Array plate structure

Abstract

To provide an array plate structure which is a reaction container in which a non-contamination degree is secured and which is an optical measurement object in which dimensional accuracy is secured, while reducing assembly work and man-hours requiring proficiency.SOLUTION: The array plate structure includes an array plate having spots fixed in an array shape on one surface, a bank part for storing a liquid on the side of the one surface, and a solid arranged so as to come into contact with the spots, wherein the softening point of the solid is 36 °C or lower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an array plate structure, which is a reagent for preserving a biological material immobilized on an array plate and a frame member for holding the reagent. [Background technology]

[0002] Array plates, such as protein arrays, peptide arrays, and DNA arrays, are known, in which numerous biological substances, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, are fixed in spots on a substrate. Using array plates, it is possible to react numerous fixed biological substances with substances in a specimen and observe their interactions simultaneously. This allows comprehensive analysis of interactions with numerous substances, including biological specimens such as blood, cell extracts, saliva, and interstitial fluid.

[0003] Another known measurement method using an array plate is to selectively fluorescently label spots where interactions of interest have occurred, thereby obtaining optical information. A known device for observing fluorescently labeled samples is the confocal laser microscope. The confocal laser microscope has an illumination optical system, a fluorescence detection optical system, and a two-dimensional scanning system.

[0004] The illumination optical system has the function of focusing and irradiating the specimen with laser light. The fluorescence detection optical system has the function of detecting the amount of fluorescent light from spots labeled with fluorescent probes. The two-dimensional scanning system has the function of acquiring fluorescent images of spots on the array plate by two-dimensionally scanning the array plate or the optical system.

[0005] In order to reduce the burden on workers in the reaction and measurement steps using an array plate, testing devices have been developed that induce desired interactions in biological materials on the array plate and then measure the biological materials after the reaction. For example, Patent Document 1 shows an example of a testing device that can perform the reaction and measurement steps by attaching a frame member to the array plate to hold a reagent used in the reaction step and an observation solution used in the measurement step. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-12426 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] To comprehensively analyze the interactions between specimens and biological materials, it is desirable to immobilize biological materials at high density on array plates. However, since this process is difficult to perform manually, it is common to outsource the fabrication of array plates to a contractor that owns an array plate manufacturing machine. In this case, measures are required to prevent the biological materials from being altered during transportation and storage of the fabricated array plates.

[0008] One known method for preventing deterioration is to pour a preservative reagent into a container capable of holding liquid, such as a petri dish, and then immerse the array plate in the preservative reagent and freeze it. When applying an array plate frozen in a container to the testing device of Patent Document 1, the following steps are performed before attaching a frame member to the array plate and installing it in the device.

[0009] First, the storage reagent is thawed and the array plate is removed from the petri dish. Next, the array plate is washed with a cleaning solution to remove the storage solution. Next, the cleaning solution adhering to the array plate is wiped off so as not to damage the areas where the biological material has been spotted. Finally, a frame member is attached and the plate is placed in the device.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an array plate structure that reduces the assembly work and labor required for skill acquisition, and is a reaction vessel that is guaranteed to be non-contaminated and an optical measurement object that is guaranteed to have dimensional accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides an array plate having spots fixed in an array on one surface; a bank portion for storing liquid on the side of the one surface; a solid body disposed in contact with the spot; Equipped with The softening point of the solid is 36° C. or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the array plate structure of the present invention, the process of attaching a frame member to the array plate can be omitted, and therefore the throughput of inspections using automated equipment can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the specimen device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an array plate structure according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] Assembly diagram of the array plate structure according to Example 1 [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an array plate structure according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an array plate according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a bank portion according to Example 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example of the bank portion according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a seal portion according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a clip portion according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the array plate structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a perspective view of a base portion according to a modified example of the second embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the array plate structure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view of a bank portion according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] <One embodiment> One embodiment is for an array plate structure. The array plate structure of the present invention comprises: an array plate having spots fixed in an array on one surface; a bank portion for storing liquid on the side of the one surface; a solid body disposed in contact with the spot; Equipped with The softening point of the solid is 36°C or less. This eliminates the need for the conventional preparatory steps prior to a reaction process using the array plate structure, which involve removing the protective medium from the spot array and then attaching the bank portion to the array plate. This reduces the time the spot array is exposed to the working atmosphere between removing the protective medium and attaching the frame member, thereby reducing the risk of the spot array being contaminated by substances originating from the working environment or being masked by contaminants originating from the working environment. Furthermore, among the man-hours required for the preparatory steps from placing the array plate structure on the inspection device to starting the inspection, steps that require manual labor or whose preparation depends on the skill of the operator can affect the dimensional accuracy of the finished array plate structure can be eliminated. Therefore, the array plate structure according to this embodiment reduces the cost of preparation and ensures non-contamination and dimensional accuracy. The explanation is given below.

[0015] Example 1 In this example, an example is shown in which the array plate structure of the present invention is applied to an inspection device that performs a reaction process in which a liquid reagent is supplied to and discharged from biological materials such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids immobilized on an array plate, and a measurement process in which optical measurements are made of the biological materials after the reaction. Note that, hereinafter, the liquefied storage reagent, the liquid reagent used in the reaction process, and the cleaning liquid for cleaning the storage reagent and the reagent used in the reaction process are collectively referred to as liquid reagent.

[0016] <Inspection equipment> First, before explaining the array plate structure, we will explain the testing device in which the array plate structure is installed. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the internal structure of the testing device as seen from the ceiling. The testing device 10 is a testing device that performs, on the array plate structure 1 of the present invention, a washing process in which melted storage reagents are removed from the array plate structure, a reaction process in which biological materials are reacted with liquid reagents, and a measurement process in which the biological materials after the reaction are optically measured. The holder 11 on which the array plate structure 1 is installed is equipped with a shaking mechanism that allows shaking.

[0017] The holder 11 is placed on a table 14 that can be moved in the X0 direction by an actuator 13. The holder 11 is provided with a holding mechanism (not shown), which makes it possible to fix the array plate structure 1 to the holder 11. This allows the array plate structure 1 to be held on the holder 11 even when shaking or moving. A temperature control block 12 is provided on the holder 11, which is in thermal contact with the array plate structure 1 placed on the holder 11.

[0018] In the washing step, first, the array plate structure 1 is left standing on the holder 11 for a predetermined time until the storage reagent is completely melted. The testing device is provided with a drainage area 15 for discharging the liquid reagent from the array plate structure 1 and a liquid supply area 16 for supplying the liquid reagent. When the storage reagent is completely melted, the device drives the actuator 13 to move the table 14 so that the array plate structure 1 to be drained is positioned in the drainage area 15, and the storage reagent is drained using a drainage pipette (not shown).

[0019] Next, the device drives the actuator 13 to move the table 14 so that the array plate structure 1 is positioned in the liquid supply area 16. Then, a washing liquid is supplied by the liquid supply pipetter, and a shaking operation is performed for a predetermined period of time by the shaking mechanism provided in the holder 11. After the shaking operation is completed, the device moves again to the liquid drainage area 15, where the used washing liquid is drained by the liquid drainage pipetter, and then moves to the liquid supply area 16, where a washing liquid is supplied and a shaking operation is performed. This process is repeated to remove the stored reagent from the array plate structure 1.

[0020] In the reaction step, as in the cleaning step described above, the actuator 13 is driven to move the array plate structure 1 placed on the table 14 to the drainage area 15 and the liquid supply area 16, thereby supplying and draining the liquid reagent used in the reaction. In addition to the shaking operation, the temperature control block 12 is used to heat the array plate structure 1 in the reaction step to promote the reaction.

[0021] After the reaction process, the array plate structure 1 is moved to a relay area 17 in the device by driving the actuator 13, and is handed over to a transfer hand 18 moving in the Y0 direction. The transferred array plate structure 1 is then transported in the Y0 direction by the transfer hand 18 to a measurement area 19. Then, the measurement process is carried out in the measurement area 19.

[0022] The transport hand 18 can be configured to be able to transport the array plate structure 1 even within the measurement area 19, and the transport of the array plate structure 1 to be measured within the measurement area 19 by the transport hand 18 can perform scanning in the Y0 direction during the measurement process.

[0023] The measurement system 20 is a confocal laser microscope and includes an illumination optical system, a fluorescence detection optical system, and a scanning system (not shown). The illumination optical system has the function of focusing and irradiating a laser beam onto an object to be observed. The fluorescence detection optical system has the function of detecting the amount of fluorescent light from spots labeled with fluorescent probes. The scanning system is disposed below the array plate structure 1 and performs reciprocal scanning in the X0 direction.

[0024] By combining scanning in the Y0 direction by the transport hand 18 with reciprocating scanning in the X0 direction of the operating system, it is possible to obtain a two-dimensional fluorescent image of the spot area on the array plate structure 1. Here, the transport hand 18 has a bifurcated shape, and can hold the array plate 6 without interfering with the spot area when viewed from below, making it possible to measure the entire spot area.

[0025] This eliminates the need for the conventional work of wiping off reagents and attaching frame members for holding liquid reagents that were required to use an array plate in a testing device. In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of steps in the preparation process from placing the array plate structure in the testing device to starting testing, which require manual labor and in which the skill level of the operator performing the preparation affects the dimensional accuracy of the finished array plate structure. Therefore, the array plate structure according to this embodiment reduces the cost required for preparation and ensures a low level of contamination and dimensional accuracy of the structure.

[0026] <Array plate structure> Next, an embodiment of the array plate structure 1 of the present invention for installation in the above-mentioned testing device will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the bank portion 2, seal portion 3, clip portion 4, frozen solidified storage reagent 5, and array plate 6 that constitute the array plate structure 1, viewed obliquely from above. In this embodiment, the X1 axis is parallel to the short direction of the array plate 6, and the Y1 axis is parallel to the long direction.

[0027] The Z1 axis is set perpendicular to the X1 and Y1 axes. When the array plate 6 is installed in the inspection device, the orientation in which the spot area faces the ceiling of the inspection device is called upright, and the orientation in which it faces the floor is called inverted. When the plate is held upright, the surface facing the positive direction of the Z1 axis is called the front surface, and the surface facing the negative direction is called the back surface. The positive direction of the Y1 axis is called the back side, and the negative direction is called the front side.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, bank part 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame, and holds preserved reagent 5 in opening 21 provided in the center. Clip part 4 is U-shaped, and as shown in the assembly diagram of Figure 3, upper convex part 41 fits into concave part 22 of bank part 2, and lower convex part 42 is inserted below array plate 6, thereby clamping bank part 2, seal part 3, and array plate 6 together under pressure.

[0029] In the array plate structure of the present invention, the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are preferably connected in a circumferential and liquid-tight manner so as to surround the array spots, and the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are preferably connected via an elastic seal portion 3 or joint portion (see Example 3). As shown in the X1Z1 cross-sectional view of Figure 4, the seal portion 3 is placed between the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6, and connects the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 liquid-tightly even when the preserved reagent 5 melts and becomes liquid.

[0030] <Array plate> The array plate structure of the present invention comprises an array plate 6 having spots fixed in an array on one surface. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the array plate 6 when it is held upright. The array plate 6 is a rectangular glass slide, and spot areas 61, to which a plurality of biological materials are fixed, are formed on its surface. The spot areas 61 are formed at a distance from the end and side surfaces of the array plate 6 to provide areas that will come into contact with the seal portion 3.

[0031] In the array plate structure of the present invention, the spots preferably contain peptide bonds, and the array of spots is an arrangement of spots or sets of spots with different molecular structures. Proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, etc. are arranged on the spots, and molecules contained in a melted solid (preserved sample) are reacted with them. The solid is a biological sample such as blood, cell extract, saliva, or interstitial fluid that has been solidified by freezing or other methods. If each spot has a different molecular structure, various reactions with the sample can be observed, broadening the range of sample testing.

[0032] <Bank part> The array plate structure of the present invention has a bank portion 2 for storing liquid on one side. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the bank portion 2 when it is upright. The bank portion 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame and has an opening portion 21 in the center. The opening portion 21 is larger than the spot area 61, and when the bank portion 2 is installed on the array plate 6, the opening portion 21 is positioned so as to surround the outer periphery of the spot area 61. In addition, a recessed portion 22 is provided on the side of the bank portion 2, and as described above, the upper convex portion 41 of the clip portion 4 is adapted to fit into the recessed portion 22.

[0033] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the bank portion when it is inverted. A protrusion 23 is provided on the rear surface 24 of the bank portion 2, which is one step higher than the other parts of the rear surface 24. The inner side surface 231 and the left and right side surfaces 232 of the protrusion 23 are flat, and by butting the end surfaces of the array plate 6 against them, it is possible to position the array plate 6 in the longitudinal and lateral directions, respectively.

[0034] Furthermore, the distance between the left and right side surfaces 232 is longer than the short-side lengths of the array plate 6 and the seal portion 3, so that the array plate 6 and the seal portion 3 can be placed between the side surfaces 232. Furthermore, a protrusion 25 is provided on the outer edge of the opening 21, which is adapted to come into contact with the seal portion 3.

[0035] The bank is made of a material that is inert to liquid reagents and biological materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which are often used in biochemical experiments.

[0036] <Sealing part> In the array plate structure of the present invention, it is preferable that the elongation of the sealing portion 3 or the joining portion (see Example 3) at the temperature when in contact with the solid (preserved reagent) is 10% or more of the elongation at room temperature. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the sealing portion 3. The sealing portion 3 is in the form of a rectangular thin plate, and is made of an elastic material, such as silicone rubber or fluorosilicone rubber, that has an elongation of 10% or more of the elongation at room temperature even at low temperatures so as not to lose elasticity even when in contact with the frozen preserved reagent. An opening 31 is provided in the center of the sealing portion 3, and is formed in a shape roughly similar to, but slightly smaller than, the convex portion 25 of the bank portion 2.

[0037] When the array plate structure 1 is assembled, the convex portion 25 of the bank portion 2 comes into contact with the outer periphery of the opening 31. The size of the opening 31 is larger than the spot area 61, similar to the opening 21 of the bank portion 2, so that the seal portion 3 does not overlap the spot area 61 when the array plate structure 1 is assembled.

[0038] Next, we will discuss the thickness of the seal portion 3 for liquid-tightly connecting the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6. If the distance between the protrusion 25 and the surface of the array plate 6 when the bank portion 2 is placed on the array plate 6 without the seal portion 3 sandwiched between them is d, the thickness D of the seal portion 3 is D > d (Equation 1) is designed to satisfy.

[0039] Therefore, when the bank portion 2, the seal portion 3, and the array plate 6 are clamped together by the clip portion 4, the protrusion 25 bites into the seal portion. Furthermore, the arrangement is designed so that the relationship shown in Equation 1 is maintained even if the array plate 6, the bank portion 2, and the seal portion 3 expand or contract due to temperature changes when the stored reagent 5 is frozen or thawed.

[0040] <Solid> The array plate structure of the present invention includes a solid body arranged in contact with the spots. Here, the solid body refers to a preservation reagent 5 for cryopreserving the biological material fixed to the spot area 61. Below, we first present the properties that the preservation reagent 5 should satisfy and examples of additives for maintaining the biological material in a good preservation state, and then describe the appropriate amount of preservation reagent 5.

[0041] In the array plate structure of the present invention, it is preferable that the solid and the softened product obtained by heating the solid to or above its softening point are chemically inactive to the spots. In other words, in order to preserve biological materials for a long period of time, it is preferable that the preservation reagent 5 is chemically inactive to the biological materials.

[0042] In the array plate structure of the present invention, it is preferable that the solid and the softened product obtained by heating the solid through the softening point are chemically inactive to both the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6. In addition, it is more preferable that they are also inactive to the seal portion 3.

[0043] Furthermore, in the array plate structure of the present invention, the softening point of the solid (preserved reagent 5) is preferably 36° C. or lower, and more preferably −20° C. or higher and 10° C. or lower. This makes it possible to transition the preservation reagent 5 from a solid to a liquid without altering biological materials such as proteins that are susceptible to high temperatures.

[0044] In the array plate structure of the present invention, the softening point preferably includes the melting point of the solid. In particular, a melting point of 10°C or less is more preferable because the storage reagent 5 can be melted at room temperature without heating. On the other hand, if the melting point is too low, a special refrigeration device will be required for transportation, so the melting point is preferably -20°C or higher. An example of such a storage reagent 5 is physiological saline. In the array plate structure of the present invention, the solid preferably includes a storage solution containing physiological saline that has been cooled to below the melting point.

[0045] In the array plate structure of the present invention, the solid (preservation reagent 5) preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a cryoprotectant, a buffer, a blocking agent, a surfactant, an ionic strength adjuster, an antioxidant, and a reducing agent. Some examples are shown below.

[0046] Additives may be added to the storage reagent 5 to preserve biological materials in good condition or to improve the detection accuracy of optical measurements. Examples of additives suitable for storing protein-spotted array plates include: pH buffers such as Tris-HCl, which maintain a constant pH of the solution suitable for protein function.

[0047] In addition, cryoprotectants such as high concentrations of glycerin can prevent ice crystal formation during protein storage, protecting the structure and function of proteins. Antioxidants such as glutathione can prevent proteins from oxidizing and changing their function and structure. Non-ionic surfactants can prevent protein aggregation.

[0048] Reducing agents such as dithiothreitol can prevent improper disulfide bond formation during protein storage, which can alter protein function. Sodium chloride adjusts the ionic strength of the protein solution, allowing the protein to fold correctly and function. Blocking agents can also be added as additives.

[0049] During the reaction process, proteins contained in the reagent adhere to the array plate, so fluorescence is observed not only in the spotted areas but also in background areas where no proteins are spotted. By using a blocking agent, the fluorescence intensity in the background areas can be suppressed, making it possible to obtain fluorescence images with a good S / N ratio.

[0050] In the array plate structure of the present invention, it is preferable that the solid (preserved reagent 5) has a heat capacity to keep the spots cool. The temperature around the array plate 6 changes when the preserved reagent 5 is frozen or transported, or when the device is being prepared for the testing process. Therefore, the amount of preserved reagent 5 is adjusted so that it has sufficient heat capacity to prevent these temperature changes from affecting the biological material. Generally, the amount of biological material spotted on the array plate is very small, so the above requirement can be met if the thickness of the preserved reagent 5 is several hundred μm or more.

[0051] On the other hand, if the amount of preservation reagent 5 is too large, it will take a long time to thaw. This will reduce the throughput of the testing process and also increase the time it takes for the biological material to pass through a temperature range where it is susceptible to damage. Therefore, the amount of preservation reagent 5 is adjusted so that the thickness after thawing is no more than a few centimeters after being placed on the frame member.

[0052] <Clip part> The array plate structure of the present invention preferably has a clip portion 4 that presses against the seal portion 3. Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the clip portion 4. The clip portion 4 has a U-shaped structure with an upper convex portion 41 and a lower convex portion 42. The distance between the back surface 411 of the convex portion 41 and the front surface 421 of the convex portion 42 is designed to be smaller than the distance between the surface of the concave portion 22 of the bank portion 2 and the slide glass 6 when the array plate structure 1 is assembled.

[0053] Therefore, by fitting the convex portion 41 into the concave portion 22 of the bank portion 2 and then positioning the clip portion 4 so that the lower convex portion 42 is located below the array plate 6, the bank portion 2, the array plate 6 and the seal portion 3 can be clamped together under pressure.

[0054] <Assembly method of array plate structure> Next, the procedure for assembling the array plate structure 1 will be described. First, the bank portion 2 is inverted so that the back surface 24 of the bank portion 2 faces the ceiling of the inspection device. Next, the sealing portion 3 is placed on the bank portion 2 so that the protruding portion 25 of the bank portion does not overlap with the opening portion 31. Next, the array plate 6 is inverted and placed on the sealing portion 3 so that the spot area 61 is inside the opening portion 31.

[0055] Then, the clip part 4 is inserted from the side of the bank part 2. This is done for all four clip parts in the same way to upright the array plate structure 1. A liquid preservation reagent 5 is dispensed into the array plate structure 1 from the opening 21 of the bank part 2, and the preservation reagent 5 is frozen by cooling it to -80°C or below in a freezer.

[0056] In this way, the array plate structure 1 of this embodiment can be transported and stored with the bank portion 2 and sealing portion 3 capable of holding a liquid reagent attached, eliminating the need to attach a frame when using it in a testing device and enabling improved throughput.

[0057] Example 2 As described above, in the array plate structure of Example 1, the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are clamped together by using the clip portion 4. At this time, a pressure force acts on the bank portion 2, the seal portion 3, the clip portion 4, and the array plate 6, causing deformation of each component. One example of such deformation is when the area around the center of the array plate 6 deforms in a convex shape upward or downward relative to the horizontal plane.

[0058] As described above, the measurement system 20 is a confocal laser microscope that acquires fluorescent images of spots by two-dimensionally scanning the array plate 6. Therefore, if the area around the center of the array plate 6 is deformed convexly compared to the outer periphery, the focal position will be shifted between the center and the outer periphery of the array plate 6, resulting in unevenness in the detected brightness depending on the measurement position.

[0059] The array plate structure of the present invention preferably has a base portion 7 that abuts against the back surface of the array plate 6. In this embodiment, an example of an array plate structure 1 that has a base portion 7 for suppressing deformation of the array plate 6 is shown. Fig. 10 shows an exploded perspective view of the array plate structure 1 that has the base portion 7 that abuts against the back surface of the array plate 6. The base portion 7 has an opening 71 that surrounds the spot area 61, allowing observation with a microscope from the back surface of the array plate 6.

[0060] In the array plate structure of the present invention, the elastic modulus of the base portion 7 is preferably higher than that of the bank portion 2, and the elastic modulus of the base portion 7 is preferably higher than that of the array plate 6. The surface 72 of the base portion 7 is processed so that its flatness is sufficiently small so that it can be used as a reference plane when two-dimensionally scanning the array plate 6, and is further made of a material with higher rigidity than the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6. Therefore, the base portion 7 does not deform even when a pressure force is applied, and furthermore, because the flatness of the surface 72 is small, the array plate 6 does not deform even when pressed against the base portion 7.

[0061] As another modification, a structure in which the base portion 7 and the clip portion 4 are integrated may be used. Fig. 11 shows a modification of the base portion 7 in which the lower portion of the clip portion 4 is rotatably connected. In this example, a support portion 73 and a rotation axis 74 for supporting the clip portion 4 are provided on the side of the base portion 7, and the clip portion 4 is rotatable around the rotation axis 74. When assembling the array plate structure 1, the left and right clip portions 4 are rotated so that the convex portions 41 fit into the concave portions 22.

[0062] Furthermore, a ball plunger (not shown) is provided in the support portion 73, and a recess for receiving a ball is provided in the clip portion 4, so that rotation of the clip portion 4 is restricted when the protrusion 41 is fitted into the recess 22 of the bank portion 2. This prevents the clip portion 4 from coming off the bank portion 2 even when a shaking operation or a moving operation is performed, and the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are connected liquid-tightly.

[0063] Example 3 In Examples 1 and 2, the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are connected liquid-tightly using the clip portion 4 and the seal portion 3, but this results in an increase in the number of parts. Therefore, in this Example, an example of an array plate structure 1 in which the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are connected by adhesive is shown.

[0064] Fig. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the array plate structure 1 of this embodiment, which is composed of the bank portion 2, the storage reagent 5, and the array plate 6. Since pressure contact by the clip portion 4 is not required, the side of the bank portion 2 of this embodiment is flat and does not have a recess, as shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 13 shows an inverted perspective view of the bank portion 2 of this embodiment. Since the seal portion 3 is not required, the back surface 24 of the bank portion 2 of this embodiment is flat.

[0065] When assembling the array plate structure 1, adhesive is applied to the back surface 24 or the portion of the front surface of the array plate 6 that comes into contact with the back surface 24, forming a joint. Then, the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are inverted, and the array plate 6 is placed on the bank portion 2 while abutting against the side surfaces 231 and 232. After the adhesive has hardened, the liquid preservation reagent 5 is dispensed into the bank portion and cooled to -80°C or below in a freezer to freeze the preservation reagent 5.

[0066] In this embodiment, adhesive is used as an example of connecting the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 in a liquid-tight manner using a method other than pressure welding, but a structure in which the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are integrated may also be used, which makes it possible to further reduce the number of parts.

[0067] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) an array plate having spots fixed in an array on one surface; a bank portion for storing liquid on the side of the one surface; a solid body disposed in contact with the spot; Equipped with The array plate structure, wherein the softening point of the solid is 36°C or less. (Configuration 2) 2. The array plate structure according to configuration 1, wherein the softening point is between -20°C and 10°C. (Configuration 3) 3. The array plate structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein the softening point comprises the melting point of the solid. (Configuration 4) 4. The array plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the solid has a heat capacity for keeping the spot cool. (Configuration 5) 5. The array plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the solid and the softened product obtained by heating the solid to the softening point or higher are chemically inactive to the spot. (Configuration 6) The array plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the solid and the softened product obtained by heating the solid past the softening point are chemically inactive with respect to both the bank portion and the array plate. (Configuration 7) 7. The array plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the solid includes a preservation solution containing physiological saline that has been cooled to below its melting point. (Configuration 8) 8. The array plate structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the solid comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an antifreeze agent, a buffering agent, a blocking agent, a surfactant, an ionic strength adjuster, an antioxidant, and a reducing agent. (Configuration 9) 9. The array plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the bank portion and the array plate are connected in a liquid-tight manner so as to surround the array of spots. (Configuration 10) 10. The array plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the bank portion and the array plate are connected via an elastic seal portion or joint portion. (Configuration 11) 11. The array plate structure according to any one of configurations 10, wherein the seal portion or the joint portion has an elongation rate at a temperature when in contact with the solid body of 10% or more of the elongation rate at room temperature. (Configuration 12) 12. The array plate structure according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a clip portion that presses against the sealing portion. (Configuration 13) 13. The array plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, further comprising a base portion that contacts the rear surface of the array plate. (Configuration 14) 14. The array plate structure according to aspect 13, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the base portion is higher than the modulus of elasticity of the bank portion. (Configuration 15) 15. The array plate structure of claim 13, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the base portion is higher than the modulus of elasticity of the array plate. (Configuration 16) the spot contains a peptide bond; 16. The array plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the array of spots is an array of spots or spot sets having different molecular structures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1: Array plate structure 2: Bank part 21: Opening 22: Recessed portion for fitting with clip portion 23: Convex part for contact with array plate 231: Contact surface with array plate (short side) 232: Contact surface with array plate (longitudinal direction) 24: Back side of embankment 25: Convex part for pressing against the seal part 3: Seal part 31: Opening of the seal 4: Clip part 5: Storage reagents 6: Array plate 61: Spot area 7: Base section 71: Opening 72: Base surface 73: Clip support part 74: Clip rotation axis

Claims

1. an array plate having spots fixed in an array on one surface; a bank portion for storing liquid on the side of the one surface; A solid having a softening point of 36°C or less is placed in contact with the spot. An array plate structure comprising:

2. 2. The array plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the softening point is −20° C. or higher and 10° C. or lower.

3. The array plate structure of claim 1 , wherein the softening point comprises the melting point of the solid.

4. 3. The array plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the solid has a heat capacity for keeping the spot cool.

5. 3. The array plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the solid and the softened product obtained by heating the solid to a temperature equal to or higher than the softening point are chemically inactive with respect to the spot.

6. 3. The array plate structure according to claim 1, wherein said solid and the softened product obtained by heating said solid through said softening point are chemically inactive to both said bank portion and said array plate.

7. 3. The array plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the solid comprises a preservation liquid containing physiological saline that has been cooled below its melting point.

8. 3. The array plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the solid comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a cryoprotectant, a buffer, a blocking agent, a surfactant, an ionic strength adjuster, an antioxidant, and a reducing agent.

9. 3. The array plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the bank portion and the array plate are connected in a liquid-tight manner so as to surround the array of spots.

10. 10. The array plate structure according to claim 9, wherein the bank portion and the array plate are connected via an elastic seal portion or joint portion.

11. 11. The array plate structure according to claim 10, wherein the seal portion or the joint portion has an elongation rate at a temperature when in contact with the solid body of 10% or more of the elongation rate at room temperature.

12. The array plate structure according to claim 11 , further comprising a clip portion that presses against the sealing portion.

13. The array plate structure according to claim 11 , further comprising a base portion that abuts against a rear surface of the array plate.

14. The array plate structure according to claim 13 , wherein the base portion has a higher elastic modulus than the bank portion.

15. The array plate structure according to claim 13 , wherein the elastic modulus of the base portion is higher than the elastic modulus of the array plate.

16. the spot contains a peptide bond; 3. The array plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the array of spots is an array of spots or spot sets having different molecular structures.

Images