Filtering device, filter fixing fixture and filtering method

Abstract

To maintain airtightness between a filter container and an elastic body, and attach / remove the filter container easily with a small amount of force, by separating a site that performs airtightness between the filter container and the elastic body and a site that fixes the filter container.SOLUTION: A filtering device comprises: a funnel 10 having an inlet 11 into which a liquid sample is input, and an outlet 12 having a smaller opening area than the inlet 11; a filter container 20 having a filter 23 into which a tip having the outlet 12 of the funnel 10 is inserted, and which collects a target contained in the liquid sample; a rubber stopper 40 having a through hole 41 that serves as a flow path for the liquid sample having passed through the filter 23; and a filter fixing jig 30 that supports the filter container 20 by coming into contact with the filter container 20, and presses the filter container 20 against the rubber stopper 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filtration device, a filter fixing jig, and a filtration method for collecting fine particles such as microorganisms and substances to be analyzed from liquid samples such as water, medicines, reagents, beverages, and cosmetics. [Background technology]

[0002] The membrane filter method is a method in which a liquid sample is filtered through a membrane filter, and fine particles and substances that have affinity for the filter are collected and detected on the filter. For example, when detecting bacteria from a liquid sample of 10 mL or more, it is difficult to directly add the entire sample to the enrichment medium, so it is necessary to concentrate the bacteria by filter filtration. The membrane filter method is also used to remove substances that inhibit analysis when they are present in the liquid.

[0003] Generally, a device for suction filtration called a suction manifold is used for filter filtration. The suction manifold consists of a base pipe, a suction pump connected to the pipe, and an adapter. The filter container is fixed on the adapter, and the downstream side of the filter is made negative pressure by the suction pump to perform suction filtration. A funnel of a size according to the volume of the liquid sample is attached to the filter container, making it possible to filter a large volume sample.

[0004] The membrane filter method is also used to detect bacteria and fungi in liquid samples. In the conventional bacterial detection method, the sample is filtered through a 47 mm diameter membrane filter, the filter is placed on an agar medium to grow bacteria on the filter, and the colonies formed on the medium are visually detected. Alternatively, the sample is filtered through a membrane filter, the filter is placed in a liquid medium to grow bacteria, and the turbidity of the medium is visually detected. This method has the disadvantage of taking a long test time, as it takes one to several days for the bacteria to grow to a number that can be seen with the naked eye.

[0005] Therefore, as a method to detect bacteria more quickly than by visual inspection, techniques to detect substances contained in bacteria (adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence, nucleic acid amplification, immunological methods, etc.) and measurement techniques such as solid-phase cytometry to directly count bacteria have been developed. In these methods, improving the concentration rate of bacteria leads to improving the sensitivity of bacterial detection. Therefore, a method is used to filter the sample with a smaller diameter than before to increase the number of bacteria per unit area of ​​the filter. For example, using a filter with a diameter of 10 mm improves the concentration rate by about 20 times compared to a filter with a diameter of 47 mm. This is also true for analyses other than bacterial detection, such as when fine particles in a liquid sample are collected on a filter and the amount of organic matter is measured, or when antigens in a liquid sample are collected on a filter to which an antibody with affinity for the antigen is fixed and fluorescent detection is performed.

[0006] Filtration of a large volume of liquid sample using a small diameter filter is performed by connecting a funnel with a larger aperture than the aperture of the filter container to the filter container. Here, a method is required to fix the unstable shape of a small diameter filter container with a large diameter funnel connected upright while maintaining airtightness of the flow path. To meet the needs of users who want to perform filtration using a suction manifold manually as in the past, rather than introducing a special filtration device, a jig is required to fix the filter container and funnel to the suction manifold adapter.

[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus configuration in which a funnel is connected to the primary side of a filter container and a suction flow path is connected to the secondary side. Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus configuration in which the filter container and the funnel are individually connected to movable devices, and which realizes automation of attachment and detachment of the filter container, the funnel, and the flow path. However, in order to meet the needs of users who want to perform filtration manually using a conventional suction manifold, a technology was needed to satisfy the requirement that the filter container and the funnel can be easily attached and detached manually. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-139704 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] When concentrating substances in a liquid on a filter for analysis, the smaller the filter diameter, the higher the concentration rate and the higher the analytical sensitivity. In order to fix an unstable shape in which a large-diameter funnel is connected to a small-diameter filter container upright while maintaining airtightness, a method is generally used in which the filter container is inserted into a fixture with a holed rubber stopper or an O-ring and fixed at the part where the outer surface of the filter container contacts the rubber stopper or the O-ring. In this case, the same part of the side of the filter container (the part where the rubber stopper or the O-ring contacts) is responsible for fixing the filter container and airtightness of the flow path. Therefore, when it is necessary to remove the filter container after filtration to analyze the substances captured on the filter, a problem occurs in that the filter container must be pulled out with strong force due to friction between the rubber stopper and the O-ring. Assuming that a user wants to perform filtration manually as in the past, a small filter container will have to be pulled out with strong force by hand. In this case, there is a high risk of contaminating the filter container by accidentally touching the inside of the filter container or dropping the filter container, which causes a problem of subsequent deterioration in analytical accuracy.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a filtration device, a filter fixing tool, and a filtration method that maintains airtightness between the filter container and the elastomer and enables the filter container to be easily attached or removed with little force by separating the part that creates airtightness between the filter container and the elastomer from the part that fixes the filter container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The filtration device disclosed herein is a filtration device for filtering a liquid sample, and comprises a funnel having an inlet through which the liquid sample is introduced and an outlet with an opening area smaller than that of the inlet, a cylindrical filter container having an inlet to which the tip having the outlet of the funnel is connected, and an outlet, and having a filter between the inlet and outlet for collecting targets contained in the liquid sample, an elastic body having a through hole that serves as a flow path for the liquid sample that has passed through the filter, the inlet periphery of the through hole being in contact with the filter container, and a filter fixing jig that abuts against the filter container to support the filter container and presses the filter container against the elastic body, and by the filter fixing jig pressing the filter container against the elastic body, the inlet periphery of the through hole in the elastic body is made airtight with the contact surface that corresponds to the inlet periphery of the filter container. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, by separating the part that creates an airtight seal between the filter container and the elastomer from the part that fixes the filter container, it is possible to easily attach or remove the filter container with little force while maintaining airtightness between the filter container and the elastomer.

[0013] Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 3 is a flow chart showing a method of performing filtration using the filtration device of Example 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] 13A to 13C are six-view diagrams showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a six-view diagram showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a six-view diagram showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 9. [Figure 14] 13A to 13C are six-view diagrams showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a flow chart showing a method of performing filtration using the filtration devices of Examples 9 and 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, it goes without saying that the components are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or considered to be obviously essential in principle.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0017] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 1. The configuration of the filtration device 1 according to Example 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 (A) is a diagram showing the filtration device 1 according to Example 1 attached to an adapter 60, Fig. 1 (B) is a diagram showing the filter container 20 in an exploded state, and Fig. 1 (C) is a diagram showing the filter fixing jig 30 in an exploded state.

[0018] (Configuration of filtration device 1) The filtration device 1 includes a funnel 10, a filter container 20, a filter fixing jig 30, and an elastic body 40. The filtration device 1 is a device for filtering a liquid sample. The elastic body 40 in the first embodiment is a commercially available rubber plug with a hole. Hereinafter, the elastic body 40 is referred to as a rubber plug with a hole 40 or a rubber plug 40. The structure including the funnel 10, the filter container 20, and the filter fixing jig 30 can be attached to and detached from the commercially available rubber plug with a hole 40. The rubber plug with a hole 40 has an advantage that it can be used repeatedly and is easy to handle manually. If the hole diameter D41 of the through hole 41 of the rubber plug with a hole 40 is smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the filter container 20 (cover 22), it can be used for the filtration device 1, so there is also an advantage that a commercially available rubber plug with a hole 40 can be used. An adapter 60 can be connected to the upstream side of the suction manifold 50, and the rubber plug with a hole 40 is attached to the adapter 60. A suction pump 70 can be connected to the downstream side of the suction manifold 50. A liquid sample introduced into the funnel 10 passes through the funnel 10, the filter container 20, the perforated rubber stopper 40, the adapter 60, and the suction manifold 50 in this order by the drive of the suction pump 70.

[0019] The suction manifold 50 is a commercially available product, such as a Pall Laboratory Manifold (Product ID: 4889). The adapter 60 is an adapter that can be connected to the suction manifold 50, such as a Pall Laboratory Manifold Standard Adapter (Product ID: 4892). The suction manifold 50 may be a Merck Suction Manifold (Catalog Number: EZFITH0LD3). The Merck Suction Manifold allows parts to be attached without tools, and is easy to maintain, such as cleaning and sterilization. A cup-shaped adapter 60 can be attached to the manifold exemplified above, and a rubber stopper 40 that fits the size of the adapter 60 is fitted into the adapter 60. The outer surface of the rubber stopper 40 and the inner surface of the adapter 60 come into contact with each other, thereby maintaining the flow path of the liquid sample airtight.

[0020] (Funnel 10) The funnel 10 is made of a sterilizable material, such as metal or resin. If it is made of metal, it is highly durable and can be repeatedly washed and sterilized for reuse, making it economical. On the other hand, if it is made of resin, it is inexpensive and disposable, eliminating the need for washing, improving convenience. In addition, the use of transparent resin has the advantage that the progress of filtration can be visually confirmed from outside the clean bench.

[0021] The funnel 10 has an inlet 11 through which a liquid sample is introduced, and an outlet 12 whose opening area is smaller than that of the inlet. Specifically, the opening area of ​​the inlet 11 is at least four times the opening area of ​​the outlet 12. An inner diameter D11 of the inlet 11 of the funnel 10 is larger than an inner diameter D21 of the filter container 20 (filter body 21). The funnel 10 has a volume capable of holding approximately 100 mL of liquid. The volume of the funnel 10 can be appropriately selected according to the amount of liquid sample. An outer diameter D12 of the outlet 12 of the funnel 10 is approximately the same as an inner diameter D21 of the filter body 21. Therefore, airtightness is maintained between the funnel 10 and the filter container 20 by inserting the lower tip of the funnel 10 into the filter container 20.

[0022] (Filter container 20) The filter container 20 has a filter body 21 and a cover 22 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the filter body 21. The filter container 20 of the first embodiment is a filter assembly consisting of two parts, the filter body 21 and the cover 22. The filter body 21 and the cover 22 are substantially cylindrical, and a filter 23 is fixed to the bottom surface of the filter body 21. The effective area of ​​the filter (the area of ​​the entire filter that filters the sample liquid) is substantially the same as the area of ​​the inside of the bottom surface of the filter body 21. The shapes of the filter body 21 and the cover 22 are not limited to a regular cylindrical shape, and may be a polygonal cylindrical shape or an elliptical cylindrical shape as long as they are cylindrical. In addition, the diameters of the filter body 21 and the cover 22 may be non-uniform. The filter 23 collects the target substance contained in the liquid sample. A tip portion having an outlet 12 of the funnel 10 is inserted into the filter body 21. Here, the tip end having the outlet 12 of the funnel 10 is inserted into the filter body 21, but it is sufficient that the tip end having the outlet 12 of the funnel 10 and the filter body 21 are joined together. The outer diameter D22 of the part of the filter body 21 inserted into the cover 22 is substantially the same as the inner diameter D23 of the cover 22. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the part of the filter body 21 inserted into the cover 22 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cover 22, and airtightness is maintained between the filter body 21 and the cover 22. In addition, the outer diameter D24 of the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 is larger than the diameter D41 of the through hole 41 of the rubber plug 40. Therefore, the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 abuts against the upper surface 42 of the rubber plug 40, and airtightness is maintained. The funnel 10 may be prepared in a state where it is joined to the filter container 20 in advance. Also, the inner diameter of the outlet of the funnel 10 and the outer diameter of the inlet of the filter container 20 may be approximately the same, and the inlet portion of the filter container 20 may be inserted into the outlet portion of the funnel 10. Alternatively, a member having a structure in which the funnel 10 and the filter container 20 are joined may be manufactured by integral molding using a material such as resin, and after filtration, the funnel 10 and the filter container 20 may be broken and separated at a certain position between them. Also, the filter container 20 may be tapered, so that the inlet area is large as well as the effective filter area.

[0023] (Filter Fixture 30) The filter fixing jig 30 has a base 31 and a presser 32. The presser 32 abuts against the filter vessel 20 to support the filter vessel 20. The base 31 fixes the presser 32, which presses the filter vessel 20 against a rubber plug 40 with a hole. The base 31 is fitted into the upper part of the rubber plug 40 and fixed to the rubber plug 40. The base 31 has a tapered base fixing part 33 that is fitted into the upper part of the rubber plug 40. The base 31 also has a filter accommodating part 34 that accommodates a part or the whole of the filter vessel 20. A male threaded part 35 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the filter accommodating part 34. A female threaded part 36 is formed on a part of the presser 32 facing the male threaded part 35. The presser 32 is fixed to the base 31 by screwing the female threaded part 36 into the male threaded part 35. The inner peripheral surface of the filter accommodating portion 34 may be provided with a threaded portion, and the outer peripheral surface of the retainer 32 may be provided with a threaded portion.

[0024] The inner diameter D31 of the filter housing portion 34 is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. Therefore, the filter container 20 can be easily inserted and removed from the filter housing portion 34 without frictional resistance. The presser 32 is formed with a filter support portion 37 that abuts against the upper surface 25 of the filter body 21. The filter support portion 37 abuts against the upper surface 25 of the filter body 21 to restrict the upward movement of the filter body 21. The filter support portion 37 presses the filter container 20 against the perforated rubber plug 40, and airtightly seals the inlet periphery of the through hole 41 of the perforated rubber plug 40 with a contact surface that corresponds to the inlet periphery of the filter container 20. The inner diameter D32 of the filter support portion 37 is smaller than the outer diameter D25 of the upper surface 25 of the filter body 21. A funnel support portion 38 that supports the funnel 10 is provided on the upper portion of the presser 32 to prevent the funnel 10 from shaking sideways.

[0025] (Rubber plug with hole 40) The rubber stopper with a hole 40 is disposed on the downstream side of the filter container 20 and contacts the bottom surface 24 of the filter container 20. The rubber stopper with a hole 40 has a through hole 41 which serves as a flow path for the liquid sample that has passed through the filter 23. The above-mentioned base 31 is fitted into the rubber stopper with a hole 40.

[0026] (Filtration method using the filtration device 1 of Example 1 (filtration method)) Fig. 2 is a flow chart showing a method of performing filtration (filtration method) using the filtration device 1 of Example 1. The filtration method using the filtration device 1 of Example 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2.

[0027] First, the user prepares the suction manifold 50, the rubber stopper with holes 40, and the filter fixing jig 30, and washes and sterilizes each of them (step S201). It is desirable to periodically scrub the suction manifold 50 and the rubber stopper with holes 40 to reduce the measurement target substances. For example, if the purpose of the test is to detect bacteria, high-pressure steam sterilization is performed, and the device is placed in a clean environment such as a clean bench, and thereafter, filtration operations are performed aseptically. The base 31 and the presser 32 are also prepared after being scrubbed and sterilized.

[0028] The user also sterilizes the funnel 10 and the filter container 20. The filter body 21 is sterilized in a state where it is housed in the cover 22 (step S202).

[0029] Next, the user prepares a liquid sample (step S203).

[0030] The user places the rubber plug 40 with a hole in the adapter 60 connected to the suction manifold 50 (step S204).

[0031] Then, the user fixes the base 31 to the rubber stopper 40 by fitting the upper part of the rubber stopper 40 into the base fixing portion 33 of the base 31 (step S205).

[0032] The user inserts the filter container 20 into the filter accommodating portion 34 of the base 31 fixed to the rubber stopper 40, and stands the filter container 20 upright (step S206). At this point, the filter container 20 is merely placed on the rubber stopper 40, and there is no airtightness between the top surface 42 of the rubber stopper 40 and the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22.

[0033] Here, the user screws the presser 32 into the base 31 to fix the filter container 20 (step S207). When the female threaded portion 36 of the presser 32 is screwed vertically downward (Z direction in FIG. 1) into the male threaded portion 35 of the base 31, the filter support portion 37 on the inner upper surface of the presser 32 abuts against the upper surface 25 of the filter body 21. When the presser 32 is further screwed into the base 31, the filter container 20 is pressed vertically downward against the rubber plug 40. This operation fixes the filter container 20 upright and maintains airtightness between the upper surface 42 of the rubber plug 40 and the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22. If the presser 32 presses the filter container 20 against the rubber plug 40 too much, the rubber plug 40 will be deformed or damaged. Therefore, the presser 32 may be shaped to stop the screwing distance of the presser 32 into the base 31 at a certain value so as to limit the pressing distance. The maximum allowable pressing distance (the distance that the filter container 20 is moved toward the rubber stopper 40 from the state in which the filter container 20 is placed on the upper surface 42 of the rubber stopper 40) depends on the hardness of the rubber stopper 40, and is preferably within 2 mm, for example.

[0034] The shape of the flow path for the liquid sample may be cylindrical or may be a shape other than cylindrical. For example, the shape of the through hole 41 of the rubber stopper 40 may be any shape other than cylindrical. The shapes and cross-sectional areas of the inlet and outlet may be different. However, in order to maintain airtightness, the contact surface where the cover 22 and the rubber stopper 40 come into contact must be continuous so as to surround the flow path for the liquid.

[0035] Next, the user connects the sterilized funnel 10 to the upstream side of the filter main body 21 (step S208). At this time, since the filter container 20 is fixed upright, the funnel 10 can be kept upright even after it is connected. Furthermore, the funnel support part 38 on the upper part of the presser 32 supports the funnel 10, thereby further stabilizing the upright position of the funnel 10. If the funnel 10 and the filter container 20 are prepared in a pre-connected state, the filter container 20 connected to the funnel 10 is made upright in step S206, and the presser 32 is screwed into the base 31 in step 207, and step S208 is not necessary.

[0036] The user pours a liquid sample into the upright funnel 10 (step S209).

[0037] The suction pump 70 connected to the suction manifold 50 is operated to aspirate and filter the liquid sample (step S210). When the suction pump 70 is operated, negative pressure is created downstream of the filter 23, and the liquid in the funnel 10 passes through the filter main body 21, the filter 23, the cover 22, the rubber plug 40, and the adapter 60 and is removed. As a result, only fine particles in the liquid sample and substances that bind to the filter 23 are collected by the filter 23.

[0038] When the suction filtration is completed, the suction pump 70 is stopped (step S211).

[0039] Next, the user removes the funnel 10 from the filter main body 21 (step S212). At this time, the user holds the filter fixing jig 30 (base 31 or retainer 32) with one hand while pulling out the funnel 10 vertically upward (-Z direction) with the other hand. Alternatively, the user can insert a U-shaped spatula between the upper part of retainer 32 and the funnel 10, and push the funnel 10 upward using the principle of leverage with the upper part of retainer 32 as a fulcrum, thereby removing it.

[0040] Next, the user removes the presser foot 32 from the base 31 (step S213).

[0041] Thereafter, the user removes the filter container 20 from the base 31 (step S214). Since the filter container 20 is simply placed on the upper surface 42 of the rubber plug 40, the user can remove the filter container 20 without resistance.

[0042] The material trapped on the filter 23 of the removed filter vessel 20 is analyzed for detection (step S215).

[0043] Meanwhile, since the base 31 remains fixed to the perforated rubber stopper 40, the next filter container 20 can be inserted into the filter housing portion 34, stood upright (step S206), and fixed in place (step S207), allowing repeated suction filtration. However, if there is a possibility that the perforated rubber stopper 40 may be contaminated by the filtration of the previous liquid sample to the extent that it may affect the next analysis, the base 31 and the perforated rubber stopper 40 are removed and replaced with cleaned ones.

[0044] (Method of detecting bacteria) An example of a procedure for using the filtration device 1 of Example 1 in a method for detecting microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in a 100 mL water sample by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence will be described below.

[0045] The funnel 10 and the filter container 20 are sterilized in advance. It is desirable that the rubber stopper with hole 40, the presser 32, the base 31, the adapter 60, and the suction manifold 50 are also sterilized. The filter 23 has a diameter of 6 mm and a hole diameter of 0.45 μm and is fixed to the bottom surface of the filter body 21. The outer diameter D24 of the cover 22 is 12 mm, the inner diameter D1 of the filter body 21 is 9 mm, and the internal volume of the filter body 21 is 0.8 mL. The outer diameter D12 of the lower end of the funnel 10 is 9 mm and fits inside the filter body 21. The upper part of the funnel 10 has an inner diameter D11 of 60 mm and a height of 60 mm, and can hold 100 mL of liquid. The hole diameter D41 of the rubber stopper with hole 40 is 9 mm, which is smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22, which is 12 mm. The inner diameter D31 of the filter accommodating portion 34 of the base 31 is 13 mm, which is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22, which is 12 mm.

[0046] The user fits the base 31 into the rubber plug 40 with holes, inserts the filter container 20 into the filter housing part 34 of the base 31, and screws the presser 32 to fix it. Then, the user inserts the funnel 10 into the filter body part 21 and pours 100 mL of liquid sample into the funnel 10. When the suction pump 70 is activated, the liquid sample is suction filtered. As a result, bacteria are collected on the filter 23, and the liquid is removed as filtrate. The user removes the funnel 10 and presser 32 in that order, takes out the filter container 20, adds 400 μL of ATP elimination solution (a reagent solution containing ATP decomposition enzyme) to the filter 23, and incubates at 37° C. to remove the free ATP remaining in the filter 23. The filter container 20 is placed on a microtube and centrifuged for filtration, and the ATP elimination solution is removed as filtrate. The filter body 21 is removed from the filter container 20 and placed on a measurement tube, and 50 μL of extraction liquid (a reagent solution that destroys the bacteria and extracts the ATP inside the bacteria) is added to the filter 23. The extraction liquid is collected in the measurement tube by centrifugal filtration. An ATP luminescence reagent (a reagent solution that uses the luciferin-luciferase reaction to cause a luminescence reaction) is added to the measurement tube, and ATP is quantified by luminescence measurement. The amount of ATP is proportional to the amount of bacteria in the liquid sample, so the original amount of bacteria can be known. A 100 mL volume liquid sample is filtered through a filter, the bacteria are concentrated on the filter 23, and ATP is extracted with 50 uL of reagent, achieving a 2000-fold concentration.

[0047] In the membrane filter method, which is commonly used for bacterial detection, a liquid sample is filtered through a membrane filter with a diameter of 47 mm and a pore size of 0.1 to 0.5 μm, and the bacteria are collected on the filter. Compared to a 47 mm diameter filter, a 6 mm diameter filter can achieve a concentration rate that is approximately 60 times higher, allowing for more sensitive detection.

[0048] Here, an example of detecting bacteria by measuring ATP is shown, but the detection target is not limited to ATP. Bacteria may be detected by detecting substances contained in bacteria, such as lipids, sugars, proteins, metabolites, and other bacterial body constituents, or by detecting the activity of enzymes contained in bacteria by adding a substrate. In addition, here, an example of detecting bacteria is shown, but the detection target is not limited to bacteria. It can also be used for analytical purposes to detect organic or inorganic fine particles contained in pure water, pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0049] (Effects of Example 1) By using the filter fixing jig 30 of the first embodiment, the part where the airtightness is achieved between the filter container 20 and the elastic body 40 and the part where the filter container 20 is fixed can be separated. Since the airtightness and the fixing are not achieved in the same part, the filter container 20 can be easily removed manually without friction resistance when removing the filter container 20. As a result, the risk of contamination of the filter 23 of the filter container 20 during the removal operation can be reduced. In addition, by simply preparing a new filter fixing jig 30, it becomes possible to filter with a small-area membrane filter using a commercially available suction manifold and rubber stopper.

[0050] On the other hand, as an alternative for fixing the filter container 20 and keeping it airtight, it is possible to make the inner diameter D41 of the perforated rubber plug 40 and the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22 coincide with each other, and to push the filter container 20 into the through hole 41 of the perforated rubber plug 40 to make the filter container 20 stand upright. In this case, since both the fixing and the airtightness are achieved on the outer surface of the cover 22, the filter container 20 is firmly fixed, but it is difficult to remove the filter container 20 from the rubber plug 40. When the filter container 20 is small, it is difficult to remove it, especially by manual work. In contrast, in the filtration device 1 of the first embodiment, the fixing and the airtightness are achieved not on the outer surface of the cover 22 but on two horizontal surfaces (bottom surface 24 and top surface 25) of the filter container 20, so that the filter container 20 can be easily removed with little force. In this way, in Example 1, the filter container 20 can be easily removed manually, which reduces the risk of contamination of the filter container 20 by dropping it or touching its inside, compared to the conventional case in which the filter container 20 had to be removed with great force.

[0051] The horizontal surfaces (bottom surface 24 and top surface 25) of filter container 20 refer to surfaces that form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the vertical axis (Z direction in the figure) when filter container 20 is held upright. However, as a range within which presser 32 can apply a force in the vertical downward direction to filter container 20 and within which filter container 20 and elastic body 40 (rubber stopper 40) can apply force to each other in the vertical direction, the horizontal surfaces (bottom surface 24 and top surface 25) of filter container 20 are allowed to be at an angle of up to 90±45 degrees with respect to the vertical axis.

[0052] Moreover, the opening area of ​​inlet 11 of funnel 10 is four or more times the opening area of ​​the opening of filter container 20 into which the tip of funnel 10 is inserted. In Example 1, filter container 20 can be stably fixed by filter fixing jig 30, so that unstable funnel 10 with a large opening area can be stably supported.

[0053] Furthermore, by making the diameter D41 of the through hole 41 of the rubber plug 40 smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the bottom surface 24 of the filter container 20, airtightness can be maintained between the periphery of the inlet of the through hole 41 and the bottom surface 24.

[0054] Furthermore, by forming threaded portions 35 and 36 on the base 31 and the presser 32, respectively, and screwing the presser 32 into the base 31, the filter container 20 can be fixed more firmly.

[0055] Furthermore, by providing the funnel support portion 38 on the presser 32, the funnel 10 can be fixed more stably. EXAMPLES

[0056] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device of Example 2. The configuration of a filtration device 2 of Example 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The same components as those of Example 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the base 31 of the filter fixing jig 30 is fixed to the rubber plug 40, but in the second embodiment, the base 331 is fixed to the auxiliary adapter 350. By fixing the base 331 to the adapter 60, it is expected that the filter container 20 and the funnel 10 will be fixed more stably than when they are fixed to the elastic body (rubber plug 40). However, it is difficult to fix the base 331 to the adapter 60 having a tapered cup with a large diameter at the top and a small diameter at the bottom, into which the rubber plug 40 is introduced. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the auxiliary adapter 350 is attached to the cup of the adapter 60. Specifically, the auxiliary adapter 350 and the base fixing part 333 of the base 331 are fitted together, and the base 331 is fixed to the auxiliary adapter 350. The fixing screw 351 may further strengthen the fixing of the base 331 to the auxiliary adapter 350. Alternatively, both the base fixing part 333 and the auxiliary adapter 350 may be threaded and fixed by screwing them into each other.

[0058] (Effects of Example 2) By using the base 331 of the second embodiment, the base 331 can be fixed to the auxiliary adaptor 350 without being fixed to the elastic rubber plug 40 or the adaptor 60 having a special shape. Other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0059] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device of Example 3. The configuration of the filtration device 3 of Example 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The same components as those of Example 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the rubber plug 40 with a hole is attached to the commercially available adaptor 60, but in the third embodiment, the base 431 is attached to the commercially available adaptor 60.

[0061] First, a suction manifold 50 for filter filtration (see FIG. 1) is prepared, and an adapter 60 with a cup-shaped tip is attached to the suction manifold 50. The base 431 in the third embodiment is preferably made of a material that can be sterilized by high-pressure steam, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or hard plastic. An O-ring 441 that fixes the base 431 to the adapter 60 and provides airtightness, and an O-ring 442 that provides airtightness between the base 431 and the cover 22 are attached to the base 431. It is desirable that the material of the O-rings 441 and 442 is also a material that can be sterilized by high-pressure steam, but since the O-rings 441 and 442 are inexpensive, they may be made of a material that can be sterilized and supplied in a sterilized state and then used as disposable items.

[0062] An inner diameter D442 of the O-ring 442 is smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. An inner diameter D434 of the filter accommodating portion 434 is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. This allows the filter container 20 to be easily inserted and removed by hand without frictional resistance or force when inserting or removing the filter container 20 into and from the filter accommodating portion 434. The filter support portion 37 on the inner upper surface of the presser 32 presses the filter container 20 vertically downward against the O-ring 442, thereby fixing the filter container 20 and maintaining airtightness between the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 and the O-ring 442.

[0063] (Effects of Example 3) In the configuration of the third embodiment, the base 431 can be fixed directly to the adapter 60, and the stability is good. In addition, the airtightness is achieved by inexpensive O-rings 441 and 442, which can be disposable, and the cleaning work of the airtight parts can be omitted, and the work can be simplified. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0064] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device of Example 4. The configuration of the filtration device 4 of Example 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The same components as those in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0065] In the first to third embodiments, a commercially available adapter 60 is used, but in the fourth embodiment, an original adapter 560 is used.

[0066] First, a suction manifold 50 for filter filtration (see FIG. 1) is prepared, and an adapter 560 of Example 4 is attached to the suction manifold 50. The adapter 560 of Example 4 is made of a hard material that can be sterilized by high-pressure steam, such as metal or resin, and an O-ring 561 is attached inside. The inner diameter D561 of the O-ring 561 is smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. The adapter 560 has a filter housing portion 562, and the inner diameter D562 of the filter housing portion 562 is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. When the filter container 20 is inserted or removed from the filter housing portion 562, the filter container 20 can be easily inserted or removed by hand without friction resistance or force. The filter support portion 37 on the inner upper surface of the presser 32 presses the filter container 20 vertically downward against the O-ring 561, thereby fixing the filter container 20 and maintaining airtightness between the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 and the O-ring 561.

[0067] (Effects of Example 4) In the configuration of the fourth embodiment, the presser 32 is directly fixed to the adapter 560, so that more stable fixation is possible. In addition, since airtightness is achieved by an inexpensive O-ring 561, it can be disposable, and the cleaning work of the airtight parts can be omitted, so that the work can be simplified. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0068] As a variation of the configuration of Example 4, a method of preparing filter vessel 20 with O-ring 561 adhered to the bottom surface of filter vessel 20 is also possible. If filter vessel 20 and O-ring 561 are adhered to each other, the replacement work of filter vessel 20 alone is unnecessary, and the work can be performed more easily. EXAMPLES

[0069] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device of Example 5. The configuration of the filtration device 5 of Example 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The same components as those in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0070] In the fifth embodiment, an example in which airtightness is maintained at an end surface 664 of a silicon tube 661 will be described.

[0071] In the fifth embodiment, the silicon tube 661 is inserted into the tube adapter 660. Then, the silicon tube 661 is fixed by inserting a tube fixing part 662 between the tube adapter 660 and the silicon tube 661. The tube adapter 660 is stably fixed to a fixing base (not shown). The tube adapter 660 has a filter accommodating portion 663 that accommodates the filter container 20.

[0072] An outer diameter D24 of the cover 22 is larger than an inner diameter D661 and smaller than an outer diameter D662 of the silicon tube 661. An end surface 664 of the silicon tube 661 is smooth, and the filter support part 37 on the inner upper surface of the presser 32 presses the filter container 20 vertically downward against the end surface 664 of the silicon tube 661, thereby fixing the filter container 20 and maintaining airtightness between the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 and the end surface 664 of the silicon tube 661.

[0073] (Effects of Example 5) By connecting the opening on the opposite side of the silicon tube 661 to the suction pump 70, suction filtration can be performed. Alternatively, the outer surface of the silicon tube 661 can be pinched and squeezed with a peristaltic pump to create negative pressure inside the tube, and suction filtration can be performed. If multiple silicon tubes 661 that have been cleaned, sterilized, or otherwise purified in advance are prepared and replaced after each filtration, filtration can always be performed with a clean flow path, which reduces contamination of the filter container 20 and improves analysis accuracy. In addition, by using a transparent or semi-transparent flow path such as the silicon tube 661, the progress of filtration can be visually confirmed. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0074] The material of the silicon tube 661 is not limited to silicon, and may be any material having a suitable elasticity for maintaining airtightness. EXAMPLES

[0075] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are diagrams showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 6. Fig. 7 is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 6, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the filter fixing jig of Example 6 and a cross-sectional view of the II cross section shown in Fig. 7. The configuration of a filter fixing jig 730 of Example 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The same components as those of Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0076] Filter fixing jig 730 of Example 6 is composed of two parts. Filter fixing jig 730 includes base 731 and presser 732. Base 731 is fixed to a rubber plug 40 with a hole installed in an adapter 760 connected to suction manifold 50 (see FIG. 1). Base 731 and presser 732 are provided with taps and engage with each other. Notch 733 is formed on the outer surface of presser 732 to facilitate manual installation and removal of the screws.

[0077] (Effects of Example 6) The configuration of Example 6 is expected to provide the same effects as Example 1. Furthermore, by forming the notch 733, manual attachment and detachment of the presser 732 becomes easy. EXAMPLES

[0078] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are diagrams showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 7. Fig. 9 is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 7, and Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the filter fixing jig of Example 7 and a cross-sectional view of the II cross section shown in Fig. 9. The configuration of a filter fixing jig 930 of Example 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. The same components as those of Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0079] The filter fixing jig 930 of the seventh embodiment is composed of two parts. The filter fixing jig 930 includes a base 931 and a presser 932. An auxiliary adapter 950 is attached to the outside of an adapter 960 connected to the suction manifold 50 (see FIG. 1). A rubber stopper with a hole 40 is placed inside the adapter 960. A base 931 is placed on the rubber stopper with a hole 40. An inner diameter D931 of the base 931 is 0.5 to 2 mm larger than an outer diameter D950 of the auxiliary adapter 950. This makes it easy to attach and detach the base 931 to the auxiliary adapter 950, and by setting the fitting amount between the two to 5 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the base 931 from shaking sideways.

[0080] Filter container 20 is accommodated in filter accommodating portion 934 of base 931. Presser 932 is placed on base 931. In this state, there is a gap between the upper surface of base 931 and the lower surface of presser 932, and this gap is 0.5 mm or more. By clamping base 931 and presser 932 with clamp 970, filter container 20 is pressed against perforated rubber plug 40, forming an airtight flow path.

[0081] Furthermore, if clamp 970 has a shape that presses the upper surface of filter vessel 20 , filter vessel 20 can be fixed by clamp 970 and base 931 without using presser 932 .

[0082] (Effects of Example 7) The configuration of Example 7 can be expected to provide the same effects as those of Example 2. Furthermore, by using the clamp 970, the gap between the presser 932 and the base 931 can be kept airtight. EXAMPLES

[0083] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 are diagrams showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 8. Fig. 11 is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 8, and Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the filter fixing jig of Example 8 and a cross-sectional view of the II cross section shown in Fig. 11. The configuration of a filter fixing jig 1130 of Example 8 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. The same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as in Example 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0084] The filter fixing jig 1130 (pressure 1130) of the eighth embodiment is composed of one part. The rubber stopper with hole 40 is installed inside the adapter 60 connected to the suction manifold 50 (see FIG. 1). The hole diameter D41 of the rubber stopper with hole 40 is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the filter container 20 by 0.3 mm or more. Therefore, there is no friction when the filter container 20 is attached to and detached from the rubber stopper with hole 40. In addition, the hole diameter D41 of the rubber stopper with hole 40 is smaller than the outer diameter D1226 of the protrusion 1226 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the filter container 20 by 0.5 mm or more. As a result, the protrusion 1226 is caught on the edge of the hole of the rubber stopper 40. In this state, there is a gap between the hole of the rubber stopper 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the filter container 20, and the filter container 20 can be tilted left and right, so when the funnel 10 is attached to the filter container 20, the funnel 10 is not sufficiently stable.

[0085] Therefore, in the eighth embodiment, the presser 1130 is fixed to the rubber stopper 40. The presser 1130 is formed with a fixing portion 1131 that fits into the rubber stopper 40 with a hole. The presser 1130 is fixed by fitting the fixing portion 1131 into the rubber stopper 40 with a hole. At this time, the filter fixing portions 1132 and 1133 inside the presser 1130 press the upper surface of the protrusion 1226 of the filter container 20 and the upper surface 25 of the filter container 20 vertically downward, respectively, so that airtightness is maintained between the lower surface of the protrusion 1226 and the upper surface of the rubber stopper 40 with a hole.

[0086] (Effects of Example 8) In the eighth embodiment, by utilizing the protrusion 1226 formed on the filter container 20, airtightness can be maintained between the lower surface of the protrusion 1226 and the upper surface of the perforated rubber plug 40. Also, in the eighth embodiment, the filter container 20 can be fixed only by the presser 1130 (without a base). Other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0087] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device of Example 9. The configuration of the filtration device 9 of Example 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The same components as those in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0088] In the ninth embodiment, a filter container 1320 without a cover (for example, the cover 22 in FIG. 1) is fixed to a rubber plug 40 with a hole. The filter fixing jig 1330 (presser 1330) in the ninth embodiment is one part, and the presser 1330 presses the upper surface of the protrusion 1326 of the filter container 1320 vertically downward and presses the lower surface of the protrusion 1326 against the upper surface of the rubber plug 40 with a hole. At this time, the fixing part 1333 of the presser 1330 is fitted into the rubber plug 40 with a hole. Here, the upper and lower surfaces of the protrusion 1326 may have an angle of up to 45° with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical filter container 1320. In addition, the shape of the filter container 1320 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. However, it is necessary that the lower surface of the protrusion 1326 and the periphery of the opening of the rubber plug 40 are in continuous contact with each other to maintain airtightness, and that they are connected to the outlet of the funnel to maintain airtightness.

[0089] (Effects of Example 9) This fixes the filter container 1320. Because the opening 1332 of the presser 1330 does not come into contact with the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320, it is possible to reduce the risk of contamination from the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320. Furthermore, because the height of the opening 1332 of the presser 1330 is higher than the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320, a removal jig does not come into contact with the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320 when removing the funnel 10, so it is possible to reduce the risk of contamination from the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320. Other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0090] Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 are diagrams showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 10. Fig. 14 is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 10, and Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the filter fixing jig of Example 10 and a cross-sectional view of the II cross section shown in Fig. 14. The configuration of a filter fixing jig 1430 (presser 1430) of Example 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. The same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as in Example 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0091] The presser 1430 of the tenth embodiment is composed of one part. An auxiliary adapter 1450 is attached to the outside of the adapter 60 connected to the suction manifold 50 (see FIG. 1). A rubber stopper with a hole 40 is installed on the inside of the adapter 60. The hole diameter D41 of the rubber stopper with a hole 40 is 0.3 mm or more larger than the outer diameter D24 of the filter container 20. This allows the filter container 20 to be attached to and detached from the rubber stopper with a hole 40 without friction. The hole diameter D41 of the rubber stopper with a hole 40 is 0.5 mm or more smaller than the outer diameter D1526 of the protrusion 1526 formed on the outer periphery of the filter container 20, and the protrusion 1526 is caught on the edge of the through hole 41 of the rubber stopper 40. In this state, there is a gap between the through hole 41 of the rubber stopper 40 and the outer surface of the filter container 20, and the filter container 20 can be tilted left and right, so that when the funnel 10 is attached to the filter container 20, the funnel 10 is not sufficiently stable.

[0092] Therefore, in the tenth embodiment, the presser 1430 is fixed to the auxiliary adaptor 1450. The presser 1430 has a screw hole 1431, and the presser 1430 is firmly fixed to the auxiliary adaptor 1450 by a screw (not shown). At this time, the filter fixing parts 1435 and 1436 inside the presser 1430 press the upper surface of the protrusion 1526 of the filter container 20 and the upper surface of the inlet of the filter container 20 vertically downward, respectively, to maintain airtightness between the lower surface of the protrusion 1526 and the upper surface of the rubber plug 40 with a hole.

[0093] (Effects of Example 10) The configuration of the tenth embodiment allows the filter container 20 to be fixed with a single touch, and facilitates the installation and removal of the filter container 20. In addition, the presser 1430 can be fixed to the auxiliary adapter 1450 with a screw, so that the filter container 20 can be fixed more stably. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0094] (Filtration method using the filter fixing jig of Examples 9 and 10 (filtration method)) In Examples 9 and 10, since no base is used, the filtration procedure is as shown in Fig. 16. The same steps as in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0095] That is, after a rubber stopper 40 with a hole is placed on a suction manifold 50 (S1601), a filter container 20 is inserted into the through hole 41 of the rubber stopper 40 and made to stand upright (S1602). Then, a retainer 1330 or 1440 is attached to fix the filter container 20 in place (S1603).

[0096] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present disclosure, and is not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.

[0097] For example, in the above embodiment, an example of suction filtration is performed by driving the suction pump 70, but the present disclosure is not limited to suction filtration using the suction pump 70, and filtration may be performed by pressurizing the liquid sample, or filtration may be performed by the weight of the liquid sample. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9: filtration device, 10: funnel, 20: filter container, 21: filter body, 22: cover, 23: filter, 24: bottom surface, 25: top surface, 30, 730, 930, 1130, 1330, 1430: filter fixing jig, 31, 331, 431, 731, 931: base, 32, 732, 932: retainer, 33: base fixing portion, 34, 434, 934: filter housing portion, 35: male thread processing portion, 36: female thread processing portion, 37: filter support portion, 38: funnel support portion, 40: rubber plug with hole, 41: through hole, 42: top surface, 50: suction manifold, 60, 560, 760, 960: adapter, 350, 950, 1450: Auxiliary adapter, 70: Suction pump, 351: Fixing screw, 441, 442, 561: O-ring, 562: Filter housing part, 660: Tube adapter, 661: Silicon tube, 662: Tube fixing part, 663: Filter housing part, 664: End face, 733: Notch, 970: Clamp, 1126, 1526: Protrusion, 1131: Fixing part, 1132, 1133, 1435, 1436: Filter fixing part, 1332: Opening, 1333: Fixing part, 1431: Screw hole

Claims

1. A filtration device for filtering a sample, comprising: a funnel having an inlet through which the sample is introduced and an outlet having an opening area smaller than that of the inlet; a cylindrical filter container having an inlet to which the tip end of the funnel having the outlet is connected, and an outlet, the filter being disposed between the inlet and the outlet and configured to collect a target substance contained in the sample; an elastic body having a through hole which serves as a flow path for the sample that has passed through the filter, the periphery of the inlet of the through hole being in contact with the filter container; a filter fixing jig that abuts against the filter container to support the filter container and presses the filter container against the elastic body, The filter fixing jig presses the filter container against the elastic body, thereby airtightly sealing the inlet periphery of the through hole of the elastic body against the inlet periphery of the filter container at a contact surface corresponding to the inlet periphery of the filter container. A filtration device characterized by:

2. The opening area of ​​the inlet of the funnel is at least four times larger than the opening area of ​​the opening of the filter container into which the tip of the funnel is inserted or the effective area of ​​the filter, whichever is smaller.

2. The filtration device according to claim 1 .

3. The contact surface of the filter container is a surface having an angle of 90°±45° or less with respect to a direction in which the filter container is pressed against the elastic body.

2. The filtration device according to claim 1 .

4. The diameter of the inlet periphery of the through hole of the elastic body is smaller than the outer diameter of the contact surface of the filter container.

2. The filtration device according to claim 1 .

5. The filter fixing jig is a presser that abuts against the filter container to support the filter container and presses the filter container against the elastic body; A cover for fixing the presser 2. The filtration device according to claim 1 .

6. An inner peripheral surface or an outer peripheral surface of the presser is threaded, and a surface of the cover facing the inner peripheral surface or the outer peripheral surface to which the threads are applied is threaded, The presser is screwed into the cover, and the filter container is fixed in a state where it is pressed against the elastic body.

6. The filtration device according to claim 5.

7. The pressing distance of the filter container against the elastic body by the filter fixing jig is within 2 mm.

2. The filtration device according to claim 1 .

8. The filter fixing jig has a funnel support portion that supports the funnel.

2. The filtration device according to claim 1 .

9. A filter fixing tool for fixing a cylindrical filter container, in which a filter for filtering a sample is provided, to an elastic body that is disposed downstream of the filter container, has a through hole that serves as a flow path for the sample that has passed through the filter, and the inlet periphery of the through hole contacts the filter container, a filter housing portion that houses at least a portion of the filter container; a filter support part that abuts against the filter container accommodated in the filter accommodating part to support the filter container, presses the filter container against the elastic body, and has an opening that is larger than an inner diameter of the filter container, The filter support portion presses the filter container against the elastic body, thereby airtightly sealing the inlet periphery of the through hole of the elastic body against the inlet periphery of the filter container through a contact surface that corresponds to the inlet periphery of the filter container. A filter fixing jig comprising:

10. The contact surface of the filter container is a surface having an angle of 90°±45° or less with respect to a direction in which the filter container is pressed against the elastic body.

10. The filter fixing jig according to claim 9.

11. The filter support includes a presser having the filter support portion and a cover for fixing the presser.

10. The filter fixing jig according to claim 9.

12. The inner or outer peripheral surface of the presser is threaded, and the surface of the cover facing the inner or outer peripheral surface to which the threads are applied is threaded, and the presser is screwed into the cover, whereby the filter container is fixed in a state of being pressed against the elastic body. The filter fixing jig according to claim 11 .

13. The pressing distance of the filter container against the elastic body by the filter support portion is within 2 mm.

10. The filter fixing jig according to claim 9.

14. The filter container further includes a funnel support portion for supporting a funnel attached to the filter container.

10. The filter fixing jig according to claim 9.

15. Preparing a cylindrical filter container having a filter for collecting objects contained in a sample, an elastic body having a through hole which serves as a flow path for the sample and the periphery of the inlet of the through hole contacting the filter container, and a filter fixing jig which fixes the filter container and includes a filter support part having an opening larger than the inner diameter of the filter container; abutting the filter support portion against the filter container to support the filter container; pressing the filter container supported by the filter support portion against the elastic body to airtightly seal the inlet periphery of the through hole of the elastic body with a contact surface corresponding to the inlet periphery of the filter container; and introducing the sample into the filter container through the opening and collecting the target substance with the filter; A filtration method comprising the steps of:

Images