Pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device

Abstract

This pretreatment-integrated electrophoresis device is provided with: a pretreatment unit that prepares a sample for electrophoresis by pretreating a biological sample; and an optical system that irradiates light to the sample that has been electrophoretic-separated in the capillary tube and detects light from the sample, the pretreatment-integrated electrophoresis device being provided with: a first main body part and a second main body part; and a connecting member that connects the first body part and the second body part. At least one of the first main body part and the second main body part has an installation surface on which a detachable unit is installed, and the connection member connects the first main body part and the second main body part such that one of the first main body part and the second main body part is relatively movable with respect to the other of the first main body part and the second main body part. As a result, the overall size of the pretreatment-integrated electrophoresis device is variable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Applications using nucleic acid analysis are being put to practical use in the fields of forensic science, immigration management, counter-terrorism, and the like. For example, in the field of forensic science, STR analysis is being put to practical use. STR analysis analyzes a repeated base sequence (Short Tandem Repeat: STR) of a certain region in a genome. Using the length of the STR base sequence, which is unique to an individual, it is possible to perform DNA identification such as individual identification and parentage testing.

[0003] For example, the procedure of STR analysis is as follows. First, a nucleic acid (mostly DNA) that becomes a template is extracted from a test sample such as a biological sample or a sample of a substance derived from a living organism. Furthermore, the extracted template DNA is amplified by a PCR reaction (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and then the DNA double strand is denatured into a single strand by formamide treatment or heating and rapid cooling. In the DNA amplification, 13 kinds of primer sets are used to perform multiplex PCR amplification for one DNA sample. The DNA fragments that are amplified are labeled in the DNA amplification. The solution in which the DNA has been amplified and labeled is an analysis sample (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] When the above procedure of preparing an analysis sample from a test sample is a pretreatment process, a procedure of separating the labeled DNA fragments by electrophoresis, detecting and analyzing the electrophoretic pattern of the obtained separated DNA fragments is an electrophoresis process.

[0005] So far, the separation and detection of DNA fragments have been actively automated using a DNA sequencer or the like. On the other hand, in the pretreatment process, so far, it has been performed by manual work by skilled persons. In recent years, attempts have been made to automate this pretreatment process, so that not only limited facilities and skilled persons, but also a large amount of genetic analysis including STR analysis can be performed in more cases.

[0006] A pretreatment-integrated electrophoresis device that continuously performs a pretreatment process and an electrophoresis process is disclosed in Patent Literature 2. In the pretreatment-integrated electrophoresis device of Patent Literature 2, a sample cartridge for extracting DNA from a sample and performing amplification and a capillary cartridge equipped with a capillary for performing electrophoresis are provided. A user sets the sample cartridge in which a sample is enclosed in the pretreatment-integrated electrophoresis device, and the pretreatment-integrated electrophoresis device automatically performs the pretreatment process to the electrophoresis process. Such a pretreatment-integrated electrophoresis device enables simple operation without professional knowledge in use, and even a user who is not skilled in DNA identification can easily use it. Regarding Patent Literature 3 to Patent Literature 5, described later.

[0007] Prior Art Documents

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Literature 1: U.S. Patent No. 6531282

[0010] Patent Literature 2: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0116439

[0011] Patent Literature 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-0101166

[0012] Patent Literature 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H7-83900

[0013] Patent Literature 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H10-282055 SUMMARY

[0014] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0015] The pretreatment-integrated electrophoresis device that performs the pretreatment process to the electrophoresis process continuously is mainly used for criminal investigations. In criminal investigations, a user who does not have professional knowledge in DNA identification performs operation of the device. In addition, the user transports the device to a crime scene, collects a sample on the spot, and puts it into the device. Therefore, simple operability and portability of the device are important functions.

[0016] In the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus of Patent Literature 2, the consumables are only the capillary cartridge in which the reagent and the capillary are integrated and the sample cartridge into which the sample is put, and therefore the user does not need to set a plurality of consumables at a plurality of sites, and can perform a very simple operation. On the other hand, the cartridge itself is large, and has a structure in which the cartridge is mounted inside the apparatus. Therefore, a space for accommodating the cartridge needs to be provided in the apparatus, and this can hinder portability and important downsizing of the apparatus. In addition, when the apparatus is transported using a conveyor that does not perform temperature management, the cartridge in which the reagent is mounted needs to be removed. In this case, in the structure of Patent Literature 2, the cartridge accommodation space of the apparatus is not reduced, and therefore the volume of the apparatus does not change, and a space for the conveyor is required. Moreover, when the cartridge is removed, the inside of the apparatus is exposed, and therefore dust and the like can enter the apparatus.

[0017] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus that can be downsized and further deformed to be small-sized when transported.

[0018] Means for solving the problem

[0019] To solve the above problem, the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus of the present disclosure includes a pretreatment unit that performs pretreatment on a biological sample to prepare a sample for electrophoresis, and an optical system that irradiates light to the sample after separation by electrophoresis in a capillary, and detects the light from the sample, and the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus includes a first main body portion and a second main body portion, and a connecting member that connects the first main body portion and the second main body portion. At least one of the first main body portion and the second main body portion has a setting surface on which a detachable unit is set, and the connecting member connects the first main body portion and the second main body portion in a manner that one of the first main body portion and the second main body portion is relatively movable with respect to the other, and thereby the size of the entire pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus is variable.

[0020] Further features associated with the present disclosure are made clear from the description and drawings of the present specification. In addition, the modes of the present disclosure are achieved and realized by elements and combinations of various elements, and the following detailed description and the attached patent protection scope. The description of the present specification is merely a typical example, and does not limit the patent protection scope or application examples of the present disclosure in any sense.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus of the present disclosure, it is possible to downsize and further deform to be small-sized when transported. Through the description of the following embodiments, the above and other problems, structures, and effects become clear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1is a front view (left) and a side view (right) showing the overall structure of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 is a structure view of the capillary cartridge.

[0025] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the dotted circle A in FIG. 5.

[0026] Figure 4 is a plan view (left) and a side view (right) of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device.

[0027] Figure 5A is a side view for explaining the shape of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device when the interface unit is closed.

[0028] Figure 5B is a sectional view of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device.

[0029] Figure 5C is Figure 5B is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the dotted circle in FIG. 7, showing the boundary between the main body portion and the interface unit.

[0030] Figure 5D is an enlarged view for explaining another configuration of the boundary between the main body portion and the interface unit.

[0031] Figure 6 is a plan view (left) and a side view (right) of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device of the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 is a side view showing the state of mounting and not mounting the capillary cartridge in the interface unit.

[0033] Figure 8 is a side view of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device of the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 is a side view of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device of the fourth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10 is a front view (left) and a side view (right) of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device of the fifth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11 is a side view of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device of the sixth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12 is a side view of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device of the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the drawings represent specific embodiments following the principles of the present disclosure, but they are by no means intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0039] [First Embodiment]

[0040] Structure Example of Pretreatment Integrated Electrophoresis Device

[0041] Figure 1 is a front view (left side) and a side view (right side) that represent the overall structure of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 of the first embodiment. In Figure 1 of the side view, the constituent elements of the inside and outside of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 are shown. Hereinafter, in the present specification, the face shown in the front view of Figure 1 will be explained by setting the face shown in the front view of

[0042] The capillary cartridge 101 and the sample cartridge 102, which are consumables, can be attached to and detached from the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1. The capillary cartridge 101 has a single or multiple capillary, a reagent used at the time of pretreatment, a reagent used at the time of electrophoresis, and the like. The sample cartridge 102 mounts a biological specimen such as a cell collected from a human and performs pretreatment on the cell. The capillary cartridge 101 and the sample cartridge 102 are consumables and are housed in a case different from the transport case of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 at the time of transport.

[0043] As shown in the side view of the right side of Figure 1 , the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 has a high-voltage power supply 103, an optical system 104, a high-pressure pump 105, a pretreatment unit 106, a PC 107, a touch panel 108, an interface unit 109 (second main body portion), a hinge 110 (connecting member), and a main body portion 111 (first main body portion). The high-voltage power supply 103 applies a high voltage to a capillary at the time of electrophoresis. The optical system 104 irradiates a sample in the capillary with excitation light and detects fluorescence emitted from the sample. The high-pressure pump 105 is driven at the time of injecting a running medium into the capillary. The pretreatment unit 106 transports a reagent to the sample cartridge 102 and performs temperature adjustment. The PC 107 controls each constituent element of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1. The touch panel 108 is operated by a user at the time of using the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1. The instruction input by the user via the touch panel 108 is transmitted to the PC 107.

[0044] The interface unit 109 is connected to the main body portion 111 by the hinge 110 and can perform opening and closing actions like a door. In Figure 1In the state in which the interface unit 109 is opened, the interface unit 109 protrudes forward from the front surface of the main body 111. The interface unit 109 is opened when the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 is used, and the capillary cartridge 101 is placed on the upper surface. The interface unit 109 functions to electrically, fluidically, and optically connect with the capillary cartridge 101. Details of the connection between the interface unit 109 and the main body 111 will be described later.

[0045] The bottom surface of the interface unit 109 and the bottom surface of the main body 111 in the state in which the interface unit 109 is opened can be provided with legs.

[0046] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of the capillary cartridge 101. Figure 2 The arrangement of each component when the capillary cartridge 101 is viewed from above is shown. The capillary cartridge 101 has a single or a plurality of capillaries 201, a heater 202, an irradiation detection section 203, an optical fiber connection section 204, a cathode block 205, an anode block 206, a running medium section 207, a waste liquid section 208, an electrophoretic reagent section 209, a pre-treatment reagent section 210, a waste liquid section 211, an electrical interface 212, a high voltage interface 213, a sample connection section 214, a coupler 215, a positioning hole 216, and a pump 217.

[0047] The heater 202 temperature-regulates the capillary 201. The irradiation detection section 203 is configured to irradiate the capillary 201 with excitation light and detect fluorescence emitted from a sample in the capillary 201. The optical fiber connection section 204 optically connects the capillary 201, the irradiation detection section 203, and the optical system 104. In the optical fiber connection section 204, optical fiber cables for guiding excitation light from the optical system 104 to the irradiation detection section 203 and guiding fluorescence from the capillary 201 to the optical system 104 are bundled. The cathode block 205 injects a sample into the capillary 201. The anode block 206 fills a running medium into the capillary 201. The running medium section 207 encloses a running medium for electrophoresis. The waste liquid section 208 recovers a waste liquid of the running medium. The electrophoresis reagent section 209 encloses a reagent or the like for electrophoresis. The pretreatment reagent section 210 encloses a reagent used in pretreatment. The waste liquid section 211 encloses a waste liquid or the like. The electrical interface 212 supplies a voltage to the heater 202 or the like. The high voltage interface 213 applies a voltage output from the high voltage power supply 103 to the capillary 201. The sample connection section 214 supplies a sample at the end of pretreatment to the cathode block 205. The coupler 215 supplies a reagent of the pretreatment reagent section 210 to the pretreatment unit 106. The positioning hole 216 is used to align a position with the interface unit 109 when the capillary cartridge 101 is set. The pump 217 is driven when a reagent is introduced from the electrophoresis reagent section 209 into the cathode block 205. Further, the optical fiber connection section 204, the electrical interface 212, the high voltage interface 213, the sample connection section 214, and the coupler 215 are exposed from a connection surface of the capillary cartridge 101 with the interface unit 109 (a bottom surface of the capillary cartridge 101).

[0048] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dotted circle A in Figure 2 , and shows details of the anode block 206. The anode block 206 has a capillary anode end 301, a valve 302, a pump 303, a running medium connection section 304, a waste liquid connection section 305, and a hole 306. In the capillary anode end 301, the capillary 201 is bundled. The valve 302 closes a flow path. The pump 303 is driven when the capillary 201 is filled with a running medium. The running medium connection section 304 is connected to the running medium section 207. The waste liquid connection section 305 is connected to the waste liquid section 208. The hole 306 is provided in a connection surface of the capillary cartridge 101 with the interface unit 109. Through the hole 306, the anode actuator described later can contact the valve 302 and a piston of the pump 303.

[0049] Figure 4 is a plan view (left side) and a side view (right side) of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1. Figure 4 shows the capillary cartridge 101 removed from the interface unit 109. Figure 1The state of the capillary cartridge 101 of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 explained above is shown. The main body portion 111 of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 has a protrusion portion 410 protruding toward the front from the front surface. The hinges 110 are provided on both sides of the protrusion portion 410. The interface unit 109 has a substantially U-shaped shape in plan view and is provided so as to surround the front surface and the side surface of the protrusion portion 410. The interface unit 109 and the protrusion portion 410 are connected by the hinges 110.

[0050] The protrusion portion 410 is provided with a positioning pin 401, a main body side optical fiber connection portion 402, a main body side sample connection portion 403, a main body side reagent connection portion 404, and an anode actuator 405. The positioning pin 401 is fitted into the positioning hole 216 of the capillary cartridge 101. By fitting the positioning pin 401 into the positioning hole 216, the capillary cartridge 101 can be set in the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 with good reproducibility. The main body side optical fiber connection portion 402 is connected to the optical fiber connection portion 204 of the capillary cartridge 101. The main body side sample connection portion 403 is connected to the sample connection portion 214 of the capillary cartridge 101. The main body side sample connection portion 403 transports the sample that has been pretreated in the pretreatment unit 106 to the capillary cartridge 101. The main body side reagent connection portion 404 is connected to the coupler 215 of the capillary cartridge 101. The main body side reagent connection portion 404 transports the reagent housed in the pretreatment reagent portion 210 of the capillary cartridge 101 to the pretreatment unit 106. The anode actuator 405 controls the opening and closing actions of the pump 303 and the valve 302 of the capillary cartridge 101.

[0051] The interface unit 109 has a latch 406, a power supply portion 407, a high voltage application portion 408, and a magnetic switch 409. When the capillary cartridge 101 is set on the interface unit 109, the latch 406 engages with a step or the like not shown that is provided on the side surface of the capillary cartridge 101. Thereby, the capillary cartridge 101 is fixed. The power supply portion 407 supplies power to the electrical interface 212 of the capillary cartridge 101. The high voltage application portion 408 applies a high voltage to the cathode end of the capillary 201 via the high voltage interface 213 of the capillary cartridge 101. When the capillary cartridge 101 is set, the magnetic switch 409 flows a weak current. Thereby, the PC 107 can confirm whether or not the capillary cartridge 101 is set.

[0052] The interface unit 109 and the protrusion portion 410 become the setting surface of the capillary cartridge 101. Therefore, it is designed so that the setting surface of the capillary cartridge 101 (the upper surface of the interface unit 109 and the upper surface of the protrusion portion 410) becomes the same height when the interface unit 109 is opened. However, it is not necessary that the upper surface of the interface unit 109 and the upper surface of the protrusion portion 410 are all the same height, and only a part of the heights can be made uniform.

[0053] In setting the capillary cartridge 101, the positioning pin 401 described above is inserted into the positioning hole 216. Thereby, the corresponding connection portions of the interface unit 109 and the capillary cartridge 101 are connected with high precision, and the capillary cartridge 101 is fixed with the latch 406. Further, instead of providing the latch 406, the capillary cartridge 101 can be fixed by providing a magnet or the like on the setting surface. The fixing member of the capillary cartridge 101 is not limited to the latch or the magnet.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the positioning pin 401 is provided on the main body portion 111 (the protrusion portion 410) which is a non-movable portion, and the flow path member (the main body side sample connection portion 403, the main body side reagent connection portion 404, the anode actuator 405) is provided on the same surface as the setting surface of the positioning pin 401. Thereby, the flow path member (the sample connection portion 214, the coupler 215, the anode block 206) on the capillary cartridge 101 side and the flow path member (the main body side sample connection portion 403, the main body side reagent connection portion 404, the anode actuator 405) on the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 side can be connected with high precision. On the other hand, the electrical members (the power supply portion 407, the high voltage application portion 408, the magnetic switch 409) on the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 side which are connected to the capillary cartridge 101 are provided on the interface unit 109 which is a movable portion. The reason for this is that, compared to the flow path member described above, the connection of the electrical members does not require high alignment precision, and can tolerate the shake caused by the hinge 110 when the interface unit 109 is opened. Further, when liquid such as a reagent leaks from the flow path member, since the setting surface of the flow path member and the setting surface of the electrical members are surfaces of different members, there is also an effect of suppressing the risk of the liquid being applied to the electrical members.

[0055] <Operation of the Pretreatment Integrated Electrophoresis Apparatus>

[0056] The following describes the structure of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 from the pretreatment process to the electrophoresis process. First, the user takes the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 out of the transport case. After that, the user opens the interface unit 109 and sets the capillary cartridge 101 on the upper surface of the interface unit 109. When the capillary cartridge 101 is set, the PC 107 detects the mounting of the capillary cartridge 101 from the current flowing from the magnetic switch 409. The PC 107 drives a pump or the like not shown to draw the reagent from the pretreatment reagent section 210 in the capillary cartridge 101 and fill the flow path in the device with the reagent. Also, the PC 107 drives the anode actuator 405 to operate the valve 302 and the pump 303. Thus, the running medium is transported from the running medium section 207 in the capillary cartridge 101 to the anode block 206 via the running medium connection section 304. After that, the running medium is introduced into the capillary 201 via the capillary anode end 301. Also, the PC 107 operates the pump 217 to introduce the reagent from the electrophoresis reagent section 209 to the cathode block 205. At this time, the capillary 201 is temperature-regulated by the heater 202. The above is the preparation operation of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 before analysis.

[0057] Next, the analysis flow is described. The user collects a biological sample such as a cell in the mouth, a bloodstain, or a fingerprint using a swab. After the collection, the user seals the swab in the sample cartridge 102 and mounts the sample cartridge 102 in the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1. When the user selects a desired application using the touch panel 108 or the like, the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 starts the analysis operation. The following is a process that is automatically performed by the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1. The pretreatment unit 106 of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 performs dissolution of the cell, elution of DNA, purification, and amplification of the DNA in the sample cartridge 102 using the reagent sealed in the sample cartridge 102 and the reagent of the pretreatment reagent section 210 in the capillary cartridge 101. The bases of the DNA are labeled with a fluorescent dye. By thus pretreating the biological sample, a sample for capillary electrophoresis is prepared. The PC 107 operates a pump not shown to transport the sample containing the finally amplified DNA from the pretreatment unit 106 to the cathode block 205 in the sample cartridge 102. After that, the PC 107 operates the high-voltage power supply 103 to apply a negative high voltage to the cathode block 205 via the high-voltage interface 213. Thus, a voltage is applied between the ground electrode not shown in the anode block 206 and the cathode block 205. Since the DNA has a negative charge, it is electrophoresed in the capillary 201 toward the anode block 206. The irradiation detection section 203 emits laser light (excitation light) from a laser not shown and irradiates the capillary 201 via an optical fiber cable. Thus, the DNA electrophoresed in the capillary 201 emits fluorescence. The fluorescence is guided to the optical system 104 via the optical fiber cable and detected. The PC 107 analyzes the base sequence of the DNA by processing the signal of the detected fluorescence. The above is the analysis flow of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1.

[0058] <Usage after closing the interface unit of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device>

[0059] Figure 5A is a side view for explaining the shape of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 when the interface unit 109 is closed. In Figure 5A the left side shows a state where the interface unit 109 is open. In Figure 5A the right side shows a state where the interface unit 109 is closed. After analysis, when the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 is temporarily not used or transported, the user removes the capillary cartridge 101 as shown in Figure 5A rotates the interface unit 109 around the hinge 110. Thereby, the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 can be reduced. In other words, at least any one of the maximum values of the length, width, and height of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 becomes smaller. In Figure 5A the example, when the interface unit 109 is closed, the maximum length in the front-back direction (the sum of the length of the bottom edge of the main body portion 111 and the length of the bottom edge of the interface unit 109) is reduced. Therefore, the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 can be stored in a space-saving manner. In the case where a transport case is used when the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1 is transported, the size of the transport case itself can also be downsized.

[0060] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 1. As shown in Figure 5B the interface unit 109 is closed so as to surround the upper surface and the side surface of the protruding portion 410. In this way, by closing the interface unit 109, the setting surface (the upper surface of the interface unit 109 and the upper surface of the protruding portion 410) of the capillary cartridge 101 is closed, and therefore it is possible to prevent dust, dirt, and the like from invading the flow path member for fluid connection and the electrical member for electrical connection on the interface unit 109.

[0061] In the present embodiment, in consideration of the droplet at the time of opening and closing of the interface unit 109, the fluid connection portion is not provided on the interface unit 109, but is provided on the protruding portion 410 of the main body portion 111. Also, since the fluid connection portion is arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction than the electrical connection portion, the liquid of the fluid connection portion does not come into contact with the electrical connection portion at the time of closing the interface unit 109. By such arrangement of the fluid member and the electrical member, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1. However, as long as the droplet countermeasure is sufficiently implemented (for example, a coupler which is difficult to cause droplet or the like is used), it is also possible to provide the fluid connection portion or the like member on the interface unit 109. In this case, at the time of closing the interface unit 109, by arranging the fluid connection portion on the lower side of the electrical connection portion, it is also possible to prevent the liquid from adhering to the electrical connection portion. As described above, by designing the arrangement of the fluid member and the electrical member, it is possible to realize the folding structure of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1.

[0062] Figure 5C is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the dotted line circle in Figure 5B , and shows the boundary of the main body portion 111 and the interface unit 109. The main body portion 111 and the interface unit 109 each have a fitting structure 501 with a step on the entire circumference, and become a structure which prevents the inflow of air, dust, dirt or the like from the outside. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the dust, dirt or the like from adhering to the flow path member provided on the protruding portion 410.

[0063] Figure 5D is an enlarged view for explaining another structure of the boundary of the main body portion 111 and the interface unit 109. In order to prevent the inflow of dust, dirt, as shown in Figure 5D , it is also possible to provide a gasket 502 (sealing member) on the main body portion 111. For example, it is possible to provide the gasket 502 on the front surface of the main body portion 111 on the entire circumference of the interface unit 109. By the gasket 502, it is possible to further prevent the inflow of dust, dirt compared to the fitting structure 501. As the material of the gasket 502, for example, rubber, resin or the like can be used.

[0064] Further, in the present embodiment, the capillary tube cartridge 101 is mounted with the capillary tube, and is therefore called the capillary tube cartridge 101. However, it is not necessary that the cartridge is mounted with the capillary tube 201, and it is also possible to provide the capillary tube 201 on the side of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, the detachable unit provided on the interface unit 109 is the capillary tube cartridge 101. It is also possible to be configured so that other units (for example, a reagent cartridge or the like) can be attached and detached to the interface unit 109 instead of the capillary tube cartridge 101.

[0065] <Summary of the First Embodiment>

[0066] As described above, the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 of the first embodiment has a pretreatment unit 106 for performing pretreatment on a biological sample (cell) to prepare a sample for electrophoresis, and an optical system 104 for irradiating light to the sample after separation by electrophoresis in the capillary 201 and detecting light from the sample. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 has a main body portion 111 (first main body portion) and an interface unit 109 (second main body portion), and a hinge 110 (connecting member) connecting them. The main body portion 111 and the interface unit 109 have a setting surface of the capillary cartridge 101 (detachable unit) provided. The hinge 110 connects the main body portion 111 and the interface unit 109 in such a manner that the interface unit 109 is rotatable (relatively movable) with respect to the main body portion 111. The overall size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 is variable by opening and closing the interface unit 109. Thus, since the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 can be changed, the portability can be improved by reducing the size at the time of transportation, and the transportation space can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a space for housing the capillary cartridge 101 in the apparatus, the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 itself can be downsized, and the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 is not dependent on the size of the capillary cartridge 101.

[0067] When the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 is reduced by closing the interface unit 109, the setting surface of the capillary cartridge 101 is closed between the interface unit 109 and the main body portion 111. Thus, the setting surface of the capillary cartridge 101 can be protected from contamination from the outside. Therefore, it is not necessary to close the setting surface by a dummy cartridge or the like. In addition, when the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 is increased by opening the interface unit 109, the setting surface of the capillary cartridge 101 is exposed, and the capillary cartridge 101 can be set.

[0068] Here, technologies related to sample analysis using electrophoresis are disclosed in Patent Documents 3 to 5. In Patent Document 3, an analysis system is disclosed which is packaged in a suitcase-like case. However, the structure of Patent Document 3 is obviously different from the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment which has a folding structure, and in addition, Patent Document 3 does not describe that the system itself can be downsized for housing in a transportation case like the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 1.

[0069] In Patent Documents 4 and 5, an electrophoresis apparatus having a detachable unit is disclosed. However, the electrophoresis apparatuses of Patent Documents 4 and 5 do not have a folding structure, and there is no description or suggestion of folding or downsizing for transportation.

[0070] [Second Embodiment]

[0071] In the first embodiment, it is explained that the miniaturization of the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device can be achieved by rotating the interface unit 109 using the hinge 110. In the second embodiment, an example of miniaturizing the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device by linearly moving the interface unit 109 is explained.

[0072] <Structure of the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device>

[0073] Figure 6 is a plan view (left side) and a side view (right side) of the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 of the second embodiment. The structure of the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 of the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the main body 111 does not have the protruding portion 410, and the positioning pin 401, the main body side optical fiber connection portion 402, the main body side sample connection portion 403, the main body side reagent connection portion 404, and the anode actuator 405 are provided on the interface unit 109 at positions corresponding to the protruding portion 410. The configurations of the fluidic components and the electrical components are the same as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the interface unit 109 is connected to the main body 111 by a linear motion guide member such as a linear guide rail 601 (connection member). Thus, the interface unit 109 can move in the front-back direction. As shown in the right side of Figure 6 As shown in the right side of

[0074] Figure 7 is a side view showing the state in which the interface unit 109 is mounted with and without the capillary cartridge 101. The connection portion of the interface unit 109 to the capillary cartridge 101 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The user sets the capillary cartridge 101 on the upper surface of the interface unit 109 when using the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device 2. When the capillary cartridge 101 is not mounted, the miniaturization of the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 can be achieved by storing the interface unit 109 in the space 602 of the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device 2. In addition, the fluidic connection portion and the electrical connection portion of the capillary cartridge 101 to the interface unit 109 are stored inside the pre-treatment integrated electrophoresis device 2. Thus, the fluidic connection portion and the electrical connection portion can be protected from the attachment of dust and the like.

[0075] <Summary of the second embodiment>

[0076] As described above, in the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 of the second embodiment, the interface unit 109 (second main body portion) and the main body portion 111 (first main body portion) are connected by the linear motion guide member, and the interface unit 109 is capable of linear motion. A space 602 for housing the interface unit 109 is provided in the main body portion 111. By pulling out or housing the interface unit 109 from the space 602 in the main body portion 111, the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 is variable. Thus, as in the first embodiment, miniaturization of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 is possible regardless of the size of the capillary cartridge 101. At the time of transportation, by deforming the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 to be miniaturized, the mobility is improved, and the transportation space can also be reduced.

[0077] In addition, in the second embodiment, the interface unit 109 (second main body portion) has a mounting surface of the capillary cartridge 101 (removable unit). The flow path member and the electrical member are both disposed on the interface unit 109, and the orientation of the mounting surface of the capillary cartridge 101 is not changed, and thus, the liquid does not come into contact with the electrical member from the flow path member. In addition, the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 of the second embodiment is easy to design.

[0078] [Third Embodiment]

[0079] In the second embodiment, the interface unit 109 of the pull-out type was described. In the third embodiment, a structure in which the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device is variable according to the size of the capillary cartridge 101 in the same structure as the second embodiment is described.

[0080] Figure 8 is a side view of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 3 of the third embodiment. The structure of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 3 is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment. However, as shown in Figure 8 a plurality of grooves 801 are provided on the interface unit 109 side, and a ball plug 802 is provided on the main body portion 111 side. At the time of pulling out the interface unit 109, the ball plug 802 is inserted into the groove 801, and thus, the amount of pulling out of the interface unit 109 can be changed. Although not shown in the drawing, a plurality of grooves 801 are provided at intervals along the linear motion direction of the interface unit 109. In the example of Figure 8 , the amount of pulling out of the interface unit 109 can be changed in three stages, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] A groove 801 is formed in the interface unit 109 in correspondence with the size of the capillary cartridge 101, whereby the user can easily change the amount of pull-out of the interface unit 109. Thus, the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 can be matched to the size of the capillary cartridge 101. In addition, in the present embodiment, other positioning members such as a magnet, a leaf spring, or the like can be used instead of the ball plug 802 and the groove 801, and the structure is not limited.

[0082] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0083] In the first to third embodiments, the structure in which the interface unit 109 is movable with respect to the main body 111 is described. However, the interface unit 109 does not necessarily have to be movable.

[0084] Figure 9 is a side view of a pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 4 of a fourth embodiment. The structure of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 4 is substantially the same as that of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 2 of the second embodiment, but the main body 111 is movable with respect to the interface unit 109. Although not shown, a linear motion guide member such as a linear guide rail connects the upper surface of the interface unit 109 and the bottom surface of the main body 111. In this case, the high-pressure pump 105, the optical system 104, and the like can be mounted on the interface unit 109. In the components included in the optical system 104 such as an optical fiber and a wire harness, there are fine components, and by not moving them as much as possible, the risk of failure can be reduced. In addition, components that are highly durable are generally expensive, and by arranging the fine components such as the optical components on the side of the non-movable portion, components that are less durable and inexpensive can be used. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device can be reduced.

[0085] [Fifth Embodiment]

[0086] Figure 10 is a front view (left side) and a side view (right side) of a pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device 5 of a fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 10 , the capillary cartridge 101 can be connected to the main body 111 without being connected to the interface unit 109. In this case, various electrical components and fluid components are arranged in the main body 111. As in the first embodiment, by arranging the flow path member on the lower side in the vertical direction than the electrical components, even in the case where liquid has dripped from the flow path member, the liquid does not adhere to the electrical components. In the present embodiment, the interface unit 109 becomes a placement stage of the capillary cartridge 101, and becomes a shield of the flow path member and the electrical components of the main body 111 when the interface unit 109 is closed.

[0087] [Sixth Embodiment]

[0088] In the first to fifth embodiments, the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus configured to be able to attach and detach the capillary cartridge 101 to and from the interface unit 109 or the main body 111 was described. The unit that the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus is able to attach and detach is not limited to the capillary cartridge 101.

[0089] Figure 11 is a side view of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 6 of the sixth embodiment. As shown in Figure 11 , the touch panel 108 is not provided in the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 6, and the tablet terminal 1011 can be provided in place of the touch panel 108 in the interface unit 109. In this case, a connecting member such as a connector of the tablet terminal 1011 is provided in the interface unit 109. In addition, the capillary cartridge 101 is provided at the upper surface of the main body 111.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the tablet terminal 1011 can be configured to realize the functions of the PC 107. In this case, since the PC 107 can be removed from the main body 111, the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus can be further downsized. In Figure 11 , the interface unit 109 of the pull-out type is shown, but the interface unit 109 of the folding configuration (the first embodiment and the like) can also be provided.

[0091] [Seventh Embodiment]

[0092] In the first to sixth embodiments, the structure in which one detachable unit is provided in the interface unit 109 of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus was described. Hereinafter, as described in the seventh embodiment, the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus can also be configured so that a plurality of detachable units can be provided in the interface unit 109.

[0093] Figure 12 is a side view of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 7 of the seventh embodiment. As shown in Figure 12 , as the detachable units, the tablet terminal 1011 and the high-voltage power supply 103 are provided in the interface unit 109. Hereinafter, the reason why the high-voltage power supply 103 is configured to be detachable will be described. The connection of the components of the optical system to each other, the connection of the components of the liquid feeding system (high-pressure pump and the like) to each other each requires a dedicated tool and a certain amount of force, and sometimes requires skilled techniques when the user performs the connection. In contrast, the high-voltage power supply 103 only needs to be electrically connected to the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 7, and thus does not require special techniques when the user performs the setting. By configuring such a component to be able to be attached and detached to and from the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus 7, the main body 111 can be downsized by being removed from the main body 111.

[0094] Further, in Figure 12In the above embodiment, the number of detachable units is two (the tablet terminal 1011 and the high-voltage power supply 103), but can be three or more.

[0095] [Seventh Embodiment]

[0096] In the seventh embodiment, the structure in which a plurality of detachable units is provided to one interface unit 109 is described. Instead, a plurality of interface units 109 can be provided. For example, the interface unit 109 of the folding structure described in the first embodiment can be combined with the interface unit 109 of the pull-out type described in the second embodiment. Interface units 109 of the same form can be provided. In addition, the plurality of interface units 109 need not all be provided at the same site, and for example, a part can be provided on the front surface side of the main body portion 111 and another part can be provided on the back surface side of the main body portion 111. In addition, the number of interface units 109 can be the same as the number of detachable units or can be different.

[0097] The size of each of the plurality of interface units 109 can be designed to match the size of the provided detachable unit. Thereby, the size at the time of use of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device can be optimized.

[0098] [Modified Examples]

[0099] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiments are embodiments described in detail for easy understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not necessary to have all the structures described. In addition, a part of one embodiment can be replaced with a structure of another embodiment. In addition, a structure of one embodiment can be added with a structure of another embodiment. In addition, with respect to a part of the structure of each embodiment, a part of the structure of another embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0100] In the above-described embodiments, as the connecting member of the interface unit 109 and the main body portion 111, the hinge 110 and the linear guide 601 are described as examples. The connecting member of the interface unit 109 and the main body portion 111 is not limited thereto, and any member can be used as long as the interface unit 109 and the main body portion 111 can be relatively moved and the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device can be changed.

[0101] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0102] 1-7: Pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device

[0103] 101: Capillary cartridge

[0104] 102: Sample cartridge

[0105] 103: High-voltage power supply

[0106] 104: optical system

[0107] 105: high-pressure pump

[0108] 106: pretreatment unit

[0109] 107: PC

[0110] 108: touch panel

[0111] 109: interface unit (second main body portion)

[0112] 110: hinge (connecting member)

[0113] 111: main body portion (first main body portion)

[0114] 201: capillary

[0115] 202: heater

[0116] 203: irradiation detection portion

[0117] 204: optical fiber connection portion

[0118] 205: cathode block

[0119] 206: anode block

[0120] 207: running medium portion

[0121] 208: waste liquid portion

[0122] 209: electrophoretic reagent portion

[0123] 210: pretreatment reagent portion

[0124] 211: waste liquid portion

[0125] 212: electrical interface

[0126] 213: high-voltage interface

[0127] 214: sample connection portion

[0128] 215: coupler

[0129] 216: positioning hole

[0130] 217: pump

[0131] 301: capillary anode end

[0132] 302: valve

[0133] 303: pump

[0134] 401: positioning pin

[0135] 402: body-side optical fiber connection portion

[0136] 403: body-side sample connection portion

[0137] 404: body-side reagent connection portion

[0138] 405: anode actuator

[0139] 406: latch

[0140] 407: power supply portion

[0141] 408: high-voltage application portion

[0142] 409: magnetic switch

[0143] 410: protrusion portion

[0144] 501: fitting structure

[0145] 502: gasket

[0146] 601: linear guide (connection member)

[0147] 801: groove

[0148] 802: ball plug

[0149] 1011: tablet terminal

Claims

1. A pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus, comprising: A pretreatment unit that performs pretreatment on biological samples to prepare samples for electrophoresis; and An optical system illuminates the sample after it has been separated by migration within a capillary tube, and detects the light from the sample. Its features are, The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device includes: First main body and second main body; and A connecting component that connects the first main body portion to the second main body portion. At least one of the first main body portion and the second main body portion has a mounting surface for a detachable unit. The connecting component connects the first main body and the second main body in such a way that one of the first main body and the second main body is movable relative to the other, thereby making the overall size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device variable.

2. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting component connects the first main body to the second main body, so that the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus without the detachable unit is smaller than the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus with the detachable unit. When the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus is reduced, the mounting surface is enclosed between the first main body and the second main body; when the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus is increased, the mounting surface is exposed.

3. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis device also features: A positioning component for positioning the detachable unit; and A flow path component for fluid connection with the detachable unit. Both the positioning component and the flow path component are disposed on the mounting surface of one of the first main body portion and the second main body portion.

4. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus also includes electrical components for electrical connection with the detachable unit. The electrical components are disposed on a surface different from the mounting surface on which the positioning components and the flow path components are disposed.

5. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the size of the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus is reduced, the flow path components are positioned below the electrical components in the vertical direction.

6. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting component has a hinge configured such that one of the first body portion and the second body portion can be opened and closed relative to the other.

7. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first main body portion has a protrusion that projects toward the second main body portion and has the hinge. When the second main body rotates around the hinge and opens relative to the first main body, the protrusion and the second main body have at least a portion of the same height, forming the mounting surface.

8. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second main body rotates around the hinge and closes relative to the first main body, thereby surrounding the mounting surface of the protrusion with the second main body.

9. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first main body and the second main body each have a stepped interlocking structure, which engages with each other when the second main body is closed.

10. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first main body or the second main body has a sealing member on the surface opposite to the second main body when the second main body is closed.

11. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable unit has at least one capillary tube, reagents for the electrophoresis, and reagents for the pretreatment.

12. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable unit includes an input device for inputting action instructions to the pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus.

13. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting component has a linear motion guiding component, which is configured such that one of the first main body and the second main body can move linearly relative to the other.

14. The pretreatment integrated electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first main body has a space capable of accommodating the second main body. The second main body is either moved linearly to be received into the first main body or pulled out of the first main body.

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