Micro chamber array

Abstract

To provide a micro chamber array that leads solvent flowing through a flow channel excellently to a plurality of housing parts, and can improve the detection sensitivity of fluorescence.SOLUTION: A micro chamber array comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate opposing the first substrate; a flow channel which is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and through which solvent containing a sample flows; a chamber body part which is provided on a surface of the first substrate opposing the second substrate; and a plurality of housing parts which are provided for the chamber body part. The chamber body part has a first resin layer and a second resin layer. The second resin layer and the first resin layer are laminated in this order on the first substrate, self-fluorescence created when the second resin layer is irradiated with excitation light is smaller than self-fluorescence created when the first resin layer is irradiated with excitation light, and the contact angle of the second resin layer to water is larger than the contact angle of the first resin layer to water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to microchamber arrays. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose a high-density microchamber array (referred to as a "microchamber array" in Patent document 2) having a flow path through which a solvent containing a biological sample flows and a plurality of microchambers (referred to as a "receptacle section" in Patent document 2) that open into the flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-40754 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2014 / 034781 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The channels and microchambers of the high-density microchamber arrays in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are formed from materials with opposing properties, i.e., hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials. Therefore, depending on the type and properties of the solvent, hydrophobic and hydrophilic solvents may not be properly separated within the microchambers. Furthermore, when excitation light is irradiated onto the microchamber array, the excitation light causes autoluminescence emitted from the resin or other material used in the chamber body to be detected. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the autoluminescence emitted from the resin or other material for fluorescence analysis of the sample.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a micro-chamber array that can effectively separate a hydrophobic solvent and a hydrophilic solvent within a container, thereby improving the detection sensitivity of fluorescence. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A microchamber array according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first substrate, a second substrate opposite the first substrate, a flow path provided between the first substrate and the second substrate through which a solvent containing a sample flows, a chamber main body provided on the surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, and a plurality of storage sections provided in the chamber main body, wherein the chamber main body has a first resin layer and a second resin layer and is stacked on the first substrate in that order, wherein the autofluorescence generated when excitation light is irradiated onto the second resin layer is smaller than the autofluorescence generated when excitation light is irradiated onto the first resin layer, and the contact angle of the second resin layer with water is larger than the contact angle of the first resin layer with water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a micro-chamber array according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which a solvent flows through a channel in the micro-chamber array according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of containers in the micro-chamber array according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV' in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a chamber main body according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a chamber main body according to Comparative Example 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a chamber main body according to Comparative Example 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of containers in a micro-chamber array according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of containers in a micro-chamber array according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of containers in a micro-chamber array according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. In FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of containers in a micro-chamber array according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a chamber main body according to a sixth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a chamber main body according to a seventh modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a chamber main body according to Modification 8 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a chamber main body according to a ninth modification of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Modes (embodiments) for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially identical. Furthermore, the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and any appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the present disclosure are naturally included within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity of explanation, the drawings may schematically depict the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment. However, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in this disclosure and each figure, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous figures may be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] In this specification and claims, when expressing an aspect of placing another structure on top of a certain structure, the term "on top" is used, unless otherwise specified, to include both a case in which another structure is placed directly on top of a certain structure so as to be in contact with the certain structure, and a case in which another structure is placed above a certain structure via yet another structure.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a micro-chamber array according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, for ease of viewing, a second substrate 12, an injection jig 51, and an ejection jig 53 are indicated by dashed two-dot lines.

[0011] 1 and 2, the micro-chamber array 10 has a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a chamber main body 21, a plurality of storage sections 22, a spacer 24, and a seal section 25. Although the plurality of storage sections 22 are not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the detailed configuration of the plurality of storage sections 22 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0012] The first substrate 11 is a flat plate-like member, such as a glass substrate. The second substrate 12 is disposed opposite the first substrate 11 with a gap therebetween. The second substrate 12 is a flat plate-like member, such as a glass substrate. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be formed of other materials, such as silicon or resin. In order to observe the samples accommodated in the multiple accommodation sections 22, at least one of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is made of a light-transmitting material.

[0013] 2, chamber main body 21 is provided on the surface of first substrate 11, i.e., the surface of first substrate 11 facing second substrate 12. Chamber main body 21 has first resin layer 21A and second resin layer 21B. Chamber main body 21 is formed by laminating second resin layer 21B and first resin layer 21A in this order on first substrate 11.

[0014] The first resin layer 21A is a hydrophobic film and is made of a water-repellent resin. The first resin layer 21A has a structure in which a polymer film is processed on the surface, such as a resin containing a fluorine-based or silicone-based component that controls surface energy, an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a polyimide, a polymer having a fluoroalkyl group on the side chain (such as a polymer of fluoroalkylethyl methacrylate or a copolymer with methacrylate), or a polysiloxane (a polymer having a hydrophobic methyl group or a highly hydrophobic fluoroalkyl group on the side chain of siloxane). More specifically, the first resin layer 21A has poor wettability with aqueous solutions and is highly water-repellent. Furthermore, the first resin layer 21A has good affinity with oil.

[0015] The second resin layer 21B is made of a resin with low light transmittance that contains a black pigment such as titanium or carbon. The autofluorescence emitted when the second resin layer 21B is irradiated with excitation light is smaller than the autofluorescence emitted when the first resin layer 21A is irradiated with excitation light.

[0016] As a result, the amount of autofluorescence generated when excitation light is irradiated from the top surface of chamber main body 21 is less than the amount of autofluorescence generated when excitation light is irradiated from the bottom surface of chamber main body 21.

[0017] The first resin layer 21A has higher water repellency than the second resin layer 21B, so the contact angle of the first resin layer 21A with water is larger than the contact angle of the second resin layer 21B with water.

[0018] This makes it possible to control the surface free energy between the surface of the first resin layer 21A and the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22, and to effectively separate the hydrophobic solvent and the hydrophilic solvent within the storage section.

[0019] The chamber main body 21 has a storage section forming area AA and a peripheral area GA. The storage section forming area AA is an area in which a plurality of storage sections 22 are formed. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the plurality of storage section forming areas AA are arranged in a matrix in the chamber main body 21. The peripheral area GA is an area in which the plurality of storage sections 22 are not formed, and is provided between the plurality of storage section forming areas AA and closer to the outer edge of the chamber main body 21 than the plurality of storage section forming areas AA.

[0020] In the following description, the first direction Dx is a direction in a plane parallel to the surface of the first substrate 11. The second direction Dy is a direction in a plane parallel to the surface of the first substrate 11, and is a direction perpendicular to the first direction Dx. The second direction Dy may intersect with the first direction Dx without being perpendicular thereto. The third direction Dz is a direction perpendicular to the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy. The third direction Dz is a normal direction to the surface of the first substrate 11. Furthermore, "planar view" refers to the positional relationship when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first substrate 11.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple storage units 22 are configured as recesses formed in the chamber main body 21. The multiple storage units 22 have a first recess 21a provided in the first resin layer 21A and a second recess 21b provided in the second resin layer 21B. The multiple storage units 22 are spaces for storing a solvent 31 (see FIG. 3) containing a sample to be detected, and are also called minute chambers or microchambers. The multiple storage units 22 are provided so as to penetrate the chamber main body 21 in the thickness direction. That is, the inner walls of the multiple storage units 22 are made of the material of the chamber main body 21, and the bottom surfaces 110 of the multiple storage units 22 are made of the surface of the first substrate 11, such as glass. Glass is more hydrophilic than the chamber main body 21. That is, the bottom surfaces 110 of the multiple storage units 22 are more hydrophilic than the surface of the chamber main body 21.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the spacers 24 are wall-like members provided in the peripheral region GA of the chamber main body 21, and are arranged side by side in the first direction Dx, each extending in the second direction Dy. A plurality of accommodation portion forming regions AA are arranged side by side in the second direction Dy between the spacers 24 adjacent to each other in the first direction Dx. The upper ends of the spacers 24 are in contact with the second substrate 12 (see Fig. 5). This defines the distance between the chamber main body 21 and the second substrate 12 in the third direction Dz.

[0023] With this configuration, a flow path 55 is formed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 and between the plurality of spacers 24 in a plan view, through which the solvents 31, 34 (see FIG. 3) flow from the inlet 52 toward the outlet 54. In the example shown in FIG. 1, three flow paths 55 separated by the plurality of spacers 24 are provided, and each of the three flow paths 55 extends along the second direction Dy. The inlet 52 through which the solvent 31 is injected is provided on one side of the flow path 55 in the second direction Dy, and the outlet 54 through which the solvent 31 is discharged is provided on the other side of the flow path 55 in the second direction Dy.

[0024] The sealing portion 25 is a member that bonds the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 together, and is provided on the first substrate 11 closer to the outer edge than the chamber main body 21. The sealing portion 25 is provided along a side of the first substrate 11 that extends in the second direction Dy. The sealing portion 25 has a first opening 25a on a side corresponding to the injection port 52, and a second opening 25b on the side opposite the first opening 25a and corresponding to the outlet 54.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2 , the injection jig 51 is provided to cover one end of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 in the second direction Dy. The ejection jig 53 is provided on the opposite side of the injection jig 51 to cover the other end of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 in the second direction Dy. The injection jig 51 and the ejection jig 53 each have first portions 51a and 53a, second portions 51b and 53b, and third portions 51c and 53c. The first portions 51a and 53a extend in the third direction Dz and are provided to cover the gap between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The second portions 51b and 53b are provided to overlap part of the back surface of the first substrate 11. The third portions 51c and 53c are provided to overlap part of the front surface of the second substrate 12.

[0026] An injection port 52 penetrating in the third direction Dz is provided in the third portion 51c of the injection jig 51. An outlet 54 penetrating in the third direction Dz is provided in the third portion 51c of the discharge jig 53. The length of the second substrate 12 in the second direction Dy is shorter than the length of the first substrate 11 in the second direction Dy. The injection port 52 of the injection jig 51 and the outlet 54 of the discharge jig 53 are each provided in an area that does not overlap with the second substrate 12. With this configuration, the injection port 52, the flow path 55, and the outlet 54 are provided in communication with each other.

[0027] 3A to 3C are explanatory views for explaining a state in which a solvent flows through a flow path in the micro-chamber array according to embodiment 1. Each view in Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the micro-chamber array 10 on the injection port 52 side.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, a solvent supply unit 30 (nozzle) is inserted into an inlet 52, and a solvent 31 is injected from the inlet 52 into a flow path 55 (step ST11). The solvent 31 is a hydrophilic solvent containing a sample to be detected (not shown) and a reagent 32. Examples of the hydrophilic solvent include water, hydrophilic alcohols (specifically, those with a small hydrocarbon content, such as methanol, ethanol, and IPA), hydrophilic ethers, ketones, nitrile-based solvents, dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide ionic solutions, and N,N-dimethylformamide electrolyte solutions. The sample to be detected is, for example, a biomolecule or a virus. The reagent 32 is a material that reacts with the sample.

[0029] Thereafter, the solvent supply unit 30 is removed and left for a certain period of time (step ST12). The reagent 32 settles in the solvent 31 and is placed on the chamber main body 21. In addition, a part of the reagent 32 is stored in the storage unit 22 together with the solvent 31 containing the sample to be detected.

[0030] Next, a solvent supply unit 33 (nozzle) is inserted into the inlet 52, and the solvent 34 is injected from the inlet 52 into the flow path 55 (step ST13). The solvent 34 is a hydrophobic solvent, and examples of the solvent 34 that can be used include linear saturated hydrocarbons such as n-hexadecane, cyclic saturated hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, unsaturated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, silicone oil, perfluorocarbons, and halogenated solvents. The solvent 34 is injected so as to push the solvent 31 and reagent 32 injected in steps ST11 and ST12 toward the outlet 54. As a result, the reagent 32 is contained in each container 22.

[0031] Thereafter, the solvent 34 is filled into the flow path 55, covering each storage section 22, and the solvent supply section 33 is removed (step ST14). Each storage section 22 stores a solvent 31 containing a sample to be detected and a reagent 32. The solvent 31, which contains the sample to be detected and the reagent 32 stored in the storage section 22, is covered with the solvent 34.

[0032] As described above, at least the bottom surfaces 110 of the multiple storage units 22 are hydrophilic, and the first resin layer 21A of the chamber main body 21 is hydrophobic. That is, the bottom surfaces 110 of the multiple storage units 22 have a high affinity for the solvent 31 containing the sample to be detected and the reagent 32, and the surface of the first resin layer 21A of the chamber main body 21 has a high affinity for the solvent 34 that covers the multiple storage units 22.

[0033] As a result, in step ST14, the sample to be detected and the solvent 31 containing the reagent 32 are efficiently contained in each storage section 22. The micro-chamber array 10 can observe the fluorescence from the sample sealed in each storage section 22 from the back side of the first substrate 11, and detect the presence or absence of the sample in each storage section 22.

[0034] Next, the detailed configuration of the plurality of storage sections 22 provided in the storage section formation area AA will be described. Fig. 4 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the plurality of storage sections of the micro-chamber array according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV' in Fig. 4.

[0035] 4, the plurality of storage sections 22 have a side surface 211 of the first recess 21a, a side surface 212 of the second recess 21b, and a bottom surface 110. The plurality of storage sections 22 are each circular in a plan view and are arranged in a triangular lattice pattern in the storage section formation area AA. That is, the plurality of storage sections 22 in the nth row aligned in the second direction Dy are arranged so as to be misaligned with the plurality of storage sections 22 in the n+1th row aligned in the second direction Dy.

[0036] 4 is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate. Different examples of the arrangement of the plurality of storage sections 22 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the micro-chamber array 10 has a light source 60 that emits excitation light L1, and a detection circuit 50.

[0038] The detection circuit 50 is a charge coupled device and an imaging circuit, and is capable of detecting the intensity of the fluorescent light and the distribution of the fluorescent light emission intensity.

[0039] The light source 60 irradiates the upper surface of the chamber main body 21 with excitation light L1. The detection circuit 50 detects fluorescence L2 emitted by the sample in the storage unit 22 in response to the excitation light L1. At this time, the first resin layer 21A emits autofluorescence L3 in response to the excitation light L1. The second resin layer 21B can reduce the autofluorescence L3 emitted by the first resin layer 21A. As a result, the autofluorescence L3 emitted by the first resin layer 21A becomes difficult to detect by the detection circuit 50. This improves the detection accuracy of the detection circuit 50 in detecting fluorescence L2 emitted by the sample in the storage unit 22 in response to the excitation light L1.

[0040] 5, the inner diameter of the first recess 21a is larger than the inner diameter of the second recess 21b. The inner diameter of the second recess 21b is the bottom surface of the second recess 21b, i.e., the bottom surface 110 of the storage portion 22. The inner diameter of the first recess 21a is the surface where the first recess 21a and the second recess 21b meet.

[0041] Moreover, the side surface 211 of the first recess 21a and the side surface 212 of the second recess 21b have a forward tapered shape.

[0042] As a result, the autofluorescence L3 emitted by the first resin layer 21A is reduced in the second resin layer 21B and becomes difficult to detect by the detection circuit 50, thereby increasing the SNR of the fluorescence detection of the sample and improving the detection accuracy.

[0043] The angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage portion 22 and the side surface 211 of the first recess 21a is larger than the angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage portion 22 and the side surface 212 of the second recess 21b. A step may be provided between the side surface 211 and the side surface 212.

[0044] 4 and 5 are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. Different examples of the inclination of the side surface 211 of the first recess 21a and the side surface 212 of the second recess 21b with respect to the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0045] The second resin layer 21B has a thickness greater than that of the first resin layer 21A, which makes it possible to make the autofluorescence L3 emitted by the first resin layer 21A sufficiently difficult to be detected by the detection circuit 50.

[0046] The contact angle between the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 and water is greater than 0° and equal to or less than 40°. The contact angle between the surface of the second resin layer 21B and water is greater than 40° and equal to or less than 70°. The contact angle between the surface of the first resin layer 21A and water is greater than 80° and less than 100°, and greater than 100° and equal to or less than 110°. The minimum value of the contact angle between the surface of the first resin layer 21A and water is preferably 90°.

[0047] As a result, the surface of the first resin layer 21A is highly hydrophobic and has a high affinity for oil, and the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 is highly hydrophilic and has a high affinity for aqueous solutions.

[0048] Furthermore, injection jig 51 and discharge jig 53 may be provided integrally with first substrate 11 and second substrate 12 by a fixing member (not shown). Alternatively, injection jig 51 and discharge jig 53 may be provided so as to be detachable from first substrate 11 and second substrate 12, as necessary.

[0049] In the first embodiment, excitation light L1 is irradiated onto the chamber main body 21 and fluorescence L2 from the sample is detected. However, a reflection-type detection method may also be used in which excitation light L1 is irradiated from the underside of the chamber main body 21 and fluorescence L2 from the sample is detected. As described above, the autofluorescence generated when excitation light L1 is irradiated onto the second resin layer 21B is smaller than the autofluorescence L3 generated when excitation light L1 is irradiated onto the first resin layer 21A. Therefore, the autofluorescence L3 generated when excitation light is irradiated onto the top surface of the chamber main body 21 is smaller than the autofluorescence L3 generated when excitation light is irradiated onto the bottom surface of the chamber main body 21. Therefore, even in the reflection-type detection method, the detection circuit 50 has difficulty detecting the autofluorescence L3 from the first resin layer 21A.

[0050] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 1) Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a micro-chamber array according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 6, in the micro-chamber array 10A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, in the following description, the same components as those described in the above-mentioned embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, in the microchamber array 10A according to the first modification of the first embodiment, the first resin layer 21A and the second resin layer 21B each have a structure in which two layers are laminated, and are thicker than the chamber main body 21 of the first embodiment. Note that a step may be provided between the side surfaces 211 of the first recesses 21a, and a step may be provided between the side surfaces 211 of the first recesses 21a. Furthermore, the first resin layer 21A and the second resin layer 21B are not limited to two layers each, and may be three or more layers. Furthermore, the bottom layer of the second resin layer 21B may be a resin that does not emit spontaneous light.

[0052] This allows the aspect ratio of the storage section 22 to be larger than that of the micro-chamber array 10 of the first embodiment, making it easier to confine the solvent 31 within the storage section 22. Note that the second resin layer 21B may be further laminated so as to be sandwiched between the two first resin layers 21A.

[0053] (Comparative Example 1 of Embodiment 1) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of containers in a micro-chamber array according to Comparative Example 1. As shown in FIG.

[0054] 7, in the micro-chamber array 10a according to Comparative Example 1, the chamber main body 21 has a first resin layer 21A but does not have a second resin layer 21B. In this configuration, the autofluorescence of the first resin layer 21A reduces the accuracy of detecting the fluorescence of the sample in the storage section 22, making it difficult to determine whether the sample in the storage section 22 is fluorescent or not.

[0055] In contrast, the chamber main body 21 of the micro-chamber array 10 of embodiment 1 has the second resin layer 21B and the first resin layer 21A laminated in this order on the substrate, whereby the autofluorescence L3 emitted by the first resin layer 21A can be suppressed by the second resin layer 21B.

[0056] (Comparative Example 2 of Embodiment 1) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of container sections of a micro-chamber array according to Comparative Example 2. As shown in FIG.

[0057] 8, in the micro-chamber array 10b according to Comparative Example 2, the chamber main body 21 has the second resin layer 21B but does not have the first resin layer 21A. In this configuration, the water repellency of the second resin layer 21B is insufficient, causing the solvent 34 to adhere to the surface of the second resin layer 21B, resulting in insufficient separation of the solvent 31 and the solvent 34 in the storage section 22 and making it difficult to determine whether the sample in the storage section 22 is fluorescent.

[0058] In contrast, the chamber main body 21 of the micro-chamber array 10 of embodiment 1 has the second resin layer 21B and the first resin layer 21A laminated in this order on the substrate, thereby enhancing the water repellency of the chamber main body 21 and ensuring sufficient separation of the solvent 31 and the solvent 34.

[0059] (Modification 2 of Embodiment 1) Next, examples of different arrangements of the plurality of storage sections 22 will be described in Modifications 2 to 4 of Embodiment 1. Fig. 9 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the plurality of storage sections of the micro-chamber array according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. In the following description, the same components as those described in the above-mentioned embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 9, in a micro-chamber array 10B according to the second modification of the first embodiment, the plurality of containers 22 are each square in plan view and are arranged in a square lattice pattern in the container formation area AA.

[0061] The configuration and operation of the micro-chamber array 10B according to the second modification of the first embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0062] (Modification 3 of Embodiment 1) 10 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of storage sections of a micro-chamber array according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1. In the following explanation, the same components as those explained in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 10, in a micro-chamber array 10C according to the third modification of the first embodiment, the plurality of containers 22 are each circular in plan view and are arranged in a rhombic lattice pattern in the container formation area AA.

[0064] The configuration and operation of the micro-chamber array 10C according to the third modification of the first embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0065] (Fourth Modification of First Embodiment) 11 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of storage sections of a micro-chamber array according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. In the following explanation, the same components as those explained in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 11, in a micro-chamber array 10D according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment, the plurality of containers 22 are each circular in plan view and are arranged in a rectangular lattice pattern in the container formation area AA.

[0067] The configuration and operation of the micro-chamber array 10D according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0068] (Fifth Modification of First Embodiment) 12 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of storage sections of a micro-chamber array according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 1. In the following explanation, the same components as those explained in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 12, in a micro-chamber array 10E according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment, the plurality of containers 22 are each circular in plan view and are arranged in a distorted diagonal lattice pattern in the container formation region AA.

[0070] The configuration and operation of the micro-chamber array 10E according to the fifth modified example of the first embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0071] (Modification 6 of Embodiment 1) Next, in Modifications 6 to 9 of Embodiment 1, examples will be described in which the inclination of the side surface 211 of the first recess 21a and the side surface 212 of the second recess 21b relative to the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 is different. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows a micro-chamber array according to Modification 6 of Embodiment 1. In the following explanation, the same components as those explained in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0072] 13, in the micro-chamber array 10F according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment, similarly to the micro-chamber array 10 according to the first embodiment, the angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 and the side surface 211 of the first recess 21a is larger than the angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 and the side surface 212 of the second recess 21b. The resin of the first resin layer 21A covers a part of the side surface 212.

[0073] The configuration and operation of the micro-chamber array 10F according to the sixth modified example of the first embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0074] (Seventh Modification of the First Embodiment) Next, the magnitude relationship between the inclination angles of the first recess and the second recess according to Modification 7 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a micro-chamber array according to Modification 7 of Embodiment 1. In the following description, the same components as those described in the above-mentioned embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0075] 14, in the micro-chamber array 10G according to the seventh modification of the first embodiment, the angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 and the side surface 211 of the first recess 21a is larger than the angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 and the side surface 212 of the second recess 21b, as in the micro-chamber array 10 according to the first embodiment. The side surface 211 is rounded in an arc shape, and the resin of the first resin layer 21A covers part of the side surface 212.

[0076] The configuration and operation of the micro-chamber array 10G according to the seventh modified example of the first embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0077] (Variation 8 of Embodiment 1) Next, the magnitude relationship between the inclination angles of the first recess and the second recess according to Modification 8 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows a micro-chamber array according to Modification 8 of Embodiment 1. In the following description, the same components as those described in the above-mentioned embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0078] As shown in Figure 15, in the microchamber array 10G relating to variant example 8 of embodiment 1, the angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 and the side surface 211 of the first recess 21a is approximately equal to the angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 and the side surface 212 of the second recess 21b.

[0079] The configuration and operation of the micro-chamber array 10H according to the eighth modified example of the first embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0080] (Modification 9 of Embodiment 1) Next, the magnitude relationship between the inclination angles of the first recess and the second recess according to Modification 9 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a micro-chamber array according to Modification 9 of Embodiment 1. In the following description, the same components as those described in the above-mentioned embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0081] As shown in Figure 16, in the microchamber array 10I relating to variant example 9 of embodiment 1, the angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 and the side surface 211 of the first recess 21a is smaller than the angle formed between the bottom surface 110 of the storage section 22 and the side surface 212 of the second recess 21b.

[0082] The configuration and operation of the micro-chamber array 10I according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0083] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Appropriate modifications made within the scope of the present disclosure naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. At least one of various omissions, substitutions, and modifications of components can be made within the scope of the gist of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10, 10a, 10b, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I Microchamber array 11 First board 12 Second board 21 Chamber body 21A 1st resin layer 21B 2nd resin layer 21a First recess 21b Second recess 22 Storage section 55 Flow path 211, 212 Side L3 autofluorescence

Claims

1. a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a flow channel provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, through which a solvent containing a sample flows; a chamber main body provided on a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate; a plurality of storage sections provided in the chamber main body, the chamber main body has a first resin layer and a second resin layer, the second resin layer and the first resin layer are laminated in this order on the first substrate, autofluorescence when the second resin layer is irradiated with excitation light is smaller than autofluorescence when the first resin layer is irradiated with excitation light; a contact angle of the second resin layer with water that is larger than a contact angle of the first resin layer with water; Microchamber array.

2. the first resin layer contains a fluorine-based or silicone-based component, The second resin layer contains titanium or carbon. The microchamber array according to claim 1 .

3. the accommodation portion has a first recess provided in the first resin layer and a second recess provided in the second resin layer, The inner diameter of the first recess is larger than the inner diameter of the second recess. The microchamber array according to claim 2 .

4. The side surfaces of the first recess and the second recess have a forward tapered shape. The microchamber array according to claim 3 .

5. The contact angle of water with the bottom surface of the storage section is greater than 0° and less than 40°. The microchamber array according to claim 4 .

6. a contact angle of water with the upper surface of the first resin layer is equal to or greater than 80° and less than 100°, or is greater than 100° and less than 110°; The microchamber array according to claim 5 .

7. The plurality of storage sections are arranged in any one of a triangular lattice pattern, a square lattice pattern, a rhombic lattice pattern, a rectangular lattice pattern, and a distorted lattice pattern in a plan view. The microchamber array according to claim 6 .

Images