Processing method and processing device for array plate

Abstract

To provide a processing method and a processing device for an array plate that can prevent contamination between a plurality of array plates and can reduce the consumption of pipette tips or the like.SOLUTION: A processing method for an array plate performs a discharge preparation step and a supply preparation step. The discharge preparation step is performed at the timing when liquid discharged by a discharge system is changed, and is a step of replacing part of the discharge system, in this case, replacing pipette tips. The supply preparation step is performed at the timing when liquid supplied by a supply system is changed, and is a step of replacing part of the supply system, in this case, replacing pipette tips.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing an array plate. [Background technology]

[0002] Array plates such as protein arrays, peptide arrays, and DNA arrays are known, in which a large number of substances such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids are fixed in spots on a substrate. By using an array plate, interactions between a large number of fixed substances and substances in a specimen can be observed at once. Therefore, by using an array plate, interactions between a large number of substances fixed in spots and a large number of substances including specimens derived from living organisms such as blood, cell extracts, saliva, and interstitial fluid can be comprehensively analyzed.

[0003] A known measurement method using an array plate is to selectively fluorescently label spots where an interaction of interest has occurred, and obtain optical information. A confocal laser microscope is known as a device for observing fluorescently labeled samples. A confocal laser microscope has an illumination optical system, a fluorescence detection optical system, and a two-dimensional scanning system. The fluorescence detection optical system has the function of detecting the amount of fluorescent light from spots labeled with fluorescent probes. The two-dimensional scanning system has the function of acquiring a fluorescent image of the spot area on the array plate by two-dimensionally scanning the array plate or the optical system.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an inspection technology that uses a plate having a plurality of spots containing biological substances to carry out a reaction process including labeling, and a measurement process in which the labeled pattern is optically obtained. In the reaction process, reagents such as specimens, labels, and washing solutions are supplied to and discharged from the plate using pipette tips. It discloses that the pipette tips are replaced each time in order to prevent contamination of the reagents (mixing of the reagents together: hereinafter simply referred to as contamination). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-12426 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When multiple array plates are processed in parallel to increase the throughput of analysis, there is a risk of contamination of samples or reagents between the array plates. If the pipette tip replacement method described in Patent Document 1 is applied to prevent contamination, a large number of pipette tips will be used. This increases the cost of the pipette tips and increases the number of steps required to replace the pipette tips, resulting in a problem of reduced throughput of analysis.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an array plate processing method and processing apparatus that can prevent contamination between a plurality of array plates and reduce the consumption of pipette tips and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The array plate processing method of the present invention is a method for processing an array plate in which different specimens are allowed to act on multiple array plates including a common spot array using a processing device including a supply system for supplying liquid and a discharge system for discharging liquid, and includes a discharge step of sequentially discharging contact liquid that comes into contact with the spot array for each array plate using the discharge system, a specimen supply step of supplying a specimen selected from the multiple specimens for each array plate using the supply system, a stop liquid supply step of sequentially supplying a reaction stop liquid that stops a reaction between at least a portion of the spot array and the specimen to the multiple array plates using the supply system, a buffer solution supply step of sequentially supplying a predetermined buffer solution to the multiple array plates using the supply system, a discharge preparation step that is performed at the timing when the contact liquid discharged by the discharge system is changed and that replaces a part of the discharge system, and a supply preparation step that is performed at the timing when the liquid supplied by the supply system is changed and that replaces a part of the supply system.

[0009] The array plate processing device of the present invention comprises a mounting section on which a plurality of array plates are arranged and mounted, a supply system that supplies liquid to at least any of the plurality of array plates mounted on the mounting section, a discharge system that discharges liquid held by at least any of the plurality of array plates mounted on the mounting section when the array plate holds liquid, a moving section that changes the relative position of the mounting section with respect to the supply system, a loading section that loads dispensing tips into at least any of the supply system and the discharge system, a release section that releases the loading of the dispensing tips from at least any of the supply system and the discharge system, and a liquid storage section in which the liquid to be supplied to the supply system is stored. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for processing an array plate that can prevent contamination between a plurality of array plates and reduce the consumption of pipette tips and the like can be realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method for treating an array plate according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing apparatus for an array plate according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for treating an array plate according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing apparatus for an array plate according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for treating an array plate according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing apparatus for an array plate according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for treating an array plate according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a treatment apparatus for an array plate according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components common to multiple drawings are given common reference numerals. Therefore, the common components will be described with mutual reference to multiple drawings, and the description of the components given the common reference numerals will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] -Embodiment 1- Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the method for treating an array plate according to the first embodiment.

[0014] <Analysis step S1000 and tip replacement step S2000> First, each step constituting the analysis step S1000 will be described. In the analysis step S1000, S1100, S1200, S1300, S1400, S1500, S1600, S1500, S1700, S1500, S1600, S1500, and S1800, which will be described below, are executed in sequence.

[0015] The analysis step S1000 is an array plate processing method in which a processing device including a supply system for supplying liquid and a discharge system for discharging liquid is used to react different specimens with multiple array plates including a common spot array. A spot array refers to multiple spots arranged in a predetermined state (e.g., an array shape). In this embodiment, common processing is performed except for the processing in which different specimens are reacted with the multiple array plates. The common processing includes a reaction stopping step S1400, a cleaning solution supplying step S1600, a label supplying step S1700, and a preservation solution supplying step S1800, which are performed on the multiple array plates.

[0016] [Preservation solution discharge process (S1100)] The preservation liquid discharge step S1100 is a step of sequentially discharging the preservation liquid in contact with the spot array for each array plate. In this step, the preservation liquid held in order to prevent deterioration of the multiple spots provided on the array plate is discharged. As a holding mechanism, the array plate can be provided with a frame that acts as a bank for storing liquid, or the array plate can be placed in an appropriate container. These frames or containers can hold liquids such as the specimen, the stop solution, the washing solution, the label, the observation solution, and the reagents used in the following steps on the array plate.

[0017] [Sample supply process (S1200)] The sample supplying step S1200 is a step of supplying a sample selected from a plurality of samples to each array plate. This step brings the sample into contact with the spot, and causes some or all of the targets to react with different biological substances contained in the spot. The reaction includes binding between the target and the biological substance, a chemical reaction, and an enzyme reaction. A reagent may be added to the sample depending on the purpose. The sample is added in an amount that at least covers the spot. The reaction between the substance in the sample and the biological substance is carried out at a temperature suitable for the reaction for a desired period of time.

[0018] [Sample discharge process (S1300)] The specimen discharge step S1300 is a step of sequentially discharging specimens in contact with the spot array for each array plate. This step discharges the specimens supplied in the specimen supply step S1200. Through this step, targets bound to biological substances in the specimen supply step S1200 remain on the spot side, while unreacted targets or targets after causing a chemical or enzymatic reaction with biological substances are discharged.

[0019] The specimen on the spot is aspirated and discharged with a pipette. The specimen may be discharged by tilting the array plate or a container containing the array plate with respect to the horizontal. Alternatively, the specimen may be discharged by decantation by simply tilting the array plate without using a pipette, and then the liquid may be further discharged by aspirating with a pipette. Note that discharging refers to reducing the volume of the remaining liquid until it is less than 50% of the volume of the liquid before discharging. More preferably, the discharge step reduces the volume of the remaining liquid until it is less than 10% of the volume of the liquid before discharging.

[0020] [Reaction termination step (S1400)] The reaction stopping step S1400 is a stop solution supplying step in which a stop solution for stopping the reaction between at least a part of the spot array and the specimen is sequentially supplied to a plurality of array plates. A stop solution containing an inhibitor is supplied onto the array plate. In this step, the inhibitor binds to the biological substance contained in the spot, thereby preventing the reaction between the biological substance and the specimen from proceeding after this step.

[0021] [Contact liquid discharge process (S1500)] The contact liquid discharge step S1500 is a step of sequentially discharging the liquid on the array plate for each array plate. The contact liquid refers to the liquid in contact with the spots on the array plate. The contact liquid includes a specimen, a stop liquid, a washing liquid, a label, a preservation liquid, etc., but in this step, it refers to the discharge of liquid other than the specimen. The discharge method, etc. are performed in the same manner as in the specimen discharge step S1300.

[0022] [Cleaning liquid supply process (S1600)] The cleaning liquid supply step S1600 is a step of sequentially supplying a cleaning liquid to a plurality of array plates. The cleaning liquid is supplied in this step, and the contact liquid (cleaning liquid) discharge step S1500 is performed after the cleaning, thereby cleaning the top of the array plate. The cleaning (cleaning liquid supply step S1600 and cleaning liquid discharge step S1500) may be performed repeatedly. As the cleaning liquid, water, physiological saline, phosphate buffer, Tris-HCl buffer, other buffers, and other solutions to which surfactants, preservatives, non-specific adsorption inhibitors, glycerol, and other additives are appropriately added are used. Typically, TBST, which is a Tris buffer containing polysorbate, may be used as the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid may be used as it is as a storage liquid or an observation liquid. This step is a part of the buffer supply step.

[0023] [Label supply process (S1700)] The label supply step S1700 is a step of sequentially supplying labeling substances to a plurality of array plates. In order to visualize the spots that have reacted with the targets, the targets or the spots that have reacted with the targets are labeled, that is, a labeling substance is bound to the targets or a labeling substance is introduced to the spots that have reacted with the targets. The labeling substance used is one that can be optically detected. The labeling substance includes fluorescent substances, chemiluminescent substances, phosphorescent substances, dyes, gold nanoparticles, fluorescent particles, enzymes for enzymatic chemiluminescence or color reactions, and fine particles that have absorption of a specific wavelength. The labeling substance may also include antibodies, ligands, or other binding sites. The binding or introduction of the labeling substance includes binding the labeling substance by hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction, van der Waals interaction, hydrogen bond, or covalent bond, introduction during PCR or synthesis, and other known labeling methods. Typically, the labeling substance is a fluorescent substance. Fluorescent substances are advantageous in that they can stably emit light, do not require a substrate, can label regions specifically, and are suitable for two-dimensional analysis, or can be multi-labeled using fluorescent substances with different wavelengths. The type of fluorescent substance is appropriately selected according to the reaction system and optical system. Those skilled in the art can select a fluorescent substance having an appropriate excitation wavelength, fluorescent wavelength, and properties according to the optical system and experimental system.

[0024] [Preservation solution supply process (S1800)] The preservation liquid supplying step S1800 is a step of sequentially supplying a preservation liquid to a plurality of array plates. The preservation liquid is used to maintain the state of the spots on the array plate after the reaction, for example, by preventing the spots on the array plate from drying and the labeling substance from oxidizing. In this step, the preservation liquid is supplied onto the array plate and the spots are brought into contact with the preservation liquid. A cleaning liquid or other reagent liquid may be used as the preservation liquid as is, and in that case, the step of bringing them into contact corresponds to this step. This step is a part of the buffer solution supplying step. The buffer solution refers to a cleaning liquid, an observation liquid, a preservation liquid, a dilution liquid, etc., and in this embodiment, at least one selected from these liquids is included.

[0025] When optical information is to be acquired after the preservation solution is supplied, it is preferable that the refractive index is close to that of the substrate of the array plate and that the fluorescence does not occur when irradiated with excitation light. A glycerol solution is preferably used as a solution that satisfies these conditions, but it can be appropriately selected based on the properties of the labeling substance, the biological substance, and the specimen.

[0026] Next, the tip replacement process S2000 will be described.

[0027] [Array plate number in drainage (S2100)] A to J in S2100 indicate the array plate numbers when discharging the liquid on the array plate. In this embodiment, the processing of 10 plates is illustrated as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0028] [Array plate number in the supply solution (S2200)] A to J in S2200 indicate the array plate numbers when supplying liquid onto the array plate. The same numbers as the plate numbers in S2100 indicate the same plates. In this embodiment, the processing of 10 plates is described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0029] [Pipette tip replacement status (S2300)] S2300 shows the replacement status of pipette tips for each array plate in each discharge step and each supply step of the analysis step S1000. In S2300, the numbers indicate the number of tips used after pipette tips are replaced, and the △ symbol indicates that the pipette tips are reused without being replaced. The pipette tip may be referred to as a dispensing tip or simply as a tip. Furthermore, when distinguishing between the use or process of a liquid supply step and a liquid discharge step, the tip may be referred to as a liquid supply tip or a liquid discharge tip.

[0030] <Chip replacement in each step of the analysis process S1000> In this embodiment, a discharge preparation step and a supply preparation step are performed. The discharge preparation step is performed when the liquid discharged by the discharge system is changed, and is a step of replacing a part of the discharge system, in this case, replacing a pipette tip. The supply preparation step is performed when the liquid supplied by the supply system is changed, and is a step of replacing a part of the supply system, in this case, replacing a pipette tip.

[0031] The discharge preparation step is performed during the sample discharge step S1300 performed for each array plate so that the array plate does not come into contact with multiple liquids. In the discharge preparation step, the timing at which the liquid is changed is the timing at which each sample is changed in the period between the sample supply steps S1200 performed successively for two array plates.

[0032] The supply preparation step is performed during the sample supply step S1200, which is performed for each array plate, so that the array plate does not come into contact with a plurality of samples. In the supply preparation step, the liquid is changed at the following times. (1) The timing at which each sample is changed during the period between two successive sample supply steps S1200 for the array plates. (2) The timing at which the liquid is changed to the stop liquid when the reaction stopping step 1400 is performed after the sample discharging step S1300. (3) The timing at which the liquid is changed to the cleaning liquid when the cleaning liquid supplying step S1600 is performed after the contact liquid discharging step S1500. (4) The timing at which the liquid is changed to the label substance when the label supplying step S1700 is performed after the contact liquid discharging step S1500 of the cleaning liquid. (5) The timing at which the liquid is changed to the cleaning liquid when the cleaning liquid supplying step S1600 is performed after the labeling substance contact liquid discharging step S1500. (6) The timing at which the liquid is changed to the storage liquid when the storage liquid supplying step S1800 is performed after the contact liquid discharging step S1500 of the cleaning liquid.

[0033] Here, the timing of changing the sample in (1) will be described with reference to the sample supplying process S1200 before and after it. The specimen A is supplied onto the Nth plate, and the specimen B is supplied onto the N+1th plate. [1] A process of aspirating sample A from a reagent container using pipette tip a and a pipetter, and dispensing sample A onto plate N. [2] A process of removing pipette tip a from the pipette and discarding it. [3] The process of attaching a virgin (empty) pipette tip b to the pipetter. [4] A process of aspirating sample B from a reagent container using pipette tip b and a pipetter, and dispensing sample B onto the N+1th plate. The timing of the supply preparation step for replacing sample A with sample B in these two sequential sample supply steps S1200 ([1] and [4]) is between the sample supply step [1] and the sample supply step [4], where the supply preparation steps [2] and [3] are performed. By performing the supply preparation step in this manner, the pipette tip a is not reused between the two sequential sample supply steps S1200 ([1] and [4]), and the risk of cross-contamination of sample A for the Nth plate with the required sample B for the N+1th plate is reduced.

[0034] The discharge steps other than the specimen discharge step S1300 are performed for at least two plates from which liquid is continuously discharged among the multiple array plates, without replacing a part of the discharge system, such as a tip. The reaction stop step S1400, the washing solution supply step S1600, the label supply step S1700, and the preservation solution supply step S1800 are performed for at least two plates from which liquid is continuously supplied among the multiple array plates, without replacing a part of the supply system, such as a tip.

[0035] In the preservation solution discharge step S1100, a tip is attached to the pipette to discharge the preservation solution from the array plate, and the same tip is used to discharge the solution from plates A to J. In this step, the sample has not yet been supplied onto the array plate, and there is no risk of sample contamination, so the tip is used.

[0036] In the sample supplying step S1200, when supplying samples to plate A, if the first tip is reused, the sample will be contaminated with the preservation solution, so the tip is replaced with the second tip. Also, to prevent sample contamination between array plates, the tip is replaced for each array plate.

[0037] In the sample discharge step S1300, similarly to the sample supply step S1200, in order to prevent contamination of samples between array plates, the tips are replaced for each array plate.

[0038] In the reaction stopping step S1400, if the 21st tip is used when supplying the stop solution to the A plate, the specimen from the J plate will adhere to the tip and will be mixed into the stop solution bottle. If the stop solution is supplied to each array plate, contamination of specimens between the array plates will occur. Therefore, the tip is replaced to prevent contamination of specimens between the array plates.

[0039] Since the same stop solution is supplied from plate B onwards, the reuse of the tip will not cause contamination of samples between plates or with other liquids. However, if the tip of the tip comes into contact with the liquid on the array plate when supplying stop solution to each array plate, contamination of samples between array plates or with other liquids may occur. Therefore, the position of the tip must be controlled so that it does not come into contact with the liquid on the array plate when supplying liquid.

[0040] In the contact liquid discharge step S1500 after the reaction stopping step S1400, the tips are reused without changing them for all array plates. Because the contact liquid on plate A is the same as the contact liquid supplied immediately before, reusing the tips will not cause contamination that will affect the reaction. In the discharge from B onwards, although there is a possibility that samples from the plate before the array plate being discharged may be attached to the tips, the reaction of the biological material on the array plate is not progressing due to the stop liquid, so even if sample contamination occurs, it will not affect the reaction.

[0041] In the washing solution supply step (buffer solution supply step) S1600, label supply step S1700, and preservation solution supply step S1800, the tip is replaced only for the first array plate (A plate), and the tip is reused for the second and subsequent plates (B plate and subsequent plates). The reason for replacing the tip is that the buffer solution supplied to A plate is different from the solution discharged immediately before, and contamination with another solution occurs in the buffer solution container. The reason that the tip can be reused is that, as in the reaction stopping step S1300, the same solution is supplied from B plate onwards, so contamination with other solutions does not occur even if the tip is reused. However, when supplying solution to each plate, if the tip of the tip comes into contact with the solution on the array plate, contamination with other solutions occurs, so the position of the tip tip must be controlled to a position where it does not come into contact with the solution on the array plate when the solution is supplied.

[0042] If chips are exchanged between array plates in all steps of the analysis process S1000, 120 chips would be used, but by performing chip exchange in this embodiment, the number of chips used can be reduced to 26. The number of chips reduced also changes depending on the number of steps and the number of plates.

[0043] <Configuration of array plate processing device> The treatment device for the array plate for supplying and discharging the liquid in this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the array plate processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0044] In Fig. 2, 100 denotes an array plate. Here, a plurality of array plates 10 (in the illustrated example, ten array plates 10 A to J) are appropriately held on a mounting section so that they can be processed in parallel. As shown in Fig. 2, they may be held on the mounting section lined up in the horizontal direction, or they may be held on the mounting section lined up in the vertical direction, in a grid, in a circle, or the like. Furthermore, the number of plates is not limited to ten as shown in Fig. 2.

[0045] Reference numeral 200 denotes a specimen, which is stored in a specified liquid storage section. The specimen 200 is reacted with a spot on the array plate 100. A required amount of specimen 200 is prepared for each array plate 10. Reference numeral 300 denotes a pipette, and 400 denotes a pipette tip. The tip 400 is attached to the pipette 300, and is used to supply and discharge a specified liquid.

[0046] 500, 600, and 700 are moving parts that change the relative position of the placement part with respect to the supply system (relatively move in translation), specifically, stages for moving the pipette 300 (and the tip 400 attached thereto) to a desired position including on each array plate 100. The X moving stage 500 moves the pipette 300 in the X direction, the Y moving stage 600 moves the pipette 300 in the Y direction, and the Z moving stage 700 moves the pipette 300 in the Z direction. The Z moving stage 700 is attached to either the X moving stage 500 or the Y moving stage 600. The pipette 300 is attached to the Z direction moving stage 700, and can move in the XY plane (horizontal plane) and in the Z direction (vertical). Although not shown, actuators and control systems are used to move the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700. In this embodiment, a case where the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 are each moved linearly is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a moving stage may be used, for example.

[0047] 800 is a tip storage area that holds a replacement tip 400. The XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 function as a loading section that loads the tip 400 into at least one of the supply system and the discharge system. The pipette 300 functions as a release section that releases the loading of the tip 400 from at least one of the supply system and the discharge system. In the function as a loading section, the pipette 300 is moved horizontally to a desired tip position in the tip storage area, and then moved vertically to attach the tip to the pipette 300. In the function as a release section, the used tip 400 is removed from the pipette 300 at a predetermined position. When replacing the used tip 400, a waste tip storage area 900, which is a tip disposal area, may be installed and the tip may be disposed therein, or it may be disposed in an empty space in the tip storage area 800.

[0048] The supply system is coupled to a supply system moving part having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the mounting part, the loading part, and the releasing part. The discharge system is coupled to a discharge system moving part having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the mounting part, the loading part, and the releasing part. The supply system moving part has a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement and is provided with a moving mechanism that shares at least some of the degrees of freedom of movement with the discharge system moving part. In this embodiment, the configuration including the pipette 300, the tip 400 used, and the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 serves as both a supply system and a discharge system for a predetermined liquid. The XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 function as a supply system moving part in the supply system and as a discharge system moving part in the discharge system. The supply system supplies a predetermined liquid to at least one of the plurality of array plates 100 placed on the mounting part. The discharge system discharges the liquid held by the array plate 100 when at least one of the plurality of array plates 100 placed on the mounting part holds the predetermined liquid.

[0049] Reference numeral 1000 denotes a drainage container for draining liquid discharged in the sample or reagent discharge step. Reference numerals 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400 denote reagents used in the reaction process, which are stored in designated reservoirs. Reference numeral 1100 denotes a stop solution used in the reaction stop step, 1200 denotes a washing solution used in the washing step, 1300 denotes a labeling substance used in the label supply step, and 1400 denotes a preservation solution for preventing drying on the array plate 100.

[0050] A controller 10 controls various operations of the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 and the pipette 300. The operations include a movement operation of the pipette 300 by the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700, a loading operation of loading the tip 400 into the pipette 300, various operations of aspirating and discharging a specimen or a reagent by the pipette 300, and a release operation of removing the tip 400 from the pipette 300. Under the control of the controller 10, the supply system replaces a part of the supply system (e.g., a tip) when the liquid to be supplied is changed. Similarly, under the control of the controller 10, the discharge system replaces a part of the discharge system (e.g., a tip) when the liquid to be discharged is changed. Specifically, each step of the analysis step S1000 in FIG. 1 is executed by each drive by the controller 10. The controller 10 is electrically connected to the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 and the pipette 300. The controller 10 has a central processing unit (CPU), and the CPU executes an operating program to realize each drive.

[0051] <Operation of the array plate processing device> The operation of the processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Here, the pipette 300, tip 400, and XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 are configured as a common component for the discharge system and the supply system.

[0052] In the preservation liquid discharge step S1100, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 attach the tip 400 from the tip holder 800 to the pipette 300 and move the pipette 300 onto plate A, where the pipette 300 aspirates the preservation liquid on plate A into the tip 400. While maintaining the aspirated state, the pipette 300 is moved onto the drainage container 1000, and the aspirated preservation liquid is discharged into the drainage container 1000. Without replacing the tip 400, the drainage operation of the preservation liquid is repeated for plates B to J in the same manner as for plate A, and the preservation liquid on plates B to J is discharged. After discharging plate J, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the pipette 300 to the waste tip holder 900, where the pipette 300 removes the tip 400 and places it in the waste tip holder 900.

[0053] Next, the process proceeds to a specimen supplying step S1200. In the specimen supplying step S1200, the XYZ movement stages 500, 600, 700 attach a new tip 400 from the tip storage 800 to the pipette 300, and the pipette 300 aspirates the specimen 200. The XYZ movement stages 500, 600, 700 move the pipette 300 aspirating the specimen 200 onto array plate A, and the pipette 300 supplies the specimen 200 onto plate A. After supplying, the XYZ movement stages 500, 600, 700 move the pipette 300 to the discarded tip storage 900, and the pipette 300 removes the tip 400 and discards it in the discarded tip storage 900. Thereafter, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the pipette 300 to the tip storage 800, where a new tip 400 is attached, and the pipette 300 aspirates the sample 200 and supplies it onto plate B. The above operations are similarly repeated for plates C to J, supplying the sample to all of the array plates 100.

[0054] When the biological material contained in the spots on plates 100A-J has sufficiently reacted with the specimen 200, the process proceeds to a specimen discharge step S1300. In the specimen discharge step S1300, the XYZ movement stages 500, 600, 700 move the pipette 300 to the tip holder 800 and attach a new tip 400. The XYZ movement stages 500, 600, 700 move the pipette 300 above plate A, and the pipette 300 aspirates the specimen 200 on plate A into the tip 400. While maintaining the aspirated state, the XYZ movement stages 500, 600, 700 move the pipette 300 above the drainage container 1000, and the pipette 300 discharges the aspirated specimen 200 into the drainage container 1000. After discharging, the XYZ movement stages 500, 600, 700 move the pipette 300 to the waste tip storage area 900, where the pipette 300 removes the tip and places it in the waste tip storage area 900. The XYZ movement stages 500, 600, 700 then move the pipette 300 to the tip storage area 800, attach a new tip 400, and move the pipette 300 onto plate B, where the pipette 300 aspirates the sample in the same manner as for plate A. The above operations are similarly repeated for plates C to J, and the sample 200 is discharged from each of plates A to J.

[0055] Next, the process proceeds to a reaction stopping step S1400. In the reaction stopping step S1400, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the pipette 300 to the tip holder 800, attach the tip 400, and aspirate the stop solution 1100. The pipette 300 aspirating the stop solution 1100 is moved above array plate A, and the stop solution 1100 is supplied onto plate A. After supply, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move above the stop solution 1100, and the pipette 300 aspirates the stop solution 1100, moves above plate B, and supplies the stop solution 1100. The above operations are similarly repeated for plates C to J.

[0056] After the stop solution 1100 has been supplied onto all of the array plates 100, the process proceeds to the contact liquid discharge step S1500. In the contact liquid discharge step S1500, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the pipette 300 onto plate A without replacing the tip 400, and the pipette 300 aspirates the stop solution 1100 on plate A. While maintaining the aspirated state of the pipette 300, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the pipette 300 onto the drainage container 1000, and the pipette 300 discharges the aspirated stop solution 1100 into the drainage container 1000. The above operations are similarly repeated for plates B to J, and the stop solution 1100 on plates B to J is discharged.

[0057] In the washing liquid supplying step (buffer solution supplying step) S1600, the labeling supplying step S1700, and the preservation liquid supplying step (buffer solution supplying step) S1800, the following operations are performed. The XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the pipette 300 to the tip storage 800 and attach a new tip 400, and the pipette 300 aspirates the predetermined liquid, which is the washing liquid 1200, which is a buffer solution, the labeling substance 1300, or the preservation liquid 1400, which is a buffer solution. The XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the pipette 300 aspirating the predetermined liquid onto the array plate A, and the pipette 300 supplies the predetermined liquid onto the plate A. After the tip is supplied, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move onto the washing liquid 1200, the labeling substance 1300, or the preservation liquid 1400, and the pipette 300 aspirates the predetermined liquid. XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move pipette 300 onto plate B, and pipette 300 supplies a predetermined liquid. The above operations are repeated for plates C to J in the same manner.

[0058] As described above, according to the processing method and processing apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent contamination between a plurality of array plates and reduce the consumption of tips.

[0059] -Embodiment 2- In the first embodiment, the supply system and the discharge system are operated as one system, but the supply system and the discharge system may be separate systems. By using separate systems, the supply process and the discharge process can be carried out in parallel, which makes it possible to reduce the number of steps required for the reaction process of the array plate.

[0060] The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the analysis step S1000, S1100, S1200, S1300, S1400, S1500, S1600, S1500, S1700, S1500, S1600, S1500, and S1800 are sequentially executed. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the method of treating an array plate according to the second embodiment.

[0061] [Pipette tip replacement status (S2301)] This shows the tip replacement status for each array plate in each supply step and discharge step of the analysis process S1000. In S2301, the numbers indicate the number of tips used by the supply and discharge pipettes after tips have been replaced. The ● symbol indicates that the discharge pipette is reusing the tip without replacing it, and the ◯ symbol indicates that the supply pipette is reusing the tip without replacing it.

[0062] <Chip replacement in each step of the analysis process S1000> The preservation solution discharge step S1100 is the same as in the case of one line in the first embodiment. In the sample supplying step S1200, a tip is attached to a supply pipette and the sample is supplied. In order to prevent sample contamination between plates, the tip is replaced for each plate.

[0063] In the sample discharge step S1300, the tip discharging the preservation solution is reused for discharging the sample from plate A. This is because reusing the tip will not cause sample contamination. However, from plate B onwards, the tip is replaced for each plate to prevent sample contamination between plates.

[0064] In the reaction stopping step S1400, if the 10th tip from the sample supplying step is reused, sample contamination will occur, so the tip is replaced with a new one on plate A. Since the same stop solution is supplied from plate B onwards, reusing the tip will not cause sample contamination between plates or contamination with other liquids.

[0065] The steps after the contact liquid discharge step S1500 are similar to those in the case of one line in the first embodiment.

[0066] If chips are exchanged between array plates in all steps of the analysis process S1000, 120 chips would be used, but by performing chip exchange in this embodiment, the number of chips used can be reduced to 25. The number of chips reduced also changes depending on the number of steps and the number of plates.

[0067] <Configuration of array plate processing device> The treatment device for the array plate for supplying and discharging the liquid in this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the array plate processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0068] In this embodiment, the discharge system includes a pipette 300, a tip 400, and XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 as a discharge system moving section, and 301 is a pipette of the supply system (supply pipette), and 401 is a pipette tip of the supply system (supply tip).

[0069] 501, 601, and 701 are stages for moving the supply pipette 301. 501 is a moving stage in the X direction, 601 is a moving stage in the Y direction, and 701 is a moving stage in the Z direction. The Z moving stage 701 is attached to either the X moving stage 501 or the Y moving stage 601. The pipette 300 is attached to the moving stage 701 in the Z direction, and can move in the XY plane (horizontal plane) and in the Z direction (vertical). Although not shown, an actuator and a control system are used for moving the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701. In this embodiment, a case in which the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 are each moved linearly is illustrated, but this is not limited to this, and a moving stage may be used, for example. In this embodiment, the supply system has a configuration including the supply pipette 301, the supply tip 401, and the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 as a supply system moving part.

[0070] The controller 10 controls various operations for each of the discharge system and the supply system. In the discharge system, the controller 10 controls the movement operation of the discharge pipette 300 by the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, 700, the loading operation of the discharge tip 400, the various operations of the discharge pipette 300 to aspirate and discharge a specimen or reagent, and the release operation of removing the discharge tip 400 from the discharge pipette 300. In the supply system, the controller 10 controls the movement operation of the supply pipette 301 by the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, 701, the loading operation of the supply tip 401, the various operations of the supply pipette 301 to aspirate and discharge a specimen or reagent, and the release operation of removing the supply tip 401 from the supply pipette 301. Under the control of the controller 10, the supply system replaces a part of the supply system (e.g., a tip) when the liquid to be supplied is changed. Similarly, under the control of the controller 10, the discharge system replaces a part of the discharge system (e.g., a tip) when the liquid to be discharged is changed. 3 is executed by driving each step by the controller 10. The controller 10 is electrically connected to the XYZ movement stages 500, 600, 700, and the discharge pipette 300, as well as the XYZ movement stages 501, 601, 701, and the supply pipette 301.

[0071] <Operation of the array plate processing device> The operation of the processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Here, the pipette 300, tip 400, and XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 form a discharge system, and the pipette 301, tip 401, and XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 form a supply system.

[0072] The preservation liquid discharge step S1100 and the specimen supply step S1200 are performed in parallel. First, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the discharge pipette 300 to the tip holder 800 to mount a new discharge tip 400, and the discharge pipette 300 aspirates the preservation liquid on the plate A into the discharge tip 400. While the discharge pipette 300 is aspirating the preservation liquid, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 to the tip holder 800 to mount a new supply tip 401, and the supply pipette 301 aspirates the specimen 200. The XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 aspirating the specimen 200 to above the plate A, and the supply pipette 301 supplies the specimen 200 onto the plate A. While the supply pipette 301 supplies the specimen onto the plate, the XYZ movement stages 500, 600, and 700 move the discharge pipette 300 above the waste liquid container 1000 while the discharge pipette 300 maintains the aspirated state of the preservation liquid. The discharge pipette 300 discharges the aspirated preservation liquid into the waste liquid container 1000. After the supply pipette 301 supplies the specimen 200, the XYZ movement stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 to the waste tip holder 900, and the supply pipette 301 removes the supply pipette 301 and places it in the waste tip holder 900. The XYZ movement stages 500, 600, and 700 move the discharge pipette 300 above plate B without changing the discharge tip 400 of the discharge pipette 300, and the discharge pipette 300 aspirates the preservation liquid. The XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 to the tip storage 800 and attach a new supply tip 401, and the supply pipette 301 aspirates the specimen 200 and supplies it onto the plate B. The above operations are similarly repeated for the plates C to J, discharging the preservation solution from all the array plates 100 and supplying the specimen 200.

[0073] When the biological material contained in the spots on the plates A to J has sufficiently reacted with the specimen 200, the specimen discharge step S1300 and the reaction stopping step S1400 are performed in parallel. First, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 attach the discharge tip 400 that has discharged the preservation solution to the discharge pipette 300 as it is, and move the discharge pipette 300 to above plate A. The discharge pipette 300 aspirates the specimen 200 on plate A into the discharge tip 400. While the discharge pipette 300 is mounting the tip and aspirating the specimen, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 to the tip holder 800, attach a new supply tip 401, and the supply pipette 301 aspirates the stop solution 1100. After the discharge pipette 300 that has aspirated the specimen 200 on plate A moves above the drainage container 1000, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 that has aspirated the stop solution 1100 above plate A. The supply pipette 301 supplies the stop solution 1100 onto plate A. While the supply pipette 301 is supplying the stop solution 1100 onto plate A, the discharge pipette 300 discharges the aspirated specimen 200 into the drainage container 1000. After discharging, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the discharge pipette 300 to the waste tip storage area 900, and the discharge pipette 300 removes the discharge tip 400 and places it in the waste tip storage area 900. While the discharge pipette 300 is disposing of the tip, the supply pipette 301 moves above the stop solution 1100 and waits until the stop solution 1100 is supplied to the next plate B. The standby position of the supply pipette 301 may be above the stop solution 1100, or may be set at a position that does not interfere with the pipette operation of the discharge system.

[0074] Thereafter, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the discharge pipette 300 to the tip storage 800, attach a new discharge tip 400, and move the discharge pipette 300 onto plate B. The discharge pipette 300 aspirates the specimen 200 on plate B into the discharge tip 400. While the discharge pipette 300 is attaching the tip and aspirating the specimen 200 on plate B, the supply pipette 301 aspirates and prepares to supply the stop solution 1100. After the discharge pipette 300 that has aspirated the specimen 200 on plate B moves onto the drainage container 1000, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 that has aspirated the stop solution 1100 onto plate B. The supply pipette 301 supplies the stop solution 1100 onto plate B. While the supply pipette 301 supplies the stop solution 1100 onto the plate B, the supply pipette 300 discharges the aspirated specimen 200 into the waste liquid container 1000. After discharging, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the discharge pipette 300 to the waste tip storage 900, and the discharge pipette 300 removes the discharge tip 400 and places it in the waste tip storage 900. While the discharge pipette 300 discards the discharge tip 400, the supply pipette 301 moves above the stop solution 1100 and waits until the stop solution 1100 is supplied to the next array plate 100. The above operations are repeated for the plates C to I in the same manner, and for the plate J, the same process is performed up to the step of discharging the specimen 200 into the waste liquid container 1000, and the plate is made to wait above the waste liquid container 1000, and the tip is not replaced. The standby position of the discharge pipette 300 may be above the waste liquid container 900, or a separate standby position may be provided.

[0075] Once the stop solution 1100 has been supplied onto all of the array plates 100 and the reactions of the spots on the array plate 100 have been stopped, the process proceeds to a contact liquid discharge step S1500 and a cleaning liquid supply step S1600. The XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the discharge pipette 300, which has been waiting above the drainage container 1000, onto plate A, and the discharge pipette 300 aspirates the stop solution on plate A. While the discharge pipette 300 is aspirating the stop solution 1100, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 to the tip holder 800, attach a new tip 401, and the supply pipette 301 aspirates the cleaning solution 1200. After the pipette 300 that has aspirated the stop solution 1100 on plate A moves above the drainage container 1000, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 that has aspirated the washing solution 1200 above plate A. The supply pipette 301 supplies the washing solution 1200 onto plate A. While the supply pipette 301 is supplying the washing solution 1200 onto plate A, the discharge pipette 300 discharges the aspirated stop solution 1100 into the drainage container 1000 and waits above the drainage container 1000. After the supply pipette 301 supplies the reaction washing solution 1100 onto plate A, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 above the washing solution 1200 and waits.

[0076] Next, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 move the discharge pipette 300 onto plate B, and the discharge pipette 300 aspirates the stop solution 1100 on plate B. While the discharge pipette 300 is aspirating the stop solution 1100, the supply pipette 301 aspirates the cleaning solution 1200. After the discharge pipette 300 moves from above plate B to above the drainage container 1000, the supply pipette 301 moves onto plate B and supplies the cleaning solution 1200. These operations are similarly repeated for plates C to J. The subsequent steps (contact liquid discharge step S1500 to preservation liquid supply step S1800) are also performed in the same procedure.

[0077] As described above, the processing method and processing apparatus of this embodiment can prevent contamination between multiple array plates and reduce the consumption of tips. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the supply system and the discharge system are separate, so that the supply process and the discharge process can be carried out in parallel, thereby reducing the number of reaction processing steps for the array plates.

[0078] -Embodiment 3- In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the supply system and the discharge system are separate systems, and a plurality of supply pipettes are provided in the supply system.

[0079] The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the analysis step S1000, S1100, S1200, S1300, S1400, S1500, S1600, S1500, S1700, S1500, S1600, S1500, and S1800 are sequentially executed. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the method of treating an array plate according to the third embodiment.

[0080] [Pipette tip replacement status (S2302)] This shows the tip replacement status for each array plate in each supply step and discharge step of the analysis process S1000. In S2302, the numbers indicate the number of tips used by the pipettes in the supply and discharge systems after they have been replaced. The circle symbol indicates that the pipette in supply system 1 is reusing the tip without replacing it, the ◎ symbol indicates that the pipette in supply system 2 is reusing the tip without replacing it, and the ● symbol indicates that the pipette in the discharge system is reusing the tip without replacing it.

[0081] In the supply system, the tip is replaced when each specimen and each supply liquid is changed, but if there are multiple steps in the process flow that supply the same liquid, the tip replacement can be reduced by having a dedicated supply system pipette for that liquid. In the analysis process S1000 of this embodiment, there are two cleaning liquid supply steps S1600, so once a new tip is attached, the tip is reused as is. As a result, if tips are replaced between array plates in all steps of the analysis process S1000, 120 tips will be used, but by performing tip replacement in this embodiment, the number of tips used can be reduced to 24. The number of reductions also changes depending on the number of steps and the number of plates.

[0082] <Configuration of array plate processing device> The treatment device for the array plate for supplying and discharging the liquid in this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing apparatus for an array plate according to this embodiment.

[0083] In this embodiment, the discharge system is configured to have a pipette 300, a tip 400, and XYZ movement stages 500, 600, and 700 as a discharge system movement section. 301 is a pipette of supply system 1, and 401 is a pipette tip of supply system 1. 302 is a pipette of supply system 2, and 402 is a pipette tip of supply system 2.

[0084] In the supply systems 1 and 2 of this embodiment, the X-direction and Y-direction moving stages are common, and two different Z-direction moving stages are used. Specifically, the X-direction moving stage 501 and the Y-direction moving stage 601 are common to the supply systems 1 and 2, the Z-direction moving stage 701 is included in the supply system 1, and the Z-direction moving stage 702 is included in the supply system 2. In this embodiment, the supply system 1 is configured to have the supply pipette 301, the supply tip 401, and the XYZ-direction moving stages 501, 601, and 701 as the supply system moving parts. The supply system 2 is configured to have the supply pipette 302, the supply tip 402, and the XYZ-direction moving stages 501, 601, and 702 as another supply system moving part. Note that the configuration of the XYZ-direction moving stage is not limited to the above, and may be any stage configuration that allows multiple pipettes to be moved in the supply system.

[0085] The controller 10 controls various operations for each of the discharge system and the supply systems 1 and 2. In the discharge system, it controls the movement operation of the discharge pipette 300 by the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 and the loading operation of the discharge tip 400, various operations of aspirating and discharging a sample or reagent by the discharge pipette 300, and a release operation of removing the discharge tip 400 from the discharge pipette 300. In the supply system 1, it controls the movement operation of the supply pipette 301 by the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 and the loading operation of the supply tip 401, various operations of aspirating and discharging a liquid by the supply pipette 301, and a release operation of removing the supply tip 401 from the supply pipette 301. The supply system 2 controls the movement of the supply pipette 302 by the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, 702, the loading operation of the supply tip 402, the operations of the supply pipette 302 to aspirate and discharge liquid, and the release operation of removing the supply tip 402 from the supply pipette 302. Under the control of the controller 10, the supply system replaces a part of the supply system (e.g., a tip) when the liquid to be supplied is changed. Similarly, under the control of the controller 10, the discharge system replaces a part of the discharge system (e.g., a tip) when the liquid to be discharged is changed. Specifically, each step of the analysis step S1000 in FIG. 5 is executed by each drive by the controller 10. The controller 10 is electrically connected to the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, 700, and the discharge pipette 300, as well as the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, 701, 702, and the supply pipettes 301, 302.

[0086] <Operation of the array plate processing device> The operation of the processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Here, the pipette 300, tip 400, and XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 are considered to be a discharge system. The pipette 301, tip 401, and XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 are considered to be a supply system 1, and the pipette 302, tip 402, and XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 702 are considered to be a supply system 2.

[0087] First, the steps from the preservation solution discharge step S1100 to the contact solution discharge step S1500 of the stop solution are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. In the contact liquid discharge step S1500 of the stop liquid, while the discharge pipette 300 is aspirating the stop liquid 1100, the supply system performs the cleaning liquid supply step S1600. In the cleaning liquid supply step S1600, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 702 of the supply system 2 move the supply pipette 302 to the tip holder 800 and attach a new tip 402. The supply pipette 302 aspirates the cleaning liquid 1200. After the pipette 300 that aspirated the reaction stop liquid on plate A moves to above the drainage container 1000, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 702 of the supply system 2 move the supply pipette 302 that aspirated the cleaning liquid 1200 to above plate A. The supply pipette 302 supplies the cleaning liquid 1200 onto plate A. While the supply pipette 302 supplies the cleaning liquid 1200 onto the plate A, the discharge pipette 300 discharges the stop liquid 1200 that it had aspirated into the drainage container 1000 and waits above the drainage container 1000. After the supply pipette 302 supplies the cleaning liquid 1200 onto the plate A, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 702 of the supply system 2 move the supply pipette 302 above the cleaning liquid 1200 and waits.

[0088] Next, the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 of the discharge system move the discharge pipette 300 onto plate B, and the discharge pipette 300 aspirates the stop solution on plate B. While the discharge pipette 300 is aspirating the stop solution 1100, the supply pipette 302 aspirates the cleaning solution 1200. After the discharge pipette 300 moves from above plate B to above the drainage container 1000, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 702 of the supply system 2 move the supply pipette 302 onto plate B, and the supply pipette 302 supplies the cleaning solution 1200 onto plate B. These operations are similarly repeated for plates C to J. After the cleaning solution is supplied to all plates, the tip 402 is not discarded, but is kept held by the supply pipette 302. Thereafter, the contact liquid discharge step S1500 of the cleaning solution to the contact liquid discharge step S1500 of the labeling substance are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. In the second cleaning liquid supplying step S1600, the pipette 302 is used to supply the cleaning liquid 1200, and the tip 402 used in the first cleaning liquid supplying step S1600 is reused as is. The operation of the supply pipette 302 is performed in the same manner as the operation of the supply pipette 301 in the second embodiment. The subsequent contact liquid discharging step S1500 and preservation liquid supplying step S1800 are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0089] As described above, the processing method and processing apparatus of this embodiment can prevent contamination between multiple array plates and reduce the consumption of tips. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the supply system and the discharge system are separate, so that the supply process and the discharge process can be carried out in parallel, thereby reducing the number of reaction processing steps for the array plate. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the supply system having multiple pipettes reduces the consumption of tips.

[0090] -Embodiment 4- In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the supply system and the discharge system are separate systems, and a chip storage area for storing chips in the supply system is provided.

[0091] The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In the analysis step S1000, S1100, S1200, S1300, S1400, S1500, S1600, S1500, S1700, S1500, S1600, S1500, and S1800 are sequentially executed. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the method of treating an array plate according to the fourth embodiment.

[0092] [Pipette tip replacement status (S2303)] This shows the tip replacement status for each array plate in each supply step and discharge step of the analysis process S1000. In S2303, the numbers indicate the number of tips used by the supply and discharge pipettes after they have been replaced. The circle symbol indicates that the supply pipette is reusing the tip without replacing it, and the black circle symbol indicates that the discharge pipette is reusing the tip without replacing it.

[0093] In the pipette tip replacement status (S2302) in the third embodiment, when there are multiple steps in the process flow that supply the same liquid, it was explained that a dedicated supply pipette is provided for that liquid. In this embodiment, a tip storage area is provided for temporarily storing tips, and tips dedicated to the above liquid are stored without being discarded, and can be attached to the pipette when used again.

[0094] In the analysis process S1000, since there are two cleaning solution supplying steps S1600, a new chip is attached once, cleaning solution is supplied to all plates, and then the chip is stored in the chip storage area. When the cleaning solution supplying step S1600 is executed again, the stored chip is reused. As a result, if chips are exchanged between arrays and plates in all steps of the analysis process S1000, 120 chips would be used, but by performing the chip exchange in this embodiment, the number of chips used can be reduced to 24. The number of chips reduced also changes depending on the number of steps and the number of plates.

[0095] <Configuration of array plate processing device> The treatment device for the array plate for supplying and discharging the liquid in this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing apparatus for an array plate according to this embodiment.

[0096] The processing apparatus according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of FIG. 6 of the second embodiment, and in addition has a tip storage area 1500 as a tip storage section for temporarily storing used tips. The tip holder 1500 is structured so that a tip removed by a pipette can be stored on the tip holder 1500, and a tip can be attached by pressing a pipette against the tip holder 1500. Although Fig. 8 shows an example in which one tip is stored in the tip holder 1500, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and when there are multiple types of liquids that are used repeatedly, the tip holder 1500 may be structured so that multiple tips can be stored therein.

[0097] <Operation of the array plate processing device> The operation of the processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Here, the pipette 300, tip 400, and XYZ moving stages 500, 600, and 700 form a discharge system, and the pipette 301, tip 401, and XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 form a supply system.

[0098] First, the steps from the storage liquid discharge step S1100 to the cleaning liquid supply step S1600 are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. After supplying the cleaning liquid onto all the array plates 100, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 with the used tip attached thereto to above the tip repository 1500. The supply pipette 301 removes the tip 401 and stores it in the tip repository 1500.

[0099] Thereafter, similarly to the second embodiment, the contact liquid discharge step S1500 of the cleaning liquid and the label supply step S1700 are performed in parallel, and the contact liquid discharge step S1500 of the labeling substance and the second cleaning liquid supply step S1600 are performed in parallel. While the discharge pipette 300 is discharging the contact liquid of the plate A, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 to above the tip placement place 1500 and attach the tip 401 that was removed earlier to the supply pipette 301. Thereafter, the XYZ moving stages 501, 601, and 701 move the supply pipette 301 to above the cleaning liquid 1200, and the supply pipette 301 aspirates the cleaning liquid 1200 and supplies it to the plate A. The subsequent contact liquid discharge step S1500 and the preservation liquid supply step S1800 are performed similarly to the second embodiment.

[0100] As described above, the processing method and processing apparatus of this embodiment can prevent contamination between multiple array plates and reduce the consumption of tips. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the supply system and the discharge system are separate, so that the supply process and the discharge process can be carried out in parallel, thereby reducing the number of reaction processing steps for the array plate. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the supply system having multiple pipettes reduces the consumption of tips.

[0101] -Other embodiments- In the array plate processing apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments, a computer having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a storage medium such as a HDD, a display unit, and an operation unit is applied as the controller 10. Naturally, the controller 10 is not limited to this form, and may be an information terminal such as a PDA, a tablet PC, or a mobile phone. As the display unit of the controller 10, various display devices such as a liquid crystal display device are applied. As the operation unit of the controller 10, various input devices such as a keyboard or a touch panel are applied. A computer program for controlling the battery structure removal system is stored in the ROM or the storage medium. This computer program is a program for implementing various functions including the operations of the XYZ moving stages 500, 600, 700, 501, 601, 701, 702 and the pipettes 300, 301, 302, and corresponds to S1000 (S1100, S1200, S1300, S1400, S1500, S1600, S1500, S1700, S1500, S1600, S1500, S1800) in Figs. 1, 3, 5, and 7. The CPU of the controller 10 reads the computer program from the ROM or storage medium and executes it using the RAM as a working area. In this way, the controller 10 controls each part of the inspection device.

[0102] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0103] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following methods and configurations. (Method 1) A method for processing an array plate, comprising: using a processing device including a supply system for supplying liquid and a discharge system for discharging liquid, the method comprising: reacting different specimens with a plurality of array plates including a common spot array, the array plates including the common spot array being treated by the treatment device including a supply system for supplying liquid and a discharge system for discharging liquid, the method comprising the steps of: a discharge step of sequentially discharging the contact liquid in contact with the spot array for each of the array plates using the discharge system; a sample supplying step of supplying a sample selected from a plurality of samples for each of the array plates using the supply system; a stop solution supplying step of sequentially supplying a reaction stop solution for stopping a reaction between at least a part of the spot array and the sample to the plurality of array plates using the supply system; a buffer supplying step of sequentially supplying a predetermined buffer solution to the plurality of array plates using the supply system; a discharge preparation step of replacing a part of the discharge system, which is performed when the contact liquid discharged by the discharge system is changed; a supply preparation step of replacing a part of the supply system, which is performed when the liquid supplied by the supply system is changed; A method for treating an array plate, comprising: (Method 2) The discharge preparation step is performed for each of the array plates during the discharge step after the specimen supply step and before the stop solution supply step. A method for treating an array plate according to method 1. (Method 3) the discharge preparation step is performed for each array plate between the discharge steps so that the array plate does not come into contact with the plurality of specimens; A method for treating an array plate according to method 1 or 2. (Method 4) The timing at which the contact liquid is changed is the period between two successive discharge steps. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 3. (Method 5) The supply preparation step is performed between the sample supply steps performed for each array plate. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 4. (Method 6) the supply preparation step is performed between the sample supply steps, which are performed for each array plate, so that the array plate does not come into contact with the plurality of samples; A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 5. (Method 7) The timing at which the liquid is changed is a period between two successive steps selected from the sample supplying step, the stop solution supplying step, and the buffer solution supplying step. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 6. (Method 8) The sample supplying step, the stop solution supplying step, and the buffer solution supplying step are performed so that the supplied liquids come into contact with the spot array. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 7. (Method 9) The common spot array in the plurality of array plates includes a plurality of spots in which different biological substances are arranged in an array. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 8. (Method 10) A common process is performed on the plurality of array plates except for the process of reacting the plurality of array plates with different specimens. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 9. (Method 11) the common process includes the stop solution supplying step and the buffer solution supplying step, which are performed on the plurality of array plates; A method for treating an array plate according to method 10. (Method 12) The predetermined buffer solution includes at least one selected from a washing solution, an observation solution, a storage solution, and a dilution solution. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 11. (Method 13) The part of the discharge system includes a part that comes into contact with the contact liquid. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 12. (Method 14) The discharge step, excluding the step of discharging the sample, is performed for at least two array plates from which liquid is continuously discharged among the plurality of array plates, without replacing a part of the discharge system. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 13. (Method 15) the buffer solution supplying step and the stop solution supplying step are performed for at least two array plates to which liquid is continuously supplied among the plurality of array plates, without replacing a part of the supply system. A method for treating an array plate according to any one of Methods 1 to 14. (Configuration 1) a mounting section on which a plurality of array plates are arranged and mounted; a supply system that supplies liquid to at least one of the plurality of array plates placed on the placement section; a discharge system that discharges liquid held by at least one of the array plates placed on the placement section when the array plate holds liquid; a moving unit that changes a relative position of the placement unit with respect to the supply system; A loading unit that loads a dispensing tip into at least one of the supply system and the discharge system; a release unit that releases the dispensing tip from at least one of the supply system and the discharge system; a liquid storage section in which the liquid to be supplied to the supply system is stored; having Array plate processing apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) The part of the supply system and the part of the discharge system to be replaced are the dispensing tip. 2. A processing apparatus for an array plate according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The supply system replaces a part of the supply system when the liquid to be supplied is changed. 3. A processing device for an array plate according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) The discharge system replaces a part of the discharge system when the liquid to be discharged is changed. 4. A processing apparatus for an array plate according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) Further comprising a tip disposal unit that discards the dispensing tip after the dispensing tip is released from the loading state. 5. A processing apparatus for an array plate according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The liquid storage unit is configured to have a plurality of containers for storing the liquid. 6. A processing apparatus for an array plate according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) the array plate has a bank portion capable of storing the liquid supplied from the supply system, the mounting portion is configured so that the array plate is mounted thereon such that the liquid is stored on the array plate; 7. A processing apparatus for an array plate according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 8) The moving unit moves the placement unit in a translational manner relative to the placement unit. 8. A processing apparatus for an array plate according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 9) The supply system is coupled to a supply system moving unit having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the placement unit, the loading unit, and the releasing unit. 9. A processing apparatus for an array plate according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) The discharge system is coupled to a discharge-system moving part having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the placement part, the loading part, and the releasing part. 10. A processing apparatus for an array plate according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. (Configuration 11) the supply system is coupled to a supply system moving unit having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the placement unit, the loading unit, and the releasing unit; the discharge system is coupled to a discharge-system moving part having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the placement part, the loading part, and the releasing part; The supply system moving part has a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement including a moving mechanism that shares at least a part of the degrees of freedom of movement with the discharge system moving part. 8. A processing apparatus for an array plate according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 12) Further comprising a tip storage unit for temporarily storing the used dispensing tip for reuse. 12. The treatment apparatus for an array plate according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] S1000: Analysis process S1100: Preservation solution discharge process S1200: Sample supply process S1300: Sample discharge process S1400: Reaction termination process S1500: Contact liquid discharge process S1600: Cleaning solution supply process S1700: Label supply process S1800: Preservation solution supply process 100: Array plate 200: Sample 300, 301, 302: Pipette 400, 401, 402: Pipette tips 500,501:X moving stage 600,601:Y moving stage 700, 701, 702: Z movement stage 800: Tips area 900: Waste chip storage area 1000: Drainage container 1100: Stop liquid 1200: cleaning solution 1300: Labeled substance 1400: Preservation solution 1500: Tips area

Claims

1. A method for processing an array plate, comprising: using a processing device including a supply system for supplying liquid and a discharge system for discharging liquid, the method comprising: reacting different specimens with a plurality of array plates including a common spot array, the array plates including the common spot array being treated by the treatment device including a supply system for supplying liquid and a discharge system for discharging liquid, the method comprising the steps of: a discharge step of sequentially discharging the contact liquid in contact with the spot array for each of the array plates using the discharge system; a sample supplying step of supplying a sample selected from a plurality of samples for each of the array plates using the supply system; a stop solution supplying step of sequentially supplying a reaction stop solution for stopping a reaction between at least a part of the spot array and the sample to the plurality of array plates using the supply system; a buffer supplying step of sequentially supplying a predetermined buffer solution to the plurality of array plates using the supply system; a discharge preparation step of replacing a part of the discharge system, which is performed when the contact liquid discharged by the discharge system is changed; a supply preparation step of replacing a part of the supply system, which is performed when the liquid supplied by the supply system is changed; A method for treating an array plate, comprising:

2. The discharge preparation step is performed for each of the array plates during the discharge step after the specimen supply step and before the stop solution supply step.

2. A method for treating an array plate according to claim 1.

3. the discharge preparation step is performed for each array plate between the discharge steps so that the array plate does not come into contact with the plurality of specimens; A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The timing at which the contact liquid is changed is the period between two successive discharge steps. A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The supply preparation step is performed between the sample supply steps performed for each array plate. R, A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the supply preparation step is performed between the sample supply steps, which are performed for each array plate, so that the array plate does not come into contact with the plurality of samples; A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The timing at which the liquid is changed is a period between two successive steps selected from the sample supplying step, the stop solution supplying step, and the buffer solution supplying step. A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The sample supplying step, the stop solution supplying step, and the buffer solution supplying step are performed so that the supplied liquids come into contact with the spot array. A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The common spot array in the plurality of array plates includes a plurality of spots in which different biological substances are arranged in an array. A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A common process is performed on the plurality of array plates except for the process of reacting the plurality of array plates with different specimens. A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the common process includes the stop solution supplying step and the buffer solution supplying step, which are performed on the plurality of array plates; The method for treating an array plate according to claim 10.

12. the predetermined buffer solution includes at least one selected from a washing solution, an observation solution, a storage solution, and a dilution solution; A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The part of the discharge system includes a part that comes into contact with the contact liquid. A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

14. the discharge step, excluding the step of discharging the sample, is performed for at least two array plates from which liquid is continuously discharged among the plurality of array plates, without replacing a part of the discharge system. A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

15. the buffer solution supplying step and the stop solution supplying step are performed for at least two array plates to which liquid is continuously supplied among the plurality of array plates, without replacing a part of the supply system. A method for treating the array plate according to claim 1 or 2.

16. a mounting section on which a plurality of array plates are arranged and mounted; a supply system that supplies liquid to at least one of the plurality of array plates placed on the placement section; a discharge system that discharges liquid held by at least one of the array plates placed on the placement section when the array plate holds liquid; a moving unit that changes a relative position of the placement unit with respect to the supply system; A loading unit that loads a dispensing tip into at least one of the supply system and the discharge system; a release unit that releases the dispensing tip from at least one of the supply system and the discharge system; a liquid storage section in which the liquid to be supplied to the supply system is stored; having 23. The processing apparatus for an array plate comprising:

17. The part of the supply system and the part of the discharge system to be replaced are the dispensing tips. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 .

18. The supply system replaces a part of the supply system when the liquid to be supplied is changed. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

19. The discharge system replaces a part of the discharge system when the liquid to be discharged is changed. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

20. Further comprising a tip disposal unit that discards the dispensing tip after the dispensing tip is released from the loading state. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

21. The liquid storage unit is configured to have a plurality of containers for storing the liquid. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

22. the array plate has a bank portion capable of storing the liquid supplied from the supply system, the mounting portion is configured so that the array plate is mounted thereon such that the liquid is stored on the array plate; The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

23. The moving unit moves the placement unit in a translational manner relative to the placement unit. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

24. The supply system is coupled to a supply system moving unit having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the placement unit, the loading unit, and the releasing unit. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

25. The discharge system is coupled to a discharge-system moving part having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the placement part, the loading part, and the releasing part. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

26. the supply system is coupled to a supply system moving unit having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the placement unit, the loading unit, and the releasing unit; the discharge system is coupled to a discharge-system moving part having a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement so as to move relative to the placement part, the loading part, and the releasing part; The supply system moving part has a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement including a moving mechanism that shares at least a portion of the degrees of freedom of movement with the discharge system moving part. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

27. Further comprising a tip storage unit for temporarily storing the used dispensing tip for reuse. The apparatus for treating an array plate according to claim 16 or 17.

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