System, movement mechanism unit, positioning mechanism unit, and culture chip connection mechanism

Abstract

To provide a system that contributes to improvement of work efficiency.SOLUTION: The system according to an embodiment comprises a movement mechanism unit configured to enable a structure to move between a first position and a second position different from the first position, the movement mechanism unit having a chip detachably connected thereto, and a positioning mechanism unit connected to the movement mechanism unit and configured to be capable of positioning the chip.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a moving mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a culture chip connecting mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fluid circuit device including a block having a guide portion to which a pipe capable of circulating a fluid sent from a pump can be attached. The block includes a supply cassette having a supply guide portion to which a supply pipe capable of supplying a fluid for cell culture can be attached. The supply cassette is detachably connected to the top of the culture chip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 190627 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when mounting the culture chip on the fluid circuit device, the work of fitting the piping on the fluid circuit device to the culture chip is likely to be complicated, so there is room for improvement in terms of workability.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system, a moving mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a culture chip connecting mechanism that can contribute to improving workability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a moving mechanism configured to move a structure between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and to which a chip is detachably connected, and a positioning mechanism connected to the moving mechanism and configured to be able to position the chip.

[0007] According to this configuration, the chip can be positioned and the structure can be moved between the first position and the second position. This simplifies the work of positioning the chip and moving the structure, thereby contributing to improved workability.

[0008] (2) In the system described in (1) above, the chip may be detachable from the moving mechanism in a first direction, and the moving mechanism may be configured to be movable in a second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0009] With this configuration, the chip can be attached and detached in a first direction, and the structure can be moved in a second direction, providing a simple system that allows work to be performed in two actions.

[0010] (3) In the system described in (1) or (2) above, the movement mechanism may include a locking mechanism that locks the structure at the first position and / or the second position.

[0011] According to this configuration, the structure can be locked, so that work can be carried out stably.

[0012] (4) In the system described in (3) above, the movement mechanism may include a biasing member that biases the structure to an unlocked state in which the locked state is released.

[0013] According to this configuration, the structure can be put into an unlocked state by the biasing force of the biasing member, so that work can be carried out smoothly.

[0014] (5) In the system described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the chip may be detachable from the moving mechanism in a first direction, and the positioning mechanism may be configured to position the chip in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0015] According to this configuration, the tip can be positioned in the second and third directions, so that the operation can be performed stably.

[0016] (6) In the system described in (5) above, the positioning mechanism may include a pair of arms extending in the first direction and facing each other in the third direction.

[0017] This configuration allows the tip to be moved along the pair of arms, and also allows the tip to be sandwiched and held by the pair of arms.

[0018] (7) In the system described in (6) above, the positioning mechanism may include a pair of positioning protrusions that protrude in the third direction from each of the pair of arms and face each other.

[0019] According to this configuration, the chip can be positioned by the pair of positioning protrusions.

[0020] (8) The system according to any one of (1) to (7) above may further include an imaging unit provided in the structure for imaging the chip.

[0021] This configuration allows the chip to be imaged. In addition, the imaging unit can be moved together with the structure, which simplifies the effort required to move the imaging unit.

[0022] (9) In the system described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the first position and the second position may be arranged on a vertical line.

[0023] According to this configuration, when moving the structure from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, gravity can be utilized, and therefore the work can be carried out smoothly.

[0024] (10) In the moving mechanism described in any one of (1) to (9) above, the structure is configured so that piping capable of circulating a fluid for cell culture can be attached and detached, and the chip is capable of storing the fluid for cell culture.

[0025] (11) A movement mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention is the movement mechanism according to any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0026] (12) A positioning mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention is the positioning mechanism according to any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0027] (13) A culture chip connection mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to move a fluid circuit device between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and to which a culture chip is detachably connected, wherein the culture chip is detachably attached to the culture chip connection mechanism in a first direction and includes a moving mechanism configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0028] According to this configuration, the culture chip can be attached and detached in a first direction, and the fluid circuit device can be moved in a second direction, thereby providing a simple culture chip connecting mechanism that can be operated in two actions.

[0029] (14) The culture chip connection mechanism described in (13) above may include a positioning mechanism that is connected to the movement mechanism and is configured to be able to position the culture chip.

[0030] According to this configuration, the culture chip can be positioned and the fluid circuit device can be moved between the first position and the second position. Therefore, the labor required for positioning the culture chip and for moving the fluid circuit device can be simplified, which contributes to improving workability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system, a moving mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a culture chip connecting mechanism that can contribute to improving workability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the system of the embodiment in an unlocked state. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a locked state of the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an installation state of an imaging unit of the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the system of the embodiment in an unlocked state. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a locked state of the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a state in which a tip is attached to the system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings show an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. In this specification, the positional relationship of each component will be described with reference to the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system as necessary. A predetermined direction in a horizontal plane is defined as the X direction, a direction perpendicular to the X direction in the horizontal plane is defined as the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions (i.e., the vertical direction) is defined as the Z direction. In the following description, the arrows in the drawings of the X, Y, and Z directions will be referred to as the plus (+) side and the opposite side to the arrows as the minus (-) side. The +Z side corresponds to the upper side in the vertical direction, and the -Z side corresponds to the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0034] In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," do not only mean such arrangements strictly, but also include states in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component has been appropriately changed to make each component recognizable.

[0035] <System> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an unlocked state of the system 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a locked state of the system 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an installation state of the imaging unit 5 of the system 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top view of the system 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view showing an unlocked state of the system 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a locked state of the system 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view showing a tip attached state of the system 1 of the embodiment. Referring also to Figures 1 to 7, the system 1 includes a moving mechanism unit 3 configured to move the structure 2 between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and to which the chip 10 is detachably connected, and a positioning mechanism unit 4 connected to the moving mechanism unit 3 and configured to be able to position the chip 10.

[0036] <Structure> The structure 2 constitutes a cell culture device 101 (an example of a fluid circuit device). The structure 2 is configured so that pipes 12A to 12C, through which a fluid for cell culture can flow, can be attached and detached. The pipes 12A to 12C are configured so that a liquid for cell culture (hereinafter also referred to as "culture solution") sent from the pump 11 can flow through them. For example, the culture solution contains various drugs for culturing cells.

[0037] The pipes 12A to 12C are made of a material having lower drug adsorption properties than the structure 2. For example, when the structure 2 is made of ABS resin, the pipes 12A to 12C may be made of polyether ether ketone resin (PEEK resin) or fluororesin (for example, polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0038] The structure 2 has guide portions 20A to 20C to which the pipes 12A to 12C can be attached / detached. The guide portions 20A to 20C are configured to include recesses that guide the pipes 12A to 12C along the surface of the structure 2, and hole portions that guide the pipes 12A to 12C through the interior of the structure 2. The recesses refer to portions that guide the pipes 12A to 12C along the outer surface (surface) of the structure 2, such as depressions or grooves that are visible from the outside of the structure 2. The hole portions refer to portions that guide the pipes 12A to 12C through the internal space of the structure 2, such as through-holes or spaces that are not visible from the outside of the structure 2.

[0039] The structure 2 is configured to include a plurality of blocks 21A to 21C. The plurality of blocks 21A to 21C are detachably connected to one another by fixing members 22 such as lock pins. At least some of the plurality of blocks 21A to 21C are detachably connected to other portions by a concave-convex structure 23 including concave and convex portions. Note that the manner in which the plurality of blocks 21A to 21C are connected is not limited to the above, and can be changed according to design specifications, such as by fastening with screws or bands.

[0040] The multiple blocks 21A to 21C include a pump block 21A, a tank block 21B, and a connection block 21C. At least some of the pump block 21A, the tank block 21B, and the connection block 21C may include multiple cassettes detachably connected to each other.

[0041] The pump block 21A is configured so that the pump 11 can be installed therein. The pump 11 may be, for example, an open-to-atmosphere liquid-transfer pump. This makes it less likely that clogging with chemicals will occur. The pump block 21A is configured so that a pump connection tube 12A (an example of piping) connectable to the pump 11 can be detachably attached. The pump block 21A has a pump-side guide section 20A (an example of a guide section) to which the pump connection tube 12A can be detachably attached.

[0042] 1, one pump 11 is installed on the +X side of the pump block 21A. Note that the installation locations and number of pumps 11 are not limited to those described above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0043] The tank block 21B is configured so that a relay tube 12B (an example of a pipe) for relaying the pipes 12A to 12C can be attached / detached to the tank block 21B. The tank block 21B has a tank side guide portion 20B (an example of a guide portion) to which the relay tube 12B can be attached / detached. The tank block 21B is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed in the XY plane.

[0044] A chip case 15 may be attached to the tank block 21B. The chip case 15 functions as a lid that covers the culture chip 10 from the +Z side. The chip case 15 is attached to the tank block 21B side in advance. The chip case 15 is configured so that a tank connection tube (an example of a supply pipe that can supply culture solution) can be attached and detached to the culture chip 10 that can store culture solution. A flow path for culturing cells is formed in the culture chip 10.

[0045] The connection block 21C is detachably connected to the pump block 21A and the tank block 21B. The connection block 21C is configured so that a connection tube 12C (an example of piping) that can connect the pump connection tube 12A and the relay tube 12B can be detachably attached to the connection block 21C. The connection block 21C has a connection guide portion 20C (an example of a guide portion) to which the connection tube 12C can be detachably attached.

[0046] The connecting block 21C is provided between the pump block 21A and the tank block 21B in the X direction. The pump block 21A is connected to the +X side portion of the connecting block 21C. The tank block 21B is connected to the -Z side portion of the -X side portion of the connecting block 21C. Note that the connection locations of the blocks 21A to 21C are not limited to those described above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0047] The structure 2 may include a joint member 13 that is detachably connected to each of the tubes 12A to 12C that make up the piping 12A to 12C. The joint member 13 may be provided at a portion where the plurality of blocks 21A to 21C are connected to one another. The joint member 13 is made of a material that has lower drug adsorption properties than the structure 2. For example, when the structure 2 is made of ABS resin, the joint member 13 may be made of polyether ether ketone resin (PEEK resin) or a fluororesin (such as polytetrafluoroethylene). The joint member 13 may be made of the same material as the piping 12A to 12C.

[0048] The structure 2 may have different piping connection systems depending on the purpose of cell culture. The piping connection systems may be configured to include a first piping connection system including some of the multiple pump connection tubes 12A connected to the pump 11, and a second piping connection system including the other parts. The first piping connection system may be configured to include piping through which a first culture medium flows. The second piping connection system may be configured to include piping through which a second culture medium flows. The second culture medium may be a liquid different from the first culture medium.

[0049] For example, when the system 1 is used, the blocks 21A to 21C, etc. are connected to form the structure 2, and the pump 11 is installed in the structure 2. Furthermore, the pipes, etc. (tubes 12A to 12C, coupling members 13, etc.) are connected to the guide portions 20A to 20C of the structure 2. In this connected state, when the pump 11 is driven, the culture solution sent from the pump 11 flows into the culture chip 10 via the corresponding pump connection tube 12A, connection tube 12C, relay tube 12B, etc.

[0050] The culture solution in the culture chip 10 returns to the pump 11 via the corresponding relay tube 12B, connecting tube 12C, pump connection tube 12A, etc. The culture solution returned to the pump 11 passes through the above-mentioned path. That is, a circulation path for the culture solution is formed by each of the tubes 12A to 12C. If necessary, a culture solution recovery unit for recovering the culture solution may be provided midway along the circulation path.

[0051] <Moving mechanism section> The movement mechanism 3 is configured to be able to move the structure 2 between a first position and a second position different from the first position. Each of the first position and the second position is located on a vertical line (a line along the Z direction). The position shown in one of Figures 1 (or 5) and 2 (or 6) corresponds to the first position, and the position shown in the other corresponds to the second position.

[0052] The movement mechanism 3 constitutes a culture chip connection mechanism 102 to which the culture chip 10 is detachably connected. The chip 10 is detachably connected to the movement mechanism 3. The chip 10 is detachable in a first direction (X direction) relative to the movement mechanism 3. The chip 10 may be detachably connected to the -X side portion of the movement mechanism 3 by a concave-convex structure.

[0053] The movement mechanism 3 is configured to be movable in a second direction (Z direction) intersecting the first direction. The movement mechanism 3 includes a base 30 formed in a rectangular frame shape in a plan view, and a lifting unit 31 provided inside the base 30 and capable of moving up and down (moving in the Z direction) relative to the base 30. A -Z side portion of the structure 2 (for example, a lower portion of the connecting block 21C) is supported by the lifting unit 31. The structure 2, together with the lifting unit 31, is capable of moving up and down relative to the base 30.

[0054] The movement mechanism 3 is equipped with locking mechanisms 35A and 35B that lock the structure 2 at the first position and / or the second position. The locking mechanisms 35A and 35B are configured to include a lock plate 35A provided on the base 30 and a lock pin 35B provided on the lifting unit 31. The lock plate 35A is formed in a plate shape that extends along the XY plane. The lock pin 35B is configured to include a conical portion that protrudes on the -Z side. An opening is formed in the portion of the base 30 that corresponds to the lock pin 35B, allowing the lock pin 35B to enter and retract.

[0055] For example, in the unlocked state, the structure 2 is pushed down together with the lifting / lowering unit 31. Then, the lock pin 35B enters the opening of the base 30, and a part of the lock pin 35B engages with the lock plate 35A. In other words, the lifting / lowering unit 31 is locked to the base 30. As a result, the structure 2 and the lifting / lowering unit 31 are locked together. The configuration of the locking mechanisms 35A and 35B is not limited to the above, and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0056] The movement mechanism unit 3 includes a biasing member 36 that biases the structure 2 to an unlocked state in which the locked state is released. The biasing member 36 includes a spring. A plurality of biasing members 36 are provided on the base 30. The biasing members 36 are provided at four locations spaced apart in each of the X and Y directions. The biasing members 36 are provided to be extendable and contractible in the Z direction (to apply a biasing force in the +Z direction). In the locked state, the lifting unit 31 is locked to the base 30 against the biasing force of the biasing member 36. For example, in the locked state, the engagement between the lock pin 35B and the lock plate 35A may be released by pressing an unlock button. This allows the structure 2 to be placed in the unlocked state by a simple operation using the biasing force of the biasing member 36. The manner in which the biasing member 36 is installed is not limited to the above, and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0057] <Positioning mechanism> The positioning mechanism 4 is connected to the moving mechanism 3 and is configured to be able to position the chip 10. The positioning mechanism 4 is detachably connected to the -X side portion of the moving mechanism 3. The positioning mechanism 4 is configured to be able to position the chip 10 in a second direction (Z direction) intersecting the first direction (X direction) and in a third direction (Y direction) intersecting the first and second directions.

[0058] The positioning mechanism 4 includes a pair of arms 40 that extend in a first direction (X direction) and face each other in a third direction (Y direction). The +X side portion of the arms 40 is detachably connected by screwing to the Y direction outer portion of the -X side portion of the movement mechanism 3 (for example, the Y direction outer lower portion of the base 30). Note that the connection mode of the arms 40 is not limited to the above, and can be changed according to design specifications, such as by using a concave-convex structure or fixation with a band.

[0059] The positioning mechanism 4 includes a pair of positioning protrusions 41 that protrude in the third direction (Y direction) from each of the pair of arms 40 and face each other. The positioning protrusions 41 protrude inward in the Y direction from the inner side in the Y direction of the -X side portion of the arm 40.

[0060] For example, the positioning protrusion 41 may be formed in a triangular shape that protrudes inward in the Y direction when viewed in the XY plane. For example, a triangular recess corresponding to the positioning protrusion 41 may be formed on the outer side of the chip 10 in the Y direction. This allows the chip 10 to be guided along the inclination of the triangle of the positioning protrusion 41, while the chip 10 can be positioned by fitting the portion including the apex into the recess.

[0061] The positioning mechanism 4 may include a positioning protrusion 42 that protrudes in the first direction (X direction) from the base 30 (movement mechanism 3). The positioning protrusion 42 protrudes in the -X direction from the center in the Y direction of the -X side portion of the base 30 (movement mechanism 3).

[0062] For example, the positioning protrusion 42 may be formed in a triangular shape that protrudes in the −X direction in the XY plane view. For example, a triangular recess corresponding to the positioning protrusion 42 may be formed on the +X side of the chip 10. This allows the chip 10 to be positioned by fitting a portion including the top of the positioning protrusion 42 into the recess.

[0063] <Image capture unit> The system 1 further includes an imaging unit 5 that captures an image of the chip 10. The imaging unit 5 is provided in the structure 2. The imaging unit 5 includes a lens 50, lighting (light source), and a camera 51. A handle 6 that can be held by an operator may be provided on the +Z side of the structure 2. For example, the imaging unit 5 may be fixed to the handle 6 via a fixing member (not shown). For example, the imaging unit 5 may be fixed to the structure 2 so as to be movable integrally with the structure 2. Note that the fixing manner of the imaging unit 5 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0064] <Action and effect> As described above, the system 1 of this embodiment includes a moving mechanism 3 configured to move the structure 2 between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and to which the chip 10 is detachably connected, and a positioning mechanism 4 connected to the moving mechanism 3 and configured to be able to position the chip 10. According to this configuration, the chip 10 can be positioned, and the structure 2 can be moved between the first position and the second position. This simplifies the work of positioning the chip 10 and moving the structure 2. This contributes to improving workability.

[0065] The chip 10 according to this embodiment is detachable from the movement mechanism 3 in a first direction, and the movement mechanism 3 is configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction. According to this configuration, the chip 10 can be attached and detached in a first direction, and the structure 2 can be moved in a second direction. Therefore, a simple system 1 that can perform work with two actions can be provided.

[0066] The movement mechanism 3 according to this embodiment includes lock mechanisms 35A and 35B that lock the structure 2 at the first position and / or the second position. According to this configuration, the structure 2 can be locked, so that work can be carried out stably.

[0067] The movement mechanism 3 according to this embodiment includes a biasing member 36 that biases the structure 2 to an unlocked state in which the locked state is released. According to this configuration, the structure 2 can be put into an unlocked state by the biasing force of the biasing member 36, so that the work can be carried out smoothly.

[0068] The chip 10 in this embodiment is detachable in a first direction relative to the moving mechanism 3, and the positioning mechanism 4 is configured to be able to position the chip 10 in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. According to this configuration, the tip 10 can be positioned in the second and third directions, so that the work can be performed stably.

[0069] The positioning mechanism 4 according to this embodiment includes a pair of arms 40 that extend in the first direction and face each other in the third direction. According to this configuration, the chip 10 can be moved along the pair of arms 40. In addition, the pair of arms 40 can hold the chip 10 by sandwiching it.

[0070] The positioning mechanism 4 according to this embodiment includes a pair of positioning protrusions 41 that protrude in the third direction from each of the pair of arms 40 and face each other. According to this configuration, the chip 10 can be positioned by the pair of positioning protrusions 41.

[0071] The system 1 according to this embodiment further includes an imaging unit 5 that is provided in the structure 2 and captures an image of the chip 10. This configuration makes it possible to capture an image of the chip 10. In addition, since the imaging unit 5 can be moved together with the structure 2, the effort required to move the imaging unit 5 can be simplified.

[0072] In the system 1 according to this embodiment, the first position and the second position are each located on a vertical line. According to this configuration, when moving the structure 2 from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, gravity can be utilized, and therefore the work can be carried out smoothly.

[0073] The culture chip connection mechanism 102 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to move the fluid circuit device 101 between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and is a culture chip connection mechanism 102 to which the culture chip 10 is detachably connected. The culture chip 10 is equipped with a movement mechanism part 3 that is detachable from the culture chip connection mechanism 102 in a first direction and is configured to be able to move in a second direction intersecting the first direction. According to this configuration, the culture chip 10 can be attached and detached in a first direction, and the fluid circuit device 101 can be moved in a second direction. Therefore, a simple culture chip connecting mechanism 102 that can be operated with two actions can be provided.

[0074] The culture chip connection mechanism 102 according to this embodiment includes a positioning mechanism 4 that is connected to a moving mechanism 3 and is configured to be able to position the culture chip 10 . According to this configuration, the culture chip 10 can be positioned, and the fluid circuit device 101 can be moved between the first position and the second position. This simplifies the work of positioning the culture chip 10 and moving the fluid circuit device 101, thereby contributing to improved workability. The positioning mechanism 4, which is configured to be able to position the culture chip 10, makes it possible to integrate it with the fluid circuit device 101, making it possible to easily and stably install it in an incubator or move it to a workbench when changing drugs (culture medium).

[0075] For example, in conventional systems, when attaching a culture chip to perform perfusion culture, the process was extremely cumbersome and prone to errors, which was why perfusion culture had not become widespread. Also, in conventional systems, the piping (drug passages) on the fluid circuit device side was arranged in a complicated manner (messy liquid delivery), making workability extremely poor. In contrast, in the system of this embodiment, the piping (drug passages) on the fluid circuit device side is embedded in advance within the device (in recesses, holes, etc.), thereby avoiding the need for complex piping (drug passage) routing. This significantly reduces the cumbersome work required when mounting culture chips and the risk of contamination due to contact between the piping and the culture chips. By constructing such a system, conventional problems can be resolved and it can be made easy to use by anyone. In addition, by unitizing the fluid circuit device together with the culture chip connection mechanism as a single system, it is possible to easily position the culture chip to be attached directly below it. Furthermore, by providing the unit with a mechanism (elevating unit) that can be raised and lowered accurately, the culture chip can be raised and lowered with a single action, allowing accurate and easy access to the liquid transfer piping for the culture chip. Furthermore, the system, which has been lowered with one action, is maintained in the lowered state by the locking mechanism, and is ready to send liquid to the culture chip.

[0076] Furthermore, conventional systems are often large-scale, very complex, and expensive. In the cell culture field, contamination is a concern, and disposable equipment is the norm, which is thought to be one of the reasons for the high costs. In contrast, the system of this embodiment can realize a compact and inexpensive cell perfusion culture system. Furthermore, because the liquid is delivered using an air-open liquid delivery pump, it is less likely to become clogged with chemicals, and the liquid delivery section can be reused by replacing the buried piping. Therefore, it is possible to suppress high costs.

[0077] Furthermore, in conventional systems, the interface between the device and the culture chip often required extensive and time-consuming work. In contrast, the system of this embodiment has a simple structure that allows perfusion culture to be performed in two actions, and is therefore highly practical. For example, perfusion culture can be performed in the following manner. (1) The culture chip is attached by sliding it horizontally directly below the fluid circuit device. (2) With the culture chip attached, push the upper part of the system (structure and lifting part) downward (lower it relative to the base part). This locks it in place and keeps it in the lowered position. (3) While maintaining the downward flow, turn on the pump switch. This starts the drug delivery and enables perfusion culture.

[0078] Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, by providing a microscope camera (imaging unit) on the fluid circuit device, it is possible to observe the state of cells in the culture flow in sequential images. By providing a microscope lens, lighting, and an imaging camera, it is possible to recognize changes in cultured cells on a culture chip attached directly below the fluid circuit device in microscope images. Note that the captured images may be viewed at a remote location, such as a remote room, or saved as data using a unit with wireless functionality.

[0079] <Modification> In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the tip is detachable from the movement mechanism in a first direction, and the movement mechanism is configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the movement mechanism may be configured to be movable in a direction different from the first direction and the second direction. For example, the movement mechanism may be configured to be movable in multiple directions. The configuration of the movement mechanism can be changed according to design specifications.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the moving mechanism is described as including a locking mechanism that locks the structure at the first position and / or the second position, but this is not limiting. For example, the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the structure at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. For example, the locking mechanism may not be provided. The installation mode of the locking mechanism can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the movement mechanism includes a biasing member that biases the structure toward the unlocked state in which the locked state is released. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the biasing member may be configured to bias the structure toward the locked state. For example, the biasing member may not be provided. The installation mode of the biasing member can be changed according to design specifications.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the chip is detachable from the moving mechanism in a first direction, and the positioning mechanism is configured to be able to position the chip in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, but this is not limiting. For example, the positioning mechanism may be configured to be able to position the chip in a direction different from the second and third directions. The configuration of the positioning mechanism can be changed according to design specifications.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes a pair of arms extending in the first direction and facing each other in the third direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the pair of arms may be provided facing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The arrangement of the pair of arms can be changed according to design specifications.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes a pair of positioning protrusions that protrude in the third direction from each of the pair of arms and face each other. However, this is not limiting. For example, the positioning protrusions may be provided so as to protrude in the third direction from only one of the pair of arms. For example, the positioning protrusions may not be provided. The installation mode of the positioning protrusions can be changed according to design specifications.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which an imaging unit that is provided in the structure and captures an image of the chip is further provided, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the imaging unit may be provided in a location separate from the structure. For example, the system may not include an imaging unit. The installation mode of the imaging unit can be changed according to design specifications.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the first position and the second position are each disposed on a vertical line, but this is not limiting. For example, the first position and the second position may be disposed on a horizontal line. For example, the first position and the second position may be disposed on a line that intersects with the vertical line and the horizontal line. The arrangement of the first position and the second position can be changed according to design specifications.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the structure of the movement mechanism is configured with detachable piping through which a fluid for cell culture can flow, and the chip is capable of storing the fluid for cell culture, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the structure may be configured with detachable piping through which a fluid other than that for cell culture can flow. For example, the chip may be capable of storing a fluid other than that for cell culture. The configuration of the structure and / or the chip can be changed according to design specifications.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the culture chip connection mechanism is configured to allow the fluid circuit device to move between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and is a culture chip connection mechanism to which the culture chip is detachably connected. The culture chip has been described as being detachable from the culture chip connection mechanism in a first direction and including a movement mechanism configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the present invention may be applied to other chip connection mechanisms configured to move other fluid circuit devices, such as a fluid delivery device that delivers fluids other than those used for cell culture or an air delivery device that delivers gas.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the culture chip connection mechanism is described as including a positioning mechanism that is connected to the moving mechanism and is configured to be able to position the culture chip, but this is not limited to this. For example, the culture chip connection mechanism does not need to include a positioning mechanism. The installation mode of the positioning mechanism can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0090] In addition, the components in the above-described embodiment may be replaced with well-known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, the above-described modifications may be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...system, 2...structure, 3...movement mechanism, 4...positioning mechanism, 5...imaging unit, 10...culture chip (chip), 35A, 35B...locking mechanism, 36...urging member, 40...arm, 41...positioning protrusion, 101...cell culture device (fluid circuit device), 102...culture chip connection mechanism

Claims

1. a moving mechanism configured to be able to move the structure between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and to which the chip is detachably connected; a positioning mechanism connected to the moving mechanism and configured to be able to position the tip; system.

2. the tip is detachable from the movement mechanism in a first direction; The movement mechanism is configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The system of claim 1 .

3. the movement mechanism includes a lock mechanism that locks the structure at the first position and / or the second position; 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The movement mechanism includes a biasing member that biases the structure to an unlocked state in which the locked state is released. The system of claim 3 .

5. the tip is detachable from the movement mechanism in a first direction; the positioning mechanism is configured to be able to position the chip in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the positioning mechanism includes a pair of arms extending in the first direction and facing each other in the third direction; The system of claim 5.

7. the positioning mechanism includes a pair of positioning protrusions that protrude in the third direction from each of the pair of arms and face each other; The system of claim 6.

8. An imaging unit is provided in the structure and configured to image the chip.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the first position and the second position are each disposed on a vertical line; 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The structure is configured so that a pipe capable of circulating a fluid for cell culture can be attached and detached, The chip is capable of storing the cell culture fluid. The movement mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The movement mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The positioning mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

13. A culture chip connection mechanism configured to be movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and to which a culture chip is detachably connected, the culture chip is detachable from the culture chip connecting mechanism in a first direction; a movement mechanism configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction; Culture chip connection mechanism.

14. a positioning mechanism connected to the movement mechanism and configured to be able to position the culture chip; The culture chip connection mechanism according to claim 13 .

Images