Leukocyte recovery device and method for recovering leukocytes

Abstract

To suppress the deterioration of the cleanliness of a cleaning solution in a stage before cleaning a filter.SOLUTION: A leukocyte recovery device according to an embodiment includes: a first liquid delivery section 21 that delivers blood; a second liquid delivery section 22 that delivers a cleaning solution; a filter 24 to which the blood and the cleaning solution are delivered; a branch section j2 that communicates with each of the first liquid delivery section, the second liquid delivery section, and the filter; and a control section that controls a liquid delivery operation through the branch section. The liquid delivery operation includes: delivering blood in the first liquid delivery section from the branch section to the filter, so that the filter captures leukocytes contained in the blood; after the capture, delivering the cleaning solution in the second liquid delivery section from the branch section to the first liquid delivery section, so that the blood remaining in the branch section is pushed back toward the first liquid delivery section; and after the pushing back, delivering the cleaning solution in the second liquid delivery section from the branch section to the filter, so that the filter is washed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a white blood cell collection device and a white blood cell collection method. [Background technology]

[0002] A cell production process for producing cells includes, for example, a step of collecting cells from a donor's tissue and a step of culturing the cells. Here, the step of collecting cells is generally performed by a combination of a centrifuge and a manual technique by an engineer. For example, when collecting white blood cells from a donor's blood, a centrifuge is used to separate blood components and obtain a liquid in a test tube. The liquid in the test tube is separated into red blood cells (45%), white blood cells and platelets (<1%), and plasma (55%), in that order from the bottom of the test tube. The engineer manually collects the white blood cells for each test tube using a pipette. However, such a manual step of collecting white blood cells is not suitable for automation.

[0003] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of automation, a method is known in which a filter is provided in a part of a pipe through which blood flows, and white blood cells are collected from the blood flowing through the pipe. In this method, for example, white blood cells are captured by a filter from blood flowing in a certain direction, the filter is washed with a cleaning liquid flowing in the same direction, and the white blood cells are collected from the filter with the cleaning liquid flowing in the opposite direction. This method is usually not particularly problematic, but according to the inventor's study, if the joint part between the first pipe through which blood flows and the second pipe through which the cleaning liquid flows is located upstream of the filter, blood may flow into the cleaning liquid during cleaning. More specifically, during cleaning, blood remaining in the first pipe and the joint part may flow into the cleaning liquid flowing from the second pipe into the joint part. In this case, the cleanliness of the cleaning liquid is reduced at the stage before the filter is washed. It is desirable to maintain the cleanliness of the cleaning liquid before the filter is washed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6379042 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to suppress a decrease in the cleanliness of the cleaning liquid before the filter is cleaned. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The white blood cell collection device according to the embodiment includes a first liquid delivery section, a second liquid delivery section, a filter, a branch section, and a control section. The first liquid delivery section delivers blood. The second liquid delivery section delivers a cleaning liquid. The blood and the cleaning liquid are delivered to the filter. The branch section is in communication with each of the first liquid delivery section, the second liquid delivery section, and the filter. The control section controls the liquid delivery operation through the branch section. The liquid delivery operation includes capturing, pushing back, and washing. The capturing includes sending blood in the first liquid delivery section from the branch section to the filter, thereby capturing white blood cells contained in the blood by the filter. The pushing back includes sending the cleaning liquid in the second liquid delivery section from the branch section to the first liquid delivery section after the capturing, thereby pushing back the blood remaining in the branch section toward the first liquid delivery section. The cleaning step includes, after the pushing back, cleaning liquid in the second liquid delivery section is delivered from the branching section to the filter, thereby cleaning the filter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a white blood cell recovery apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation in one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of step ST1 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of step ST2 in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of step ST3 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of step ST4 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of step ST5 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the initial operation of step ST6 in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of step ST6 in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a problem of a comparative example with respect to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the effect of one embodiment over a comparative example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a white blood cell recovery device according to a modified example of one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the recovery cartridge in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of the recovery cartridge of FIG. 13 equipped with a diaphragm. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of the recovery cartridge of FIG. 13 equipped with a bellows. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a white blood cell recovery device according to another modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of the recovery cartridge of FIG. 16 equipped with a balloon. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a white blood cell recovery apparatus according to still another modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a white blood cell collection device and a white blood cell collection method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description will be given by taking as an example a case where the white blood cell collection device is used to collect white blood cells to be used in producing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. However, the white blood cell collection device and the white blood cell collection method can be used for any purpose of collecting white blood cells, not limited to producing iPS cells.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a white blood cell collection device according to one embodiment. The white blood cell collection device 1 includes a collection unit 20 and a control unit 30.

[0010] Here, the collection unit 20 includes a first syringe 21, a second syringe 22, a third syringe 23, a filter 24, a drainage container 25, a spiral flow path 26, a collection container 27, a plurality of pipes 2, joints j1-j7, valves v1-v11, and a connector CN. The pipes 2 of the blood bag bg are detachably connected to the connector CN from the outside. The joints j1-j7 have a shape branched into a substantially T shape, and are connected to the three pipes 2, and communicate the three pipes 2 with each other. Among the joints j1-j7, the joint j2 is an example of a branching part that communicates with each of the first liquid delivery unit (first syringe 21), the second liquid delivery unit (second syringe 22), and the filter 24. That is, the branching portion is a joint j2 that connects the pipe 2 of the flow path communicating with the first syringe 21, the pipe 2 of the flow path communicating with the second syringe 22, and the pipe 2 of the flow path communicating with the filter 24. In addition, the pipe 2 is provided with valves v1 to v11 as appropriate. The valves v1 to v11 close the pipe 2 by elastically deforming the elastically deformable pipe 2 to close it, and open the pipe 2 to open it. For example, a pinch valve that is controlled to open and close by the control unit 30 can be used as such valves v1 to v11. In addition, the pipe 2 is composed of a tubular member having sealing properties and flexibility, such as a vinyl or plastic tube. This suppresses or prevents various liquids passing through the pipe 2 from being exposed to the outside air.

[0011] In the collection section 20, various closed flow paths are formed switchably depending on the open state of the valves v1 to v11, as described later with reference to Figures 2 to 9. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, depending on the open state of the valve v1, a first flow path fc1 is formed that leads from the blood bag bg to the first syringe 21 via the pipe 2, the valve v1, the joint j1, and the pipe 2. In Figure 3, the white circle of the valve v1 indicates the open state, and the black circles of the valves v2 to v11 indicate the closed state. Similarly, hereinafter, the white circles of the valves v1 to v11 indicate the open state of the valves v1 to v11, and the black circles of the valves v1 to v11 indicate the closed state of the valves v1 to v11.

[0012] 4, when the valve v2 is open, a 21st flow path fc21 is formed from the first syringe 21 through the pipe 2, the joint j1, the pipe 2, the valve v2, the joint j2, the pipe 2, the joint j3, and the pipe 2 to the filter 24. When the valve v7 is open, a 22nd flow path fc22 is formed from the filter 24 through the pipe 2, the joint j4, the pipe 2, and the valve v7 to the drainage container 25. The 21st flow path fc21 and the 22nd flow path fc22 form a continuous second flow path fc2.

[0013] 5, when the valve v3 is open, a 31st flow path fc31 is formed from the second syringe 22 through the pipe 2, the joint j5, the pipe 2, and the valve v3 to the joint j2. When the valve v2 is open, a 32nd flow path fc32 is formed from the joint j2 through the pipe 2, the valve v2, the joint j1, and the pipe 2 to the first syringe 21. The 31st flow path fc31 and the 32nd flow path fc32 form a continuous third flow path fc3.

[0014] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, when valves v3 and v7 are in the open state, a fourth flow path fc4 is formed, which runs from the second syringe 22 to the drainage container 25 via pipe 2, fitting j5, pipe 2, valve v3, fitting j2, pipe 2, fitting j3, pipe 2, filter 24, pipe 2, fitting j4, pipe 2, and valve v7.

[0015] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, when valves v4 to v6, and v9 are in the open state, a fifth flow path fc5 is formed from the second syringe 22 to the third syringe 23 via pipe 2, fitting j5, pipe 2, valves v4, v6, fitting j4, pipe 2, filter 24, pipe 2, fitting j3, pipe 2, valves v5, v9, fitting j6, and pipe 2.

[0016] 8, when the valve v8 is open, a 61st flow path fc61 is formed from the third syringe 23 to the spiral flow path 26 via the pipe 2, the joint j6, the pipe 2, and the valve v8. A 62nd flow path fc62 is always formed from the spiral flow path 26 to the drainage container 25 via the pipe 2. When the valve v10 is open, a 63rd flow path fc63 is formed from the spiral flow path 26 to the drainage container 25 via the pipe 2, the joint j7, the pipe 2, and the valve v10. When the valve v11 is open, a 64th flow path fc64 is formed from the spiral flow path 26 to the collection container 27 via the pipe 2, the joint j7, the pipe 2, and the valve v11.

[0017] The first syringe 21 is composed of an injector including a cylinder and a piston. The first syringe 21 can store a liquid such as blood in the cylinder, and has a sealability that can suppress or prevent the liquid from being exposed to the outside air. The tip of the first syringe 21 is connected to the joint j1 via the piping 2. The first syringe 21 is controlled by the control unit 30, and ejects blood in the cylinder from the tip by pushing down the piston, and sucks blood in the blood bag bg or blood in the piping 2 from the tip by pulling up the piston. Such a first syringe 21 is suitable for quantitative and precise liquid delivery. The first syringe 21 is an example of a first liquid delivery unit that delivers blood.

[0018] The second syringe 22 is composed of an injector including a cylinder and a piston. The second syringe 22 can store a cleaning liquid in the cylinder and has a sealability to suppress or prevent the cleaning liquid from being exposed to the outside air. The tip of the second syringe 22 is connected to a joint j5 via a pipe 2. The second syringe 22 is controlled by the control unit 30, and ejects the cleaning liquid in the cylinder from the tip by pushing down the piston. The cleaning liquid is, for example, phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or the like, and is a liquid that causes little damage to white blood cells. Such a second syringe 22 is suitable for quantitative and precise liquid delivery. The second syringe 22 is an example of a second liquid delivery unit that delivers the cleaning liquid.

[0019] The third syringe 23 is composed of an injector including a cylinder and a piston. The third syringe 23 can store liquids such as collected blood components and cleaning liquid in the cylinder, and has a sealability that can suppress or prevent the liquids from being exposed to the outside air. The tip of the third syringe 23 is connected to the joint j6 via the pipe 2. The third syringe 23 is controlled by the control unit 30, and ejects the liquid in the cylinder from the tip by pushing down the piston, and aspirates the liquid in the pipe 2 from the tip by pulling up the piston. Such a third syringe 23 is suitable for quantitative and precise liquid delivery. The third syringe 23 may be called a third liquid delivery unit.

[0020] The filter 24 is provided between the first syringe 21 and the drainage container 25, and captures white blood cells contained in the blood delivered from the first syringe 21. The filter 24 is composed of a container including a filter body having openings capable of capturing white blood cells and allowing other substances (red blood cells, platelets) having a smaller particle size than white blood cells to pass through. That is, white blood cells, which are target cells, have a particle size larger than the openings, and are captured by the filter 24. Red blood cells and other non-target cells have a particle size smaller than the openings, and pass through the filter 24. As the filter 24, for example, a white blood cell removal filter such as Acrodisc WBC Syringe Filter (AP-4951) manufactured by PALL Corporation or Sepacell RZ (RZ-1000N, RZ-2000N) manufactured by Asahi Kasei Medical Corporation can be appropriately used. The filter 24 is an example of a filter through which blood and washing solution are delivered.

[0021] The drainage container 25 is a container that contains drainage. The drainage container 25 contains blood components and washing solution that have passed through the filter 24 as drainage. The drainage container 25 may be a container that can contain drainage, such as a flask or a bag.

[0022] The spiral flow channel 26 is a spiral-shaped flow channel that separates particles from a fluid containing white blood cells according to the size of the particles contained in the fluid when the fluid is delivered thereto. Specifically, the spiral flow channel 26 is configured to extract CD34-positive cells from white blood cells delivered from the third syringe 23 and flowing through the spiral flow channel, deliver the extracted CD34-positive cells toward a collection container 27, and deliver the remaining white blood cells toward a drainage container 25. The spiral flow channel 26 may be called a spiral inertial filtration device or a fluid processing device. The technology of the spiral inertial filtration device is disclosed in, for example, JP2015-532198A. The spiral flow channel 26 is an example of a spiral flow channel through which white blood cells are delivered.

[0023] The collection container 27 is a container that contains CD34-positive cells contained in the collected white blood cells. The collection container 27 contains the CD34-positive cells extracted by the spiral channel 26. The collection container 27 may be a container capable of culturing CD34-positive cells, such as a well plate, a flask, a dish, or a bag.

[0024] Meanwhile, the control unit 30 controls the overall operation of the white blood cell collection device 1. For example, the control unit 30 switches between and forms each of the first flow path fc1 to the 64th flow path fc64 by controlling the opening and closing of the valves v1 to v11. The control unit 30 also controls the discharge operation and the suction operation performed by the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, and the third syringe 23 with respect to the formed flow paths. Such an overall operation of the white blood cell collection device 1 includes a liquid sending operation through the joint j2 and a collection operation different from the liquid sending operation. The overall operation of the white blood cell collection device 1 may be called a blood cell separation operation. The control unit 30 is an example of a control unit that controls the liquid sending operation through the branching section.

[0025] The fluid delivery operation includes: delivering blood in the first syringe 21 from joint j2 to the filter 24, thereby causing the filter 24 to capture white blood cells contained in the blood; after the capture, delivering cleaning fluid in the second syringe 22 from joint j2 toward the first syringe 21, thereby pushing the blood remaining in the joint j2 back toward the first syringe 21; and, after the pushing back, delivering the cleaning fluid in the second syringe 22 from joint j2 to the filter 24, thereby washing the filter 24.

[0026] Supplementally, in the liquid delivery operation, the valve v2 disposed between the joint j2 and the first syringe 21 is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit 30. For example, capturing includes controlling the valve v2 to an open state. Pushing back includes controlling the valve v2 to an open state and delivering the cleaning liquid to a position at least closer to the first syringe 21 than the valve v2. Also, cleaning includes controlling the valve v2 to a closed state. Note that pushing back may include delivering the cleaning liquid to the first syringe 21.

[0027] The recovery operation includes recovering white blood cells from the filter 24 after washing the filter 24, and sending the recovered white blood cells to the spiral flow path 26, which extracts CD34 positive cells from the white blood cells. As the control unit 30, for example, a processing circuit having a processor such as a CPU or MPU and a memory such as a ROM or RAM can be appropriately used as hardware resources.

[0028] An example of the operation of the white blood cell recovery device configured as above will be described with reference to the flow chart in Fig. 2 and the schematic diagrams in Figs. 3 to 9. In the following description, it is assumed that blood collected from a donor is stored in the blood bag bg, and PBS (physiological saline) is stored in the second syringe 22 as a cleaning liquid. It is also assumed that the first syringe 21 and the third syringe 23 are empty. It is also assumed that all the valves v1 to v11 are in a closed state blocking the piping 2. It is also assumed that each of steps ST1 to ST6 in the operation of the white blood cell recovery device 1 is executed under the control of the control unit 30 without the intervention of a user.

[0029] In the blood suction process of step ST1, the control unit 30 controls the valve v1 to an open state as shown in Fig. 3, and forms a first flow path fc1 from the blood bag bg through the pipe 2, the valve v1, the joint j1, and the pipe 2 to the first syringe 21. The control unit 30 also controls the lifting operation of the piston of the first syringe 21, and sucks the blood in the blood bag bg into the first syringe 21 through the first flow path fc1. In this way, the control unit 30 moves a predetermined amount of blood from the blood bag bg to the first syringe 21. Thereafter, the control unit 30 controls the valve v1 to a closed state, and eliminates the first flow path fc1. This ends step ST1.

[0030] In the capture process of step ST2, the control unit 30 controls the valves v2 and v7 to be open as shown in Fig. 4. When the valve v2 is open, a 21st flow path fc21 is formed from the first syringe 21 to the filter 24 via the pipe 2, the joint j1, the pipe 2, the valve v2, the joint j2, the pipe 2, the joint j3, and the pipe 2. When the valve v7 is open, a 22nd flow path fc22 is formed from the filter 24 to the drainage container 25 via the pipe 2, the joint j4, the pipe 2, and the valve v7. In this state, the control unit 30 controls the pushing down operation of the piston of the first syringe 21 to send the blood in the first syringe 21 from above to the filter 24 via the 21st flow path fc21, and sends the blood components that have passed through the filter 24 to the drainage container 25 from the 22nd flow path fc22 below. In addition, by sending the blood in the first syringe 21 to the filter 24 from the joint j2, the filter 24 captures the white blood cells contained in the blood. In addition, the red blood cells and platelets contained in the blood pass through the filter 24 and move to the drainage container 25. At this time, the filter 24 is in a state where the blood components are soaked, and red blood cells remain in addition to the captured white blood cells. Similarly, blood remains in the 21st flow path fc21 between the first syringe 21 and the filter 24. Similarly, blood components such as red blood cells remain in the 22nd flow path fc22 between the filter 24 and the drainage container 25. Thereafter, the control unit 30 controls the valves v2 and v7 to a closed state, and erases the 21st flow path fc21 and the 22nd flow path fc22. This ends step ST2.

[0031] In the blood return process of step ST3, the control unit 30 controls the valves v3 and v2 to be open as shown in Fig. 5. When the valve v3 is open, a 31st flow path fc31 is formed from the second syringe 22 to the joint j2 via the pipe 2, the joint j5, the pipe 2, and the valve v3. When the valve v2 is open, a 32nd flow path fc32 is formed from the joint j2 to the first syringe 21 via the pipe 2, the valve v2, the joint j1, and the pipe 2. In this state, the control unit 30 controls the raising operation of the piston of the first syringe 21 and the pushing operation of the piston of the second syringe 22 in synchronization with each other to send the cleaning solution in the second syringe 22 to the joint j2 via the 31st flow path fc31, and sends the cleaning solution that has passed through the joint j2 from the 32nd flow path fc32 toward the first syringe 21. In addition, by sending the cleaning liquid in the second syringe 22 from the joint j2 toward the first syringe 21, the blood remaining in the joint j2 is pushed back toward the first syringe 21. At this time, the control unit 30 sends the cleaning liquid at least to a position closer to the first syringe 21 than the valve v2. The control unit 30 may also send the cleaning liquid to the first syringe 21. In either case, the blood remaining in the joint j2 and the pipe 2 between the valve v2 and the joint j2 is pushed back to the upstream side of the valve v2. Thereafter, the control unit 30 controls the valves v3 and v2 to a closed state, and deletes the 31st flow path fc31 and the 32nd flow path fc32. This ends step ST3. In addition, only one of the lifting operation of the piston of the first syringe 21 and the pushing operation of the piston of the second syringe 22 may be controlled, and the other piston may be released without applying force. In this case, for example, when the piston of the second syringe 22 is pushed down, the first syringe 21 is lifted by the positive pressure transmitted via the flow path.

[0032] In the washing process of step ST4, the control unit 30 controls the valves v3 and v7 to be open as shown in FIG. 6. With the valves v3 and v7 open, a fourth flow path fc4 is formed from the second syringe 22 to the drainage container 25 via the pipe 2, the joint j5, the pipe 2, the valve v3, the joint j2, the pipe 2, the joint j3, the pipe 2, the filter 24, the pipe 2, the joint j4, the pipe 2, and the valve v7. In this state, the control unit 30 controls the depression operation of the piston of the second syringe 22 to send the washing liquid in the second syringe 22 from the joint j2 to the filter 24 via the fourth flow path fc4, and sends the washing liquid that has passed through the filter 24 to the drainage container 25. At this time, the red blood cells remaining in the filter 24 are washed away by the washing liquid and move to the drainage container 25. As a result, the filter 24 captures the white blood cells in a washed state. Similarly, the flow path between the joint j2 and the drainage container 25 is in a cleaned state. After that, the control unit 30 controls the valves v3 and v7 to be in a closed state, and the fourth flow path fc4 is eliminated. This ends step ST4.

[0033] In the recovery process of step ST5, the control unit 30 controls the valves v4 to v6, v9 to be open as shown in Fig. 7. With the valves v4 to v6, v9 open, a fifth flow path fc5 is formed from the second syringe 22 to the third syringe 23 via the pipe 2, the joint j5, the pipe 2, the valves v4, v6, the joint j4, the pipe 2, the filter 24, the pipe 2, the joint j3, the pipe 2, the valves v5, v9, the joint j6, and the pipe 2. In this state, the control unit 30 controls the raising operation of the piston of the third syringe 23 and the pushing operation of the piston of the second syringe 22 in synchronization with each other to send the cleaning solution in the second syringe 22 from below to the filter 24 via the fifth flow path fc5, and sends the cleaning solution that has passed through the filter 24 from below to the third syringe 23 together with the white blood cells. The cleaning solution in the second syringe 22 is sent from below through the filter 24 to the third syringe 23, whereby the white blood cells captured by the filter 24 are collected in the third syringe 23 together with the cleaning solution. Thereafter, the control unit 30 controls the valves v4 to v6, v9 to be in a closed state, and erases the fifth flow path fc5. This ends step ST5. It is also possible to control only one of the lifting operation of the piston of the third syringe 23 and the pushing operation of the piston of the second syringe 22, and to release the other piston without applying force.

[0034] In the extraction process of step ST6, the control unit 30 controls the valves v8 and v10 to be open as shown in Fig. 8. When the valve v8 is open, a 61st flow path fc61 is formed from the third syringe 23 to the spiral flow path 26 via the pipe 2, the joint j6, the pipe 2, and the valve v8. A 62nd flow path fc62 is always formed from the spiral flow path 26 to the drainage container 25 via the pipe 2. When the valve v10 is open, a 63rd flow path fc63 is formed from the spiral flow path 26 to the drainage container 25 via the pipe 2, the joint j7, the pipe 2, and the valve v10. In this state, the control unit 30 controls the pushing down operation of the piston of the third syringe 23 to send the washing solution containing white blood cells in the third syringe 23 to the spiral flow path 26 via the 61st flow path fc61, and sends the washing solution that has passed through the spiral flow path 26 to the drainage container 25 via the 62nd flow path fc62 and the 63rd flow path fc63, respectively. 8 shows the initial operation of step ST6. At the initial stage of step ST6, the flow rate of the washing solution passing through the spiral flow path 26 is low, so that CD34-positive cells are not extracted from the white blood cells contained in the washing solution, and therefore the washing solution is sent from the 63rd flow path fc63 to the drainage container 25.

[0035] Next, the control unit 30 controls the valve v10 to be in a closed state and the valve v11 to be in an open state, as shown in FIG. 9. The valve v10 is closed, and the 63rd flow path fc63 is eliminated. On the other hand, the valve v11 is opened, and the 64th flow path fc64 is formed from the spiral flow path 26 to the collection container 27 via the pipe 2, the joint j7, the pipe 2, and the valve v11. In this state, the control unit 30 continues to control the pushing down operation of the piston of the third syringe 23, and sends the washing solution containing white blood cells in the third syringe 23 to the spiral flow path 26 via the 61st flow path fc61, sends the washing solution that has passed through the spiral flow path 26 to the drainage container 25 from the 62nd flow path fc62, and sends the CD34 positive cells extracted by the spiral flow path 26 to the collection container 27 from the 64th flow path fc64. Note that FIG. 9 shows the operation of step ST6. In the operation of step ST6, since the flow rate of the washing solution passing through the spiral flow path 26 is high, CD34 positive cells are extracted from the white blood cells contained in the washing solution, and the CD34 positive cells are sent from the 64th flow path fc64 to the collection container 27. Thereafter, the control unit 30 controls the valves v8 and v11 to a closed state, and erases the 61st flow path fc61 and the 64th flow path fc64. This ends step ST6. The CD34 positive cells in the collection container 27 can be cultured by an expansion culture process.

[0036] As described above, according to one embodiment, the white blood cell collection device 1 includes the first syringe 21 as a first liquid delivery section, the second syringe 22 as a second liquid delivery section, the filter 24, the joint j2 as a branch section, and the control unit 30. The first syringe 21 delivers blood. The second syringe 22 delivers cleaning liquid. The filter 24 delivers blood and cleaning liquid. The joint j2 communicates with each of the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, and the filter 24. The control unit 30 controls the liquid delivery operation through the joint j2. The liquid sending operation includes sending blood in the first syringe 21 from the joint j2 to the filter 24, so that the filter 24 captures white blood cells contained in the blood, sending the cleaning liquid in the second syringe 22 from the joint j2 to the first syringe 21 after the capture, so that the blood remaining in the joint j2 is pushed back toward the first syringe 21, and sending the cleaning liquid in the second syringe 22 from the joint j2 to the filter 24 after the pushing back, so that the filter 24 is washed. In this way, the configuration in which the control unit 30 controls the liquid sending operation can automate the process of sending a fluid, the process of switching the flow path, and the process that requires the skill of the user, so that stable quality can be ensured regardless of the skill of the user. In addition, the configuration in which the cleaning liquid in the second syringe 22 is sent from the joint j2 to the filter 24 after the blood remaining in the joint j2 is pushed back toward the first syringe 21 can suppress a decrease in the cleanliness of the cleaning liquid at a stage before the filter is washed.

[0037] In contrast, in the comparative example, the push-back step of step ST3 is not performed, and the capture step of step ST2 is switched to the washing step of step ST4. In this comparative example, as shown in FIG. 10, after step ST2, blood remains in the second flow path fc2 between the first syringe 21 and the drainage container 25. When step ST4 is performed in this state, blood is washed away in the fourth flow path fc4 leading to the drainage container 25 via the second syringe 22 and the joint j2, but blood Bd is mixed into the joint j2 from the pipe 2 on the first syringe 21 side. Therefore, the cleanliness of the washing liquid (PBS) is reduced in the fourth flow path fc4 downstream of the joint j4.

[0038] 11, the second flow path fc2 is switched to the third flow path fc3, so that the blood Bd remaining in the joint j2 of the second flow path fc2 is pushed back by the cleaning liquid in the third flow path fc3 that runs from the second syringe 22 to the first syringe 21 via the joint j2. Then, the fourth flow path fc4 is switched to. Therefore, as described above, a decrease in the cleanliness of the cleaning liquid can be suppressed at a stage before the filter is washed.

[0039] Also, according to one embodiment, a valve v2 that is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit 30 may be provided between the joint j2 and the first syringe 21. The capturing may include controlling the valve v2 to an open state. The pushing back may include controlling the valve v2 to an open state and sending the cleaning liquid to at least a position closer to the first syringe 21 than the valve v2. The cleaning may include controlling the valve v2 to a closed state. In this case, in addition to the effects described above, by pushing the blood back to a position closer to the first syringe 21 than the valve v2 and then closing the valve v2, it is possible to prevent a part of the pushed back blood from being mixed into the cleaning liquid.

[0040] Also, according to one embodiment, the pushing back may include sending the cleaning liquid to the first syringe 21. In this case, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, it is not necessary to adjust the position where the blood is pushed back to between the valve v2 and the first syringe 21, so that the liquid sending operation can be easily controlled.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the branching portion may be a joint j2 that connects the pipe 2 of the flow path communicating with the first syringe 21, the pipe 2 of the flow path communicating with the second syringe 22, and the pipe 2 of the flow path communicating with the filter 24. In this case, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, it can be easily implemented.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the device may further include a spiral flow path 26 to which white blood cells are delivered. The control unit 30 may further control a collection operation different from the delivery operation. The collection operation may include recovering white blood cells from the filter 24 after washing the filter 24, and delivering the recovered white blood cells to the spiral flow path 26, so that the spiral flow path 26 extracts CD34-positive cells from the white blood cells. In this case, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, it is possible to recover CD34-positive cells from white blood cells contained in blood.

[0043] (Variation 1) In one embodiment, the recovery unit 20 in which various closed flow paths are formed so as to be switchable has been described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the recovery unit 20 may be implemented as a recovery cartridge 20A as shown in FIG. 12. The recovery cartridge 20A is detachably held by a drive unit 40 that is controlled by a control unit 30 to drive the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, and the third syringe 23. The drive unit 40 has, for example, a power source such as a motor, and a pressing unit for transmitting the force of the power source to the first to third syringes. A rod-shaped member 41 described later is an example of the pressing unit. Also, a compressor may be used as the power source, and a piston of an air cylinder connected to the compressor may be used as the pressing unit. The recovery cartridge 20A includes a closed flow path and a closed container that accommodates the flow path. The closed flow path includes the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, the third syringe 23, the filter 24, the drainage container 25, the spiral flow path 26, the collection container 27, the multiple pipes 2, the joints j1 to j7, the valves v1 to v11, and the connector CN, as described above. The closed flow path has a first closed structure, and is held by a holding portion 28 formed along the flow path. The holding portion 28 may be a groove or a guide plate. The closed container has a second closed structure disposed outside the flow path of the first closed structure so that the liquid does not leak out of the collection cartridge 20A. That is, the collection cartridge 20A has a double closed structure consisting of the first closed structure and the second closed structure. 13, the container of the recovery cartridge 20A includes a container body 20A1 in which a recess is formed as a holding portion 28, a first lid 20A2 attached to the side of the container body 20A1 so as to cover the recess, and a second lid 20A3 attached to the upper surface of the container body 20A1. That is, the recovery cartridge 20A is assembled, for example, by attaching the first lid 20A2 to the side of the container body 20A1 and attaching the second lid 20A3 to the upper surface of the container body 20A1. The second lid 20A3 has holes 20h formed at positions corresponding to the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, and the third syringe 23. The container body 20A1, the first lid 20A2, and the second lid 20A3 are hard and made of, for example, resin or plastic.The resin is, for example, polycarbonate (PC) or polystyrene (PS). At least one of the container body 20A1 and the first lid 20A2 is preferably light-transmitting. For example, it is preferable that at least one of the container body 20A1 and the first lid 20A2 is visible light-transmitting, from the viewpoint of easily observing the white blood cell collection process. FIG. 13 shows the appearance when the container body 20A1 is transparent and the first lid 20A2 is opaque. The recess as the holding part 28 has a depth in the Z direction perpendicular to the closed flow path, and is formed of holes and grooves that accommodate the closed flow path. The Y direction is a direction connecting the first syringe 21 and the drainage container 25, and is, for example, a vertical direction. The X direction is a direction perpendicular to the Y direction and the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 14, the hole 20h of the second lid 20A3 is located on the recess as the holding part 28, and is provided with a diaphragm 3D at a position covering the recess. In other words, the second cover 20A3 is provided with a diaphragm 3D at a position covering the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, and the third syringe 23 in the flow path. The diaphragm 3D is an example of an energy transfer unit that receives energy from the outside of the container for sending a fluid in a closed flow path. The diaphragm 3D is located at the boundary separating the inside and the outside of the container. The rod-shaped member 41 of the drive unit 40 penetrates the diaphragm 3D and is attached to each piston of the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, and the third syringe 23. However, since the rod-shaped member 41 of the drive unit 40 only performs a depressing operation for the second syringe 22, it is not necessarily required to penetrate the diaphragm 3D when attached.

[0044] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 40 to drive the first syringe 21 and the second syringe 22 while the recovery cartridge 20A is attached to the drive unit 40, thereby controlling the liquid sending operation. That is, in the liquid sending operation, capturing includes controlling the drive unit 40 to eject blood in the first syringe 21. In the liquid sending operation, pushing back includes controlling the drive unit 40 to flow blood into the first syringe 21 and to flow the cleaning liquid in the second syringe 22 toward the joint j2. In the liquid sending operation, cleaning includes controlling the drive unit 40 to eject the cleaning liquid in the second syringe 22. In the liquid sending operation of pushing back from the second syringe 22 toward the first syringe 21, the lifting operation of the piston of the first syringe 21 and the pushing down operation of the piston of the second syringe 22 may be controlled in a synchronized manner, as described above. Alternatively, only one of the upward movement of the piston of first syringe 21 and the downward movement of the piston of second syringe 22 may be controlled, and the other piston may be released without applying force.

[0045] Similarly, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 40 to drive the second syringe 22 and the third syringe 23 in a state where the recovery cartridge 20A is attached to the drive unit 40, thereby controlling the recovery operation. That is, in the recovery operation, recovery includes controlling the drive unit 40 to discharge the cleaning liquid in the second syringe 22 and to cause the third syringe 23 to aspirate the cleaning liquid containing white blood cells. In the recovery operation, extraction includes controlling the drive unit 40 to discharge the cleaning liquid containing white blood cells in the third syringe 23 toward the spiral flow path 26. Note that, in the recovery operation in which the cleaning liquid is caused to flow from the second syringe 22 toward the third syringe 23 to recover white blood cells, the lifting operation of the piston of the third syringe 23 and the pushing down operation of the piston of the second syringe 22 may be controlled in a synchronized manner, as described above. Alternatively, only one of the upward movement of the piston of third syringe 23 and the downward movement of the piston of second syringe 22 may be controlled, and the other piston may be released without applying force.

[0046] The driving unit 40 is controlled by the control unit 30 and drives each of the first syringe 21 for storing blood, the second syringe 22 for storing a cleaning liquid, and the third syringe 23 for recovering white blood cells to perform discharge and suction. Specifically, the driving unit 40 drives each piston of the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, and the third syringe 23 via the rod-shaped member 41 so that the pistons of each of the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, and the third syringe 23 perform a push-down operation and a pull-up operation. Note that the driving unit 40 may drive, under the control of the control unit 30, the pull-up operation of the piston of the end syringe and the push-down operation of the piston of the start syringe, among the two syringes that are the start and end points of the liquid flow, in synchronization with each other, among the two syringes, the pull-up operation of the piston of the end syringe and the push-down operation of the piston of the start syringe. Alternatively, only one of the pull-up operation of the piston of the end syringe and the push-down operation of the piston of the start syringe may be driven, and the other piston may be released without applying force.

[0047] The other configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0048] According to the above-described first modification, the blood collection system further includes a drive unit 40 that is controlled by the control unit 30 and drives the first syringe 21 and the second syringe 22. The first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, the filter 24, and the joint j2 are housed in a recovery cartridge 20A that is detachable from the drive unit 40. The control unit 30 controls the drive unit 40 to drive the first syringe 21 and the second syringe 22 while the recovery cartridge 20A is attached to the drive unit 40, thereby controlling the liquid delivery operation. In this manner, by using the detachable recovery cartridge 20A as the recovery unit 20, in addition to the above-described effects, the closed flow path after recovery can be made disposable every time white blood cells (CD34-positive cells) are recovered from the donor's blood. Therefore, by replacing the recovery cartridge 20A for each donor's blood, the process of washing the entire closed flow path between the white blood cell recovery processes for each donor can be omitted, and the amount of white blood cells recovered per unit time can be increased, i.e., the throughput of the white blood cell recovery process can be improved.

[0049] According to the first modification, the recovery cartridge 20A may include a closed flow path including the first syringe 21, the second syringe 22, the filter 24, and the joint j2, and a closed container that accommodates the flow path. In this case, even if the closed flow path is damaged and the fluid leaks, the closed container does not allow the leaked fluid to flow out. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned effect, safety can be ensured without making capital investments associated with the possibility of liquid leaking. To add, according to the first modification, safety can be ensured locally within the recovery cartridge 20A, not in global facilities such as a safety cabinet or a laboratory.

[0050] According to the first modification, the first liquid delivery unit is the first syringe 21 that stores blood and is driven by the drive unit 40. The second liquid delivery unit is the second syringe 22 that stores cleaning liquid and is driven by the drive unit 40. In the liquid delivery operation, capturing includes controlling the drive unit 40 to eject blood in the first syringe 21. Pushing back includes controlling the drive unit 40 to cause blood to flow into the first syringe 21 and to cause cleaning liquid in the second syringe 22 to flow toward the joint j2. Cleaning includes controlling the drive unit 40 to eject cleaning liquid in the second syringe 22. Thus, quantitative and precise liquid delivery by the syringe can be achieved in the same manner as described above.

[0051] Moreover, according to the first modification, the diaphragm 3D is provided so as to be located at the boundary separating the inside and outside of the closed container. In this way, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, when the amount of liquid being delivered is relatively small, even if the fluid leaks from the flow path, the simple configuration of the diaphragm with a small amount of displacement can prevent the leaked fluid from flowing out of the container.

[0052] (Variation 2) In the first modification of the embodiment, the diaphragm 3D is provided at a boundary separating the inside and outside of the closed container, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the recovery cartridge 20A may be provided with a bellows 3B instead of the diaphragm 3D as shown in Fig. 15. According to the second modification, in addition to the effect of the first modification, when the amount of liquid to be delivered is relatively large, the simple configuration of the bellows, which has a large amount of displacement, can prevent the leaked fluid from leaking out of the container if the fluid leaks from the flow path.

[0053] (Variation 3) In the first and second modified examples of the embodiment, the driving unit 40 drives the second syringe 22, but this is not limited thereto. The second syringe 22 performs only discharge among discharge and suction, and therefore can be modified into a configuration dedicated to discharge, such as a balloon. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the recovery cartridge 20A may include a bag bg1 as a storage unit for storing a cleaning liquid, and a balloon BL connected to the bag bg1, holding a gas, and driven by the driving unit 40B, instead of the second syringe 22. The bag bg1 may be a flexible container. The flexible container may be a plastic or vinyl container. Here, the pipe 2 at the upper end of the bag bg1 is connected to the balloon BL via a connector CN and a valve v20. When a detachable handle hd is attached, the valve v20 can be opened and closed in response to the operation of the handle hd. The balloon BL is pressed by the columnar member 41b of the driving unit 40B, thereby introducing the accommodated gas into the upper end of the bag bg1 via the valve v20, the connector CN, and the pipe 2. The bag bg1 discharges the cleaning liquid, which is pressed by the introduced gas, from the pipe 2 at the lower end toward the joint j5. The configuration including the bag bg1 and the balloon BL is another example of a second liquid delivery unit that delivers the cleaning liquid.

[0054] In the above-described configuration, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 40 to drive the first syringe 21 and the balloon BL while the recovery cartridge 20A is attached to the drive unit 40, thereby controlling the liquid sending operation. That is, in the liquid sending operation, capturing includes controlling the drive unit 40 to discharge the blood in the first syringe 21. In the liquid sending operation, pushing back includes controlling the drive unit 40 to cause blood to flow into the first syringe 21, and controlling the drive unit 40B to discharge the gas in the balloon BL into the bag bg1 to discharge the cleaning liquid in the bag bg1 toward the joint j2. In the liquid sending operation, cleaning includes controlling the drive unit 40B to discharge the gas in the balloon BL into the bag bg1 to discharge the cleaning liquid in the bag bg1.

[0055] The driving unit 40B is controlled by the control unit 30 and drives the balloon BL connected to the bag bg1 that stores the cleaning liquid so as to discharge the cleaning liquid from the bag bg1. Specifically, the driving unit 40B drives the balloon BL via the columnar member 41b so as to press the balloon BL.

[0056] The other configurations are similar to those of the first and second modified examples of the embodiment.

[0057] According to the above-described third modification, the first liquid delivery unit is the first syringe 21 that stores blood and is driven by the drive unit 40. The second liquid delivery unit includes a bag bg1 that stores a cleaning liquid, and a balloon BL that is connected to the bag bg1, holds gas, and is driven by the drive unit 40B. In the liquid delivery operation, capturing includes controlling the drive unit 40 to discharge the blood in the first syringe 21. Pushing back includes controlling the drive unit 40 to cause blood to flow into the first syringe 21, and controlling the drive unit 40B to discharge the gas in the balloon BL into the bag bg1 to discharge the cleaning liquid in the bag bg1 toward the joint j2. In the liquid delivery operation, cleaning includes controlling the drive unit 40B to discharge the gas in the balloon BL into the bag bg1 to discharge the cleaning liquid in the bag bg1. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, a simple liquid delivery without the need for a fixed amount by a balloon can be realized.

[0058] (Variation 4) In the embodiment and its modified examples 1 to 3, a syringe or a balloon is used as the liquid delivery section, and a mechanism for pressing the syringe or the balloon is used as the driving section, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the first to third liquid delivery sections may be respectively configured with storage containers 21a, 22b, and 23c, and connecting sections 29a, 29b, and 29c that communicate with the storage containers 21a, 22b, and 23c and communicate with the outside of the recovery cartridge 20A in a sterile manner via an air filter. In this case, a pressure-feeding mechanism that generates positive and / or negative gas pressure can be used as the driving section 40. The pressure-feeding mechanism can be configured, for example, with a syringe pump or with a compressor and an air regulator, and a mechanism that generates gas pressure can be used as the pressure-feeding mechanism as appropriate. The drive unit 40 is connected to the connectors 29a, 29b, and 29c, and applies positive pressure to drive the operation of discharging liquid from the storage containers 21a, 22b, and 23c, or applies negative pressure to drive the operation of sucking liquid into the storage containers 21a and 23c. The storage container 21a is an example of a first storage section that stores blood. The storage container 22b is an example of a second storage section that stores cleaning liquid. The connection unit 29a is an example of a first connection section that connects to the pressure-feeding mechanism. The connection unit 29b is an example of a second connection section that connects to the pressure-feeding mechanism.

[0059] In order to execute the operations of steps ST1 to ST6 under the configuration of this modified example, instead of the pushing down operation of the first to third syringes 21, 22, and 23 in the above-mentioned embodiment, a positive pressure application operation to the storage containers 21a, 22b, and 23c is executed, and instead of the pulling up operation of the first and third syringes 21 and 23, a negative pressure application operation to the storage containers 21a and 23c is executed. For example, in step ST2, capturing includes controlling the drive unit 40 to apply a positive pressure to the storage container 21a to eject blood from the storage container 21a. In step ST3, pushing back includes controlling the drive unit 40 to apply a negative pressure to the storage container 21a and apply a positive pressure to the storage container 22b to generate a flow in a direction from the storage container 22b to the storage container 21a. In step ST4, washing includes controlling the drive unit 40 to eject the cleaning liquid in the storage container 22b.

[0060] However, in the configuration of this modified example, when performing the blood return step ST3, it is not necessary to perform both the negative pressure application operation to the storage container 21a and the positive pressure application operation to the storage container 22b, and it is sufficient to perform only one of the operations. That is, the operation of step ST3 may be performed by at least one of the negative pressure application operation to the storage container 21a and the positive pressure application operation to the storage container 22b to generate a flow in the direction from the storage container 22b to the storage container 21a.

[0061] 18 illustrates a configuration in which the driving unit 40 is simultaneously connected to each of the connection parts 29a, 29b, and 29c, but is not limited thereto. For example, the driving unit 40 may be configured to move so that the driving unit 40 connects to one of the connection parts 29a, 29b, and 29c that requires the application of gas pressure in each of steps ST1 to ST6.

[0062] According to the fourth modification, the number of movable parts in the recovery cartridge 20A can be reduced, and the recovery cartridge 20A can be manufactured more inexpensively.

[0063] (Variation 5) In the first to fourth modifications of the embodiment, the holding section 28 of the recovery cartridge 20A has a layout capable of accommodating only one type of closed flow path, but is not limited thereto. For example, the recovery cartridge 20A may have a layout capable of accommodating two types of closed flow paths. In this case, the container body 20A1 of the recovery cartridge 20A includes a holding section 28 having a layout including a recess used for both of the two flow paths, a recess used only for one of the flow paths, and a recess used only for the other flow path. Similarly, the recovery cartridge 20A may have a layout capable of accommodating three or more types of closed flow paths. According to such a fifth modification, in addition to the effects of the first to fourth modifications of the embodiment, the versatility of the recovery cartridge 20A can be improved.

[0064] (Variation 6) In the first to fifth modified examples of the embodiment, the recovery cartridge 20A has a double closed structure including a closed flow path and a closed container that houses the flow path, but is not limited thereto. For example, the recovery cartridge 20A may have a triple closed structure including a container that further houses the double closed structure. Alternatively, the recovery cartridge 20A is not limited to a triple closed structure, and may have a quadruple or more multiple closed structure. According to the sixth modified example, in addition to the effects of the first to fifth modified examples of the embodiment, it is expected that the closed flow path can be protected from impact when the recovery cartridge 20A is dropped, and therefore safety can be improved.

[0065] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the cleanliness of the cleaning liquid at a stage before the filter is cleaned.

[0066] The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). When the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes a function by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit (not shown). On the other hand, when the processor is an ASIC, for example, instead of storing the program in a storage circuit, the function is directly incorporated as a logic circuit in the circuit of the processor. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1, FIG. 12, and FIG. 16 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0067] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. White blood cell collection device 2 Piping 3B Bellows 3D Diaphragm 20 Collection Department 20A Recovery Cartridge 20A1 Container body 20A2 First Lid 20A3 Second lid 20h hole 21 First Syringe 22 Second Syringe 23 Third Syringe 24 Filters 25 Drainage container 26 Spiral Channel 27 Collection Container 28 Holding part 30 Control section 40,40B Drive unit 41 Rod-shaped member 41b Pillar member Bd blood bg blood bag bg1 bag BL Balloon CN Connector fc1 First flow path fc2 Second flow path fc3 3rd flow path fc4 4th flow path fc5 5th flow channel fc21 21st flow channel fc22 22nd flow channel fc31 31st flow channel fc32 32nd flow channel fc61 61st flow channel fc62 62nd flow channel fc63 63rd flow channel fc64 64th flow channel j1~j7 fittings v1~v11,v20 valve

Claims

1. A first fluid delivery unit that delivers blood; A second liquid delivery unit that delivers a cleaning liquid; a filter through which the blood and the cleaning solution are delivered; a branch portion communicating with each of the first liquid delivery portion, the second liquid delivery portion, and the filter; A control unit for controlling a liquid delivery operation through the branching portion; Equipped with The liquid delivery operation includes: The blood in the first fluid supply section is sent from the branch section to the filter, so that the filter captures white blood cells contained in the blood; After the capture, a cleaning liquid in the second liquid delivery section is delivered from the branching section toward the first liquid delivery section, thereby pushing back the blood remaining in the branching section toward the first liquid delivery section. After the pushing back, the cleaning liquid in the second liquid sending section is sent from the branching section to the filter, thereby cleaning the filter. A leukocyte recovery device comprising:

2. a valve controlled by the control unit to be opened and closed between the branching unit and the first liquid delivery unit, The capturing includes controlling the valve to an open state; the pushing back includes controlling the valve to an open state and feeding the cleaning liquid to a position at least closer to the first liquid feeding unit than the valve; The cleaning step includes controlling the valve to a closed state. The leukocyte recovery device according to claim 1.

3. The pushing back includes sending the cleaning liquid to the first liquid sending unit. The leukocyte recovery device according to claim 2.

4. The branching portion is a joint that connects a pipe of a flow path communicating with the first liquid delivery portion, a pipe of a flow path communicating with the second liquid delivery portion, and a pipe of a flow path communicating with the filter. The leukocyte recovery device according to claim 1.

5. A drive unit controlled by the control unit to drive the first liquid delivery unit and the second liquid delivery unit, the first liquid delivery section, the second liquid delivery section, the filter, and the branching section are accommodated in a cartridge that is detachably attached to the driving section, the control unit controls the drive unit to drive the first liquid delivery unit and the second liquid delivery unit, thereby controlling the liquid delivery operation, with the cartridge attached to the drive unit. The leukocyte recovery device according to claim 1.

6. The white blood cell recovery device according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge comprises a closed flow path including the first liquid delivery section, the second liquid delivery section, the filter and the branching section, and a closed container that houses the flow path.

7. the first fluid delivery unit is a first syringe that stores the blood and is driven by the drive unit; the second liquid delivery unit is a second syringe that stores the cleaning liquid and is driven by the drive unit; The capturing step includes controlling the drive unit to eject blood in the first syringe; The pushing back includes controlling the drive unit to cause blood to flow into the first syringe and to cause a cleaning solution in the second syringe to flow toward the branch portion, The cleaning includes controlling the drive unit to discharge the cleaning liquid in the second syringe. The leukocyte recovery device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. the first fluid delivery unit is a first syringe that stores the blood and is driven by the drive unit; the second liquid delivery unit includes a storage unit configured to store the cleaning liquid, and a balloon connected to the storage unit, holding a gas, and driven by the drive unit; The capturing step includes controlling the drive unit to eject blood in the first syringe; the pushing back includes controlling the drive unit to cause blood to flow into the first syringe and to discharge the gas in the balloon into the storage portion to discharge the cleaning solution in the storage portion; The cleaning step includes controlling the driving unit to discharge the gas in the balloon into the storage portion and to discharge the cleaning liquid in the storage portion. The leukocyte recovery device according to claim 5 or 6.

9. the driving unit is a pumping mechanism that generates positive and / or negative gas pressure, the first fluid delivery unit includes a first reservoir that stores the blood and a first connection unit that connects to the pumping mechanism; the second liquid delivery unit includes a second reservoir configured to store the cleaning liquid and a second connection unit connected to the pressure-feeding mechanism; The capturing step includes controlling the drive unit to apply a positive pressure to the first reservoir to eject blood from the first reservoir; The pushing back includes controlling the drive unit to generate a flow in a direction from the second storage unit to the first storage unit; The cleaning step includes controlling the drive unit to discharge the cleaning liquid in the second reservoir. The leukocyte recovery device according to claim 5 or 6.

10. The blood vessel further includes a spiral flow path through which the white blood cells are pumped. The control unit further controls a recovery operation different from the liquid delivery operation, The recovery operation includes: recovering leukocytes from the filter after washing the filter; The collected white blood cells are sent to the spiral flow path, so that the spiral flow path extracts CD34 positive cells from the white blood cells; The leukocyte recovery device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

11. A first fluid delivery unit that delivers blood; A second liquid delivery unit that delivers a cleaning liquid; a filter through which the blood and the cleaning solution are delivered; a branch portion communicating with each of the first liquid delivery portion, the second liquid delivery portion, and the filter; A leukocyte recovery method performed by a leukocyte recovery device comprising: The blood in the first fluid supply section is sent from the branch section to the filter, so that the filter captures white blood cells contained in the blood; After the capture, a cleaning liquid in the second liquid delivery section is delivered from the branching section toward the first liquid delivery section, thereby pushing back the blood remaining in the branching section toward the first liquid delivery section. After the pushing back, the cleaning liquid in the second liquid sending section is sent from the branching section to the filter, thereby cleaning the filter. A method for recovering leukocytes comprising the steps of:

Images