Capillary electrophoresis device

Abstract

Electrophoresis device, including: a sample dish (112) on which a positive-electrode-side buffer solution container (103) containing a buffer solution and a phorese medium container (102) containing a phorese medium are arranged, and which is driven in a vertical and a horizontal direction; a thermostat oven unit (113) which holds a capillary arrangement (101) with a capillary head (403) in which a plurality of capillaries (401) are bundled in a single unit at one end thereof in a state in which the capillary head (403) protrudes downwards, and which maintains a constant internal temperature; a solution dispensing mechanism (106) for dispensing the phorese medium in the phorese medium container (102) to the capillary assembly (101) from the capillary head (403); and a current source (408) for applying a voltage to both ends of the capillary arrangement (101), wherein Openings for inserting the capillary head (403) are provided in the upper areas of the positive electrode-side buffer solution container (103) and the phorese medium container (102), and the thermostat oven unit (113) comprises a first lid element (207) which is arranged above the sample dish (112) and seals the upper part of the positive electrode-side buffer solution container (103) during the dispensing of the phorese medium by the solution dispensing mechanism (106), wherein the upper part of the positive electrode-side buffer solution container (103) is sealed by raising the sample dish (112) and pressing the positive electrode-side buffer solution container (103) against the first lid element (207).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis device, in particular to a capillary electrophoresis device with a mechanism for preventing solution evaporation. Background State of the art

[0002] In recent years, a capillary electrophoresis apparatus, in which a capillary is filled with a phoresic medium such as a polymer gel and a polymer solution, has been widely used. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus described in JP 2001-281221A (PTL 1) and JP 2001-324473A (PTL 2) is used, for example, in a related technique. This capillary electrophoresis apparatus has higher heat dissipation than a flat-plate electrophoresis apparatus and can apply a higher voltage to a sample, which has the advantage of allowing it to perform electrophoresis at high speed. It also offers many advantages, such as the ability to operate with small sample volumes, automatic filling of the phoresic medium, and automatic sample injection, making it suitable for various separation analyses, including nucleic acid and protein analysis.

[0003] The top of a buffer solution container is covered with a rubber sheet called a septum, as described in JP 2014-163714A (PTL 3). A notch forms in the septum, and when a capillary end is inserted into the septum, the notch is widened by pressure, thus inserting the capillary end into the buffer solution container. If the capillary end is not inserted into the septum, the notch remains closed, preventing evaporation of the buffer solution inside the container.

[0004] DE 11 2015 006 171 T5 relates to an electrophoresis device that introduces a sample into capillaries by electrophoresis and optically detects the sample, comprising: capillaries; a capillary head provided at a distal end of the capillaries; a container for electrophoresis medium, which is used for electrophoresis and is filled with an electrophoresis medium; a guide element that covers a side surface of the container filled with electrophoresis medium; and a piston, characterized by a U-shaped sealing element that seals the container filled with electrophoresis medium from below, the piston pressing against the sealing element. List of citations - Patent literature PTL 1: JP 2001 - 281 221 A PTL 2: JP 2001 - 324 473 A PTL 3: JP-A-2014-163714 Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0005] When the capillary end is inserted into the septum and the notch is widened by pressing, the capillary end rubs against the notch. This rubbing creates a foreign substance, and if this foreign substance mixes into the solution, it leads to an analytical error. Therefore, an opening must be provided in the capillary end, particularly in a positive-electrode-side buffer solution container and a phorese medium container into which a capillary head is inserted. This opening prevents the formation of the foreign substance by rubbing against the capillary head. However, if the opening is located in the upper part of the container, the solution inside the container evaporates, changing the solution concentration and thus degrading the analytical performance.Therefore, it is necessary to supply a device that prevents the evaporation of the phorese medium and buffer solution during a series of analytical procedures and whose analytical performance does not deteriorate. Solution to the problem

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrophoresis apparatus comprises a sample dish on which a positive-electrode-side buffer solution reservoir containing a buffer solution and a phorese medium reservoir containing a phorese medium are arranged, and which is driven in a vertical and horizontal direction; a thermostatic oven unit holding a capillary assembly with a capillary head in which a plurality of capillaries are bundled in a single unit at one end thereof in a state in which the capillary head protrudes downwards, and which maintains a constant internal temperature; a solution delivery mechanism for delivering the phorese medium in the phorese medium reservoir to the capillary assembly from the capillary head; and a power source for applying a voltage to both ends of the capillary assembly.wherein openings for inserting the capillary head are provided in the upper sections of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container and the phorese medium container, and the thermostatic oven unit has a first lid element that is arranged above the sample dish and seals the upper part of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container while the phorese medium is supplied by the solution dispensing mechanism, wherein the upper part of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container is sealed by raising the sample dish and pressing the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container against the first lid element. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0007] It is possible to supply a device that not only prevents evaporation from a positive electrode-side buffer solution container, but also a deterioration of the analytical performance.

[0008] A problem, a configuration, and an effect other than those described above are clarified by the description of the following embodiments. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view that shows an example of the device configuration of a capillary electrophoresis device. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the capillary electrophoresis device of an embodiment in top view. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic top view, which represents another example of a capillary electrophoresis device. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation that shows a detailed example of a capillary arrangement. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a cross-section along line AA in Fig. 2. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a cross-section along line BB in Fig. 2. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view that shows a detailed example of a phorese medium container. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart that illustrates a workflow in electrophoresis analysis. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-section illustrating the positional relationship between an auto-sampler and a thermostatic oven unit in a phorese medium container with a solution feeding process. [ Fig. 10] Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-section that represents the positional relationship between the auto-sampler and the thermostat oven unit in an electrophoresis process. Description of the embodiments

[0009] In the following, an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device configuration using the example of an embodiment of a capillary electrophoresis device. The capillary electrophoresis device of this embodiment is roughly divided into two units: an auto-sampler unit 117 in the lower part of the device and an irradiation detection and thermostat oven unit 118 in the upper part of the device.

[0011] The auto-sampler unit 117 comprises a Y-axis drive body 109 mounted on a sampler base plate 108, a Z-axis drive body 110 mounted on the Y-axis drive body 109, and a sample tray 112 mounted on the Z-axis drive body 110. A phorese medium container 102, a positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, a negative-electrode-side buffer solution container 104, and a sample container 105 are placed on the sample tray 112 by the user. The sample container 105 is placed on an X-axis drive body 111, which is mounted on the sample tray 112. A solution dispensing mechanism 106 is also mounted on the Z-axis drive body 110. The solution dispensing mechanism 106 is arranged below the phorese medium container 102. The sample dish 112 is driven by the Y-axis drive body 109 in the Y-axis direction, i.e.The sample container 105 is moved horizontally, connecting the phorese medium container 102 and the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, and is moved vertically in the Z-axis direction by the Z-axis drive body 110. On the sample tray 112, only the sample container 105 can be moved in the X-axis direction by the X-axis drive body 111.

[0012] The irradiation detection and thermostatic oven unit 118, which is attached to the sampler base plate 108 by a support column 119, comprises a thermostatic oven unit 113 and an irradiation detection unit 116. The thermostatic oven unit 113 consists of a thermostatic oven body and an opening and closing door 115, whereby the temperature inside the thermostatic oven unit 113 can be kept constant by closing the opening and closing door 115. The irradiation detection unit 116 is mounted behind the thermostatic oven unit 113 and can perform the detection during electrophoresis. A capillary assembly 101 is inserted in the thermostatic oven unit 113, and a sample is treated electrophoretically while the capillary assembly 101 is kept at a constant temperature within the thermostatic oven unit 113, with detection being carried out by the irradiation detection unit 116.An electrode 114 for lowering the capillary head side towards ground when applying a high voltage for electrophoresis is also attached to the thermostat oven unit 113.

[0013] The capillary assembly 101 is attached to the thermostatic oven unit 113 as described above. The phorese medium container 102, the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, the negative-electrode-side buffer solution container 104, and the sample container 105 mounted on the sample dish 112 can be moved along the Y-axis and Z-axis by the auto-sampler unit 117, and only the sample container 105 can be moved along the X-axis. By moving the auto-sampler unit 117, the phorese medium container 102, the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, the negative-electrode-side buffer solution container 104, and the sample container 105 can be automatically connected to the stationary capillary assembly 101.

[0014] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the embodiment shown in the top view. The opening and closing door 115 is closed. In the positive-electrode-side buffer solution tank 103, which is placed on the sample dish 112, a positive-electrode-side sample introduction buffer solution tank 201, a positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202, and a positive-electrode-side wash tank 203 are arranged separately from one another. In the negative-electrode-side buffer solution tank 104, a waste solution tank 204, a negative-electrode-side wash tank 205, and a negative-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 206 are arranged.In the thermostat oven unit 113, a phorese medium container lid 208 and a positive electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 are provided to prevent evaporation of the solution from the phorese medium container 102 and the positive electrode-side buffer solution container 103.

[0015] In this embodiment, the phoresis medium container 102, the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, the negative-electrode-side buffer solution container 104, and the sample container 105 are arranged in a positional relationship as shown in the drawing. Accordingly, the positional relationship between the positive and negative electrode sides when connected to the capillary arrangement 101 is as follows: the phoresis medium container 102 – the waste solution tank 204, the positive-electrode-side wash tank 203 – the negative-electrode-side wash tank 205, the positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202 – the negative-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 206, and the positive-electrode-side sample feed buffer solution tank 201 – the sample container 105.

[0016] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of the capillary electrophoresis device, wherein the phoresis medium container 102, the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, the negative-electrode-side buffer solution container 104 and the sample container 105 are arranged in a different positional relationship than in Figure 3. Fig. 2 are arranged on the sample dish 112. Since the positional relationship in the Y-axis direction between the phorese medium container 102 and the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103 corresponds to that in Fig. 2. Conversely, the positional relationship between the phosphate medium container lid 208 and the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 in the thermostatic oven unit 113 is also the same as that in Fig. 2. Conversely, the positional relationship between the positive and negative electrode sides when connected to the capillary arrangement 101 is the same as in Fig. 2 and is structured as follows: the phoresis medium container 102 - the waste solution tank 204, the positive electrode side wash tank 203 - the negative electrode side wash tank 205, the positive electrode side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202 - the negative electrode side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 206 and the positive electrode side sample feed buffer solution tank 201 - the sample container 105.

[0017] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 2, the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 is mounted on a main body of the thermostatic oven unit 113, and the phorese medium container lid 208 is mounted on the opening and closing door 115. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 is mounted on the opening and closing door 115, and the phorese medium container lid 208 is mounted on the main body of the thermostatic oven unit 113. Although not shown in the drawing, a design can be used in which both the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 and the phorese medium container lid 208 are mounted on the main body of the thermostatic oven unit 113, or both the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 and the phorese medium container lid 208 are mounted on the opening and closing door 115.

[0018] As a typical example, an embodiment is described here in which the phorese medium container lid 208 is provided opposite the phorese medium container 102, and the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 is provided opposite the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, whereby neither the phorese medium container lid 208 nor the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 is necessarily provided. That is, even in a configuration in which the phorese medium container lid 208 is omitted and the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 is provided only in relation to the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, at least an effect to prevent the evaporation of the solution from the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103 can be achieved.In the same way, in a configuration in which the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 is omitted and the phorese medium container lid 208 is provided only in relation to the phorese medium container 102, at least an effect to prevent the evaporation of the solution from the phorese medium container 102 can be achieved.

[0019] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation showing a detailed example of the capillary arrangement. The capillary arrangement 101 consists of a plurality of capillaries 401, which are designed as glass tubes with an inner diameter of approximately 50 µm. The capillaries 401 are arranged in a detection section 402, aligned in one plane. The irradiation detection unit 116 irradiates the plurality of capillaries arranged in the detection section 402 with light and detects the fluorescence to be generated from a sample that is electrophorized in each capillary. A load head 406 and a SUS tube 407 are attached to a negative-electrode end section of the capillary arrangement 101. A PBT resin, for example, is desirable as the material for the load head 406, as it is a resin with high insulating properties and a high coefficient of performance for creepage.The load head 406 incorporates a section for guiding all SUS tubes 407, and a high voltage is applied to each SUS tube 407. The capillaries 401 are each guided through the SUS tube 407 and attached to it. At a positive-electrode end section of the capillary arrangement 101, the numerous capillaries 401 are bundled by a capillary head 403. The capillary head 403 includes a capillary tip 405 with an acute angle and needle shape, and a round capillary projection 404, the outer diameter of which is larger than that of the capillary tip 405. A PEEK resin is desirable as the material for the capillary head 403, as it is a resin that is not very brittle, yet also stiff and chemically and analytically highly stable.

[0020] When the capillary assembly 101 is mounted on the thermostatic oven unit 113, the detection section 402, the load head 406, and the capillary head 403 are each attached to the thermostatic oven unit 113. The detection section 402 is positioned with high accuracy so that it is located within range of the irradiation detection unit 116. The load head 406 is attached at the point where the high voltage is applied. The capillary head 403 is fixed to the thermostatic oven unit 113 so that the capillary head tip 405 points directly downwards and can withstand a load. The positional relationship between the positive and negative electrode sides at the time of attachment is designed so that the multiple capillaries 401 do not overlap when inserted into the device.

[0021] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation showing a cross-section along line AA. Fig. Figure 2 shows the Phorese medium container 102 being inserted into a guide 301 embedded in the sample dish 112. The solution dispensing mechanism 106 is arranged such that a pressure plunger 302 integrated into the solution dispensing mechanism 106 is positioned below the Phorese medium container 102.

[0022] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation showing a cross-section along line BB. Fig. Figure 2 shows that the multiple SUS tubes 407, into which the capillaries are inserted, and the electrode 114 protrude downwards from the underside of the thermostatic oven unit 113, the capillary head 403 of the capillary arrangement 101. At the time of electrophoresis, the right side is in Fig. The capillary assembly 101 is connected to the negative electrode side on the left side and to the positive electrode side on the right side. The series of positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tanks 202 and negative-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tanks 202 is arranged by the auto-sampler unit 117 below the thermostatic oven unit 113. The capillary head 403 and the electrode 114 are each inserted into two openings provided in an upper section of the positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202 and the SUS tubes 407, into which the capillaries are inserted, into the negative-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 206. The buffer solution in the positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202, into which the capillary head 403 is inserted, is grounded via the electrode 114.A negative high voltage from a power source 408 is applied to the other end of each capillary via the load head 406 and the SUS tubes 407, whereby a sample introduced at the negative electrode-side tip of each capillary is moved within the capillary by electrophoresis and detected by the detection section 402. The Y-axis drive unit 109, the Z-axis drive unit 110, the X-axis drive unit 111, the solution dispensing mechanism 106, and the power source 408 of the auto-sampler unit 117 are controlled by the control unit 600.

[0023] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-section showing a detailed example of the phorese medium container. In the phorese medium container 102, a recessed seal 502 is integrated into a syringe 501, and a rubber stopper 503 is placed on top and sealed with a cap 504. The cap 504 is sealed from above with a film 505. The syringe 501 is preferably made of a thin PP resin. The seal 502 is preferably made of a superpolymer PE resin, which is frequently used for sealing a liquid in a sliding area and exhibits excellent sliding properties. The rubber stopper 503 is preferably made of an analytically stable silicone rubber. An opening 508, through which the capillary head 403 can penetrate the capillary assembly 101, is provided in the rubber stopper 503.Since a material of the capillary head 504 is connected to the foil 505 of each container, a PC resin is desirable. A phorese medium 506 is sealed in the phorese medium container 102, and the air 507 entering at the time of sealing is sealed to collect in a top section. A gel or polymer is used as the phorese medium 506, and a capacity capable of performing a variety of analyses is sealed. The seal 502 can move within the syringe 501 by being subjected to external pressure from the plunger 302 of the solution dispensing mechanism 106.

[0024] The following describes a functional sequence for analysis in the embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart that illustrates the functional sequence for electrophoresis analysis. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-section illustrating the positional relationship between a sample dish, a thermostatic oven unit, and a lid mechanism in a solution feeding process for a phorese medium, and Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-section that illustrates the positional relationship between the sample dish, the thermostat oven unit and the lid mechanism in an electrophoresis process.

[0025] In step S11, the user places the capillary assembly 101 onto the thermostatic oven unit 113. The user places the phorese medium container 102, the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, the negative-electrode-side buffer solution container 104, and the sample container 105 onto the sample dish 112. The capillary assembly 101, the phorese medium container 102, the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, the negative-electrode-side buffer solution container 104, and the sample container 105, which are consumables, are marked with ID information such as a barcode. When placing each consumable in the instrument, the user reads the ID information of each consumable using a barcode reader attached to the instrument. In this way, a production number, an expiration date, and the number of uses of each consumable can be managed.

[0026] In step S12, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive body 109 and the Z-axis drive body 110 of the auto-sampler unit 117. Subsequently, the capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 of the capillary assembly 101 are inserted into the positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202 and the negative-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 206, respectively. The phoresis medium container lid 208 and the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 are positioned on an upper section of the positive-electrode-side sample feed buffer solution tank 201 of the phoresis medium container 102 and the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103 to prevent evaporation. The positive electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 and the phorese medium container lid 208 are provided with viscoelastic films 209 and 210, like rubber, on a lower surface that contacts the container.The sample tray 112 is moved upwards by a Z-axis drive force of the auto-sampler unit 117, the viscoelastic films 209 and 210 are pressed from below by pressing the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103 and the phorese medium container 102 against the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 and the phorese medium container lid 208, and the phorese medium container 102 and the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103 can be closed.

[0027] In step S13, the capillary arrangement 101 installed inside is kept at a constant temperature by the thermostatic oven unit 113.

[0028] In step S14, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive body 109 and the Z-axis drive body 110 of the auto-sampler unit 117, after which the capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 of the capillary assembly 101 are inserted into the positive-electrode-side wash tank 203 and the negative-electrode-side wash tank 205, respectively. The capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 are then cleaned.

[0029] In step S15, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive body 109 and the Z-axis drive body 110 of the auto-sampler unit 117, after which the capillary head 403 or the SUS tubes 407 of the capillary arrangement 101 are inserted into the phorese medium container 102 and the waste solution tank 204. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along line AA. Fig. Figure 2 shows that the control unit 600 drives the solution dispensing mechanism 106, pushes and moves the seal 502 of the phorese medium container 102 upwards through the pressure piston 302, and thus conveys the phorese medium 506, sealed in the phorese medium container 102, via the capillary head 403 to the single capillary 401. Here, as in Fig. As described in Figure 9, the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207 is arranged on the upper part of the positive-electrode-side sample feed buffer solution tank 201 of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103 to prevent evaporation. The sample dish 112 is moved upwards by the Z-axis drive body 110, and an upper section of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103 is pressed against a lower surface of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207.The viscoelastic film 209 on the lower surface of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container lid 207, which comes into contact with the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103, is pressed against an upper surface of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103 by the Z-axis drive force of the auto-sampler unit 117, thus sealing the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container 103. As a result, evaporation of the buffer solution from the positive-electrode-side sample feed buffer solution tank 201 and the positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202 is prevented.

[0030] In step S16, the control unit 600 again drives the Y-axis drive body 109 and the Z-axis drive body 110 of the auto-sampler unit 117, after which the capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 of the capillary assembly 101 are inserted into the positive-electrode-side wash tank 203 and the negative-electrode-side wash tank 205, respectively. The capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 are then washed.

[0031] In step S17, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive body 109 and the Z-axis drive body 110 of the auto-sampler unit 117, after which the capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 of the capillary assembly 101 are inserted into the positive-electrode-side sample feed buffer solution tank 201 and the sample container 105, respectively. Here, the electrode 114 is also inserted into the positive-electrode-side sample feed buffer solution tank 201. Both ends of the capillary 401 are guided accordingly. Here, the control unit 600 controls the power source 408 to apply a high voltage to the capillary assembly 101 and introduces a sample at the tip of each capillary 401.

[0032] In step S18, the control unit 600 again drives the Y-axis drive body 109 and the Z-axis drive body 110 of the auto-sampler unit 117, after which the capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 of the capillary assembly 101 are inserted into the positive-electrode-side wash tank 203 and the negative-electrode-side wash tank 205, respectively. The capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 are then washed.

[0033] In step S19, the control unit 600 again drives the Y-axis drive body 109 and the Z-axis drive body 110 of the auto-sampler unit 117, after which the capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 of the capillary arrangement 101 are inserted into the positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202 and the negative-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 206, respectively. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a cross-section along line AA of the Fig. 2 here. The electrode 114 is also inserted into the positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202. Both ends of the capillary 401 are guided accordingly. Here, the control unit 600 activates the power source 408 to apply the high voltage to the capillary assembly 101, thereby carrying out the electrophoresis. The irradiation detection unit 116 detects an electrophoretic sample through each capillary. Here, as in Fig.Figure 10 shows the phorese medium container lid 208 arranged on an upper section of the phorese medium container 102 to prevent evaporation. The sample tray 112 is moved upwards by the Z-axis drive body 110, and the upper part of the phorese medium container 102 is pressed against the underside of the phorese medium container lid 208. The viscoelastic film 210, e.g., rubber, is provided on a contact surface with the phorese medium container 102 of the phorese medium container lid 208. The film 210 is pressed by the Z-axis drive force of the auto-sampler unit 117, and the phorese medium container 102 is sealed.

[0034] In step S20, the control unit 600 again drives the Y-axis drive body 109 and the Z-axis drive body 110 of the auto-sampler unit 117, after which the capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 of the capillary assembly 101 are inserted into the positive-electrode-side wash tank 203 and the negative-electrode-side wash tank 205, respectively. The capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 are then washed.

[0035] In step S21, the control unit 600 drives the Y-axis drive body 109 and the Z-axis drive body 110 of the auto-sampler unit 117, after which the capillary head 403 and the SUS tubes 407 of the capillary assembly 101 are inserted into the positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202 and the negative-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 206. Since the capillary assembly becomes unusable after drying, the capillary head 403 is inserted into the positive-electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 202 and is kept ready if the phoresis is not performed.

[0036] An analysis is completed by analyzing the data acquired through this series of movements. In the continuous analysis, the X-axis drive unit 111 is driven on the sample tray 112, the position of the sample container 105 is switched, and the process described above is repeated.

[0037] The analysis procedure described above requires a significant amount of time for steps S15 and S19. Therefore, it is important to prevent the buffer solution and the phorese medium from evaporating during steps S15 and S19.

[0038] Here, if the height of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container differs from that of the phorese medium container, for example at a sample feed position, if the height of the phorese medium container is lower than that of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container, the lid mechanism of the phorese medium container may interfere with the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container in some cases, and the auto-sampler may not be able to move up to a predefined position. In this case, it is possible to accommodate a container of different height by means of a displacement damping mechanism in the phorese medium container lid 208.

[0039] As described above, according to the electrophoresis device of the embodiment, it is possible to prevent evaporation of the solution by using a container with an opening in its upper region for penetration into the capillary head 403. Evaporation can be efficiently prevented without altering any of the analytical streams. List of reference symbols 101 Capillary arrangement 102 Phorese medium containers 103 positive electrode-side buffer solution container 104 negative-electrode-side buffer solution containers 105 sample containers 106 Solution submission mechanism 108 Sampler base plate 109 Y-axis drive bodies 110 Z-axis drive bodies 111 X-axis drive bodies 112 Sample tray 113 Thermostatic oven unit 114 Electrode 115 opening and closing doors 116 Irradiation detection unit 117 Auto-Sampler Unit 118 Irradiation detection and thermostat oven unit 201 positive electrode-side sample feed buffer solution tank 202 positive electrode-side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 203 positive electrode-side wash tank 204 Waste solution tank 205 negative electrode-side wash tank 206 negative electrode side electrophoresis buffer solution tank 207 positive electrode-side buffer solution container lid 208 Phorese medium container lid 209, 210 viscoelastic film 301 Guide 302 printing stamps 401 capillaries 402 Recognition section 403 Capillary head 406 Load head 407 SUS tubes 501 syringe 503 rubber stoppers 504 Cap 506 Phorese medium 508 Breakthrough

Claims

[1] Electrophoresis apparatus, comprising: a sample dish (112) on which a positive-electrode-side buffer solution container (103) containing a buffer solution and a phorese medium container (102) containing a phorese medium are arranged, and which is driven in a vertical and a horizontal direction; a thermostat oven unit (113) which holds a capillary arrangement (101) with a capillary head (403) in which a plurality of capillaries (401) are bundled in a single unit at one end thereof in a state in which the capillary head (403) protrudes downwards, and which maintains a constant internal temperature; a solution dispensing mechanism (106) for dispensing the phorese medium in the phorese medium container (102) to the capillary assembly (101) from the capillary head (403); and a current source (408) for applying a voltage to both ends of the capillary arrangement (101), wherein Openings for inserting the capillary head (403) are provided in the upper areas of the positive electrode-side buffer solution container (103) and the phorese medium container (102), and the thermostat oven unit (113) comprises a first lid element (207) which is arranged above the sample dish (112) and seals the upper part of the positive electrode-side buffer solution container (103) during the dispensing of the phorese medium by the solution dispensing mechanism (106), wherein the upper part of the positive electrode-side buffer solution container (103) is sealed by raising the sample dish (112) and pressing the positive electrode-side buffer solution container (103) against the first lid element (207). [2] Electrophoresis device according to claim 1, wherein the first lid element (207) comprises a viscoelastic film (209, 210) on the underside. [3] Electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermostat oven unit (113) comprises a thermostat oven main body and an opening and closing door (115), wherein the first cover element (207) is arranged on the opening and closing door (115). [4] Electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermostat oven unit (113) comprises a thermostat oven main body and an opening and closing door (115) and the first cover element (207) is located on the thermostat oven main body. [5] Electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positive electrode side buffer solution container (103) comprises a plurality of buffer solution containers separated from one another. [6] Electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermostat oven unit (113) comprises a second lid element (208) for sealing the upper part of the phoresis medium container (102), while the electrophoresis is carried out by applying the voltage from the power source (408). [7] Electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the upper part of the phorese medium container (102) is sealed by moving the sample dish upwards and pressing the phorese medium container (102) against the second lid element (208). [8] Electrophoresis device according to claim 6, wherein the second lid element (208) comprises a viscoelastic film on the underside. [9] Electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the thermostat oven unit (113) comprises a thermostat oven main body and an opening and closing door, and the second cover element (208) is arranged on the thermostat oven main body. [10] Electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the thermostat oven unit (113) comprises a thermostat oven main body and an opening and closing door (115) and the second cover element (208) is provided on the opening and closing door (115).

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