Antibacterial evaluation system and antibacterial evaluation method

Abstract

To provide an antibacterial evaluation system and antibacterial evaluation method that enable automating operations from inoculating a test bacterial suspension to counting colonies in an antibacterial test.SOLUTION: An antibacterial evaluation system 1 comprises: a safety cabinet 10 for performing test operations using bacteria; an inoculation part for applying a test bacterial suspension containing bacteria onto a surface of a test piece TP; a first culture device 11 for culturing the bacteria in the test bacterial suspension inoculated onto the test piece TP; a washing part for washing out the test bacterial suspension, in which the bacteria have been cultured by the first culture device 11, using a washing liquid; a dilution part for diluting the test bacterial suspension washed out; an agar plate preparation part for mixing the diluted test bacterial suspension with an agar medium and producing an agar plate by solidifying the agar medium; a second culture device 13 for culturing the bacteria contained in the agar plate; a counting device 14 for counting bacterial colonies formed on the agar plate cultured by the second culture device 13; and a conveyance device 16 for conveying objects to be conveyed, such as the test piece TP inoculated with the test bacterial suspension and the agar plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antibacterial evaluation system and an antibacterial evaluation method. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a method for testing the antibacterial activity of the surface of an article against bacteria, a method for testing the antibacterial activity of the surface of an antibacterial-treated product against bacteria, as specified in JIS Z 2801:2012, is known (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] In antibacterial testing, the surface of a test specimen placed in a petri dish is inoculated with a test bacterial solution, and the bacteria contained in the test bacterial solution are cultured. After cultivation, a washout medium is added to the dish and the test bacterial solution is washed away to recover the cultured bacteria. Next, the recovered bacteria are diluted and solidified on an agar medium, and then cultured again, forming bacterial colonies in the petri dish. The number of colonies is then counted to calculate the antibacterial activity value, which indicates antibacterial properties. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] JIS Z 2801:2012 "Antibacterial processed products - Antibacterial test methods and antibacterial effects" Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Antibacterial testing requires the preparation of numerous samples for evaluation, resulting in a high level of repetitive work, which requires long hours for workers. Furthermore, the success or failure of bacterial culture and the number of colonies after culture can vary depending on the worker's level of experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The antibacterial evaluation system for solving the above problems is a system for evaluating the antibacterial properties of a test piece, and includes a safety cabinet for performing a test operation using bacteria, an inoculation unit inside the safety cabinet for inoculating a test bacterial liquid containing the bacteria onto the surface of the test piece, a first culture device for culturing the bacteria in the test bacterial liquid inoculated onto the test piece, a washing unit inside the safety cabinet for washing out the test bacterial liquid in which the bacteria have been cultured in the first culture device with a washing out liquid, a dilution unit inside the safety cabinet for diluting the washed out test bacterial liquid, and a mixing unit inside the safety cabinet for mixing the diluted test bacterial liquid and an agar medium. The system comprises an agar plate preparation section that prepares agar plates by mixing and solidifying the agar medium, a second culture device that cultures the bacteria contained in the agar plates, a counting device that counts the bacterial colonies formed on the agar plates cultured in the second culture device, and a transport device that transports the test specimen inoculated with the test bacterial liquid from the safety cabinet to the first culture device, and after culturing in the first culture device, transports the test specimen from the first culture device to the safety cabinet, transports the agar plate from the safety cabinet to the second culture device, and after culturing in the second culture device, transports the agar plate from the second culture device to the counting device.

[0007] An antibacterial evaluation method for solving the above problems is an antibacterial evaluation method for evaluating the antibacterial properties of a test specimen using an antibacterial evaluation system, in which an inoculation unit inoculates a test bacterial liquid containing bacteria onto a surface of the test specimen inside a safety cabinet, a transport device transports the test specimen inoculated with the test bacterial liquid from the safety cabinet to a first culture device, and in the first culture device, cultivates the bacteria in the test bacterial liquid inoculated onto the test specimen, the transport device transports the test specimen from the first culture device after cultivation in the first culture device to the safety cabinet, and a washing out unit washes out the test specimen in which the bacteria have been cultivated in the first culture device inside the safety cabinet. The bacterial liquid is washed out with a washing-out liquid, and a dilution unit dilutes the washed-out test bacterial liquid inside the safety cabinet, and an agar plate preparation unit mixes the diluted test bacterial liquid with an agar medium inside the safety cabinet to prepare an agar plate with the agar medium solidified, and the transport device transports the agar plate from the safety cabinet to a second culture device and cultivates the bacteria contained in the agar plate in the second culture device, and after cultivation in the second culture device, the transport device transports the agar plate from the second culture device to a counting device, and the counting device counts the bacterial colonies formed on the agar plate cultivated in the second culture device.

[0008] According to the above antibacterial evaluation system or antibacterial evaluation method, the inoculation of the test bacterial solution, the cultivation of the inoculated test bacterial solution, washing out, dilution, preparation of agar plates, cultivation of the agar plates, and even colony counting can be automated.

[0009] The antibacterial evaluation system may further include a first Petri dish storage unit for storing the first Petri dish containing the test specimen, a film storage unit for storing a film for covering the test bacterial solution inoculated onto the test specimen, and a first cooling and holding unit for cooling and holding the test bacterial solution, wherein the inoculation unit includes a first Petri dish supply unit for supplying the first Petri dish stored in the first Petri dish storage unit to a work position inside the safety cabinet, a first dispensing unit for aspirating the test bacterial solution from the first cooling and holding unit and dispensing the aspirated test bacterial solution onto the surface of the test specimen contained in the first Petri dish supplied to the work position, a film supply unit for covering the test bacterial solution dispensed onto the surface of the test specimen with the film stored in the film storage unit, and a wetting and spreading unit for wetting and spreading the test bacterial solution between the test specimen and the film. According to the above configuration, the inoculation work of the test bacterial solution can be performed by each unit of the inoculation unit.

[0010] The antibacterial evaluation system may further include a storage device that stores the first Petri dish after the wetting and spreading of the test bacterial liquid by the wetting and spreading unit in a case together with a humidifying material and seals the case, and the transport device transports the case storing the first Petri dish to the first culture device using the storage device, and the first culture device cultures the bacteria in the test bacterial liquid inoculated into the test specimen stored in the first Petri dish while the first Petri dish is stored in the case. According to the above configuration, by performing culture in the first culture device while the first Petri dish is stored in the case together with the humidifying material, it is possible to more reliably maintain a high humidity and culture the bacteria contained in the test bacterial liquid inoculated into the test specimen.

[0011] In the antibacterial evaluation system, the first culture device may be configured to include a first storage section having a space capable of storing the case and capable of adjusting temperature and humidity, and a first door that separates the first storage section from an external space and can be opened and closed by electrical control. According to the above configuration, the first culture device is provided with a first door that can be opened and closed by electrical control, which simplifies the task of storing the case in the first storage section.

[0012] The antibacterial evaluation system may further include a second cooling and holding unit that holds the washout liquid while cooling it, and the washout unit may include a second dispensing unit that aspirates the washout liquid from the second cooling and holding unit and dispenses the aspirated washout liquid into a first petri dish that contains the test piece after culture in the first culture device, and a first mixing unit that disperses the test bacteria liquid into the washout liquid in the first petri dish. According to the above configuration, the washout operation can be performed by each unit of the washout unit.

[0013] The antibacterial evaluation system may further include a bottle storage unit for storing bottles each having a lid and containing a buffer solution, wherein the dilution unit includes an opening / closing unit for opening and closing the lid of the bottle, a bottle supply unit for supplying the bottle stored in the bottle storage unit to the opening / closing unit and supplying the bottle with the lid opened by the opening / closing unit to a work position inside the safety cabinet, a third dispensing unit for aspirating a mixture of the test bacteria solution and the washout solution from a first Petri dish in which the test bacteria solution has been washed out with the washout solution and dispensing the aspirated mixture into the bottle supplied to the work position, and a stirring unit for mixing the mixture dispensed into the bottle with the buffer solution. According to the above configuration, the dilution operation can be performed by each unit of the dilution unit.

[0014] In the antibacterial evaluation system, the bottle storage unit may store a first bottle and a second bottle containing the same amount of the buffer solution, and the third dispensing unit may aspirate the mixed solution from the first Petri dish and dispense a predetermined amount of the mixed solution into the first bottle supplied to the work position, aspirate the diluted test bacteria solution obtained by mixing the mixed solution and the buffer solution from the first bottle after mixing by the stirring unit, and dispense the predetermined amount of the diluted test bacteria solution into the second bottle.This configuration allows the washed-out test bacteria solution to be diluted in stages.In addition, the buffer solution capacity of the bottles stored in the bottle storage unit can be unified.

[0015] The antibacterial evaluation system may further include a second Petri dish storage unit for storing empty second Petri dishes and a heating and holding unit for warming and holding the agar medium, and the agar plate preparation unit may include a second Petri dish supply unit for supplying the second Petri dishes stored in the second Petri dish storage unit to a work position inside the safety cabinet, a fourth dispensing unit for aspirating the diluted test bacterial liquid and dispensing the aspirated diluted test bacterial liquid into the second Petri dish supplied to the work position, a fifth dispensing unit for aspirating the agar medium from the heating and holding unit and dispensing the aspirated agar medium into the second Petri dish supplied to the work position, and a second mixing unit for dispersing the diluted test bacterial liquid into the agar medium in the second Petri dish. According to the above configuration, the various units of the agar plate preparation unit can perform the work of preparing agar plates.

[0016] In the antibacterial evaluation system, the second culture device may include a second storage section having a space large enough to store the second Petri dish and capable of adjusting the temperature, and a second door separating the second storage section from an external space and capable of opening and closing electrically. The transport device may be configured to place the second Petri dish, in which the agar medium in which the diluted test bacteria solution has been dispersed by the second mixing section has solidified to form the agar plate, in an inverted state in the second storage section of the second culture device. According to the above configuration, the second culture device includes a second door that can be opened and closed electrically, which simplifies the process of storing the second Petri dish in the second storage section. Furthermore, the transport device can place the second Petri dish in which the agar plate has been formed in an inverted state in the second culture device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present disclosure, in antibacterial testing, the process from inoculating the test bacterial solution to counting colonies can be automated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the antibacterial evaluation system as seen from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the devices and equipment inside the safety cabinet. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices and equipment inside a safety cabinet. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the antibacterial activity evaluation method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an antibacterial evaluation system and an antibacterial evaluation method will be described with reference to FIGS. (Configuration of Antibacterial Evaluation System 1) 1, antibacterial evaluation system 1 performs antibacterial testing in accordance with the antibacterial testing method specified in JIS Z 2801:2012. Antibacterial evaluation system 1 includes a safety cabinet 10, a first incubator 11, a storage device 12, a second incubator 13, a counting device 14, a waste sample storage area 15, a transport device 16, and a control device 17.

[0020] The safety cabinet 10 is a biohazard cabinet for carrying out testing procedures using bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or both.

[0021] The safety cabinet 10 includes, for example, a draft chamber having a work space 10A for performing test operations, and an exhaust sterilization unit that sterilizes air exhausted from an exhaust port of the draft chamber. The exhaust sterilization unit is, for example, an air filter. The safety cabinet 10 may further include a sterilization intake unit that supplies sterilized air to the draft chamber as an air curtain. Various devices and equipment for performing antibacterial testing are arranged in the work space 10A.

[0022] The first culture device 11 is a device for culturing bacteria inoculated onto a test piece TP, which is the subject of antibacterial evaluation. The first culture device 11 accommodates the test piece TP inoculated with a test bacterial liquid containing bacteria. More specifically, the first culture device 11 accommodates the test piece TP together with a case C1 that accommodates a first petri dish S1 on which the test piece TP inoculated with the test bacterial liquid is placed. The case C1 is, for example, an airtight container with a lid. The case C1 is sealed together with the first petri dish S1, and accommodates a humidifying material HM. The humidifying material HM is, for example, a cloth or sponge soaked in water.

[0023] The first culture device 11 comprises a first storage section 11A and a first door 11B. The first storage section 11A has a space large enough to store the case C1. The first storage section 11A is configured to be able to adjust the internal temperature and humidity. The first storage section 11A is maintained under conditions of, for example, a temperature of 35°C ± 1°C and a humidity of 90% RH or higher. The first door 11B separates the first storage section 11A from the external space. The first door 11B is configured to be able to open and close by electrical control. The first storage section 11A comprises, for example, a fixed rack for placing the first petri dish S1.

[0024] The storage device 12 has the functions of storing the first Petri dish S1 and the humidifying material HM in the case C1, sealing the case C1, releasing the sealing of the case C1, and removing the first Petri dish S1 from the case C1. For example, the case C1 and the humidifying material HM are prepared in advance in the storage device 12. The storage device 12 also includes an opening / closing mechanism capable of opening and closing the lid of the case C1. As an example, the opening / closing mechanism is a chuck or manipulator capable of gripping the lid of the case C1.

[0025] A first Petri dish S1 containing a test piece TP inoculated with a test bacterial liquid is transported from the safety cabinet 10 to the storage device 12. The storage device 12 stores the transported first Petri dish S1 and the humidifying material HM in a case C1, and then seals the case C1. After sealing, the case C1 is transported to the first culture device 11. This starts the cultivation of the bacteria contained in the test bacterial liquid inoculated on the test piece TP.

[0026] Furthermore, when the culture in the first culture device 11 is completed, the case C1 is transported from the first culture device 11 to the storage device 12. Then, the storage device 12 unseals the case C1 and removes the first petri dish S1 from the case C1. The first petri dish S1 removed from the case C1 is transported back to the safety cabinet 10 and is then used for the next test operation.

[0027] The second culture device 13 is a device for culturing bacteria contained in an agar plate accommodated in a second culture dish S2. The second culture dish S2 is a different dish from the first culture dish S1. The second culture dish S2 has an agar plate prepared by solidifying a diluted test bacterial solution, which is obtained by washing out and diluting the bacteria cultured in the first culture device 11, with an agar medium. In other words, the bacteria contained in the agar plate are the bacteria cultured in the first culture device 11 that have been washed out and diluted.

[0028] The second culture device 13 comprises a second storage section 13A and a second door 13B. The second storage section 13A has a space capable of storing the second petri dish S2. The second storage section 13A is configured to be able to adjust the internal temperature. For example, the temperature in the second storage section 13A is maintained at 35°C ± 1°C. The second door 13B separates the second storage section 13A from the external space. The second door 13B is configured to be able to be opened and closed by electrical control. The second storage section 13A stores the second petri dish S2 in an inverted state, i.e., upside down.

[0029] The second storage unit 13A includes, for example, an electric rotating rack 13C for placing the second Petri dish S2 thereon. By rotating the rotating rack 13C, when placing the second Petri dish S2, the area of ​​the rotating rack 13C where the second Petri dish S2 is not placed can be moved toward the second door 13B. Furthermore, by rotating the rotating rack 13C, the second Petri dish S2 for which culture has been completed can also be moved toward the second door 13B. Note that when a fixed rack is provided instead of the rotating rack 13C, positioning of the transport object in the transport device 16 (described later) is made easier compared to when the rotating rack 13C is provided.

[0030] The counting device 14 counts bacterial colonies formed in the second Petri dish S2 by culturing the bacteria contained in the agar plate in the second culture device 13. The counting device 14 includes, for example, a stage, an illumination unit, an imaging unit, and a counting unit. The second Petri dish S2 is placed on the stage. The illumination unit illuminates the second Petri dish S2 placed on the stage from below. The imaging unit images the second Petri dish S2 placed on the stage from above. The counting unit counts the colonies formed in the second Petri dish S2 from the image captured by the imaging unit.

[0031] The stage has a through-hole that allows illumination light from the illumination unit to shine from below onto the second Petri dish S2 placed on the stage. The second Petri dish S2 is placed on the stage so that the through-hole overlaps with the counting area where colony counting is performed. This prevents the stage from being below the counting area, thereby preventing foreign objects on the stage from being erroneously detected as colonies.

[0032] The discarded sample storage area 15 is a platform on which the second petri dish S2 is placed after colony counting using the counting device 14 has been completed. The second petri dish S2 placed in the discarded sample storage area 15 is collected by an operator, for example, at predetermined intervals. In addition, the discarded sample storage area 15 may also store tools other than the second petri dish S2 that are no longer needed.

[0033] The transport device 16 transports the object to be transported between the devices included in the antibacterial evaluation system 1. The objects to be transported are, for example, a first petri dish S1, a second petri dish S2, and a case C1. As an example, the transport device 16 is configured by a six-axis vertical articulated robot. The transport device 16 is provided with a gripper 16A at the tip of the vertical articulated robot for gripping the object to be transported. As an example, the gripper 16A is a chuck or a robot hand that opens and closes in parallel.

[0034] In the antibacterial evaluation system 1, a safety cabinet 10, a first incubator 11, a storage device 12, a second incubator 13, a counting device 14, and a waste sample storage area 15 constitute a group of devices surrounding a transport device 16. In detail, in the antibacterial evaluation system 1, when viewed from above, the safety cabinet 10, the first incubator 11, the storage device 12, the waste sample storage area 15, the counting device 14, and the second incubator 13 are arranged in this order counterclockwise around the transport device 16.

[0035] In the group of devices surrounding the transport device 16, the first incubation device 11 and the storage device 12 are arranged adjacent to each other. In the group of devices surrounding the transport device 16, the second incubation device 13 and the counting device 14 are arranged adjacent to each other. In the group of devices surrounding the transport device 16, the counting device 14 and the waste sample storage area 15 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0036] The control device 17 controls the operations of various devices included in the antibacterial evaluation system 1. The control device 17 includes, for example, a control unit 17A such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage unit 17B such as a nonvolatile memory. The control device 17 may also include an input unit that receives input from an operator, and a display unit that displays various information.

[0037] The storage unit 17B stores a control program for performing various operations in the antibacterial test. The control unit 17A executes the control program to perform test operations using various devices included in the antibacterial evaluation system 1.

[0038] For example, the control unit 17A controls the operation of the exhaust sterilization unit included in the safety cabinet 10 and the operation of various devices arranged in the work space 10A. The control unit 17A adjusts the temperature and humidity of the first storage unit 11A included in the first culture device 11 to maintain them constant. The control unit 17A opens and closes the first door 11B included in the first culture device 11. The control unit 17A controls the storage device 12 to store the first petri dish S1 together with the humidifying material HM in the case C1. The control unit 17A controls the storage device 12 to open and close the lid of the case C1. The control unit 17A controls the storage device 12 to remove the first petri dish S1 from the case C1. The control unit 17A adjusts the temperature of the second storage unit 13A included in the second culture device 13 to maintain them constant. The control unit 17A opens and closes the second door 13B included in the second culture device 13. The control unit 17A controls the counting device 14 so as to count the colonies formed in the second Petri dish S2. The control unit 17A controls the transport device 16 so as to transport the object to be transported between the devices of the antibacterial evaluation system 1.

[0039] (Configuration inside the safety cabinet 10) The configuration of the devices and equipment arranged inside the safety cabinet 10 in the antibacterial evaluation system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0040] 2 schematically shows the configuration of the devices and equipment inside the safety cabinet 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the antibacterial evaluation system 1 includes an inoculation unit 21, a washing unit 22, a dilution unit 23, and an agar plate preparation unit 24. The inoculation unit 21, the washing unit 22, the dilution unit 23, and the agar plate preparation unit 24 are arranged in the work space 10A of the safety cabinet 10. The operation of each of the inoculation unit 21, the washing unit 22, the dilution unit 23, and the agar plate preparation unit 24 is controlled by a control device 17.

[0041] The inoculation unit 21 performs the work of inoculating a test bacterial liquid containing bacteria onto the surface of the test piece TP. The washing-out unit 22 performs the work of washing out the test bacterial liquid in which bacteria have been cultured in the first culture device 11 with a washing-out liquid. The dilution unit 23 performs the work of diluting the test bacterial liquid washed out by the washing-out unit 22. The agar plate preparation unit 24 performs the work of mixing the diluted test bacterial liquid with an agar medium to prepare an agar plate on which the agar medium has solidified.

[0042] A work stage 25 is arranged in the safety cabinet 10. On the work stage 25, the operations of the inoculation section 21, the washing section 22, the dilution section 23, and the agar plate preparation section 24 are performed. Furthermore, the safety cabinet 10 is also arranged with a first petri dish storage section 31, a film storage section 32, a second petri dish storage section 33, a bottle storage section 34, a first cooling and holding section 35, a second cooling and holding section 36, and a heating and holding section 37.

[0043] The first Petri dish storage section 31 stores the first Petri dish S1 containing the test specimen TP. The film storage section 32 stores a film for covering the test bacteria liquid inoculated onto the test specimen TP. The second Petri dish storage section 33 stores the empty second Petri dish S2. The bottle storage section 34 stores a bottle containing a buffer solution used as a diluent for diluting the test bacteria liquid. The first cooling holding section 35 holds the test bacteria liquid while cooling it. The second cooling holding section 36 holds the washout liquid while cooling it. The heating holding section 37 holds the agar medium while warming it.

[0044] It should be noted that the first Petri dish storage section 31, the film storage section 32, the second Petri dish storage section 33, the bottle storage section 34, the second cooling holding section 36, and the heating holding section 37, excluding the first cooling holding section 35, do not necessarily have to be arranged inside the safety cabinet 10. For example, they may be arranged outside the safety cabinet 10.

[0045] The inoculation unit 21 includes a first Petri dish supply unit 21A, a first dispensing unit 21B, a film supply unit 21C, and a wetting / spreading unit 21D. The first Petri dish supply unit 21A supplies the first Petri dish S1 stored in the first Petri dish storage unit 31 to the work stage 25, which is an example of a work position inside the safety cabinet 10. The first dispensing unit 21B aspirates the test bacteria liquid from the first cooling / holding unit 35 and dispenses the aspirated test bacteria liquid onto the surface of the test piece TP contained in the first Petri dish S1 on the work stage 25. The film supply unit 21C covers the test bacteria liquid dispensed onto the surface of the test piece TP with a film stored in the film storage unit 32. The wetting / spreading unit 21D wets and spreads the test bacteria liquid between the test piece TP and the film.

[0046] After the test bacteria liquid has been wetted and spread by the wetting and spreading unit 21D, the first Petri dish S1 is cultured in the first culture device 11. After the culture is completed, the first Petri dish S1 is transported back to the safety cabinet 10, and the test bacteria liquid is washed out by the washing-out unit 22.

[0047] The washing unit 22 includes a second dispensing unit 22A and a first mixing unit 22B. The second dispensing unit 22A aspirates the washing liquid from the second cooling and holding unit 36 ​​and discharges the aspirated washing liquid into the first Petri dish S1 that contains the test specimen TP after culture in the first culture device 11. The first mixing unit 22B mixes the test bacteria liquid with the washing liquid in the first Petri dish S1, thereby dispersing the test bacteria liquid in the washing liquid. After the test bacteria liquid is washed out by the washing unit 22, the washed out test bacteria liquid is diluted by the dilution unit 23.

[0048] The dilution unit 23 includes an opening / closing unit 23A, a bottle supply unit 23B, a third dispensing unit 23C, and an agitation unit 23D. The opening / closing unit 23A opens and closes the lid of a bottle containing a buffer solution. The bottle supply unit 23B supplies bottles stored in the bottle storage unit 34 to the opening / closing unit 23A, and supplies bottles with their lids open to the work stage 25. The third dispensing unit 23C aspirates a mixture of the test bacteria solution and the washout liquid from the first Petri dish S1 from which the test bacteria solution has been washed out, and discharges the aspirated mixture into a bottle supplied to the work stage 25. The agitation unit 23D mixes the mixture of the test bacteria solution and the washout liquid with the buffer solution within the bottle. After the dilution unit 23 dilutes the test bacteria solution, an agar plate is prepared by the agar plate preparation unit 24.

[0049] The agar plate preparation unit 24 includes a second Petri dish supply unit 24A, a fourth dispensing unit 24B, a fifth dispensing unit 24C, and a second mixing unit 24D. The second Petri dish supply unit 24A supplies the second Petri dish S2 stored in the second Petri dish storage unit 33 to the work stage 25. The fourth dispensing unit 24B aspirates the diluted test bacterial liquid from the bottle where the mixing unit 23D performed the mixing, and dispenses the aspirated diluted test bacterial liquid into the second Petri dish S2 supplied to the work stage 25. The fifth dispensing unit 24C aspirates the agar medium from the heating and holding unit 37, and dispenses the aspirated agar medium into the second Petri dish S2 supplied to the work stage 25. The second mixing unit 24D mixes the diluted test bacterial liquid with the agar medium in the second Petri dish S2, thereby dispersing the diluted test bacterial liquid into the agar medium.

[0050] After mixing by the second mixer 24D, the second petri dish S2 is left to stand until the agar medium solidifies and an agar plate is formed. Once an agar plate is formed in the second petri dish S2, the second petri dish S2 is transported to the second culture device 13. After culture in the second culture device 13, the colonies are counted by the counting device 14.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a more specific example of the configuration of the devices and equipment in the work space 10A of the safety cabinet 10. For convenience of illustration, Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of the devices and equipment in the work space 10A from a top view, and also shows some of the devices and equipment from a side view.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3, the antibacterial evaluation system 1 includes a dispensing device 41 and a work transport device 42. The dispensing device 41 is responsible for dispensing liquid. The work transport device 42 is responsible for transporting various works within the safety cabinet 10. The dispensing device 41 and the work transport device 42 are configured by vertical articulated robots. The dispensing device 41 and the work transport device 42 are placed in the work space 10A of the safety cabinet 10. The operation of each part of the dispensing device 41 and the work transport device 42 is controlled by a control device 17.

[0053] In the work space 10A, a work stage 25 is disposed within the movable range of the dispensing device 41 and within the movable range of the work transport device 42. As an example, Figure 3 illustrates a state in which a first petri dish S1 and a second petri dish S2 are placed on the work stage 25.

[0054] In the workspace 10A, within the movable range of the dispensing device 41, a pipette stand 43 and a tip storage unit 44 are arranged. A plurality of pipettes 43A with different capacities are arranged side by side on the pipette stand 43. For example, the pipette stand 43 has three types of pipettes 43A arranged side by side: one for dispensing 0.4 mL, one for dispensing 1 mL, and one for dispensing 10 mL. The tip storage unit 44 stores pipette tips 44A corresponding to the pipettes 43A arranged on the pipette stand 43.

[0055] In the workspace 10A, a first cooling and holding unit 35 and a second cooling and holding unit 36 ​​are arranged within the movable range of the dispensing device 41. The first cooling and holding unit 35 cools and holds a test bacteria liquid 35A containing bacteria. For example, the first cooling and holding unit 35 keeps the test bacteria liquid 35A at 0°C using a cooling unit such as a Peltier element. The second cooling and holding unit 36 ​​cools and holds an SCDLP medium 36A, which is an example of a washout liquid. For example, the second cooling and holding unit 36 ​​keeps the SCDLP medium 36A at 5°C using a cooling unit.

[0056] The dispensing device 41 is equipped with a pipette holder 41A for holding a pipette 43A at the tip of a vertical articulated robot. The pipette holder 41A holds a pipette 43A according to the amount to be dispensed. For example, the dispensing device 41 uses the pipette holder 41A to hold a pipette 43A arranged on a pipette stand 43. Then, a pipette tip 44A stored in a tip storage unit 44 is press-fitted into the pipette 43A held by the pipette holder 41A. In this state, the dispensing device 41 dispenses a liquid such as a test bacteria liquid 35A or an SCDLP medium 36A.

[0057] In the workspace 10A, a waste box 45 for disposing of pipette tips 44A is disposed within the movable range of the dispensing device 41. After dispensing the test bacteria liquid 35A, the dispensing device 41 discards the contaminated pipette tip 44A into the waste box 45, and then attaches a new pipette tip 44A.

[0058] A heating and holding unit 37 is disposed outside the safety cabinet 10. The heating and holding unit 37 holds the liquid agar medium 37A while heating it. For example, the heating and holding unit 37 uses a heating unit such as a water bath to keep the agar medium 37A at 46°C or higher and 48°C or lower.

[0059] A nozzle 46 connected to the heating and holding unit 37 is disposed in the work space 10A. The nozzle 46 uses a mechanism such as a tube pump to suck and discharge the agar medium 37A from the heating and holding unit 37. The nozzle 46 is configured to be movable so that its discharge outlet is positioned above the work stage 25 when a discharge operation is being performed, and so that its discharge outlet is positioned above the disposal box 45 when a discharge operation is not being performed. This allows the agar medium 37A to fall into the disposal box 45 even if it drips from the nozzle 46 when a discharge operation is not being performed.

[0060] In the work space 10A, a shear storage 47 is arranged within the movable range of the workpiece transport device 42. The shear storage 47 stores a first Petri dish S1 containing a test piece TP and an empty second Petri dish S2. In other words, the shear storage 47 functions as both the first Petri dish storage section 31 and the second Petri dish storage section 33 shown in FIG.

[0061] In the work space 10A, within the movable range of the workpiece transport device 42, there are arranged a film storage section 32 for storing a film F1 and a bottle storage section 34 for storing a bottle B1. The bottle B1 has a body section BB and a lid section BC. The lid section BC is, for example, a screw cap. The bottle B1 contains a buffer solution BS for dilution. The bottle B1 contains 9 mL of the buffer solution BS.

[0062] The workpiece transport device 42 is equipped with a workpiece holding unit at the tip of a vertical articulated robot for holding a workpiece. The workpieces held by the workpiece holding unit are, for example, a first Petri dish S1, a second Petri dish S2, a film F1, and a bottle B1. An example of the workpiece holding unit is a gripping chuck 42A that opens and closes in parallel to grip the first Petri dish S1, the second Petri dish S2, and the bottle B1.

[0063] In the work space 10A, a hand exchange device 48 is arranged within the movable range of the work transport device 42 for switching the work holding unit depending on the work held by the work transport device 42. For example, Fig. 3 illustrates a state in which a suction hand 42B that suction-holds a film F1 is installed in the hand exchange device 48 as an example of a work holding unit. In this case, the hand exchange device 48 switches between the gripping chuck 42A and the suction hand 42B depending on the work held by the work transport device 42. Note that if the work transport device 42 is configured to have the functions of both the gripping chuck 42A that opens and closes in parallel and the suction hand 42B, the hand exchange device 48 may be omitted.

[0064] In the work space 10A, a lid opening / closing device 49 and an agitator 50 are disposed within the movable range of the workpiece transport device 42. The lid opening / closing device 49 is an example of the opening / closing unit 23A, and is a device that automatically opens and closes the lid portion BC when the bottle B1 is set therein. Specifically, the lid opening / closing device 49 has a function of gripping the lid portion BC and a function of screwing the lid portion BC into or out of the main body portion BB by rotating the main body portion BB and the lid portion BC relative to each other. The agitator 50 is an example of the agitator 23D, and is a device for agitating the liquid in the bottle B1. One example of the agitator 50 is a vortex mixer. When the workpiece transport device 42 grips the bottle B1, the bottle B1 is pressed against the agitator 50, and the liquid in the bottle B1 is agitated.

[0065] In the work space 10A, a transfer stage 51 is arranged within the movable range of the work transport device 42. The transfer stage 51 is arranged in the work space 10A within the movable range of the transport device 16. At the transfer stage 51, the transfer of the transport object is performed between the transport device 16 and the work transport device 42.

[0066] (Antibacterial evaluation method) 4, the antibacterial evaluation method using the antibacterial evaluation system 1 includes steps S101 to S108. Before the antibacterial evaluation is performed, the first petri dish S1, the second petri dish S2, the film F1, the bottle B1, the test bacteria liquid 35A, the SCDLP medium 36A, the agar medium 37A, and the pipette tip 44A are replenished in each part of the antibacterial evaluation system 1.

[0067] In step S101, in the safety cabinet 10, the test piece TP, which is the target for evaluating antibacterial properties, is inoculated with the test bacteria liquid 35A. In detail, first, the work transport device 42 located inside the safety cabinet 10 supplies the first Petri dish S1 stored in the Petri dish storage 47 to the work stage 25. In other words, the work transport device 42 functions as the first Petri dish supply unit 21A. The work transport device 42 also removes the lid of the first Petri dish S1.

[0068] The dispensing device 41 then holds a pipette 43A for dispensing 0.4 mL and attaches a pipette tip 44A to the tip of the pipette 43A. The dispensing device 41 then aspirates the test bacteria liquid 35A from the first cooling and holding unit 35 and dispenses the aspirated test bacteria liquid 35A onto the surface of the test piece TP contained in the first Petri dish S1 supplied to the working stage 25. In other words, the dispensing device 41 functions as the first dispensing unit 21B.

[0069] Next, the workpiece transport device 42 switches the workpiece holding unit from the gripping chuck 42A to the suction hand 42B. Then, the workpiece transport device 42 covers the test bacteria liquid 35A dispensed onto the surface of the test piece TP with the film F1 stored in the film storage unit 32. In other words, the workpiece transport device 42 functions as the film supply unit 21C.

[0070] Next, the workpiece transport device 42 switches the workpiece holding unit to the gripping chuck 42A. Then, the workpiece transport device 42 grips the first Petri dish S1 placed on the work stage 25 and tilts the first Petri dish S1 in all directions to wet and spread the test bacteria liquid 35A between the test piece TP and the film F1. In other words, the workpiece transport device 42 functions as the wetting and spreading unit 21D.

[0071] The above procedure completes the inoculation of the test bacteria liquid 35A in step S101. After that, the workpiece transport device 42 closes the lid of the first Petri dish S1 and transports the first Petri dish S1 to the delivery stage 51, and then the process proceeds to step S102.

[0072] In step S102, the bacteria contained in the test bacteria liquid 35A inoculated onto the test piece TP are cultured. In detail, first, the transport device 16 located outside the safety cabinet 10 transports the first Petri dish S1 containing the test piece TP inoculated with the test bacteria liquid 35A from the delivery stage 51 of the safety cabinet 10 to the storage device 12.

[0073] The storage device 12 then stores the transported first Petri dish S1 together with the moisture-soaked humidifying material HM in the case C1, and then seals the case C1. Subsequently, the transport device 16 transports the case C1 containing the first Petri dish S1 from the storage device 12 to the first storage section 11A of the first culture device 11.

[0074] In the first culture device 11, the first petri dish S1 containing the test specimen TP inoculated with the test bacterial liquid 35A is cultured together with the case C1 for 24±1 hours under conditions of a temperature of 35°C±1°C and a humidity of 90% RH or higher. By culturing the first petri dish S1 together with the humidifying material HM housed in the case C1, the humidity around the first petri dish S1 can be maintained at a high level.

[0075] After the culture is completed, the transport device 16 transports the case C1 containing the first petri dish S1 from the first culture device 11 to the storage device 12. Then, the storage device 12 removes the first petri dish S1 from the case C1. Next, the transport device 16 transports the first petri dish S1 after culture to the delivery stage 51. With the above procedure, the culture in step S102 is completed.

[0076] In step S103, the test bacteria liquid 35A in which bacteria have been cultured in the first culture device 11 is washed out. In detail, first, the work transport device 42 located inside the safety cabinet 10 transports the cultured first petri dish S1, which was transported to the delivery stage 51 in step S102, from the delivery stage 51 to the working stage 25. Then, the work transport device 42 removes the lid from the first petri dish S1.

[0077] Next, dispensing device 41 grasps pipette 43A for dispensing 10 mL and attaches pipette tip 44A to the tip of pipette 43A. Dispensing device 41 then aspirates SCDLP medium 36A from second cooling and holding unit 36 ​​and dispenses the aspirated SCDLP medium 36A into first Petri dish S1 after culture placed on working stage 25. In other words, dispensing device 41 functions as second dispensing unit 22A.

[0078] Then, the workpiece transport device 42 grasps the first Petri dish S1 placed on the work stage 25 and tilts the first Petri dish S1 in all directions, thereby dispersing the test bacteria liquid 35A into the SCDLP medium 36A in the first Petri dish S1. In other words, the workpiece transport device 42 functions as the first mixer 22B. The washing out of step S103 is completed through the above procedure.

[0079] In step S104, the test bacteria liquid 35A washed out in step S103 is serially diluted to three levels: 10x, 100x, and 1000x. Specifically, first, the workpiece transport device 42 supplies the bottle B1 stored in the bottle storage unit 34 to the lid opening / closing device 49. The lid opening / closing device 49 then opens the lid portion BC of the bottle B1. The workpiece transport device 42 then supplies the body portion BB of the bottle B1 with the lid portion BC open to the work stage 25. In other words, the workpiece transport device 42 functions as the bottle supply unit 23B.

[0080] Next, the dispensing device 41 grasps the pipette 43A for dispensing 1 mL and attaches the pipette tip 44A to the tip of the pipette 43A. The dispensing device 41 then aspirates the mixture of the test bacteria liquid 35A and the SCDLP medium 36A from the first Petri dish S1 that was washed out in step S103, and dispenses 1 mL of the aspirated mixture into the bottle B1. In other words, the dispensing device 41 functions as the third dispensing unit 23C.

[0081] Then, the workpiece transport device 42 transports the diluted bottle B1 to the lid opening / closing device 49, and the lid opening / closing device 49 closes the lid portion BC of the bottle B1. After that, the workpiece transport device 42, while holding the bottle B1, presses the bottle B1 against the agitator 50, thereby mixing the mixture of the test bacterial solution 35A and the SCDLP medium 36A in the bottle B1 with the buffer solution BS. Because bottle B1 contains 9 mL of buffer solution BS, the mixture of the test bacterial solution 35A and the SCDLP medium 36A is diluted 10-fold by the above procedure.

[0082] In serial dilution, the diluted test bacterial solution 35A, which has been diluted 10-fold, is further diluted 10-fold to dilute the test bacterial solution 35A 100-fold. Hereinafter, the bottle B1 containing the diluted test bacterial solution 35A 10-fold will be referred to as the first bottle, and the bottle B1 containing 9 mL of buffer solution BS will be referred to as the second bottle. In this case, the dispensing device 41 aspirates the diluted test bacterial solution 35A diluted 10-fold from the first bottle and dispenses the aspirated diluted test bacterial solution 35A into the second bottle. The amount of diluted test bacterial solution 35A dispensed into the second bottle is a predetermined amount set to be equal to the amount of the mixture of test bacterial solution 35A and SCDLP medium 36A dispensed into the first bottle, which is 1 mL in this case. The liquid in the second bottle is then stirred, thereby diluting the mixture of test bacterial solution 35A and SCDLP medium 36A 100-fold.

[0083] Then, in the serial dilution, the test bacterial liquid 35A is diluted 100-fold using the same procedure, and then further diluted 10-fold to dilute the test bacterial liquid 35A 1000-fold. The dispensing device 41 replaces the pipette tip 44A each time the concentration of the test bacterial liquid 35A to be dispensed changes. After the first Petri dish S1 has been washed, the workpiece transport device 42 closes the lid and transports it to the transfer stage 51 as soon as the amount of liquid required for dilution is obtained. The transport device 16, located outside the safety cabinet 10, transports the first Petri dish S1 placed on the transfer stage 51 to the waste sample storage area 15. The serial dilution of step S104 is completed through the above procedure.

[0084] In step S105, agar plates are prepared by solidifying test bacterial liquid 35A diluted with buffer solution BS on agar medium 37A. In step S105, three levels of agar plates are prepared by solidifying test bacterial liquid 35A diluted 10-fold, test bacterial liquid 35A diluted 100-fold, and test bacterial liquid 35A diluted 1000-fold on agar medium 37A.

[0085] In detail, first, the workpiece transport device 42 supplies an empty second Petri dish S2 stored in the shear storage 47 to the work stage 25. That is, the workpiece transport device 42 functions as the second Petri dish supply unit 24A. Then, the workpiece transport device 42 removes the lid of the second Petri dish S2.

[0086] Next, the dispensing device 41 grasps the pipette 43A for dispensing 1 mL and attaches the pipette tip 44A to the tip of the pipette 43A. Then, the dispensing device 41 aspirates the diluted test bacteria liquid 35A from the bottle B1 diluted in step S104 and dispenses the diluted test bacteria liquid 35A into the second Petri dish S2. In other words, the dispensing device 41 functions as the fourth dispensing unit 24B.

[0087] Then, the workpiece transport device 42 transports the second Petri dish S2 containing the diluted test bacteria liquid 35A to below the outlet of the nozzle 46. Thereafter, the nozzle 46 aspirates the agar medium 37A from the heating and holding unit 37 and dispenses the aspirated agar medium 37A into the second Petri dish S2 supplied to the work stage 25. In other words, the nozzle 46 functions as the fifth dispensing unit 24C. The amount of agar medium 37A dispensed into the second Petri dish S2 is, for example, between 15 mL and 20 mL.

[0088] Then, the workpiece transport device 42 grasps the second Petri dish S2 placed on the work stage 25 and tilts the second Petri dish S2 in all directions, thereby dispersing the diluted test bacteria liquid 35A into the agar medium 37A in the second Petri dish S2. In other words, the workpiece transport device 42 functions as the second mixing section 24D.

[0089] Then, the workpiece transport device 42 closes the lid of the second Petri dish S2 and transports the second Petri dish S2 to the transfer stage 51. In this state, the second Petri dish S2 is left stationary on the transfer stage 51 until the agar medium 37A solidifies and an agar plate is formed. In step S105, the required number of agar plates are prepared for each concentration of the test bacteria liquid 35A using the above procedure.

[0090] As soon as the amount of liquid necessary to prepare an agar plate has been obtained, the bottle B1 containing the diluted test bacteria liquid 35A has its lid portion BC closed by the lid opening / closing device 49, and is then transported to the transfer stage 51 by the work transport device 42. The transport device 16, located outside the safety cabinet 10, transports the bottle B1 placed on the transfer stage 51 to the waste sample storage area 15.

[0091] In step S106, the bacteria contained in the agar plate formed in the second Petri dish S2 are cultured. In detail, first, the transport device 16 located outside the safety cabinet 10 transports the second Petri dish S2, on which the agar plate has been formed, from the delivery stage 51 of the safety cabinet 10 to the second incubator 13.

[0092] At this time, the transport device 16 places the second Petri dish S2 in an inverted state, so that it is upside down, in the second storage section 13A of the second culture device 13. In the second culture device 13, the second Petri dish S2 containing the agar plate is cultured under conditions of a temperature of 35°C ± 1°C. The culture time is 40 hours or more and 48 hours or less. The culture in step S106 is completed through the above procedure.

[0093] In step S107, bacterial colonies formed on the agar plate in the second Petri dish S2 are counted. Specifically, first, the workpiece transport device 42 transports the second Petri dish S2 after incubation from the second incubation device 13 to the counting device 14. The counting device 14 then counts the bacterial colonies formed on the agar plate. For example, the counting device 14 acquires an image of the agar plate on which colonies have formed. The counting device 14 then performs preprocessing on the acquired image to improve image quality, such as removing noise, adjusting contrast, and sharpening the image, and counts the colonies using edge detection and other processes. The image acquired by the counting device 14 and the colony count results are stored in the memory unit 17B of the control device 17. The colony counting in step S107 is completed through the above procedure.

[0094] In step S108, the transport device 16 transports the second Petri dish S2 after counting from the counting device 14 to the waste sample storage area 15. The antibacterial evaluation is completed by the procedure of steps S101 to S108.

[0095] As an example, the results of an antibacterial test conducted in accordance with the antibacterial testing method specified in JIS Z 2801:2012 using an antibacterial evaluation system 1 with the interior of a safety cabinet 10 configured as shown in Figure 3 will be described. In this test, Escherichia coli NBRC3972 strain was used as the test bacteria. PET film coated with a silver-based antibacterial agent was used as the test specimen TP. An evaluation was performed four times to calculate the antibacterial activity value from the colony count results. The evaluation results for the antibacterial activity value were 5.8 for the first time, 5.6 for the second time, 5.7 for the third time, and 5.7 for the fourth time.

[0096] In contrast, for comparison, the test results will be described for a similar test in which an operator performed the tasks performed by the inoculation unit 21, washing unit 22, dilution unit 23, and agar plate preparation unit 24. In this case, colony counting was performed using an automatic colony counting device using the same method as the counting device 14 of the antibacterial evaluation system 1. The evaluation results of the antibacterial activity value were 5.8 for the first test, 6.2 for the second test, 5.6 for the third test, and 5.7 for the fourth test. Therefore, it was confirmed that the accuracy of the antibacterial test using the antibacterial evaluation system 1 was equal to or better than that when performed by an operator.

[0097] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The antibacterial evaluation system 1 can automate the inoculation of the test bacterial liquid 35A, the cultivation of the inoculated test bacterial liquid 35A, washing out, dilution, preparation of agar plates, cultivation of the agar plates, and even the counting of colonies. That is, the antibacterial evaluation system 1 can automate the processes from the inoculation of the test bacterial liquid 35A to the counting of colonies by preparing in advance equipment such as a first Petri dish S1 for containing the test specimen TP and an empty second Petri dish S2, and tools such as a pipette 43A.

[0098] (2) Since the inoculation unit 21 has the functions of the first petri dish supply unit 21A, the first dispensing unit 21B, the film supply unit 21C, and the wetting and spreading unit 21D, the inoculation work of the test bacteria liquid 35A can be performed by each unit of the inoculation unit 21.

[0099] (3) Washing unit 22 has the functions of second dispensing unit 22A and first mixing unit 22B, and therefore each unit of washing unit 22 can perform the washing operation. (4) Dilution unit 23 has the functions of opening / closing unit 23A, bottle supply unit 23B, third dispensing unit 23C, and stirring unit 23D, and thus each unit of dilution unit 23 can perform the dilution work.

[0100] (5) Since the agar plate preparation unit 24 has the functions of the second Petri dish supply unit 24A, the fourth dispensing unit 24B, the fifth dispensing unit 24C, and the second mixing unit 24D, the agar plate preparation work can be performed by each unit of the agar plate preparation unit 24.

[0101] (6) By culturing the first Petri dish S1 in the first culturing device 11 while it is housed in the case C1 together with the humidifying material HM, it is possible to more reliably maintain a high humidity level while culturing the bacteria contained in the test bacterial solution 35A inoculated into the test specimen TP. For example, even if the humidity inside the first housing section 11A decreases as the first door 11B is opened and closed, the humidity around the first Petri dish S1 is less likely to decrease.

[0102] (7) The first incubation device 11 is provided with the first door 11B that can be opened and closed by electrical control, which simplifies the process of accommodating the case C1 in the first accommodating section 11A. (8) The second incubation device 13 is provided with the second door 13B that can be opened and closed by electrical control, which simplifies the process of storing the second Petri dish S2 in the second storage section 13A. In addition, the second Petri dish S2 on which the agar plate has been prepared can be turned upside down by the transport device 16, so that the second Petri dish S2 can be placed in the second incubation device 13 in an inverted state, with the top and bottom reversed. This prevents contamination due to condensation.

[0103] (9) The bottle storage unit 34 stores multiple bottles B1 containing the same amount of buffer solution BS. When diluting the test bacteria liquid 35A, the dispensing device 41, functioning as the third dispensing unit 23C, aspirates the diluted test bacteria liquid 35A from the first bottle containing the diluted test bacteria liquid 35A and dispenses the aspirated diluted test bacteria liquid 35A into the second bottle. This allows the washed-out test bacteria liquid 35A to be diluted in stages. Furthermore, the amount of buffer solution BS contained in the bottles B1 stored in the bottle storage unit 34 can be standardized.

[0104] (10) In the group of devices surrounding the transport device 16, the first culture device 11 and the storage device 12 are arranged adjacent to each other. This shortens the transport path when transporting the case C1 between the first culture device 11 and the storage device 12 before and after the culture in the first culture device 11.

[0105] (11) In the group of devices surrounding the transport device 16, the second culture device 13 and the counting device 14 are arranged adjacent to each other. This shortens the transport path when transporting the second Petri dish S2, for which culture in the second culture device 13 has been completed, to the counting device 14.

[0106] (12) In the group of devices surrounding the transport device 16, the counting device 14 and the waste sample storage area 15 are arranged adjacent to each other. This shortens the transport path when transporting the second Petri dish S2, for which colony counting by the counting device 14 has been completed, to the waste sample storage area 15.

[0107] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The modifications can be combined within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0108] The arrangement of the safety cabinet 10, first incubation device 11, storage device 12, second incubation device 13, counting device 14, and waste sample storage area 15 relative to the transport device 16 may be changed as appropriate. For example, another device may be interposed between the first incubation device 11 and storage device 12, another device may be interposed between the second incubation device 13 and counting device 14, or another device may be interposed between the counting device 14 and waste sample storage area 15.

[0109] The number of each of the first incubation device 11, the storage device 12, the second incubation device 13, the counting device 14, the waste sample storage area 15, and the transport device 16 may be two or more. Also, the first incubation device 11, the storage device 12, the second incubation device 13, the counting device 14, the waste sample storage area 15, and the transport device 16 may be appropriately combined and integrated. For example, one incubation device may include a portion that functions as the first incubation device 11 and a portion that functions as the second incubation device 13.

[0110] The storage device 12 may be placed inside the safety cabinet 10. In other words, the first Petri dish S1 may be transported from the safety cabinet 10 to the first incubation device 11 while being housed in the case C1 inside the safety cabinet 10.

[0111] The first door 11B of the first incubation device 11 is not limited to a configuration that operates under electrical control, and for example, the transport device 16 may open and close the first door 11B. The second door 13B of the second incubation device 13 can also be modified in a similar manner.

[0112] The bottle storage unit 34 may store bottles B1 containing different amounts of buffer solution BS. In this case, the test bacterial solution 35A can be diluted by adjusting the amount of the mixture of test bacterial solution 35A and SCDLP medium 36A dispensed to obtain the desired dilution ratio depending on the amount of buffer solution BS in bottle B1. Even if the bottle storage unit 34 stores only bottles B1 containing the same amount of buffer solution BS, dilutions of 10x, 100x, or 1000x can be achieved by changing the amount of the mixture of test bacterial solution 35A and SCDLP medium 36A dispensed into bottle B1.

[0113] In the second culture device 13, the second Petri dish S2 on which the agar plate is prepared may be placed without being turned upside down. In the first incubation device 11, if the humidity around the first Petri dish S1 is maintained at 90% RH or higher, the first Petri dish S1 containing the test specimen TP may be stored alone in the first incubation device 11, rather than being placed in the case C1 together with the humidifying material HM. In this case, the storage device 12 may be omitted.

[0114] In the inoculation unit 21, the workpiece transport device 42 is configured to perform the functions of the first Petri dish supply unit 21A, the film supply unit 21C, and the wetting / spreading unit 21D. However, the inoculation unit 21 may include another device that performs the functions of at least one of the first Petri dish supply unit 21A, the film supply unit 21C, and the wetting / spreading unit 21D. For example, the transport device 16 may perform the functions of at least one of the first Petri dish supply unit 21A, the film supply unit 21C, and the wetting / spreading unit 21D. Similar modifications are also possible for the bottle supply unit 23B in the dilution unit 23 and the second Petri dish supply unit 24A in the agar plate preparation unit 24. When the transport device 16 functions as the film supply unit 21C, the gripper 16A can be switched to the suction hand 42B.

[0115] In the inoculation unit 21, the dispensing device 41 serves as the first dispensing unit 21B. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the transport device 16 may be configured to function as the first dispensing unit 21B by switching the gripper 16A to the pipette gripper 41A. Similar modifications are also possible for the second dispensing unit 22A in the washing unit 22, the third dispensing unit 23C in the dilution unit 23, and the fourth dispensing unit 24B and the fifth dispensing unit 24C in the agar plate preparation unit 24. Furthermore, for the fifth dispensing unit 24C, dispensing by the dispensing device 41 may be performed instead of by the nozzle 46.

[0116] The workpiece transport device 42 has been exemplified as having a configuration in which it performs the functions of the first mixing section 22B in the washing section 22 and the second mixing section 24D in the agar plate preparation section 24. However, this is not limiting, and for example, a device for mixing liquids in a petri dish may be provided. Furthermore, for example, the transport device 16 may perform at least one of the functions of the first mixing section 22B and the second mixing section 24D.

[0117] The agitator 50 functioning as the agitator 23D is not limited to a configuration in which the workpiece transport device 42 agitates the liquid in the bottle B1 while holding the bottle B1, and for example, the agitator 50 may be provided with a mechanism for holding the bottle B1. The agitator 23D may be a device other than a vortex mixer.

[0118] The opening / closing unit 23A is not limited to the lid opening / closing device 49, and may be configured to open and close the lid portion BC of the bottle B1 using, for example, the gripping unit 16A of the transport device 16 or the gripping chuck 42A of the work transport device 42.

[0119] Each functional unit included in the inoculation unit 21, the washing unit 22, the dilution unit 23, and the agar plate preparation unit 24 may transition between a state where it is located inside the safety cabinet 10 and a state where it is located outside the safety cabinet 10. For example, as described above, the transport device 16 located outside the safety cabinet 10 may move in and out of the safety cabinet 10 to perform any of the functions of the inoculation unit 21, the washing unit 22, the dilution unit 23, and the agar plate preparation unit 24. In other words, the transport device 16 that enters the safety cabinet 10 from outside the safety cabinet 10 may perform any of the functions of the inoculation unit 21, the washing unit 22, the dilution unit 23, and the agar plate preparation unit 24. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] B1...Bottle BS…Buffer solution C1...Case F1…Film S1: First petri dish S2: Second petri dish TP...Test piece 1. Antibacterial evaluation system 10...Safety cabinet 11...First culture device 13…Second culture device 14...Counting device 16...Transportation device 21...Inoculation part 22...Washing section 23...Dilution section 24...Agar plate preparation section 35A...Test bacteria solution 36A...SCDLP medium 37A...Agar medium

Claims

1. A system for evaluating the antibacterial properties of a test strip, comprising: a safety cabinet for carrying out testing procedures using bacteria; an inoculation unit configured to inoculate a test bacterial liquid containing the bacteria onto a surface of the test piece within the safety cabinet; a first culture device for culturing the bacteria in the test bacterial solution inoculated onto the test piece; A washing unit that washes out the test bacteria liquid in which the bacteria have been cultured in the first culture device with a washing liquid inside the safety cabinet; A dilution unit that dilutes the washed-out test bacterial liquid inside the safety cabinet; an agar plate preparation unit that mixes the diluted test bacterial solution with an agar medium inside the safety cabinet to prepare an agar plate in which the agar medium is solidified; a second culture device for culturing the bacteria contained in the agar plate; a counting device that counts the bacterial colonies formed on the agar plate cultured in the second culture device; a transport device that transports the test piece inoculated with the test bacteria liquid from the safety cabinet to the first culture device, transports the test piece from the first culture device to the safety cabinet after culture in the first culture device, transports the agar plate from the safety cabinet to the second culture device, and transports the agar plate from the second culture device to the counting device after culture in the second culture device. Antibacterial rating system.

2. A first petri dish storage unit that stores the first petri dish in a state in which the test piece is accommodated; a film storage unit for storing a film for covering the test bacterial solution inoculated on the test piece; A first cooling and holding unit that cools and holds the test bacteria liquid, The inoculation unit is A first petri dish supply unit that supplies the first petri dish stored in the first petri dish storage unit to a work position inside the safety cabinet; a first dispensing unit that aspirates the test bacteria liquid from the first cooling and holding unit and dispenses the aspirated test bacteria liquid onto the surface of the test piece contained in the first Petri dish supplied to the working position; a film supply unit that covers the test bacteria liquid dispensed onto the surface of the test piece with the film stored in the film storage unit; a wetting and spreading section that wets and spreads the test bacteria liquid between the test piece and the film. The antibacterial evaluation system according to claim 1 .

3. The apparatus further includes a storage device that stores the first Petri dish after the test bacteria liquid has been wetted and spread by the wetting and spreading unit in a case together with a humidifying material and seals the case; the transport device transports the case containing the first petri dish to the first culture device by the storage device; In the first culture device, the bacteria in the test bacteria liquid inoculated onto the test piece contained in the first Petri dish are cultured while the first Petri dish is contained in the case. The antibacterial evaluation system according to claim 2 .

4. The first culture device a first storage section having a space capable of storing the case and capable of adjusting temperature and humidity; a first door that separates the first storage section from an external space and that can be opened and closed by electrical control; The antibacterial evaluation system according to claim 3 .

5. Further provided is a second cooling and holding unit that holds the washing-out liquid while cooling it, The washing-out section includes: A second dispensing unit that aspirates the washout solution from the second cooling and holding unit and discharges the aspirated washout solution into a first petri dish that contains the test piece after culture in the first culture device; a first mixing unit that disperses the test bacteria liquid in the washing liquid in the first petri dish; The antibacterial evaluation system according to claim 1 .

6. The method further includes a bottle storage unit for storing a bottle having a lid and containing a buffer solution, The dilution section an opening / closing part that opens and closes the lid part of the bottle; a bottle supply unit that supplies the bottle stored in the bottle storage unit to the opening / closing unit, and supplies the bottle with the lid portion opened by the opening / closing unit to a work position inside the safety cabinet; a third dispensing unit that aspirates a mixture of the test bacteria liquid and the washout liquid from the first petri dish from which the test bacteria liquid has been washed out by the washout liquid, and dispenses the aspirated mixture into the bottle provided at the work position; a stirring unit that mixes the mixed solution discharged into the bottle with the buffer solution. The antibacterial evaluation system according to claim 1 .

7. the bottle storage unit stores a first bottle and a second bottle containing the same amount of the buffer solution; The third dispensing unit is The mixed liquid is aspirated from the first petri dish, and a predetermined amount of the aspirated mixed liquid is discharged into the first bottle supplied to the working position; and The diluted test bacteria liquid obtained by mixing the mixed liquid and the buffer solution is aspirated from the first bottle after mixing by the stirring unit, and the aspirated predetermined amount of the diluted test bacteria liquid is discharged into the second bottle. The antibacterial evaluation system according to claim 6 .

8. a second petri dish storage unit that stores an empty second petri dish; A heating and holding unit that holds the agar medium while heating it, The agar plate preparation unit includes: A second petri dish supply unit that supplies the second petri dish stored in the second petri dish storage unit to a work position inside the safety cabinet; a fourth dispensing unit that aspirates the diluted test bacterial liquid and dispenses the aspirated diluted test bacterial liquid into the second petri dish supplied to the work position; a fifth dispensing unit that aspirates the agar medium from the heating and holding unit and dispenses the aspirated agar medium into the second petri dish supplied to the working position; a second mixing unit that disperses the diluted test bacterial liquid in the agar medium in the second petri dish. The antibacterial evaluation system according to claim 1 .

9. The second culture device, a second storage unit having a space capable of storing the second petri dish and capable of adjusting the temperature; a second door that separates the second storage section from an external space and that can be opened and closed by electrical control; The transport device places the second Petri dish, in which the agar medium in which the diluted test bacteria liquid has been dispersed by the second mixing unit has solidified and the agar plate has been prepared, in the second storage unit of the second culture device in an inverted state. The antibacterial evaluation system according to claim 8 .

10. An antibacterial evaluation method for evaluating the antibacterial properties of a test piece using an antibacterial evaluation system, comprising: an inoculation unit inoculating a test bacterial solution containing bacteria onto the surface of the test piece inside a safety cabinet; a transport device transporting the test piece inoculated with the test bacteria liquid from the safety cabinet to a first culture device; In the first culture device, the bacteria in the test bacteria solution inoculated onto the test piece are cultured; the transport device transports the test piece from the first incubation device to the safety cabinet after incubation in the first incubation device; A washing unit washes out the test bacteria liquid in which the bacteria have been cultured in the first culture device with a washing liquid inside the safety cabinet, A dilution unit dilutes the washed-out test bacteria liquid inside the safety cabinet, An agar plate preparation unit mixes the diluted test bacterial solution with an agar medium inside the safety cabinet to prepare an agar plate on which the agar medium is solidified, the transport device transports the agar plate from the safety cabinet to a second incubation device; The bacteria contained in the agar plate is cultured in the second culture device; the transport device transports the agar plate from the second culture device to a counting device after culture in the second culture device; The counting device counts the bacterial colonies formed on the agar plate cultured in the second culture device. Antibacterial evaluation method.

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