove is provided between a coating portion where the adhesive is applied and the excitation light irradiation portion.

3. The electrophoresis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A light shielding portion for shielding light is provided between the groove and the fluorescence measuring portion.

4. The electrophoresis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The substrate is formed of a non-light-transmitting member that does not transmit light.

5. An electrophoresis device comprising: a capillary array having capillaries for electrophoresis of a sample arranged in a plane; an excitation light source for irradiating the capillary array with excitation light; and a fluorescence measuring unit for measuring fluorescence induced from the capillary array, characterized in that: On the substrate on which the capillary array is arranged and fixed by an adhesive, a groove is provided between a coating portion where the adhesive is applied and an excitation light irradiation portion where the excitation light is irradiated.

6. A capillary array, wherein capillaries for electrophoresis of a sample are arranged in a planar shape, characterized in that: The capillary array has a sealed structure in which the periphery of the portion irradiated with the excitation light, that is, the excitation light irradiation portion, is filled with air.

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