Fluidic analysis device and associated analysis system

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluidic analysis device (1), characterized in that it comprises: an analysis sensor; a fluidic circuit; an optical and / or electronic circuit; fluidic circulation means, fluidically connected to the fluidic circuit, comprising at least one first male or female fluidic connector, intended to be secured to at least one second fluidic connector of a fluidic analysis system (100), respectively of female or male type, said at least one first fluidic connector comprising a hollow body for the passage of a first fluidic conduit, intended to communicate fluidly with a second fluidic conduit of a hollow body of said at least one second fluidic connector. Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Fluidic analysis device and associated analysis system. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of fluidic instrumentation, and in particular to millifluidic, microfluidic and / or nanofluidic instruments.

[0002] It finds applications in many fields, such as environmental analysis, pharmaceuticals, agri-food, life sciences, cosmetics, water treatment, among others.

[0003] More specifically, the invention relates to a fluidic analysis device, as well as a fluidic analysis system in which the fluidic analysis device is intended to be inserted. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] In the context of monitoring cellular microenvironments, particularly in the face of increasing episodes of microbial pollution in coastal waters, it is possible to use biosensors, or biological sensors, derived from micro- and nanotechnologies. These sensors can indeed provide an indication of the presence or absence, or the concentration, of specific microbial targets within a water sample.

[0005] In principle, these sensors work by causing targets to attach to an active surface. This attachment is made specific by the presence of bioreceptors on the sensor surface, which can only attach to their specific target, namely the target being sought, and which reject any other, non-specific target.

[0006] For various reasons detailed later, these sensors must be replaced or regenerated at regular intervals to maintain their proper operating range.

[0007] Such a miniaturized biological sensor is typically placed within a biological fluidic analysis system. This system integrates means for circulating the fluidic sample to be analyzed, as well as optical and / or electronic means for reading, recording and / or digitizing the sensor signal.

[0008] These fluidic circulation means are most often connected to the sensor via a fluidic, millifluidic, microfluidic or even nanofluidic circuit, present on the silicon chip of the sensor and which allows the analyzed sample to pass as close as possible to the sensor.

[0009] The optical and / or electronic means are connected to the sensor by means of electrical wires or optical fibers which are most often fixed to the surface of the sensor for the sake of robustness.

[0010] The replacement or regeneration of sensors may be motivated by at least the following reasons: the bioreceptor layer may be saturated or deteriorated, and must be regenerated by means of an external operation; the electrical, optical, electromechanical functions of the sensor, enabling the sensor to transduce biological detection information into a measurable signal, may be inoperative, and the sensor must be recycled or discarded to be replaced by a new sensor.

[0011] Whatever the reason for replacing or regenerating a biosensor within a biological analysis system, the operation must necessarily involve stopping the machine, opening it to access the biosensor, and then disconnecting the biosensor from the electronic and fluidic elements of the analysis system.

[0012] Once the biosensor has been removed from the system, it is then replaced by a new sensor, or regenerated by means of chemical solutions, and the fluidic circuit sometimes also has to be replaced.

[0013] The professional skills required for opening a biological analysis system, disconnecting and reconnecting the sensor, and regenerating the sensor are highly complex. Generally, sensor users do not possess all of these highly technical skills. In other words, in the most common usage scenarios, replacing a sensor means shutting down the analysis system in which it is integrated and sending the sensor back to the manufacturer for maintenance.

[0014] However, given the sometimes daily need for these sensors in the areas and during the periods of surveillance, and given the high price of these analysis systems, returning the analysis system to the manufacturer for a simple sensor replacement is a hindrance to the development and marketing of these analysis systems even though they are needed in the field.

[0015] Also, there is a need to offer a solution for intervening on a defective sensor, for example for its replacement or regeneration, which is simple, quick and efficient so that the maintenance operation can be carried out easily, without in-depth knowledge of the analysis system and shutdown operations, and on site without the need to send it back to the manufacturer. Description of the invention

[0016] The invention aims to remedy at least partially the needs mentioned above and the disadvantages relating to the achievements of the prior art.

[0017] The invention thus relates, according to one of its aspects, to a removable fluidic analysis device, in particular for biological fluidic analysis, intended to be integrated into a fluidic analysis system for the analysis of a fluidic sample, characterized in that it comprises:

[0018] - an analysis sensor, for the analysis of the fluidic sample,

[0019] - a fluidic circuit, attached to the analysis sensor, in which is able to circulate the fluidic sample,

[0020] - an optical and / or electronic circuit, attached to the analysis sensor, for the capturing one or more signals from the analysis sensor,

[0021] - fluid circulation means, fluidically connected to the fluid circuit, comprising at least one fluidic inlet for introducing the fluidic sample into the fluidic analysis device and at least one fluidic outlet for removing the fluidic sample from the fluidic analysis device,

[0022] in which the fluid circulation means comprise at least one first male or female type fluid connector, intended to be secured to at least one second fluid connector of the fluid analysis system, respectively of female or male type, said at least one first fluid connector comprising a hollow body for the passage of a first fluid conduit, intended to communicate fluidly with a second fluid conduit of a hollow body said at least one second fluid connector.

[0023] Thanks to the invention, a user can easily replace a removable analysis device, also called a "cassette," to perform maintenance or simply replace it with another, allowing the manufacturer to prepare future cassettes or regenerate existing ones. These operations can advantageously be carried out without requiring the analysis system incorporating the cassettes to be shut down or returned to the manufacturer for maintenance.

[0024] The fluidic analysis device according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics taken individually or in any possible technical combinations.

[0025] According to a first variant, said at least one first fluidic connector may be a rigid connector.

[0026] Said at least a first fluidic connector may include a first internal thread to receive a first fluidic connection tip through which the first fluidic conduit passes, in particular a tip marketed by the company Fluigent®.

[0027] According to a second variant, said at least a first fluidic connector may be a flexible connector.

[0028] Said at least one first fluidic connector may comprise a plastomer, for example rubber, silicone, etc., capable of recovering its initial shape by elastic deformation, or a plastomer, for example cyclo-olefinic copolymer (CGC), Teflon®, etc., capable of deforming elastically and plastically without recovering its initial shape.

[0029] Said at least a first fluidic connector may include a first external thread for its attachment in a wall of the fluidic analysis device.

[0030] Furthermore, said at least one first fluidic connector may include, at an end intended to be in contact with said at least one second fluidic connector, first clamping means, in particular in the form of first clamping flats.

[0031] Furthermore, the fluidic analysis device may include optical and / or electronic connection means, optically and / or electronically connected to the optical and / or electronic circuit, for connection with an external optical and / or electronic analysis unit.

[0032] The fluidic analysis device may include a removable wall through which said at least one first fluidic connector passes.

[0033] The fluidic analysis device can be produced by 3D printing, in particular by printing using a filament (or FDM for "Fused Deposition Modeling" in English).

[0034] Furthermore, the invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a fluidic analysis system, in particular a biological fluidic analysis system, characterized in that it comprises:

[0035] - a plurality of fluidic analysis devices such as the one described above,

[0036] - a plurality of analysis housings, each analysis housing being suitable for to receive a fluidic analysis device.

[0037] The analysis housings may include at least one second fluid connector, either female or male, intended to be secured to at least one first fluid connector, also of male or female type. This second fluid connector may include a hollow body for the passage of a second fluid conduit, intended to communicate fluidly with the first fluid conduit of the hollow body of said first fluid connector.

[0038] According to a first variant, said at least a second fluidic connector may be a rigid connector.

[0039] Said at least a second fluidic connector may include a second internal thread to receive a second fluidic connection tip through which the second fluidic conduit passes, in particular a tip marketed by the company Fluigent®.

[0040] According to a second variant, said at least a second fluidic connector may be a flexible connector.

[0041] Said at least a second fluidic connector may include a second external thread for its attachment in a wall of an analysis housing.

[0042] Furthermore, said at least one second fluidic connector may include, at an end intended to be in contact with said at least one first fluidic connector, second clamping means, in particular in the form of second clamping flats.

[0043] Said at least one first fluidic connector and / or said at least one second fluidic connector may be produced by 3D printing, in particular by stereolithography (SLA) and / or by digital light processing (DLP). Alternatively, machining and / or molding may be possible, particularly for flexibility.

[0044] Furthermore, the analysis system may include optical and / or electronic connection elements, in particular opening into each analysis housing, suitable for being connected to optical and / or electronic connection means of a fluidic analysis device, optically and / or electronically connected to the optical and / or electronic circuit.

[0045] In addition, the analysis system may include fluid circulation elements, suitable for being fluidically connected to the fluid circulation means of a fluid analysis device inserted in an analysis housing, comprising a fluid inlet element, opening into the analysis housing and suitable for being fluidically connected to the fluid inlet of the fluid analysis device, and a fluid outlet element, opening into the analysis housing and suitable for being fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the fluid analysis device.

[0046] The analysis system may also include a locking system for a fluidic analysis device inserted in an analysis housing.

[0047] The locking system in position can be made by 3D printing, in particular by stereolithography (SLA) and / or by digital light processing (DLP).

[0048] The position locking system may include a locking element capable of occupying a locked position in which the locking element is pressed against the fluidic analysis device and prevents its movement relative to the analysis housing and a released position in which the locking element is folded back into the analysis housing and allows the movement of the fluidic analysis device relative to the analysis housing.

[0049] The locking system in position may include an actuator, in particular a push button, the actuation of which allows the locking element to move from the locked position to the released position.

[0050] Furthermore, the position-locking system may include an elastic return element, in particular an elastic return element one end of which is connected to a rotating arm for rotating the locking element, and the other end of which is connected to an internal wall of the fluidic analysis system, capable of occupying a tensioned position, in particular an extended position, in the released position of the locking element, obtained by actuation of the actuator, and to occupy a released position in the locking position of the locking element, obtained by releasing the actuator.

[0051] Furthermore, the analysis system may include means for spacing between the analysis housings allowing two adjacent analysis housings to be positioned at a distance from each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0052] Other advantages, purposes and special features of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: • Fig. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a fluidic analysis device according to the invention. • [Fig.2] is a schematic and partial perspective view of an example of a fluidic analysis system integrating a plurality of fluidic analysis devices according to [Fig.1], • Figure 3 is a schematic, perspective view of another example of an embodiment of a fluidic analysis device according to the invention. • [Fig.4] is a schematic and partial perspective view of another example of a fluidic analysis system integrating a plurality of fluidic analysis devices according to [Fig.3], • [Fig. 5] is an enlarged view of [Fig. 4], without the presence of a fluidic analysis device, illustrating a system for locking the fluidic analysis device in position. • [Fig.6] represents, in isolation in perspective, the locking system in position of [Fig.5], • Figure [7] is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an example of a connection between the first and second fluidic connectors, according to a first embodiment variant. • Figure 8 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an example of a connection between the first and second fluidic connectors, according to a second embodiment, the connectors being fixed in the walls of the fluidic analysis system, and • [Fig.9] schematically and in isolation, in perspective, represents the connectors of [Fig.8].

[0053] Throughout these figures, identical references may designate identical or analogous elements.

[0054] Furthermore, the different parts shown in the figures are not necessarily to a uniform scale, in order to make the figures more legible. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] Throughout this description, it should be noted that the terms "fluidic," "millifluidic," "microfluidic," and "nanofluidic" refer to the possibility of circulating any type of fluid, including liquids, gases, and / or plasmas. Furthermore, the concept of "fluidic" or "fluidic connector" also encompasses, within the meaning of this invention, the concept of "pneumatic" or "pneumatic connector," particularly for the circulation of compressed air.

[0056] It should also be noted that the features described in connection with an example of an embodiment according to the invention may also be present in another example of an embodiment according to the invention if this is technically possible.

[0057] Fig. 1 represents, from a perspective view, a first example of the realization of a fluidic analysis device 1, here and in a non-limiting way for biological fluidic analysis.

[0058] This fluidic analysis device 1 is in the form of a cassette 1, equipped with a handle 9 (visible in [Fig.3]) which can be easily inserted and removed from a fluidic analysis system 100, comprising a plurality of such cassettes 1, shown partially in [Fig.2].

[0059] The cassette 1 is therefore removable and allows the analysis of a fluidic sample, for example for a field analysis, for example a coastal water sample.

[0060] For this purpose, the cassette 1 includes an analysis sensor 2, located for example on a silicon electronic chip, which allows the analysis of the fluidic sample. This analysis sensor 2 is, for example, here a biosensor or biological sensor.

[0061] This analysis sensor 2 requires, for its operation, fluidic connections and electronic and / or optical fiber connections.

[0062] Also, the cassette 1 further includes a fluidic circuit 3, in particular a microfluidic circuit 3, attached to the analysis sensor 2, in which the fluidic sample circulates to be analyzed by the analysis sensor 2. In addition, an optical and / or electronic circuit 4 is provided for capturing one or more signals from the analysis sensor 2. The fluidic circuit 3 and the optical and / or electronic circuit 4 can be in various forms, and in particular be arranged on the surface of the analysis sensor 2 for reasons of robustness.

[0063] Furthermore, the cassette 1 includes fluidic circulation means 5, fluidically connected to the fluidic circuit 3, here comprising a fluidic inlet 5a for the introduction of the fluidic sample into the cassette 1 and a fluidic outlet 5b for the evacuation of the fluidic sample out of the cassette 1.

[0064] The cassette 1 also includes optical and / or electronic connection means 6, optically and / or electronically connected to the optical and / or electronic circuit 4, for example in the form of an electrical connection socket to a central unit, for connection with an external optical and / or electronic analysis unit.

[0065] The cassette 1 according to the invention advantageously features a plug-and-play (PnP) fluidic junction, which allows easy insertion and removal of the cassette 1 from the fluidic analysis system 100, in particular by simply pressing an actuator 40b located on the front face, as described hereafter with reference to Figures 5 and 6, which describe characteristics that can be applied to the cassette 1 of [Fig. 1]. The cassette 1 is thus similar to a consumable that requires little or no maintenance.

[0066] The analysis sensor 2, integrated within the cassette 1, is connected to the optical and / or electronic circuit 4. The useful signals and the fluids to be analyzed enter and exit the cassette 1 through plug and play type fluidic and electronic and / or optical connections.

[0067] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the fluidic analysis system 100 includes analysis housings 26, each receiving a cassette 1.

[0068] This fluidic analysis system 100 includes fluidic circulation elements 30, which are adapted to be fluidically connected to the fluidic circulation means 5 of the cassette 1 inserted into an analysis housing 26. These fluidic circulation elements 30 here include a fluidic inlet element 30a, opening into the analysis housing 26 and adapted to be fluidically connected to the fluidic inlet 5a of the cassette 1, and a fluidic outlet element 30b, opening into the analysis housing 26 and adapted to be fluidically connected to the fluidic outlet 5b of the cassette 1. These fluidic inlet elements 30a and outlet elements 30b may, for example, include connectors 15 as described below.

[0069] Figure 3 represents another example of cassette 1 according to the invention, having other features which are combinable with those of cassette 1 of Figure 1.

[0070] Thus, the cassette 1 according to [Fig.3] includes a support 7 for the base of the analysis sensor 2, two displacement devices along two axes 8, two retaining plates 9 for diode, in particular laser diode, for example of type Vcsel for "Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers" in English), and for imaging device, and card holders 11. In addition, the cassette 1 includes a removable wall 12 through which pass first fluidic connectors 14 described below.

[0071] Indeed, advantageously to allow plug and play type connection, the fluid circulation means 5 comprise first fluid connectors 14, here of the male type, intended to be attached to second fluidic connectors 15 of the fluidic analysis system 100, of the female type. Each first fluidic connector 14 has a hollow body for the passage of a first fluidic conduit 16, intended to communicate fluidly with a second fluidic conduit 17 of the hollow body of a second fluidic connector 15 (see Figures 7 to 9). These characteristics are applicable to cassette 1 of [Fig. 1].

[0072] These fluidic connections made possible by connectors 14 and 15 can, for example, withstand pressures of up to 4 bars.

[0073] The fluidic analysis system 100 is shown in [Fig.4] with a plurality of cassettes 1 such as that in [Fig.3]. The cassettes 1, located in the analysis housings 26, form drawers for the fluidic analysis system 100.

[0074] Advantageously, a locking system in position 40 is provided for locking the cassette 1 inserted in an analysis compartment 26. This locking system in position 40 is described more precisely with reference to Figures 5 and 6. It can be made by 3D printing, in particular by stereolithography (SLA) and / or by digital light processing (DLP).

[0075] The locking system in position 40 includes a locking element 40a, for example in the form of a bar, suitable for occupying a locking position in which the locking element 40a is in contact with the cassette 1, under its lower face, and prevents its movement relative to the analysis housing 26 and a released position in which the locking element 40a is folded down into the analysis housing 26, flattened against the bottom of the analysis housing 26, and allows movement of the cassette 1 relative to the analysis housing 26.

[0076] In addition, the locking system in position 40 includes an actuator 40b, in particular a push button or action button, the actuation of which allows the passage from the locking position to the released position of the locking element 40a. Specifically, the locking system in position 40 includes an elastic return element 40c, here a spring, one end 40c1 of which is connected to a rotating arm 40d, itself connected to another rotating arm 40e fixed to the actuator 40b, for the rotation of the locking element 40a, and the other end 40c2 is connected to an internal wall of the cassette 1. This spring 40c is capable of occupying a position in extension tension in the released position of the locking element 40a, obtained by actuation of the actuator 40b, and a released position in the locking position of the locking element 40a, obtained by releasing the actuator 40b.

[0077] In addition, it should be noted that the fluidic analysis system 100 includes spacing means 32, visible in [Fig.4], between the analysis housings 26 allowing two adjacent analysis housings 26 to be positioned at a distance from each other.

[0078] Furthermore, the fluidic connection made between the cassette 1 and the analysis housing 26 of the fluidic analysis system 100 can be rigid. In particular, the first fluidic connectors 14 and the second fluidic connectors 15 can be rigid connectors.

[0079] As shown in [Fig. 7], each first fluidic connector 14 has a first internal thread 18 to receive a first fluidic connection tip 20 through which the first fluidic conduit 16 passes, in particular a tip marketed by Fluigent®. Similarly, each second fluidic connector 15 has a second internal thread 19 to receive a second fluidic connection tip 21 through which the second fluidic conduit 17 passes, in particular a tip marketed by Fluigent®.

[0080] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the fluidic connection between the cassette 1 and the analysis housing 26 of the fluidic analysis system 100 can be flexible. In particular, the first fluidic connectors 14 and the second fluidic connectors 15 can be flexible connectors.

[0081] Each first fluidic connector 14 then has a first external thread 22 for its fixing in a wall of the cassette 1. Similarly, each second fluidic connector 15 has a second external thread 23 for its fixing in a wall of an analysis housing 26.

[0082] Each first fluidic connector 14 further comprises, at one end intended to be in contact with a second fluidic connector 15, first clamping means 24, in particular in the form of first clamping flats 24, for example for a wrench. Furthermore, each second fluidic connector 15 comprises, at one end intended to be in contact with a first fluidic connector 14, second clamping means 25, in particular in the form of second clamping flats 25, for example for an Allen wrench.

[0083] It should be noted that cassette 1, and its main components, can be produced by 3D printing, in particular by printing using filament (or FDM for "Fused Deposition Modeling"). Furthermore, the first fluidic connectors and / or the second fluidic connectors can be produced by 3D printing, in particular by stereolithography (SLA) and / or digital light processing (DLP). Alternatively, machining and / or molding may be possible, particularly for flexibility.

[0084] The invention thus allows the integration of an analysis sensor 2 into a removable fluidic analysis device 1 for in-situ measurement. The invention allows adaptation to different types of sensors, facilitates their use, and allows for the presence of variable pressure fluidic connectors, including low pressure connectors when needed. The locking force of the locking system in position 40 can be adapted. Also, it is possible to use pneumatic connectors depending on the type of sensors used.

[0085] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment just described. Various modifications can be made to it by a person skilled in the art.

Claims

Demands

1. Removable fluidic analysis device (1) intended to be integrated into a fluidic analysis system (100) for the analysis of a fluidic sample, characterized in that it comprises: - an analysis sensor (2), for the analysis of the fluidic sample, - a fluidic circuit (3), attached to the analysis sensor (2), in which the fluidic sample is able to circulate, - an optical and / or electronic circuit (4), attached to the analysis sensor (2), for capturing one or more signals from the analysis sensor (2), - fluidic circulation means (5), fluidically connected to the fluidic circuit (3), comprising at least one fluidic inlet (5a) for introducing the fluidic sample into the fluidic analysis device (1) and at least one fluidic outlet (5b) for removing the fluidic sample from the fluidic analysis device (1),in which the fluid circulation means (5) comprise at least one first male or female type fluid connector (14) intended to be secured to at least one second female or male type fluid connector (15) of the fluid analysis system (100), said at least one first fluid connector (14) comprising a hollow body for the passage of a first fluid conduit (16), intended to communicate fluidly with a second fluid conduit (17) of a hollow body of said at least one second fluid connector (15).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least a first fluidic connector (14) is a rigid connector.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least a first fluidic connector (14) has a first internal thread (18) to receive a first fluidic connection tip (20) through which the first fluidic conduit (16) passes.

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least a first fluidic connector (14) is a flexible connector.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least a first fluidic connector (14) has a first external thread (22) for its attachment in a wall of the fluidic analysis device (1).

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said at least one first fluidic connector (14) comprises, at an end intended to be in contact with said at least one second fluidic connector (15), first clamping means (24), in particular in the form of first clamping flats (24).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a removable wall (12) through which said at least one first fluidic connector (14) passes.

8. Fluidic analysis system (100), characterized in that it comprises: - a plurality of fluidic analysis devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a plurality of analysis housings (26), each analysis housing (26) being capable of receiving a fluidic analysis device (1).

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the analysis housings (26) comprise at least one second fluidic connector (15) of female or male type, intended to be secured to said at least one first fluidic connector (14), respectively of male or female type, said at least one second fluidic connector (15) comprising a hollow body for the passage of a second fluidic conduit (17), intended to communicate fluidly with the first fluidic conduit (17) of the hollow body of said at least one first fluidic connector (14).

10. System according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said at least one second fluidic connector (15) is a rigid connector, said at least one second fluidic connector (15) comprising in particular a second internal thread (19) for receiving a second fluidic connection tip (21) through which the second fluidic conduit (17) passes.

11. System according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said at least one second fluidic connector (15) is a flexible connector, said at least one second fluidic connector (15) comprising in particular a second external thread (23) for its fixing in a wall of an analysis housing (26), said at least one second fluidic connector (15) comprising in particular, at an end intended to be in contact with said at least one first fluidic connector (14), second clamping means (25), in particular in the form of second clamping flats (25).

12. System according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a locking system in position (40) of a fluidic analysis device (1) inserted in an analysis housing (26).

13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the position locking system (40) comprises a locking element (40a) capable of occupying a locking position in which the locking element (40a) is in contact with the fluidic analysis device (1) and prevents its movement relative to the analysis housing (26) and a released position in which the locking element (40a) is folded down into the analysis housing (26) and allows the movement of the fluidic analysis device (1) relative to the analysis housing (26).

14. System according to claim 13, characterized in that the position locking system (40) comprises an actuator (40b), in particular a push button, the actuation of which allows the passage from the locked position to the released position of the locking element (40a).

15. System according to claim 14, characterized in that the locking system in position (40) comprises an elastic return member (40c), capable of occupying a tensioned position in the released position of the locking element (40a), obtained by actuation of the actuator (40b), and of occupying a released position in the locking position of the locking element (40a), obtained by releasing the actuator (40b).

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