Electrophoresis apparatus, microcoil fiber, sweeping thermal stretching apparatus, fiber manufacturing method, fiber

Abstract

This disclosure aims to provide an electrophoresis apparatus, a microcoil fiber, a sweeping thermal stretching apparatus, a method for manufacturing a fiber, and a fiber. [Solution] The device comprises a tube having an inner diameter of 100 μm or less and having an inlet for introducing a sample; a lid fixed to the tube and closing both ends of the tube; at least two spiral electrodes provided on the tube; and a power supply connected to the spiral electrodes and applying a voltage to the spiral electrodes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrophoresis apparatus, a microcoil fiber, a sweeping thermal stretching apparatus, a method for manufacturing a fiber, and a fiber.

Background Art

[0002] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a silicon-based highly stretchable fiber pump. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses providing a helical conductor wire in a silicon tube. By applying a voltage to the conductor wire, an electric field is generated in the tube to flow the fluid in one direction.

[0003] Non-Patent Document 2 discloses a fiber pump for a wearable fluid system. Non-Patent Document 2 discloses providing a copper electrode wire in a polyurethane tube and winding the polyurethane tube around an axis to make the conductive electrode wire helical. Then, by removing the axis from the tube, the region that had the axis is provided as a flow path for the fluid.

[0004] A technology for manipulating and applying micro-liter scale fluids, called microfluidics technology, is used in a wide range of fields such as life science, chemistry, and materials engineering. For example, a technology for mixing or separating cells and particles also belongs to this microfluidics technology.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

[0006] Many conventional microfluidic devices are fabricated on planar substrates using lithography, a semiconductor manufacturing technique. However, this method presents challenges such as limitations on material selection, complexity of the manufacturing process, and restriction to planar structures. Beyond the field of microfluidic devices, there has been a need for new methods to realize structures previously impossible, for example, in the production of electrophoresis devices or miniature coils.

[0007] This disclosure was made to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide a new electrophoresis apparatus, a microcoil fiber, a sweeping thermal stretching apparatus, a method for manufacturing a fiber, and a fiber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electrophoresis apparatus according to this disclosure comprises a tube having an inner diameter of 100 μm or less and having a sample inlet formed therein, a cap that closes both ends of the tube, at least two spiral electrodes provided on the tube, and a power supply device that applies voltage to the spiral electrodes.

[0009] Other features of this disclosure are outlined below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] We can provide new electrophoresis apparatuses, microcoil fibers, sweeping thermal stretching apparatuses, fiber manufacturing methods, and fibers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]It is a cross-sectional view of an electrophoresis device. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of preform formation. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of preform formation. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a rotary thermal stretching device. [Figure 5] It is a photograph of a fiber thermally stretched by a rotary thermal stretching device. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional photograph of the fiber in Fig. 5. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of a microcoil fiber. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of the microcoil fiber in Fig. 7. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a modified example of a microcoil fiber. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a modified example of a microcoil fiber. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example of a microcoil fiber. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining a method of forming a preform. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of preform processing by a rotary thermal stretching device. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of a sweeping thermal stretching device. [Figure 15] It is an enlarged view of the first supply device and the gear part. [Figure 16] It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the second supply device and the heating tube. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a sweeping thermal stretching device. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of a fiber manufactured by a sweeping thermal stretching device. [Figure 19] It is a photograph of the fabricated device. [Figure 20] It is a photograph of the fiber into which the sample has been introduced. [Figure 21] It is a photograph showing an example of manufacturing a microcoil fiber. [Figure 22]This is a photograph showing another example of microcoil fiber fabrication. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrophoresis apparatus according to an embodiment. This electrophoresis apparatus 10 is equipped with a tube 11 that functions as a capillary. In one example, the inner diameter D of the tube 11 is 100 μm or less. In another example, the inner diameter D is 50 μm or less. The tube 11 has an inlet 11a formed therein for introducing a sample into the tube 11. The material of the tube 11 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of thermoplastic polymers include polycarbonate net, PMMA, COC, etc., and examples of thermoplastic elastomers include PU, SEBS, COCe, etc.

[0013] The inside of tube 11 is a microchannel 11A. The lids 14 and 15 that seal both ends of tube 11 create a laterally elongated sealed space within the microchannel 11A. Tube 11 is provided with at least two spiral electrodes. Figure 1 illustrates that the spiral electrodes 12 and 13 are positioned inside tube 11 with their central axes aligned while maintaining a non-contact state. The spiral electrodes 12 and 13 may be exposed on the inner wall of tube 11, or some or all of them may be embedded in tube 11. In one example, at least a portion of the spiral electrodes 12 and 13 is located within the microchannel 11A, so the spiral electrodes 12 and 13 can come into contact with the reagent. In this case, the material of the spiral electrodes 12 and 13 should be selected to suppress degradation and corrosion in liquid. For example, degradation and corrosion of the spiral electrodes can be suppressed by using a carbon composite material or a material containing a carbon composite material for the spiral electrodes 12 and 13.

[0014] This electrophoresis apparatus 10 is equipped with a power supply unit 16 that applies voltage to spiral electrodes 12 and 13. The power supply unit 16 can apply voltage to the spiral electrodes 12 and 13. A light source 17 and a detector 18 are provided on the outside of the tube 11. In one example, the light source 17 and detector 18 perform ultraviolet-visible absorption analysis (UV-Vis) at a specific position in the microchannel 11A. The light source 17 irradiates the sample in the microchannel 11A with light ranging from the ultraviolet to the visible region. The detector 18 obtains a spectrum by detecting light transmitted or reflected from the sample. In the case of reflection, the detector 18 is placed close to the light source 17. This makes it possible to analyze the chemical properties of the sample, such as its substance, concentration, electronic state, and three-dimensional structure. In another example, a light source in a different wavelength range can be used. Details of the optical system and measurement can be explained using well-known methods, so the explanation is omitted.

[0015] As a comparative example, a conventional capillary electrophoresis apparatus will be described. In a conventional capillary electrophoresis apparatus, both ends of a capillary are immersed in two beakers containing electrolyte, and a high voltage is applied to the electrolyte. This causes the sample inside the capillary to move at a speed combining electrophoresis and electron osmosis, achieving separation of sample components. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus in the comparative example requires two beakers and a high-voltage power supply, which tends to make the apparatus large.

[0016] In contrast, the capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as the comparative example in that the sample inside the capillary moves at a speed combining electrophoresis and electron osmosis flow, achieving separation of sample components. However, electrophoresis is performed by applying a voltage to spiral electrodes 12 and 13 that are integrally formed with the tube 11. That is, an electric field is generated in the microchannel 11A by the voltage-applied spiral electrodes 12 and 13, and this electric field causes electrophoresis of each component of the sample. By generating electrophoresis with the spiral electrodes 12 and 13 in this way, the beaker and high voltage required in the comparative example can be omitted. Therefore, the electrophoresis apparatus according to this embodiment is suitable for miniaturization.

[0017] Next, a method for manufacturing fibers according to Embodiment 1 will be described. This manufacturing method includes forming a preform having a conductor and a substrate material, and forming fibers by heat-stretching the preform in one direction while rotating it. A preform is a semi-finished product before heat stretching, which is in a state where it can be heat-stretched, obtained by combining, processing, or molding the constituent materials of the fiber. A fiber is the product after heat stretching.

[0018] 1. Examples of preform formation First, a first film, which will be the material for the tube, is wrapped around a cylindrical mold. Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view showing the mold 20 and the first film 21 wrapped around and fixed to the mold 20. The first film 21 is, for example, a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic elastomer. In this example, a PMMA film was wrapped around the cylindrical mold 20 as the first film 21. In one example, the diameter D1 of the mold 20 is 15 mm, and the diameter D2 of the combined mold 20 and first film 21 is 19 mm. Figure 2B is a longitudinal section showing the mold 20 and the first film 21 wrapped around and fixed to the mold 20. In this example, the length L1 of the combined mold 20 and first film 21 is 150 mm. In one example, after wrapping the first film 21 around the mold 20 in this way, the first film 21 is pressed to the mold 20 by heating the front and back sides of the first film 21 at 175°C for 8 minutes each, for a total of 16 minutes. The front and back of the first film 21 refer to two different sides of the first film 21. In another example, any heating method can be used to heat multiple locations on the first film 21. After crimping, grooves are formed in the first film 21, for example, using a CNC lathe. Figure 3A shows grooves 21a and 21b formed in the first film 21. The grooves 21a and 21b are formed to house electrodes. The grooves may penetrate the first film 21 or they may be recesses in the first film 21. One wire (electrode) made of, for example, carbon composite material is placed in each of these two grooves 21a and 21b. Next, the second film is wrapped around the first film 21 and the wires and secured. Figure 3B shows the wires 12a and 13a placed in the grooves and the second film 22. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the actual preform. The diameter of the preform in Figure 3C is 22 mm, and the cross-sectional size of the wires 12a and 13a is 2 × 2 mm. The grooves 21a and 21b can be formed at any position on the first film 21. By adjusting the distance between grooves 21a and 21b, the distance between the two wires stored therein can be freely designed. For example, by forming two grooves in the arc portion of the circumference of the first film 21 with a central angle of 90° when viewed in cross-section, the distance between the two wires can be made closer. In another example, by forming one groove in the arc portion of the circumference of the first film 21 with a central angle of 90° and another groove in the arc portion with a central angle of 90°, the distance between the two wires can be increased. Furthermore, by increasing or decreasing the number of grooves, the number of wires stored therein can be increased or decreased. For example, by forming three grooves in the first film 21, providing one wire in each groove, and applying the rotational heat stretching treatment described later, a fiber with three spiral electrodes can be manufactured. The number of grooves and the number of wires can be provided arbitrarily. Next, the second film 22 is heated to press it against the first film 21 and the wires 12a and 13a. This heating is done, for example, by heating the front and back of the second film 22 at 175°C for 8 minutes each, for a total of 16 minutes. In another example, any heating method can be used to heat multiple locations on the second film 22. Next, the mold 20 is removed from the first film 21. In this way, a preform is formed having the first film 21 and the second film 22 as substrate materials and the conductive wires 12a and 12b as electrode materials. According to another example, the preform can be formed in a different way. Any process can be employed to integrate the substrate material and conductive wires to form a rod-shaped preform.

[0019] 2. Examples of fiber formation The aforementioned fibers are subjected to heat stretching in a rotary heat stretching apparatus. Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the rotary heat stretching apparatus. Figure 4A shows an overall view of the rotary heat stretching apparatus. This rotary heat stretching apparatus 30 is equipped with a linear guide 31. The linear guide 31 moves the stage 32 v feed It can be moved straight downwards at a speed of v. Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the dashed line area in Figure 4A. Figure 4B illustrates that the preform can be rotated by the stepping motor 33. In one example, the heater 34 is shaped to surround the preform 35a, thereby allowing the entire preform 35a to be heated. Furthermore, the rotation of the rollers 38 and 39 is controlled by the stepping motors 36 and 37, respectively. The preform 35a is moved by the stepping motor 33 v rotation As it rotates at a rotational speed, it is subjected to a tensile force in the longitudinal direction by the rotation of rollers 38 and 39. This results in a rotationally heat-stretched fiber 35. The pitch of the spiral electrode can be adjusted according to the following formula. pitch=v capstan / v rotation Here, v capstan v is the downward feed rate of the preform 35a given by the rotation of rollers 38 and 39, and v rotation This is the rotation speed of the preform. The diameter of fiber 35 (D fiber ) is given by the following formula.

[0020]

number

[0021] Here, D preform This is the diameter of preform 35a. Thus, using this rotary heat stretching apparatus, both the pitch and diameter of the spiral electrodes can be freely adjusted. For example, a fiber can be formed by heating a preform with a heater at 230°C for 20 minutes and then stretching it while rotating. Figure 5 is a photograph of a fiber that has been heat-stretched in a rotary heat stretcher. Figure 5 shows that the fiber has a diameter of 1.5 mm and has two spiral electrodes. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional photograph of the fiber from Figure 5. Figure 6 shows that an annular tube has been formed and a microchannel with a diameter of 600 μm has been formed in the center of the tube. Furthermore, Figure 6 also shows that two spiral electrodes have been formed.

[0022] After forming the fibers, the electrophoresis apparatus shown in Figure 1 can be manufactured by creating an inlet for introducing reagents into the tube, attaching caps to both ends of the tube, and connecting wiring for voltage application to the spiral electrode exposed by scraping the tube.

[0023] In another example, a rotary thermal stretching apparatus can employ a different configuration. That is, the rotary thermal stretching apparatus can have any configuration comprising a feeding system that rotates and feeds the preform, a heating device that heats the preform, and a stretching device that uniaxially stretches the preform heated by the heating device.

[0024] Embodiment 2. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a microcoil fiber. This microcoil fiber 40 comprises a single microcoil 41 formed by combining multiple coils of the same pitch with an inner diameter of 500 μm or less. In one example, the microcoil 41 is embedded in a tube 42. In the example in Figure 7, the microcoil 41 has four coils 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d. In another example, the number of coils can be three or less, or five or more. A bar magnet 43 is provided in the center of the microcoil 41, i.e., in the hollow portion of the tube 42. By providing the bar magnet 43, the permeability of the fiber can be increased, thereby strengthening the generated magnetic field. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the microcoil fiber of Figure 7. Figure 8 shows that coils 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d are provided at approximately equal intervals along an annular tube 42.

[0025] For example, this microcoil fiber 40 can be used as a non-invasive brain stimulation method called transcranial static magnetic field stimulation, or it can be implanted in the cortex for a similar purpose. Making the inner diameter of the coil 500 μm or less allows for the localized application of such stimulation. Furthermore, increasing the number of coils contributes to providing a sufficiently strong magnetic field. Therefore, using the microcoil fiber 40, a sufficiently strong magnetic field can be locally applied. In another example, this microcoil fiber 40 can be used as a magnetic sensing device. Non-invasive brain function measurement techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) are used in the diagnosis of brain diseases. The microcoil fiber 40 can be used in these measurements. Such applications require the microcoil fiber and a magnetic sensor. In another example, this microcoil fiber 40 can be used in next-generation compact nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems, enabling localized excitation and signal detection of the sample.

[0026] Figures 9 and 10 show modified examples of microcoil fibers. For example, the microcoil 41 in Figures 9 and 10 can have the same dimensions and shape as the microcoil in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 9 shows a rod-shaped microcoil fiber 44. Rod-shaped means that, for example, a thermoplastic polymer or thermoplastic elastomer substrate is formed in a rod shape without holes for housing a bar magnet. Figure 9 shows that a microcoil 41 with four coils is embedded in a rod-shaped substrate 45 without holes. Figure 10A shows a microcoil fiber 46 having four coils 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d, at least part of which is covered by a tube 42. In the example of Figure 10A, a bar magnet is not provided, and the flow channel portion of the tube 42 is hollow. Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of a microcoil fiber in which magnetic particles 431 are provided in the hollow portion. The magnetic particles 431 are, for example, iron microbeads, but are not limited to that and can be various materials that possess magnetism. By applying a magnetic field using the microcoil 41, the mobility of the magnetic particles 431 supplied to the flow path of the tube 42 can be controlled.

[0027] Figure 10C is a cross-sectional view of a microcoil fiber having porous material and magnetic particles in the hollow portion of the tube. Porous material 432 is formed in the channel of tube 42. Porous material 432 is, for example, a porous polymer. When a water-absorbed polymer is placed inside a tube preform and the preform is heat-stretched, the water evaporates, the polymer changes shape, and porous pores are formed. In other words, porous polymer can be formed in the channel of the tube. The size and amount of porous pores can be adjusted by controlling the temperature conditions during heat stretching. Note that polymer materials other than the polymer provided inside the tube are heat-stretched after removing water to prevent them from becoming porous. Magnetic particles 433 are provided in the pores of the porous material 432. Each of the numerous magnetic particles 433 is a magnet and contributes to strengthening the generated magnetic field. The magnetic particles can be present throughout the porous material 432. For example, if magnetic particles are provided in the porous material exposed from the end of the tube, the pores of the porous material 432 are connected in the longitudinal direction of the tube, so the minute magnetic particles 433 enter the fiber by the capillary effect. In this way, the magnetic particles 433 are retained in the porous material 432 and a state in which they exist at a constant density is maintained.

[0028] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example of a microcoil fiber. Three tubes 42a, 42b, and 42c are formed by overlapping them concentrically. A bar magnet 43 is provided in the center of the three tubes 42a, 42b, and 42c. Seven coils 49 are formed in tube 42a, eight coils 49 are formed in tube 42b, and eight coils 49 are formed in tube 42c. In another example, the number of tubes and coils can be increased or decreased. As a method for manufacturing such a microfiber, for example, a preform is formed by winding and fixing a film around a mold, forming grooves in the film, and inserting wires into the grooves, repeating this process multiple times. Then, the mold is removed, and the preform is subjected to rotational heat stretching to produce a microcoil fiber with many coils as shown in Figure 11. In another example, a microcoil fiber like that shown in Figure 11 can also be produced by forming holes for housing a bar magnet and holes for housing coils in a cylindrical substrate material, inserting wires into the holes for housing coils, and then subjecting it to rotational heat stretching. Such a microcoil fiber with multiple layers of coils can be described as a microcoil fiber shown in Figures 7 and 8 with the following two additions. • Additional tube that covers the outer edge of the tube • A single additional microcoil consisting of multiple coils of the same pitch, with at least a portion embedded in an additional tube.

[0029] This section describes a method for manufacturing microcoil fibers. Microcoil fibers can be manufactured by forming a preform and then using the aforementioned rotary heat stretching apparatus to heat stretch the preform in one direction while rotating it. The following describes the manufacturing method for rod-shaped microcoil fibers, but the microcoil fibers shown in Figures 7 and 10 can also be manufactured using the same method.

[0030] 1. Examples of preform formation Figure 12 illustrates a method for forming a preform. Figure 12A shows a substrate 45a made of, for example, a thermoplastic polymer or thermoplastic elastomer. Elongated holes, for example, 1 mm in diameter, are drilled into the substrate 45a. Figure 12A shows the holes 47 and 48 formed by the drill, and the drilling of new holes in the substrate 45a. Next, conductor wires are inserted into the holes drilled in the substrate. Figure 12B shows that four conductor wires have been inserted into the four holes. These conductor wires become four coils by the rotational stretching described later. Figure 12C is a cross-sectional view of Figure 12B. Figure 12C shows that PMMA can be used as an example of the material for the rod-shaped substrate, and BiSn can be used as an example of the conductor wire. In one example, multiple conductor wires can be arranged at approximately equal intervals along the outer edge of the substrate.

[0031] 2. Examples of fiber formation Microcoil fibers can be formed by rotating and stretching a preform using the aforementioned rotary thermal stretching apparatus. Figure 13A shows the processing of the preform exemplified in Figure 12 using the rotary thermal stretching apparatus. After the rotary thermal stretching is complete, the microcoil fiber 44 shown in Figure 9 is obtained. Figure 13B shows a method for manufacturing a microcoil fiber with a bar magnet 43. As shown in this figure, the preform can be subjected to rotary thermal stretching while a bar magnet 43 is supplied to the hole in the center of the preform. This makes it possible to create the microcoil fiber 40 shown in Figure 7. By using rotary thermal stretching, multiple metal coils can be rotated and stretched simultaneously, and the number of coils can be any number. The more coils there are, the stronger the magnetic field that is generated. Not only this fiber, but all the fibers described later can be manufactured using the rotary thermal stretching apparatus shown in Figure 4A.

[0032] The magnetic field of the fabricated microcoil fibers was theoretically calculated. When a 50mA current was passed through a microcoil fiber fabricated by thermal stretching at 150 rpm with four coils housed in a substrate, the magnetic flux density was 131 μT. When a 50mA current was passed through a microcoil fiber fabricated by thermal stretching at 120 rpm with eight coils housed in a substrate, the magnetic flux density was 215 μT. For the microcoil fiber with the bar magnet 43 shown in Figure 7, the magnetic flux density was 1 T.

[0033] Embodiment 3. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the sweeping thermal stretching apparatus 80. The sweeping thermal stretching apparatus 80 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the S-type thermal stretching apparatus 80) is an improved version of the rotary thermal stretching apparatus 30 described above. For components of the S-type thermal stretching apparatus 80 that are the same as or correspond to those of the rotary thermal stretching apparatus 30, the same reference numerals used in the description of the rotary thermal stretching apparatus 30 may be used, and repeated explanations may be omitted. For example, the S-type thermal stretching apparatus 80 is equipped with a first gear 81a and a second gear 81b on a stage 32. The first gear 81a is given arbitrary rotation by a motor 82. The second gear 81b meshes with the first gear 81a, and the rotation of the first gear 81a rotates the second gear 81b. For example, the first gear 81a has a larger diameter than the second gear 81b.

[0034] Below the second gear 81b are a rotating tube 84a and a heating tube 84b. The rotating tube 84a holds and fixes a portion of the completed or uncompleted preform in the direction of extension. Furthermore, this rotating tube 84a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second gear 81b, causing the preform to rotate. Therefore, within the rotating tube 84a, the preform is fixed in the direction of extension while rotating in any rotational pattern. For example, the rotation of the second gear 81b rotates the preform via the rotating tube 84a. By controlling the motor 82, the preform can be given any rotation. For example, the rotational speed can be accelerated or decelerated, that is, the speed of rotation can be varied. In terms of rotation in one direction, constant speed rotation in one direction and non-constant speed rotation in one direction are possible. Furthermore, the direction of rotation can be freely changed. For example, rotation in a first direction and rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction can be repeated, or the rotational speed in the first direction and the rotational speed in the second direction can be made different. Rotating the preform at non-uniform speeds or causing it to reciprocate in the direction of rotation in this way makes it possible to manufacture fibers of new shapes.

[0035] The heating tube 84b is the part that houses the heater for heating the preform. For example, the heater inside the heating tube 84b can be shaped to surround the preform, as shown by heater 34 in Figure 4. The heating tube 84b can have any configuration that allows for heat treatment.

[0036] Figure 14 shows a first supply device 83, which is a central material supply device. The central material is the material supplied to the cavity in the axial portion of the preform. For example, the central material is a bar magnet supplied to the cavity in the preform. Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the first supply device 83 and the gear section. A through hole is formed in the center of the second gear 81b, for example. The through hole in the second gear 81b is a hole that leads into the rotating tube 84a. The central material wound and stored in the first supply device 83 is supplied to the axial portion of the preform in the rotating tube 84a via this through hole. To facilitate this, the second gear 81b may be located directly above the rotating tube 84a. By heat-treating the preform containing the central material while it is subjected to a downward tensile force, a fiber having a substrate and central material can be manufactured. Note that in the rotary heat stretching apparatus 30 of Figure 4, the preform is rotated directly by the stepping motor 33, so the central material cannot be supplied to the preform. The central material can be a solid such as wire, a liquid, or a gas. Figure 14 shows a first supply device 83 that provides a bar magnet, i.e., a solid, as the central material, but the first supply device can be a liquid supply device or a gas supply device.

[0037] Figure 14 illustrates a second supply device 85, which is a supply device for non-center material. Non-center material is material supplied to the outer edge side of the preform. Non-center material is, for example, the material for electrodes provided along the outer edge of a substrate such as a spiral electrode. Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the second supply device 85 and the heating tube 84b. Figure 16 illustrates that four second supply devices 85 are provided around the rotating tube 84a. The second supply devices may also be provided around the heating tube 84b. The non-center material wound and stored in the second supply device 85 is supplied to the outer edge side of the preform. In another example, holes extending in the longitudinal direction of the preform can be formed in the preform by prior work, and the non-center material can be supplied to these holes from the second supply device 85. In yet another example, the non-center material can be supplied to the holes in the preform manually, and the supply of the non-center material by the second supply device 85 can be omitted. By heat-treating a preform containing a non-central material while subjecting it to downward tensile force, a fiber having a substrate and a non-central material can be manufactured. The non-central material can be a solid such as a wire, a liquid, or a gas. Figure 16 shows a second supply device 85 that provides the electrode material, i.e., a solid, as the non-central material, but the second supply device can be a liquid supply device or a gas supply device.

[0038] The rotation of rollers 38 and 39 is controlled by stepping motors 36 and 37, respectively, as shown in Figure 14. In one example, the rotation of rollers 38 and 39 stretches the preform, core material, and non-core material in the longitudinal direction to produce fiber 35. Depending on the type of fiber to be produced, the core material may or may not be provided. Furthermore, if the core material is inserted into the preform in advance, the first supply device 83 can be left unused, and if the non-core material is inserted into the preform in advance, the second supply device 85 can be left unused. In addition to this longitudinal stretching, as mentioned above, the rotation of the second gear 81b can impart movement in any rotational direction to the preform. The second gear 81b, the rotating tube 84a, the heating tube 84b, and the rollers 38 and 39 are aligned in a straight line in the longitudinal direction. This allows the preform to be moved in the rotational direction while providing central or non-central material.

[0039] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a device configuration for transmitting the rotational force of the second gear 81b to the preform. The rotational force of the second gear 81b is transmitted to the preform 35a by the shaft portion 86b, collets 86c and 86d, and rotating tube 84a. The shaft portion 86b is the part that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the second gear 81b, with the rotating shaft supported by the bearing 86a. The shaft portion 86b can be manufactured, for example, by 3D printing technology. The collets 86c and 86d connect the shaft portion 86b to the rotating tube 84a. The rotating tube 84a is the part that is fixed to the collets 86c and 86d and the preform. The rotating tube 84a fixes and holds a part of the preform in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the stretching direction. For example, a part of the preform can be manually fixed to the rotating tube 84a with steel wire. In this case, it would be necessary to fix a new preform to the rotating tube 84a each time heat stretching is performed. For example, a PEI (polyetherimide) piece can be used as the rotating tube 84a.

[0040] The preform is partially fixed in the vertical direction, i.e., the stretching direction, by the rotating tube 84a, and the fibers are manufactured by being subjected to a force in any rotational direction by the rotating tube 84a and a tensile force by the rollers 38 and 39.

[0041] Figure 17 illustrates a second feeder 85. The second feeder 85 is a roll that supplies a non-central material 85a, such as copper wire. In this example, the heating tube 84b has a central channel in the middle and a non-central channel on the outside. The central channel is supplied with the preform and central material held by the rotating tube 84a, and the non-central material 85a is supplied to the non-central channel. The non-central material 85a can be supplied directly from the second feeder 85 to the non-central material channel of the heating tube 84b. In this example, the rotation of the capstan, i.e., rollers 38, 39 that stretch the preform, pulls and stretches the preform, central material and non-central material all downwards. This results in a fiber in which the central material and non-central material are integrally formed with the preform.

[0042] Neither the core material nor the non-core material is particularly limited and can be arbitrarily selected depending on the configuration of the fiber to be manufactured. For example, when manufacturing microcoil fibers, it is not always necessary to use a rigid wire such as copper wire; a special alloy can be used. Also, metal wires can be inserted into the preform beforehand, in which case it is not necessary to supply the non-core material from the second supply device.

[0043] A method for manufacturing fibers using the S-type thermal stretching apparatus 80 includes, for example, fixing a portion of the preform to a rotating tube and thermal stretching the preform longitudinally while causing it to reciprocate in the rotational direction by the rotating tube. The preform may be completed before thermal stretching, or it may be thermal stretched while material is supplied from the first supply device 83 and / or the second supply device 85 without being completed. In the former case, the preform can be completed by forming through holes in the substrate, or by supplying material such as wires to the through holes in the substrate. In the latter case, thermal stretching can be performed while supplying material to the through holes in the preform, or while supplying material to the outer edge of the preform, or both simultaneously while supplying material. The direction of rotational movement applied to the preform is arbitrary and offers a high degree of freedom. For example, by thermal stretching the preform while applying a non-uniform reciprocating rotational movement, fibers with characteristic shapes can be manufactured. The S-type thermal stretching apparatus 80 illustrated in Figure 14 can accelerate the rotational reciprocating motion of the preform through a new gear design. For example, the rotational motion of a motor is amplified by a first gear 81a and a second gear 81b and transmitted to the preform held in a rotating tube 84a. Accelerating the rotational motion of the preform enables the formation of fibers of a desired shape. Furthermore, in order to reflect the rotational force applied to the preform at its fixed position in the fiber shape, the fixed position of the preform must be close to the rollers 38 and 39, which are the winding devices. In particular, when the preform is moved back and forth at high speed in the rotational direction, in order to reflect the changes due to the change in direction in the fiber shape, the fixed position of the preform must be close to the rollers 38 and 39. Therefore, in the S-type thermal stretching apparatus 80, the distance between the rotating tube 84a for fixing the preform and the rollers 38 and 39, which are the winding devices, has been shortened.

[0044] Figure 18 shows an example of the structure of a fiber manufactured using an S-type thermal stretching apparatus 80. The fiber in Figure 18 was manufactured by thermal stretching a preform while it was reciprocating in the rotational direction. The upper part of Figure 18A shows a plan view of the fiber. The substrate of the fiber 35 is, for example, a polymer. A zigzag portion 35b is formed within this substrate. This plan view is not a cross-sectional view of the zigzag portion 35b, but rather a plan view of the entire zigzag portion 35b, with the substrate represented in white (transparent). Therefore, the zigzag portion 35b is formed only in the lower half of the fiber. The circumferential length of the zigzag portion 35b can be determined by adjusting the rotation of the second gear 81b. Therefore, the zigzag portion may be formed only in the lower half of the fiber as shown in this plan view, or the length of the arc of this zigzag portion can be shortened or lengthened. The zigzag portion 35b may be a flow channel or a conductor. The lower part of Figure 18A shows a side view of the fiber shown in the upper part. This side view shows an example where the zigzag portion 35b is formed at a constant period in the length direction of the fiber. In other words, the zigzag portion has a sine wave shape. If the zigzag portion 35b is a flow channel, for example, holes can be formed in the longitudinal direction of the preform and the preform can be heat-stretched in an S-type heat stretcher 80 while it is reciprocating in the rotational direction. In this case, neither a central material nor a non-central material is provided. If the zigzag portion 35b is a conductor, for example, holes can be formed in the longitudinal direction of the preform and the conductor can be inserted into the holes and the preform can be heat-stretched in an S-type heat stretcher 80 while it is reciprocating in the rotational direction. Figure 18B is similar to Figure 18A in many ways, but in the side view of the zigzag portion 35b, an example is shown where the zigzag portion is formed with a non-constant period in the length direction of the fiber. As a result, the zigzag portion 35b in Figure 18A is symmetrical in side view, while the zigzag portion 35b in Figure 18B is asymmetrical in side view. The short-period portion of the zigzag portion 35b in Figure 18B can be formed by increasing the rotation speed of the preform, and the long-period portion can be formed by decreasing the rotation speed of the preform. With the S-type thermal stretching apparatus 80, the rotational force applied to the preform can be freely adjusted, which dramatically increases the degree of freedom in the shape of the channel and wire.

[0045] Example 1 A fiber with spiral electrodes, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, was fabricated and made into a device. Figure 19 is a photograph of the fabricated device. Part of the fiber tube was ground to expose it, and electrodes 90 and 92 were attached to the two spiral electrodes, respectively. Furthermore, silicone tubes 94 and 95 were connected to both ends of the fiber tube. After connecting the tubes and silicone tubes, they were fixed to a slide 98 with adhesive 96. Agarose was dissolved in buffer to prepare an agarose gel containing 1% agarose, and this was introduced into the fiber. A hole for sample introduction was made in the tube. 0.1 μL of DNA loading dye was introduced into the microchannel through the formed hole. Figure 20 is a photograph of the fiber with the sample introduced. An inlet 100 for sample introduction was formed in the tube. In this example, the diameter of the inlet 100 was 100 μm. The DNA loading dye was introduced into the microchannel 102 through this inlet 100. Figure 20 shows that 1% agarose 104 and loading die 106 are located within the microchannel 102. Applying DC 60V to the two spiral electrodes confirmed that the loading die was undergoing electrophoresis within the microchannel. Reversing the positive and negative electrodes of the voltage application also allowed us to observe the loading die undergoing electrophoresis in the reverse direction within the microchannel.

[0046] Example 2 Microcoil fibers were manufactured using a rotary thermal stretching apparatus. Figure 21 shows an example of multiple preforms, prepared by inserting four conductor wires into a substrate, being rotary thermal stretched at varying rotation speeds. The upper left column of Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of a microcoil fiber. The rotation speed during rotary thermal stretching is indicated in the lower left of each microcoil fiber. From Figure 21, it was confirmed that the coil pitch could be increased at lower rotation speeds and decreased at higher rotation speeds. Figure 22 shows an example of multiple preforms, prepared by inserting eight conductor wires into a substrate, being rotary thermal stretched at varying rotation speeds. The upper left column of Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of a microcoil fiber. Here too, it was confirmed that the coil pitch could be increased at lower rotation speeds and decreased at higher rotation speeds. In both Figures 21 and 22, the preform feed speed was kept constant. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 10 Electrophoresis apparatus, 11 Tubes, 11A Microchannels, 12,13 Spiral electrodes, 30 Rotary heat stretching apparatus, 40 Microcoil fiber, 41 Microcoil, 42 Tubes, 43 Bar magnet, 44 Rod-type microcoil fiber, 46 Microcoil fiber, 80 S-type heat stretching apparatus, 81a First gear, 81b Second gear, 83 First feeder, 85 Second feeder

Claims

1. A tube having an inner diameter of 100 μm or less, with an inlet for introducing a sample, A cap to seal both ends of the tube, The tube is provided with at least two spiral electrodes, An electrophoresis apparatus comprising a power supply device for applying a voltage to the spiral electrode.

2. The tube comprises a thermoplastic polymer or thermoplastic elastomer. The electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spiral electrode comprises a carbon composite material.

3. Tube and, Multiple coils with the same pitch and an inner diameter of 500 μm or less are combined, and one microcoil is embedded in the tube, at least a portion of it. A microcoil fiber comprising a bar magnet or magnetic particles provided in the flow path of the tube.

4. The magnetic particles are provided in the flow path of the tube. The tube has a porous material provided in its flow path, The microcoil fiber according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic particles are provided in the porous pores.

5. An additional tube covering the outer edge of the tube, The microcoil fiber according to claim 3 or 4, comprising one additional microcoil in which multiple coils of the same pitch are combined and at least a portion of which is embedded in the additional tube.

6. A first gear rotated by a motor, A second gear that rotates in conjunction with the first gear, A rotating tube that is linked to the rotation of the second gear, A heating tube capable of heat treatment is set below the aforementioned rotating tube, The heating tube is provided with two rollers located below it, A sweeping heat stretching apparatus in which the second gear, the rotating tube, the heating tube, and the roller are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction.

7. The sweeping hot stretching apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a first supply device for supplying material into the rotating tube through a through hole in the second gear.

8. The sweeping heat stretching apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a second supply device for supplying material to the heating tube.

9. Fixing a portion of the preform to the rotating tube, A method for manufacturing a fiber, comprising: heat-stretching the preform in the longitudinal direction while reciprocating the preform in the rotational direction using the rotating tube.

10. The method for manufacturing a fiber according to claim 9, wherein the thermal stretching is performed while supplying material to the through-holes of the preform.

11. The method for manufacturing a fiber according to claim 9, wherein the thermal stretching is performed while supplying material to the outer edge side of the preform.

12. The method for manufacturing a fiber according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the reciprocating motion is a non-uniform reciprocating motion in a rotational direction.

13. Forming a preform having a conductor and a substrate material, The process involves forming fibers by thermally stretching the preform in one direction while rotating it, The substrate material includes a first film and a second film. The formation of the aforementioned preform is The first film is wrapped around the mold and fixed in place. By heating the first film, the first film is pressed onto the mold, Forming grooves in the first film, Inserting the conductor into the groove, The second film is wrapped around the first film and the conductor and secured. By heating the second film, the second film is pressed against the first film and the conductor, A method for manufacturing a fiber, comprising removing the mold from the first film.

14. A long, slender base, The substrate comprises a zigzag portion which is a channel or conductor formed within the substrate, The aforementioned zigzag portion is a fiber that is represented as an arc in a plan view.

15. The fiber according to claim 14, wherein the zigzag portion has a sine wave shape when viewed from the side.

16. The fiber according to claim 14, wherein the zigzag portion has a shape having a short-period portion and a long-period portion when viewed from the side.

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