Capillary electrophoresis device

Abstract

The electrophoresis apparatus includes: a sample tray (112) which holds and drives an anode-side buffer container (103) containing buffer solution and a swimming medium container (102) containing swimming medium in the vertical and horizontal directions; a thermostatic bath unit (113) which holds a capillary array having a capillary head at one end that is a bundle of multiple capillaries into one capillary head with the capillary head protruding downwards and keeps the internal temperature constant; a liquid delivery mechanism (106) for delivering swimming medium from the capillary head to the capillary array; and a power supply for applying voltage to both ends of the capillary array. The anode-side buffer container and the swimming medium container have holes at the top for inserting capillary heads. The thermostatic bath unit is located above the sample tray and has a first cover member (207) that closes the top of the anode-side buffer container during the delivery of swimming medium using the liquid delivery mechanism.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of application No. 201780093256.3 (international application No. PCT / JP2017 / 027700), entitled “Capillary Electrophoresis Device”, filed on July 31, 2017. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to capillary electrophoresis apparatus, and more particularly to a capillary electrophoresis apparatus having a mechanism for preventing solution evaporation. Background Technology

[0003] Regarding electrophoresis apparatus, capillary electrophoresis devices, which fill the capillary with a migration medium such as a polymer gel or polymer solution, have been widely adopted in recent years. For example, as prior art, the capillary electrophoresis apparatuses shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are cited. Compared with slab electrophoresis apparatuses, these capillary electrophoresis apparatuses have higher heat dissipation and can apply a high voltage to the sample, thus enabling high-speed electrophoresis. They also have many other advantages, such as requiring only a small amount of sample; enabling automatic filling of the migration medium; and enabling automatic sample injection, making them suitable for various separation and analysis determinations, including nucleic acid and protein analysis.

[0004] The upper surface of the buffer solution container is covered by a rubber sheet called a septum, as shown in Patent Document 3. The septum has slits; when the end of a capillary tube is inserted into the septum, pressing expands the slits, allowing it to pass through the buffer solution container. Except when the end of the capillary tube is inserted, the slits of the septum are closed, preventing evaporation of the buffer solution inside the container.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-281221

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-324473

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-163714 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] When the capillary tip is inserted into the septum, friction occurs between the capillary tip and the cut when the notch is opened by pressing. This friction can lead to the formation of foreign matter, which, if mixed with the solution, may cause analytical errors. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-install holes in the capillary tip, especially in the anode-side buffer container and the migrating medium container where the capillary tip is inserted, to prevent the formation of foreign matter due to friction with the capillary tip. However, if there are holes in the upper part of the container, the solution inside the container will evaporate, causing changes in solution concentration and reducing analytical performance. Therefore, a device is needed that can prevent the evaporation of the migrating medium and buffer solution during a series of analytical actions, thus avoiding degradation of analytical performance.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] An electrophoresis apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a sample tray that holds and drives an anode-side buffer container containing a buffer solution and a swimming medium container containing a swimming medium in the vertical and horizontal directions; a thermostatic bath unit that holds a capillary array having a capillary head at one end, with the capillary head protruding downwards, and maintains a constant internal temperature; a liquid delivery mechanism for delivering the swimming medium from the capillary head to the capillary array; and a power supply for applying voltage to both ends of the capillary array. The anode-side buffer container and the swimming medium container have holes at their upper parts for inserting capillary heads. The thermostatic bath unit is located above the sample tray and has a first cover member that closes the upper part of the anode-side buffer container during the delivery of the swimming medium using the liquid delivery mechanism.

[0014] The effects of the invention

[0015] An apparatus can be provided that prevents evaporation from the anode-side buffer container and avoids degradation of analytical performance.

[0016] Other issues, structures, and effects not described above will become clearer through the following description of the implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a top view of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of a capillary array.

[0021] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the A-A section.

[0022] Figure 6 It means Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the B-B cross section.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a specific example of a swimming medium container.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the sequence of operations for electrophoretic analysis.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the automatic sampler and the constant temperature bath unit in the process of transporting the swimming medium liquid.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the automatic sampler and the constant temperature bath unit in the electrophoresis process. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus of this embodiment is roughly divided into two units: an automatic sampler unit 117 located at the lower part of the apparatus; and an irradiation detection / temperature control bath unit 118 located at the upper part of the apparatus.

[0029] The automatic sampler unit 117 includes: a Y-axis drive 109 mounted on a sampler base 108, a Z-axis drive 110 mounted on the Y-axis drive 109, and a sample tray 112 mounted on the Z-axis drive 110. A user can place a swimming medium container 102, an anode-side buffer container 103, a cathode-side buffer container 104, and a sample container 105 onto the sample tray 112. The sample container 105 is mounted on an X-axis drive 111, which is also mounted on the sample tray 112. A liquid delivery mechanism 106 is also mounted on the Z-axis drive 110. The liquid delivery mechanism 106 is positioned below the swimming medium container 102. The sample tray 112 can be driven in the Y-axis direction (i.e., the horizontal direction connecting the swimming medium container 102 and the anode-side buffer container 103) by the Y-axis drive 109, and driven in the Z-axis direction (i.e., the vertical direction) by the Z-axis drive 110. On the sample tray 112, only the sample container 105 can be driven in the X-axis direction by the X-axis drive body 111.

[0030] The irradiation detection / thermostat unit 118 is fixed to the sampler base 108 by a support column 119. This irradiation detection / thermostat unit 118 includes a thermostat unit 113 and an irradiation detection unit 116. The thermostat unit 113 has a thermostat body and an opening / closing door 115, which keeps the internal temperature of the thermostat unit 113 constant by closing the opening / closing door 115. The irradiation detection unit 116 is mounted behind the thermostat unit 113 and can perform detection during electrophoresis. A capillary array 101 is arranged in the thermostat unit 113. The thermostat unit 113 maintains the capillary array 101 at a constant temperature and performs electrophoresis on the sample, which is then detected by the irradiation detection unit 116. Additionally, an electrode 114 is mounted in the thermostat unit 113 for grounding the capillary head side when a high voltage for electrophoresis is applied.

[0031] As described above, the capillary array 101 is fixed to the thermostatic bath unit 113. The migratory medium container 102, the anode-side buffer container 103, the cathode-side buffer container 104, and the sample container 105 placed on the sample tray 112 can be driven in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions using the autosampler unit 117, and can also be driven only in the X-axis direction. The operation of the autosampler unit 117 enables the migratory medium container 102, the anode-side buffer container 103, the cathode-side buffer container 104, and the sample container 105 to automatically connect to the fixed capillary array 101.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a top view of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of this embodiment. The closing door 115 is closed. The anode-side buffer container 103 is placed on the sample tray 112. Separately arranged within the anode-side buffer container 103 are: an anode-side sample introduction buffer tank 201, an anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202, and an anode-side washing tank 203. Additionally, the cathode-side buffer container 104 is equipped with: a waste liquid tank 204, a cathode-side washing tank 205, and a cathode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 206. To prevent evaporation of the solution from the moving medium container 102 and the anode-side buffer container 103, corresponding caps 208 and 207 for preventing evaporation are provided in the thermostatic bath unit 113.

[0033] In this embodiment, the electrophoresis medium container 102, the anode-side buffer container 103, the cathode-side buffer container 104, and the sample container 105 are arranged in the positional relationship shown in the figure. Thus, the anode-cathode positional relationship when connected to the capillary array 101 is as follows: electrophoresis medium container 102 – waste liquid tank 204, anode-side cleaning tank 203 – cathode-side cleaning tank 205, anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202 – cathode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 206, anode-side sample introduction buffer tank 201 – sample container 105.

[0034] Figure 3 A top view schematic diagram of another embodiment of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus is shown, showing a different [symbol] on the sample tray 112. Figure 2 The spatial arrangement includes: a migratory medium container 102, an anode-side buffer container 103, a cathode-side buffer container 104, and a sample container 105. The positional relationship between the migratory medium container 102 and the anode-side buffer container 103 along the Y-axis is... Figure 2 Conversely, the positional relationship between the electrophoresis medium container cover 208 and the anode-side buffer solution container cover 207 of the thermostatic bath unit 113 is also related to... Figure 2 Conversely, the positional relationship between the anode side and the cathode side when connected to the capillary array 101 is... Figure 2 The same applies to the following: electrophoresis medium container 102 - waste liquid tank 204, anode side cleaning tank 203 - cathode side cleaning tank 205, anode side electrophoresis buffer tank 202 - cathode side electrophoresis buffer tank 206, anode side sample introduction buffer tank 201 - sample container 105.

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the example, the anode-side buffer solution container cap 207 is mounted on the main body of the thermostat unit 113, and the migratory medium container cap 208 is mounted on the opening / closing door 115. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the example, the anode-side buffer solution container cover 207 is mounted on the opening / closing door 115, and the swimming medium container cover 208 is mounted on the main body of the thermostatic bath unit 113. Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, both the anode-side buffer solution container cover 207 and the swimming medium container cover 208 may be mounted on the main body of the thermostatic bath unit 113, or both the anode-side buffer solution container cover 207 and the swimming medium container cover 208 may be mounted on the opening / closing door 115.

[0036] Furthermore, although this example is described as a typical embodiment in which the swimming medium container cap 208 is provided in the swimming medium container 102 and the anode-side buffer solution container cap 207 is provided in the anode-side buffer solution container 103, it is not necessary to provide both the swimming medium container cap 208 and the anode-side buffer solution container cap 207. That is, for example, even if the swimming medium container cap 208 is omitted and the anode-side buffer solution container cap 207 is provided only in the anode-side buffer solution container 103, at least the effect of preventing the solution from evaporating from the anode-side buffer solution container 103 can be obtained. Similarly, even if the anode-side buffer solution container cap 207 is omitted and the swimming medium container cap 208 is provided only in the swimming medium container 102, at least the effect of preventing the solution from evaporating from the swimming medium container 102 can be obtained.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of a capillary array. The capillary array 101 includes multiple glass tubes, i.e., capillaries 401, with an inner diameter of approximately 50 μm. These capillaries 401 are arranged neatly along a plane on the detection unit 402. The irradiation detection unit 116 irradiates light onto the multiple capillaries arranged in the detection unit 402 and detects fluorescence and other emissions emitted from samples electrophoresed in each capillary. A loading head 406 and a stainless steel tube 407 are attached to the cathode side end of the capillary array 101. The loading head 406 is preferably made of a resin with high insulation properties and a high tracking index, such as PBT resin. A component that conducts through all the stainless steel tubes 407 is built into the loading head 406, and a high voltage is applied to all the stainless steel tubes 407. This causes the capillaries 401 to pass through and be fixed in place. At the anode side end of the capillary array 101, multiple capillaries 401 are bundled into one via a capillary head 403. The capillary head 403 has a needle-shaped capillary head tip 405 forming an acute angle, and a portion with an outer diameter larger than the capillary head tip 405, namely a capillary head flange 404. As the material for the capillary head 403, a resin that is not easily damaged, has rigidity, and has high stability for pharmaceuticals and analysis, such as PEEK resin, is preferred.

[0038] When installing the capillary array 101 into the thermostatic bath unit 113, the detection unit 402, the loading head 406, and the capillary head 403 are respectively fixed to the thermostatic bath unit 113. The detection unit 402 is positioned with high precision so that it can be detected by the irradiation detection unit 116. The loading head 406 is fixed to achieve conductivity with the part where a high voltage is applied. The capillary head 403 is firmly fixed to the thermostatic bath unit 113 with the capillary head tip 405 facing directly downwards and in a load-bearing manner. The positional relationship between the cathode side and the anode side during fixing is configured so that multiple capillaries 401 do not overlap each other when placed in the device.

[0039] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the A-A cross section. The swimming medium container 102 is inserted into the guide 301 for placement, the guide 301 being embedded in the sample tray 112. In addition, the liquid delivery mechanism 106 is configured such that the plunger 302 built into the liquid delivery mechanism 106 is located below the swimming medium container 102.

[0040] Figure 6 It means Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the B-B cross-section. The capillary head 403 of the capillary array 101, multiple stainless steel tubes 407 with capillaries inserted respectively, and the electrode 114 protrude downwards from the lower surface of the constant temperature bath unit 113. During electrophoresis, the capillary array 101... Figure 6 The right side is shown as the cathode side, and the left side as the anode side. Using the automatic sampler unit 117, the column of the anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202 and the cathode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 206 is positioned below the thermostatic bath unit 113. Capillary heads 403 and electrodes 114 are inserted into two holes located at the top of the anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202, respectively. A stainless steel tube 407, into which capillaries are inserted, is inserted into the cathode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 206. The buffer solution in the anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202, into which the capillary head 403 is inserted, is grounded via the electrode 114. By applying a negative high voltage from the power supply 408 through the loading head 406 and the stainless steel tube 407 to the other end of each capillary, the sample introduced at the cathode-side front end of each capillary moves within the capillary via electrophoresis and is detected by the detection unit 402. The Y-axis drive 109, Z-axis drive 110, X-axis drive 111, liquid delivery mechanism 106, and power supply 408 of the automatic sampler unit 117 are controlled by the control unit 600.

[0041] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a specific example of a swimming medium container. The swimming medium container 102 has a concave-shaped seal 502 built into the syringe 501, and is sealed by a cap 504 after a rubber plug 503 is placed above it. A sealing membrane 505 is used to further seal the cap 504. The syringe 501 is preferably made of a thin-walled molding compound such as PP resin. The seal 502 is preferably made of a high-molecular-weight PE resin, which is frequently used in fluid seals in sliding parts and has excellent sliding properties. The rubber plug 503 is preferably made of silicone rubber, which is stable for analysis. A through hole 508 is pre-formed in the rubber plug 503, through which the capillary head 403 of the capillary array 101 can pass. The cap 504 is preferably made of PC resin, etc., to match the sealing membrane 505 of each container. Swimming medium 506 is sealed into the swimming medium container 102, and air 507 entering during sealing is trapped at the top. The swimming medium 506 can be a gel or polymer, and is encapsulated with a capacity for multiple analyses. The seal 502 can be moved inside the syringe 501 by applying an external load using the plunger 302 of the delivery mechanism 106.

[0042] The following describes the order of operations in the analysis in this embodiment. Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the workflow of electrophoretic analysis. Additionally, Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the sample tray, the constant temperature bath unit, and the cover mechanism in the liquid transport process of the swimming medium. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the sample tray, the constant temperature bath unit, and the cover mechanism in the electrophoresis process.

[0043] In step S11, the user places the capillary array 101 in the thermostatic bath unit 113. The user then places the swimming medium container 102, the anode-side buffer container 103, the cathode-side buffer container 104, and the sample container 105 onto the sample tray 112. The capillary array 101, swimming medium container 102, anode-side buffer container 103, cathode-side buffer container 104, and sample container 105, which are consumables, are assigned ID information such as barcodes. When installing each consumable into the device, the user reads the ID information of each consumable using a barcode reader or similar device installed on the device. This allows for the management of the manufacturing number, shelf life, and number of uses of each consumable.

[0044] In step S12, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive 109 and Z-axis drive 110 of the automatic sampler unit 117 to insert the capillary head 403 and stainless steel tube 407 of the capillary array 101 into the anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202 and the cathode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 206, respectively. At this time, the configuration allows for the placement of a swimming medium container cap 208 and an anode-side buffer tank cap 207, designed to prevent evaporation, on the upper part of the anode-side sample introduction buffer tank 201 of the swimming medium container 102 and the anode-side buffer tank 103. Viscoelastic sheets 209 and 210, such as rubber, are provided on the lower surfaces of the anode-side buffer tank cap 207 and the swimming medium container cap 208 that contact the containers. The sample tray 112 is driven upward by the Z-axis driving force of the automatic sampler unit 117, which pushes the anode-side buffer container 103 and the migratory medium container 102 from below toward the anode-side buffer container cap 207 and the migratory medium container cap 208, thereby deforming the viscoelastic sheets 209 and 210 and sealing the migratory medium container 102 and the anode-side buffer container 103.

[0045] In step S13, the capillary array 101 inside the thermostatic bath unit 113 is kept at a constant temperature.

[0046] In step S14, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive 109 and Z-axis drive 110 of the automatic sampler unit 117 to insert the capillary head 403 and stainless steel tube 407 of the capillary array 101 into the anode-side cleaning tank 203 and the cathode-side cleaning tank 205, respectively. This cleans the capillary head 403 and the stainless steel tube 407.

[0047] In step S15, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive 109 and Z-axis drive 110 of the automatic sampler unit 117 to insert the capillary head 403 and stainless steel tube 407 of the capillary array 101 into the swimming medium container 102 and the waste liquid tank 204, respectively. Figure 9 It indicates the current time. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of section A-A is shown. In this state, the control unit 600 drives the liquid delivery mechanism 106, using the plunger 302 to press the seal 502 of the swimming medium container 102 upwards and slide it, thereby delivering the swimming medium 506 sealed in the swimming medium container 102 to each capillary tube 401 via the capillary head 403. At this time, as... Figure 9As shown, the anode-side buffer container cap 207, used to prevent evaporation, is located above the anode-side sample introduction buffer tank 201 of the anode-side buffer container 103. The sample tray 112 is driven upwards by the Z-axis drive unit 110, pressing the upper part of the anode-side buffer container 103 against the lower surface of the anode-side buffer container cap 207. A viscoelastic sheet 209 is provided on the lower surface of the anode-side buffer container cap 207 that contacts the anode-side buffer container 103. This viscoelastic sheet 209 can be deformed by the Z-axis driving force of the autosampler unit 117, thus sealing the anode-side buffer container 103. As a result, evaporation of the buffer solution from the anode-side sample introduction buffer tank 201 and the anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202 can be prevented.

[0048] In step S16, the control unit 600 again drives the Y-axis drive 109 and Z-axis drive 110 of the automatic sampler unit 117, inserting the capillary head 403 and stainless steel tube 407 of the capillary array 101 into the anode-side cleaning tank 203 and the cathode-side cleaning tank 205, respectively. This cleans the capillary head 403 and the stainless steel tube 407.

[0049] In step S17, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive 109 and Z-axis drive 110 of the automatic sampler unit 117, inserting the capillary head 403 and stainless steel tube 407 of the capillary array 101 into the anode-side sample introduction buffer tank 201 and sample container 105, respectively. At this time, the electrode 114 is also inserted into the anode-side sample introduction buffer tank 201. This makes the two ends of the capillary 401 conductive. In this state, the control unit 600 controls the power supply 408 to apply a high voltage to the capillary array 101, so that the sample is introduced into the front end of each capillary 401.

[0050] In step S18, the control unit 600 again drives the Y-axis drive 109 and Z-axis drive 110 of the automatic sampler unit 117, inserting the capillary head 403 and stainless steel tube 407 of the capillary array 101 into the anode-side cleaning tank 203 and the cathode-side cleaning tank 205, respectively. This cleans the capillary head 403 and the stainless steel tube 407.

[0051] In step S19, the control unit 600 again drives the Y-axis drive 109 and Z-axis drive 110 of the automatic sampler unit 117 to insert the capillary head 403 and stainless steel tube 407 of the capillary array 101 into the anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202 and the cathode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 206, respectively. Figure 10 It indicates the current time. Figure 2A schematic diagram of the A-A cross-section. At this time, electrode 114 is also inserted into the anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202. This makes the two ends of capillary 401 conductive. In this state, control unit 600 controls power supply 408 to apply a high voltage to capillary array 101 for electrophoresis. The sample migrating in each capillary is detected by irradiation detection unit 116. At this time... Figure 10 As shown, the cap 208 for preventing evaporation of the swimming medium container is located on the upper part of the swimming medium container 102. The sample tray 112 is driven upward by the Z-axis drive body 110, pressing the upper part of the swimming medium container 102 against the lower surface of the cap 208. A viscoelastic sheet 210, such as rubber, is provided on the contact surface between the cap 208 and the swimming medium container 102. The sheet 210 can be deformed by the Z-axis drive force of the automatic sampler unit, thus sealing the swimming medium container 102.

[0052] In step S20, the control unit 600 again drives the Y-axis drive 109 and Z-axis drive 110 of the automatic sampler unit 117, inserting the capillary head 403 and stainless steel tube 407 of the capillary array 101 into the anode-side cleaning tank 203 and the cathode-side cleaning tank 205, respectively. This cleans the capillary head 403 and the stainless steel tube 407.

[0053] In step S21, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive 109 and Z-axis drive 110 of the automatic sampler unit 117 to insert the capillary head 403 and stainless steel tube 407 of the capillary array 101 into the anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202 and the cathode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 206, respectively. If the capillary head 403 becomes dry, the capillary array will become unusable; therefore, it is inserted into the anode-side electrophoresis buffer tank 202 for standby when no electrophoresis is being performed.

[0054] An analysis is completed by parsing the data detected during this series of actions. In the case of continuous analysis, the X-axis drive 111 on the sample tray 112 is driven to switch the position of the sample container 105, repeating the aforementioned actions.

[0055] In the analytical sequence described above, steps S15 and S19 require a relatively long time. Therefore, preventing the evaporation of the buffer solution and migrating medium is particularly important in steps S15 and S19.

[0056] In cases where the anode-side buffer container and the migratory medium container are at different heights, such as at a sample introduction station, if the migratory medium container is lower than the anode-side buffer container, the cap mechanism of the migratory medium container may interfere with the anode-side buffer container, preventing the autosampler from rising to the intended position. In such cases, a displacement absorption mechanism can be incorporated into the migratory medium container cap 208 to accommodate containers of different heights.

[0057] The electrophoresis apparatus according to this embodiment, as described above, can be used with a container having a hole at the top for the capillary head 403 to pass through, thus preventing solution evaporation. Furthermore, evaporation can be effectively prevented without requiring changes to a series of analytical procedures.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments but includes various modifications. For example, the above embodiments have been described in detail only for ease of understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily required to have all the structures described. In addition, some structures of one embodiment can be replaced with structures of another embodiment, and structures of another embodiment can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Furthermore, other structures can be added to or deleted from some structures of each embodiment.

[0059] Symbol Explanation

[0060] 101: Capillary array; 102: Migration medium container; 103: Anode-side buffer container; 104: Cathode-side buffer container; 105: Sample container; 106: Liquid delivery mechanism; 108: Sampler base; 109: Y-axis drive; 110: Z-axis drive; 111: X-axis drive; 112: Sample tray; 113: Thermostat unit; 114: Electrode; 115: Opening / closing door; 116: Irradiation detection unit; 117: Automatic sampler unit; 118: Irradiation detection / thermostat unit; 201: Anode-side sample introduction buffer tank; 2 02: Buffer tank for anodic electrophoresis; 203: Anodic cleaning tank; 204: Waste liquid tank; 205: Cathode cleaning tank; 206: Buffer tank for cathode electrophoresis; 207: Anodic buffer container cap; 208: Electrophoresis medium container cap; 209, 210: Viscoelastic sheet; 301: Conductor; 302: Plunger; 401: Capillary; 402: Detection section; 403: Capillary head; 406: Loading head; 407: Stainless steel tube; 501: Syringe; 503: Rubber plug; 504: Cap; 506: Electrophoresis medium; 508: Through hole.

Claims

1. A capillary electrophoresis apparatus, characterized in that, have: A capillary array, which has multiple capillaries; A capillary head is disposed at one end of the capillary array and bundles the multiple capillaries into one. A constant temperature bath unit that holds the capillary array with the capillary head protruding downwards; An automatic sampler unit has a sample tray for holding a container, and has a Z-axis drive for driving the sample tray in the vertical direction and a Y-axis drive for driving the sample tray in the horizontal direction. The container has an opening at the top for inserting the capillary head and is filled with liquid. A lid component, disposed on the thermostatic bath unit and located above the sample tray, and sealing the upper part of the container; and The control unit controls the automatic sampler unit. The control unit drives the sample tray upward by driving the Z-axis drive body, and seals the container by pushing it against the lid component from below.

2. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container includes a swimming medium container and an anode-side buffer container. The cap component includes an anode-side buffer container cap that closes the upper part of the anode-side buffer container. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus also includes a liquid delivery mechanism for conveying the electrophoretic medium in the electrophoretic medium container from the capillary head to the capillary array. The control unit drives the Y-axis drive and the Z-axis drive, thereby inserting the capillary head into the swimming medium container, and the anode-side buffer container cap is disposed on the upper part of the anode-side buffer container.

3. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit drives the sample tray upward via the Z-axis drive body, and seals the anode-side buffer container by pressing the anode-side buffer container against the lower surface of the anode-side buffer container lid from below.

4. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover component also includes a swimming medium container cover that closes the upper part of the swimming medium container. The control unit drives the Y-axis drive body and the Z-axis drive body, thereby inserting the capillary head into the anode-side buffer container, and the swimming medium container cap and the anode-side buffer container cap are respectively disposed on the upper part of the swimming medium container and the upper part of the anode-side buffer container.

5. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit drives the sample tray upward via the Z-axis drive body, and pushes the anode-side buffer container and the swimming medium container from below onto the lower surfaces of the anode-side buffer container cap and the swimming medium container cap, respectively, thereby sealing the anode-side buffer container and the swimming medium container.

6. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover component also includes a swimming medium container cover that closes the upper part of the swimming medium container. When the control unit performs electrophoresis, the cap of the electrophoresis medium container is positioned on the upper part of the electrophoresis medium container.

7. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit drives the sample tray upwards via the Z-axis drive unit. The swimming medium container is sealed by pressing the upper part of the swimming medium container against the lower surface of the swimming medium container lid.

8. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover component also includes a swimming medium container cover that closes the upper part of the swimming medium container. The control unit drives the Y-axis drive and the Z-axis drive, thereby inserting the capillary head into the swimming medium container, and the anode-side buffer container cap is disposed on the upper part of the anode-side buffer container.

9. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit drives the sample tray upwards via the Z-axis drive unit. The anode-side buffer container is sealed by pressing the upper part of the anode-side buffer container against the lower surface of the anode-side buffer container lid.

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