Capillary electrophoresis apparatus

Abstract

To provide a capillary electrophoresis apparatus that can maintain high analytical accuracy by keeping the entire capillary at a uniform temperature. [Solution] A capillary electrophoresis apparatus comprising a capillary for electrophoresis of a sample, a constant temperature bath for keeping the capillary warm, and a blower for blowing air into the constant temperature bath, wherein the constant temperature bath consists of a first container and a second container enclosed within the first container and holding the capillary, the first container has an air inlet for supplying air from the blower to the first container and an exhaust port for exhausting air from the first container, and the wall surface of the second container has an opening for taking in the gas blown into the first container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, DNA analysis for analyzing the sequence of DNA (Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid) has expanded its application range from research use to clinical fields such as hospitals. As a means of DNA analysis, there is a method of separating DNA fragments by capillary electrophoresis, which is used for personal identification such as determination of blood relationship and criminal investigation, and disease diagnosis. To realize such capillary electrophoresis, a capillary electrophoresis apparatus is used, in which a capillary is filled with an electrophoresis medium such as a polymer gel or a polymer solution, and a high voltage is applied to both ends of the capillary to perform electrophoresis. Since the migration speed of DNA in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus depends on the temperature of the electrophoresis medium, in order to maintain high analysis accuracy, it is required to control the capillary temperature to a high precision and a constant temperature. Therefore, the structure of a thermostatic chamber that keeps the capillary temperature uniform and the structure that fixes the capillary at a desired position in the thermostatic chamber are important.

[0003] Regarding these problems, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration of "flowing the introduced temperature-adjusted air along the capillary, discharging it from the exhaust port, and adjusting the temperature again with a Peltier". Patent Document 2 also describes a configuration of "the temperature adjustment unit is configured to fit with a cartridge and includes a heating element, a temperature sensor (for example, a thermistor), and an air moving device that generates a flow of warm air passing through the cartridge in order to maintain the temperature of one or more capillaries at a desired value".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0005] In Patent Document 1, temperature-controlled air is distributed to multiple capillaries and flows along the length of each capillary, allowing heat to be dissipated uniformly from all capillaries. However, since the temperature of the temperature-controlled air gradually decreases along the flow direction, a temperature difference may occur between the inlet and outlet, potentially resulting in a temperature distribution along the length of the capillary.

[0006] Patent Document 2 describes a structure in which air whose temperature has been regulated by a temperature control unit is introduced into a container that holds a capillary, thereby dissipating the heat generated from the capillary. However, since the air temperature is highest at the inlet relative to the capillary and decreases towards the outlet, a temperature distribution along the length of the capillary may occur.

[0007] This invention was made to solve these problems, and aims to provide a capillary electrophoresis apparatus that can maintain high analytical accuracy by keeping the entire capillary at a uniform temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The configuration to achieve the above objective is as follows: A capillary electrophoresis apparatus comprising a capillary for electrophoresis of a sample, a constant temperature bath for keeping the capillary warm, and a blower for blowing air into the constant temperature bath, wherein the constant temperature bath consists of a first container and a second container enclosed within the first container and holding the capillary, the first container has an air inlet for supplying air from the blower to the first container and an exhaust port for exhausting air from the first container, and the wall surface of the second container has an opening for taking in the gas blown into the first container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a capillary electrophoresis apparatus capable of maintaining high analysis accuracy of the apparatus can be provided by making the entire capillary at a uniform temperature.

[0010] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the XZ plane of the thermostat in Example 1 [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the A-A' plane of the XY plane of the thermostat in Example 1 [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the B-B' plane of the YZ plane of the thermostat in Example 1 [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the XY plane of the thermostat in Example 2 [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the XZ plane of the thermostat in Example 2 [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the XY plane of the thermostat in Example 3 [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of the XY plane of the thermostat in Example 4 [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the XZ plane of the thermostat in Example 5 [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the XZ plane of the thermostat in Example 5 [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the XZ plane of the thermostat in Example 6 [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of the XZ plane of the thermostat in Example 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0014] The capillary electrophoresis apparatus 1 in this embodiment includes a capillary 6, a thermostat 2 that holds the capillary 6, a detection unit 14 disposed in the thermostat 2, a solution tank 8 connected to both ends of the capillary, a high-voltage power supply 7 that applies a high voltage to the capillary 6, an air duct 4 connected to the thermostat 2, and a temperature control unit 5 (also referred to as a "temperature control section" or a "heater"). The capillary 6 is a hollow tube made of silica or the like with an inner diameter of several tens of μm and an outer diameter of several hundreds of μm, and its surface is protected by polyimide coating.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows the XZ cross-sectional structure in the A-A' cross-section of the thermostat 2 shown in FIG. 1. The thermostat 2 has a second container 9 inside the first container 3, and one or more capillaries 6 and a detection unit 14 are disposed inside the second container 9. One or more openings 10 are provided on the wall surface of the second container 9. The air duct 4 is connected to an inlet 4a provided in the first container 3, and is connected to the air duct 4 from an outlet 4b in the -X direction downstream part of the first container 3. The second container 9 is enclosed in the first container 3 and holds (supports) the capillary 6. An upstream air duct 11 is provided on the inlet 4a side, and a downstream air duct 12 is provided on the outlet 4b side. Warm air 16 flows in from the inlet 4a and flows out from the outlet 4b.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows the XY cross-sectional structure of the thermostat 2. The first container 3 encloses the second container 9, and a communication part 13 is provided between the first container 3 and the second container 9. The capillary 6 disposed inside the second container 9 is fixed to the detection unit 14, and the detection unit 14 is disposed in a form that is exposed outside the first container 3.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows the YZ cross-sectional structure in the B-B' cross-section of the thermostat 2. It has an upstream air duct 11 and a downstream air duct 12 which are spaces connected to the air duct 4 between the first container 3 and the second container 9, and the upstream air duct 11 and the downstream air duct 12 are connected by the communication part 13.

[0018] A second container 9, in which the capillary 6 is placed, is fixed inside the first container 3, and an opening 10 is provided in the wall surface of the second container 9. Here, when the warm air 16 heated by the temperature control unit 5 is introduced into the first container 3 via the air guide 4, the warm air 16 flows from the upstream side (+X) to the downstream side (-X) of the second container 9 via the upstream ventilation passage 11 of the first container 3. A portion of the flowing warm air 16 flows into the second container 9 through the opening 10 provided on the side surface of the second container 9, and the warm air, oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the capillary 6, strikes the capillary 6, forming a flow of warm air 16 that swirls around the capillary 6. The inventors confirmed through simulation that this flow of warm air 16 contributes to improving the uniformity of temperature in the longitudinal direction of the capillary 6.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the opening 10 is configured such that its cross-sectional area increases as it moves from the upstream side (+X) to the downstream side (-X) of the second container 9, thereby further improving the uniformity of temperature along the longitudinal direction of the capillary 6. That is, near the inlet 4a provided in the first container 3, the flow velocity of the warm air flowing from the air guide 4 into the first container is high, and even if the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 10 is small, sufficient warm air 16 flows into the second container. However, as it moves towards the outlet 4b provided in the downstream -X direction of the first container 3, the velocity of the warm air 16 flowing inside the first container decreases by the amount of warm air 16 that has already flowed into the second container from the opening 10, and therefore, with the same cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 10, the amount of warm air 16 introduced into the second container decreases.

[0020] The constant temperature bath 2 requires that the temperature of the multiple capillaries 6 be uniform along their length, and furthermore, that the temperature of the multiple capillaries 6 be uniform. In addition, the capillaries 6 are subjected to a high voltage by the high-voltage power supply 7 for electrophoresis, causing them to generate heat. Therefore, it is necessary to dissipate the heat by ventilating around the capillaries 6 and suppress excessive temperature rise of the capillaries 6.

[0021] For example, when maintaining a temperature of 60°C around the capillary 6, the warm air 16 heated by the temperature control unit 5 flows into the first container 3 via the air guide 4 and then into the inlet 4a. Upon entering the constant temperature bath 2, the warm air 16 dissipates heat to the outside air through the wall surface of the first container 3, causing the temperature of the warm air 16 to decrease from upstream (+X) to downstream (-X). As a result, a temperature difference is created inside the constant temperature bath 2.

[0022] With the structure of the present invention, 60°C warm air 16 ventilated from upstream (+X) is introduced through the inlet 4a and flows from upstream (+X) to downstream (-X) of the first container 3 via the upstream ventilation passage 11. As the warm air 16 flows through the upstream ventilation passage 11 to the downstream side of the upstream ventilation passage 11, the temperature difference between the upstream and downstream parts of the upstream ventilation passage 11 becomes small. With the temperature difference between upstream (+X) and downstream (-X) in the upstream ventilation passage 11 small, the warm air 16 flows into the second container 9 through the opening 10 provided in the wall surface of the second container 9. In the second container 9, the warm air 16 introduced from the opening 10 hits the capillary 6 as warm air oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the capillary 6, and flows around the capillary 6, thereby maintaining a uniform internal temperature in the second container 9 and allowing the capillary 6 to dissipate its own heat generation.

[0023] Furthermore, it is not necessary to use hot air as long as the self-heating of the capillary 6 can be dissipated, and the air introduced into the first container 3 via the inlet 4a through the air guide 4 may be room temperature air introduced by a simple blower. Also, there is no need for multiple capillaries 6; the effects of the present invention can be achieved even with just one capillary.

[0024] After the capillary 6 has released its heat, the warm air 16 is discharged from the opening 10 of the second container 9 and into the downstream ventilation passage 12 provided in the first container 3. The warm air 16 that has passed through the downstream ventilation passage 12 is discharged from the outlet 4b and returns to the temperature control unit 5 through the air guide passage 4.

[0025] Here, the upstream ventilation passage 11 and the downstream ventilation passage 12 are connected via a connecting section 13, and a portion of the warm air 16 introduced into the upstream ventilation passage 11 reaches the downstream ventilation passage 12 without passing through the second container 9. This makes it possible to keep the temperature difference between the upstream (+X) temperature and the downstream (-X) temperature of the second container 9 small, and to keep the temperature distribution of the second container 9 in the Z-axis direction small.

[0026] In this way, by maintaining a uniform temperature in the second container 9 containing the capillary 6, the capillary 6 can maintain a uniform temperature, enabling highly accurate analysis.

[0027] Here, the first container 3 and the second container 9 are made of resin, and insulating material such as urethane or glass wool, which has a lower thermal conductivity than the first container 3 and the second container 9, may be placed on the exterior or interior walls. By placing insulating material, the amount of heat radiated from the constant temperature bath 2 to the outside air is reduced, and the temperature drop of the warm air 16 in the constant temperature bath 2 can be suppressed. The second container 9 does not have to be a container independent of the first container 3, and may be formed by installing a wall on the inner wall of the first container 3. Also, the first container 3 and the second container 9 do not have to be rectangular parallelepiped shapes as shown in the figure, and may be changed to cylindrical shapes or polygonal prism shapes, etc., according to the arrangement of the capillaries. The second container 9 does not have to be molded as a single piece, and may be divided into two or more parts, and the container shape may be formed by fitting the parts together. Also, the constant temperature bath 2 does not have to have one set of temperature control unit 5 and air guide 4, and may have multiple temperature control unit 5 and air guide 4, and multiple inlets 4a or outlets 4b may be formed in the first container 3.

[0028] Furthermore, the positions of the inlet 4a and outlet 4b of the air guide 4 that introduces the warm air 16 into the first container 3 are not limited, and the inlet (-Z direction) and outlet (+Z direction) may be placed in the center of the first container 3. By introducing the air from the center, the heated air flows from the center of the first container 3 toward both ends in the +X and -X directions. In this case, the distance over which heat exchange occurs with the wall surface of the first container 3 is shortened, so the temperature drop of the warm air 16 inside the first container 3 can be reduced, and high analytical accuracy can be maintained. [Examples]

[0029] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. This embodiment is characterized in that the upstream air passage 11 has a structure in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path narrows as it moves in the -X direction (leftward in Figure 6). Parts that have the same function as those already described and are denoted by the same reference numerals will not be described.

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the XZ cross-section of the constant temperature bath according to Embodiment 2. The walls of the first container 3 and the second container 9 do not need to be parallel, and the flow widths of the upstream ventilation passage 11 and the downstream ventilation passage 12 are made uneven. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space on the exhaust side of the upstream ventilation passage 11 and the downstream ventilation passage 12 is configured to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space on the supply side.

[0031] According to the embodiment described above, the amount of air flowing from the opening 10 provided on the wall surface of the second container 9 on the -X side to the second container 9 becomes uniform in the direction of the X axis. This is because the width of the upstream ventilation passage 11 narrows in the direction of the -X axis, and the flow velocity increases in the direction of the -X axis. As the flow velocity of the upstream ventilation passage 11 increases, the flow velocity of the warm air 16 from the opening 10 to the second container 9 increases, and the amount of air flowing into the second container 9 becomes uniform. As the amount of air into the second container 9 becomes uniform, a uniform flow of warm air 16 is generated around the capillary 6 placed in the second container 9. Therefore, the heat dissipation capacity of the capillary 6 becomes uniform in the direction of the X axis, and the temperature variation of the capillary 6 can be reduced.

[0032] This configuration is another approach aimed at ensuring that the amount of warm air 16 flowing into the second container from the opening 10 is the same on both the upstream and downstream sides, similar to how the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 10 in the second container is increased downstream in Figure 5.

[0033] Here, the flow path width may be narrowed by providing a protrusion on the inner wall surface of the first container 3, creating a structure that makes the flow path width of the upstream ventilation passage 11 or the downstream ventilation passage 12 uneven. For example, by forming a protrusion on the inner wall surface of the first container 3 at a position opposite the opening 10, the direction of the flow near the opening 10 of the upstream ventilation passage 11 is changed, which can increase the amount of warm air 16 flowing into the interior of the second container 9 from the opening 10 provided on the inner wall surface of the second container 9, and further enable a more uniform temperature distribution. Alternatively, by changing the size of this protrusion, the protrusion may be smaller on the +X side, i.e., the gap between the tip of the protrusion and the second container 9 may be wider, and the protrusion may be larger on the -X side, i.e., the gap between the tip of the protrusion and the second container 9 may be narrower, which can achieve the same effect as increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening shown in Figure 5 from the upstream side to the downstream side. Furthermore, by slowing the flow velocity (of the warm air 16 flowing from the opening 10 into the interior of the second container 9) downstream (-X direction), the warm air 16 is less likely to reach the downstream side, thus lowering the temperature downstream (-X direction). In this way, by changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the upstream ventilator 11 or the downstream ventilator 12, it is possible not only to make the temperature of the second container 9 uniform, but also to lower the temperature of the second container 9 downstream. Here, the flow width of the upstream ventilator 11 and the downstream ventilator 12 may be narrowed not only gradually from upstream (+X) to downstream (-X), but also in a stepped manner. In addition, depending on the required specifications of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus, the flow width of the upstream ventilator 11 and the downstream ventilator 12 may be widened gradually. By widening the upstream ventilation passage 11 in the -X direction, the amount of air flowing from the openings 10 in the upstream (+X) and downstream (-X) directions into the second container 9 becomes uneven. This not only makes the temperature distribution in the second container 9 uniform, but also actively creates a temperature difference. [Examples]

[0034] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7. This embodiment is characterized in that the communication portion 13 is located at the top (+Y direction) of the first container 3, rather than at the bottom (-Y direction). Parts that have the same function as those already described and are denoted by the same reference numerals will not be described.

[0035] This example shows a structure in which the warm air flowing through the communication section 13 not only maintains a constant air temperature inside the second container 9 but also raises the temperature of the detection section 14.

[0036] Figure 7 shows a structure in which the second container 9, which is placed inside the first container 3, is positioned below the first container 3 (in the -Y direction). Warm air 16 heated via the temperature control unit 5 flows to the inlet 4a via the air guide 4. Here, the detection unit 14 is warmed by the warm air 16 passing through the air guide 4. Since the detection unit 14 detects DNA migrating inside the capillary 6, it is exposed to the outside of the first container 3 and is susceptible to the temperature of the outside air. With the structure of Example 3, the detection unit 14 can be directly warmed by the warm air 16, and the temperature of the detection unit 14 can be kept constant together with the capillary 6. [Examples]

[0037] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 8. This embodiment is characterized by a structure in which the communication section 13 is wider in the upstream direction (+X direction) and narrower in the downstream direction (-X direction). In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space on the exhaust port side of the communication section 13 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space on the intake side. Parts that have the same function as those already described and are denoted by the same reference numerals will not be described.

[0038] Figure 8 shows a structure in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section 13, provided by the first container 3 and the second container 9, gradually narrows as it moves downstream (-X direction).

[0039] The warm air 16 flowing from the upstream ventilation passage 11 to the downstream ventilation passage 12 via the connecting section 13 experiences increased pressure loss and becomes less able to flow as the width of the connecting section 13 narrows. On the other hand, the upstream section (+X direction) is wide, allowing the warm air 16 to flow easily from the +X direction of the upstream ventilation passage 11 to the +X direction of the downstream ventilation passage 12 via the connecting section 13. Furthermore, on the downstream (-X) side, the pressure loss at the opening 10 is smaller than the pressure loss at the connecting section 13, increasing the inflow of air from opening 10 to opening 10, thereby making the temperature on the downstream side (-X) of the second container 9 uniform. Furthermore, by making it easier for the warm air 16 to flow from the upstream ventilation passage 11 to the downstream ventilation passage 12 in the upstream section (+X direction) near the inlet, the airflow volume of the warm air 16 flowing from the inlet 4a to the downstream ventilation passage 12 increases. This provides an example of a structure that keeps the temperature difference between the upstream wall surface (+Z direction) and the downstream wall surface (-Z direction) of the second container 9 in the upstream section (+X direction) to the downstream ventilation passage 12 small.

[0040] Here, the flow of the hot air 16 may be changed by providing a protrusion on the connecting section 13 to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Alternatively, the flow path cross-sectional area may be narrowed in a stepped manner, or conversely, it may be widened from the upstream side (+X) to the downstream side (-X) to adjust the amount of hot air 16 flowing into the second container 9. [Examples]

[0041] Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 9. This embodiment is characterized in that an air guide section 15 is provided in the opening 10 on the inner wall surface of the second container 9 at -Z (lower in Figure 9) where the inlet 4a is located. Parts having the same function as those already described with the same reference numerals will not be described.

[0042] Figure 9 shows a structure in which a guide section 15 is provided at an opening in the inner wall surface of the second container 9 to guide a portion of the warm air 16 flowing through the upstream ventilation passage 11 into the second container 9. The warm air 16 introduced from the inlet 4a is blown into the upstream ventilation passage 11 and introduced into the second container 9 by the guide section 15. This increases the amount of warm air 16 flowing into the second container 9, increases the flow rate of warm air 16 around the capillary 6, and allows for efficient dissipation of the self-heating of the capillary 6. Here, the structure of the guide section 15 does not need to be provided at all openings 10 in the -Z direction on the inner wall surface of the second container 9. Also, the structure of the guide section 15 does not need to be the same size for all of them; the guide section 15 may be smaller on the +X side and become larger as it moves towards the -X side. Furthermore, the guide section 15 may be provided at the openings in the +Z direction of the second container 9.

[0043] Furthermore, by providing a protrusion 20 on the inner circumferential surface of the first container 3, as shown in Figure 10, instead of the air guide portion 15, the same effect as providing the air guide portion 15 can be achieved. [Examples]

[0044] Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 11. This embodiment shows an example of a structure in which an opening 10a is provided on the upstream side of the -Z side wall surface near the inlet 4a of the second container 9, opening in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the capillary 6 (left-right direction in Figure 11), and an opening 10b is provided on the downstream side of the +Z side wall surface near the outlet 4b, opening in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the capillary 6 (left-right direction in Figure 11). Parts that have the same function as those already described and are denoted by the same reference numerals will not be described.

[0045] Figure 11 shows that the second container 9 has an opening 10a on its inner wall surface, and an opening 10b downstream (-X) from opening 10a, and that at least a portion of the opening surfaces (opening cross-sections) of openings 10a and 10b overlaps with the projected planes of the opening surfaces (opening cross-sections) of the air intake and exhaust ports, respectively. With this structure, in the second container 9 as well, warm air 16 is introduced in the longitudinal direction of the capillary 6, and the warm air 16 introduced from opening 10a flows out from opening 10b. By flowing warm air from the +X direction to the -X direction around the capillary placed in the second container 9, a uniform flow of warm air 16 is created around the capillary, and the self-heating of the capillary 6 can be effectively dissipated. [Examples]

[0046] The embodiment of the seventh example of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 shows that an inlet 4a is provided on the +X side of the first container 3, an opening 20a is provided on the +X side of the first container 3, and an opening 20b is provided on the +X side wall of the second container 9, and at least a portion of the opening surface (opening cross section) of the opening 20b of the second container 9 is provided so as to overlap with the projection plane of the opening surface (opening cross section) of the air intake.

[0047] In other words, the air intake and exhaust ports have openings in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the capillary, and are structured to branch and introduce the warm air 16 into the first container 3 and the second container 9, with openings 20a and 20b provided such that a portion of them overlaps within the projected plane of the opening surface of the inlet 4a.

[0048] The outlet 4b is designed to discharge the warm air 16 that has flowed through the first container 3 and the second container 9 into the air guide 4 by providing an opening 20c on the -X side wall of the first container 3 and an opening 20d on the -X side wall of the second container 9. With this structure, the warm air 16 heated by the heater is introduced into the upstream air passage 11 formed in the first container 3 and into the interior of the second container 9. In the first container 3, the warm air 16 is introduced into the downstream air passage 12 through the connecting section 13 to the upstream air passage 11, thereby maintaining a constant ambient temperature in the second container 9. Furthermore, the warm air 16 is also introduced into the second container 9, and the introduced warm air can remove the self-heating of the capillary.

[0049] Here, the openings 20a to 20d do not necessarily have to be one each; multiple openings may be formed for each. Also, the positions of the inlet 4a and outlet 4b are not limited to the +X and -X side walls of the first container 3.

[0050] In addition to branching the warm air at the inlet 4a, the air guide 4 may be divided into two or more flow paths, and warm air may be introduced into openings 20a and 20c formed in the first container 3 and openings 20b and 20d formed in the second container 9, respectively. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1… Electrophoresis apparatus 2…Thermostat 3…The first container 4...Air guide path 4a…Inlet 4b…Outlet 5…Temperature control section 6... Capillary 7…High-voltage power supply 8… Solution tank 9…Second container 10…Opening 10a…Inflow side opening 10b…Outflow side opening 11...Upstream ventilation duct 12...Downstream ventilation passage 13…Communication part 14...Detection unit 15...Air guide 16…Hot air

Claims

1. A capillary electrophoresis apparatus comprising a capillary for electrophoresis of a sample, a constant temperature bath for maintaining the temperature of the capillary, and a blower for blowing air into the constant temperature bath, The constant temperature bath comprises a first container and a second container enclosed within the first container and holding the capillary. The first container has an air intake port for supplying air from the air blowing unit to the first container, and an exhaust port for exhausting air from the first container. A capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized in that the wall surface of the second container has an opening for taking in gas blown into the first container.

2. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, The first container is, The aforementioned air intake port and the upstream ventilation passage communicating with the aforementioned opening, The exhaust port and the downstream ventilation passage communicating with the opening, A capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized by being equipped with the following features.

3. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 2, Capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized in that the first container is provided with a connecting portion that connects the upstream ventilation passage and the downstream ventilation passage.

4. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 3, The aforementioned communication portion is characterized in that the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space on the exhaust port side is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space on the supply air side.

5. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, The capillary electrophoresis apparatus is characterized in that the first container has a cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space on the exhaust port side that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space on the supply air side.

6. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, A capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized in that the opening provided in the wall surface of the second container has an opening cross-sectional area that increases from the air intake side to the exhaust port side.

7. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, A capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized in that the opening is provided with a guide for guiding the gas into the second container.

8. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, A capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized in that the inner wall surface of the first container has a protrusion for guiding the gas to the opening of the second container.

9. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, A capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized in that at least a portion of the opening is provided to fall within the projection plane of the respective opening cross-sections of the air intake port and the exhaust port.

10. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, Capillary electrophoresis apparatus, characterized in that the air intake port and the exhaust port have openings in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the capillary, and at least a portion of the opening of the second container is provided to fall within the projection plane of the respective opening cross-sections of the air intake port and the exhaust port.

11. In the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, Capillary electrophoresis apparatus, characterized in that the air intake port and the exhaust port have openings in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the capillary, and at least a portion of the opening of the second container is provided to fall within the projection plane of the respective opening cross-sections of the air intake port and the exhaust port.

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