Extraction apparatus, extraction method, and recovery container

Abstract

To provide an extraction device that can appropriately extract a portion of an object. [Solution] The extraction device 1 comprises a tubular capillary 20, a suction device 61 that creates negative pressure inside the capillary 20, and a moving device 40 that moves the capillary 20. The suction device 61 creates negative pressure inside the capillary 20 so that the object T is held at the tip E of the capillary 20 and a part T1 of the object T is sucked in from the tip E of the capillary 20. The moving device 40 moves the capillary 20 so that the capillary 20 pierces the film 4 from the tip E of the capillary 20 while the object T is held at the tip E of the capillary 20 and a part T1 of the object T is inside the capillary 20.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an extraction device, an extraction method, and a collection container.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a manipulation system that can suitably maintain the contact between an electrode and an active material. The manipulation system of Patent Document 1 includes a capillary that sucks and holds an active material (object). By the capillary, the position of the object can be fixed and the movement of the object can be suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a system for manipulating an object such as that of Patent Document 1, the object may be a minute object such as a cell mass. A cell mass is composed of a plurality of types of cells, and by extracting and analyzing some cells from the cell mass, the behavior of the cell mass can be grasped more accurately. Therefore, in a system for manipulating an object, there is a desire not only to evaluate the object while holding it, but also to extract and analyze a part of the object.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an extraction device that can appropriately extract a part of an object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An extraction apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a tubular capillary, a suction device that creates a negative pressure inside the capillary, and a moving device that moves the capillary, wherein the suction device creates a negative pressure inside the capillary so that an object is held at the tip of the capillary and a part of the object is sucked out from the tip of the capillary, and the moving device moves the capillary so that the capillary pierces a film from its tip while the object is held at the tip of the capillary and a part of the object is inside the capillary.

[0007] According to this method, a portion of the object is drawn into the capillary, and then the capillary pierces the film, separating the portion from the object. In this case, damage to the portion of the object can be suppressed compared to, for example, when a portion of the object is torn off and separated. Therefore, the extraction device can properly extract a portion of the object.

[0008] Furthermore, an extraction apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a pressurizing device for pressurizing the inside of the capillary, wherein the pressurizing device pressurizes the inside of the capillary after the capillary has been pierced into the film from its tip.

[0009] According to this method, the inside of the capillary is pressurized by the pressurizing device, causing a portion of the target substance to be ejected. Therefore, the extraction device can appropriately extract a portion of the target substance.

[0010] Furthermore, in an extraction apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure, the outer diameter of the tip of the capillary decreases as it moves from the base end to the tip end.

[0011] According to this, the capillary can easily penetrate the film.

[0012] Furthermore, in an extraction apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure, the target object is a cell aggregate.

[0013] Because cell aggregates are viscoelastic, if they are separated, for example, by being torn off, a portion of the cell aggregate is particularly susceptible to damage. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the cell aggregate is separated by the capillary piercing the film as described above, damage to a portion of the cell aggregate can be suppressed. Furthermore, the extraction device can appropriately aspirate a portion of the cell aggregate that is located inside the cell aggregate. Therefore, the extraction device can provide an analytical sample of the contents of the cell aggregate that is relatively less affected by external factors (e.g., the direct influence of the culture medium).

[0014] Furthermore, the extraction method of this disclosure includes the steps of: creating a negative pressure inside a tubular capillary and holding an object at the tip of the capillary; further reducing the pressure inside the capillary while the object is being held at the tip of the capillary to draw a portion of the object into the capillary; and piercing the film from the tip of the capillary while a portion of the object is inside the capillary.

[0015] According to this method, as described above, the object is separated from the object by the capillary being pierced through the film. Therefore, a portion of the object can be appropriately extracted.

[0016] Furthermore, an extraction method according to one aspect of the present disclosure further includes the step of pressurizing the inside of the capillary after the capillary has been pierced into the film, thereby discharging a portion of the object located inside the capillary.

[0017] According to this, as described above, by ejecting a part of the object, a part of the object can be appropriately extracted.

[0018] Furthermore, an extraction method according to one aspect of the present disclosure further includes the step of pressing the remaining portion of the object on the outer surface of the capillary with a pressing member after the capillary has been pierced into the film, thereby recovering the remaining portion of the object on the outer surface of the capillary.

[0019] According to this, by pressing the remaining part of the object with the pressing member, the remaining part of the object can be appropriately collected.

[0020] Further, the collection container of the present disclosure includes a main body portion having a well capable of accommodating a part of the object, and a lid portion detachably disposed on the main body portion and capable of accommodating the remaining part of the object. The lid portion includes a cylindrical portion having openings at both ends, and a film disposed at a first end of the cylindrical portion and covering the well when disposed on the main body portion. When the lid portion is disposed on the main body portion, the object is held at the tip of a tubular capillary on the film, and the capillary pierces from the tip of the capillary with a part of the object inside the capillary.

[0021] According to this, the collection container can easily collect both a part and the remaining part of the object.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, the extraction device can appropriately extract a part of the object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an extraction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a capillary. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pressure adjustment device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the capillary of the extraction device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart executed by the control device when the extraction device extracts and collects a part of the object. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a state where there is a lubricating liquid inside the capillary. [Figure 6B]Figure 6B shows the capillary holding the object. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C shows the state in which a portion of the object has been sucked into the inside of the capillary. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D shows the state where the capillary is positioned above the film. [Figure 6E] Figure 6E shows the capillary tube pierced into the film. [Figure 6F] Figure 6F shows the capillary after it has been removed from the film. [Figure 6G] Figure 6G shows the state after a portion of the object has been collected in the first collection container. [Figure 6H] Figure 6H shows the state after the remaining portion of the object has been collected in the second collection container. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by the control device of the extraction apparatus according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first collection container used when the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is executed. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the state in which the capillary tube is pierced into the film of the first collection container shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the third collection container. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A shows the state in which a portion of the object has been aspirated into the capillary and the capillary is positioned above the third collection container. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B shows the state in which the capillary tube is pierced into the film of the third collection container. [Figure 11C] Figure 11C shows the state after a portion of the object has been collected in the third collection container. [Figure 11D] Figure 11D shows the state after the capillary has been removed from the film of the third collection container shown in Figure 10. [Figure 11E] Figure 11E shows the state after the remaining portion of the object has been collected in the third collection container. [Figure 11F] Figure 11F shows the third collection container in a state where the main body and the lid have been separated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The embodiments described below will be explained with reference to the drawings, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The components of each embodiment described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0025] In the following description, the Z direction is defined as the vertical direction of the extraction device 1, the X direction as the horizontal direction of the extraction device 1, and the Y direction as the front-to-back direction of the extraction device 1. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. Note that the X, Y, and Z directions are examples only, and this disclosure is not limited to these directions.

[0026] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an extraction device 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The extraction device 1 is a device for extracting a portion of a target object T. The target object T is a relatively small object, for example, a cell aggregate. The cell aggregate is a viscoelastic body such as a spheroid or organoid. The target object T may also be an elastic body such as a silicone rubber bead.

[0027] The extraction device 1 comprises a base 10, a capillary 20, a holding member 30, a moving device 40, an imaging device 50, a pressure adjustment device 60, and a control device 70.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the capillary 20. The capillary 20 is a straight, hollow tube. Both ends of the capillary 20 are open. The capillary 20 is made of, for example, glass. However, the material of the capillary 20 is not limited to glass; it may be an electrically insulating material or a conductive material.

[0029] The capillary 20 has a main body 21 and a tip portion 22 that is continuous with the main body 21 on the tip E side. The outer diameter and inner diameter of the main body 21 are both approximately constant. At the tip portion 22, the outer diameter and inner diameter decrease from the base end B side of the capillary 20 toward the tip E side. The inner diameter of the tip E of the tip portion 22 is between approximately 10 μm and 150 μm. The outer diameter of the tip E of the tip portion 22 is between approximately 20 μm and 200 μm. It goes without saying that the inner diameter and outer diameter of the tip E are not limited to the above sizes.

[0030] The holding member 30 shown in Figure 1 holds the capillary 20. The holding member 30 grips the main body portion 21 of the capillary 20.

[0031] The moving device 40 is positioned on the base 10 and moves the holding member 30. The moving device 40 includes an XY table 41 that moves the holding member 30 along the X and Y directions relative to the base 10, and a first actuator 42 that moves the XY table 41. The XY table 41 moves the holding member 30 along the X and Y directions relative to the base 10.

[0032] Furthermore, the moving device 40 moves the holding member 30 along the Z direction. The moving device 40 includes a Z-table 43 that moves the holding member 30 along the Z direction relative to the base 10, and a second actuator 44 that moves the Z-table 43.

[0033] The imaging device 50 images the object T and the capillary 20 held by the holding member 30. The imaging device 50 comprises a first imaging unit 51 and a second imaging unit 52.

[0034] The first imaging unit 51 and the second imaging unit 52 image the object T and the capillary 20 from directions that intersect each other (for example, directions that are perpendicular to each other). The first imaging unit 51 images the object T and the capillary 20 along the Y direction, for example. The second imaging unit 52 images the object T and the capillary 20 along the X direction, for example. It goes without saying that the directions in which the first imaging unit 51 and the second imaging unit 52 image the object T and the capillary 20 are not limited to the above directions.

[0035] The first imaging unit 51 and the second imaging unit 52 are similarly configured and each has an optical system and an image sensor. The optical system has multiple lenses and its focal length is adjustable. The optical system forms an optical image of the object T on the light-receiving surface of the image sensor. The image sensor converts the optical image into image data and outputs it to the control device 70.

[0036] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the pressure regulating device 60. The pressure regulating device 60 adjusts the pressure inside the capillary 20. The pressure regulating device 60 comprises a suction device 61, a first pipe H1, a tank 62, a first valve 63, a pressurizing device 64, a second pipe H2, and a second valve 65.

[0037] The suction device 61 creates negative pressure inside the capillary 20. The suction device 61 is a suction pump (e.g., a vacuum pump). It goes without saying that the suction device 61 is not limited to a vacuum pump.

[0038] The first piping H1 connects the suction device 61 and the capillary 20. The first piping H1 is connected to the base end B of the capillary 20. The tank 62 is located in the first piping H1. The tank 62 is hollow. The first valve 63 is located between the tank 62 and the capillary 20 in the first piping H1 and is a solenoid valve that opens and closes the first piping H1.

[0039] The pressurizing device 64 pressurizes the inside of the capillary 20. The second pipe H2 connects the pressurizing device 64 and the capillary 20. Specifically, the second pipe H2 is connected to the first branch section B1 located between the first valve 63 and the capillary 20 in the first pipe H1. In other words, the pressurizing device 64 is connected to the capillary 20 via the second pipe H2 and the first pipe H1. The second valve 65 is located in the second pipe H2 and is a solenoid valve that opens and closes the second pipe H2.

[0040] The control device 70 shown in Figure 1 provides overall control of the extraction device 1. The control device 70 is a computer and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), internal storage, an input interface, and an output interface. The CPU, ROM, RAM, and internal storage are connected by an internal bus. The ROM stores programs such as the BIOS. The internal storage is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory and stores operating system programs and application programs. The CPU executes programs stored in the ROM or internal storage while using the RAM as a work area to realize various functions.

[0041] The control device 70 derives the position of the tip E of the capillary 20 relative to the object T based on the image data from the first imaging unit 51 and the image data from the second imaging unit 52, which are captured from different directions. Based on the position of the tip E of the capillary 20 relative to the object T, the control device 70 controls the moving device 40 to move the capillary 20.

[0042] Furthermore, the control device 70 controls the moving device 40 and the pressure regulating device 60, as will be described below, to extract and recover a portion of the object T.

[0043] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the area around the capillary 20 of the extraction device 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the actions performed by the control device 70 when the extraction device 1 extracts and recovers a portion of the target object T.

[0044] As preparation for the extraction device 1 to extract a portion of the target object T, a container 2 containing lubricating liquid L, a petri dish 3 with the target object T placed at the bottom, a support member 5 supporting the film 4, and a first recovery container 6 and a second recovery container 7 for recovering the target object T are arranged on the base 10 shown in Figure 1, as shown in Figure 4. The lubricating liquid L is, for example, a culture medium for cell aggregates and water.

[0045] The film 4 is held under tension by the support member 5. The film 4 is an insulator whose thickness is sufficiently small compared to its length and width. The thickness of the film 4 is preferably 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less, more preferably 30 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and even more preferably 50 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The material of the film 4 is, for example, paraffin and rubber.

[0046] In step S1 shown in Figure 5, the control device 70 draws lubricating fluid L into the inside of the capillary 20.

[0047] Figure 6A shows the state in which lubricating fluid L is present inside the capillary 20. The control device 70 confirms the position of the tip E of the capillary 20 using image data from the imaging device 50. The control device 70 controls the moving device 40 to move the capillary 20 to a position where the tip E of the capillary 20 is immersed in the lubricating fluid L in the container 2. Furthermore, the control device 70 controls the suction device 61 with the first valve 63 in the open state and the second valve 65 in the closed state, creating negative pressure inside the capillary 20. As a result, the lubricating fluid L is drawn into the inside of the capillary 20 from the tip E of the capillary 20.

[0048] Next, in step S2 shown in Figure 5, the control device 70 holds the object T with the tip E of the capillary 20.

[0049] Figure 6B shows the state in which the capillary 20 is holding the object T. The control device 70 controls the moving device 40 to move the capillary 20 to a position where the tip E of the capillary 20 is in contact with the object T. Furthermore, the control device 70 controls the suction device 61 to further reduce the pressure inside the capillary 20. As a result, the object T is held at the tip E of the capillary 20 by the negative pressure inside the capillary 20.

[0050] Furthermore, in step S3 shown in Figure 5, the control device 70 aspirates a portion of the object T into the capillary 20. The portion of the object T includes a part located inside the outer casing of the object T. This part inside the outer casing of the object T is a part of the object T where the amount of culture medium permeation is relatively small. In other words, in this case, the portion of the object T includes a part that is relatively less affected by the culture medium.

[0051] Figure 6C shows the state in which a portion T1 of the object T has been sucked into the capillary 20. The control device 70 controls the suction device 61 of the pressure adjustment device 60 to further reduce the pressure inside the capillary 20. As a result, the negative pressure inside the capillary 20 causes the outer casing of the object T to tear, and a portion T1 of the object T is sucked into the capillary 20 from the tip E of the capillary 20. At this time, the remaining portion T2 of the object T, excluding the portion T1, is outside the capillary 20.

[0052] The greater the drive amount of the suction device 61, the greater the amount of a portion T1 of the object T that is sucked into the capillary 20. In other words, the amount of a portion T1 of the object T that is sucked can be adjusted by the drive amount of the suction device 61.

[0053] Next, in step S4 shown in Figure 5, the control device 70 pierces the capillary 20 into the film 4. Note that the internal pressure of the capillary 20 may be returned to atmospheric pressure before piercing the film 4.

[0054] Figure 6D shows the state in which the capillary 20 is positioned above the film 4. Figure 6E shows the state in which the capillary 20 is pierced into the film 4. The control device 70 controls the moving device 40 to position the capillary 20 above the film 4 as shown in Figure 6D. Furthermore, the control device 70 controls the moving device 40 to move the capillary 20 downward so that the tip E of the capillary 20 pierces into the film 4.

[0055] First, the remaining portion T2 of the object T comes into contact with the film 4, and as the capillary 20 moves downward, the capillary 20 penetrates the remaining portion T2 of the object T and the film 4, as shown in Figure 6E. At this time, the remaining portion T2 of the object T separates from the portion T1 of the object T and moves along the outer surface of the capillary 20 under pressure from the film 4. In other words, Figure 6E shows the state in which the portion T1 of the object T and the remaining portion T2 have been separated.

[0056] Furthermore, in step S5 shown in Figure 5, the control device 70 pulls the capillary 20 from the film 4.

[0057] Figure 6F shows the state in which the capillary 20 has been pulled out from the film 4. The control device 70 controls the moving device 40 to move the capillary 20 upward. As a result, the capillary 20 is pulled out from the film 4. At this time, a part T1 of the object T is inside the capillary 20, and the remaining part T2 of the object T is on the outer surface of the capillary 20.

[0058] Next, in step S6 shown in Figure 5, the control device 70 recovers a portion T1 of the object T.

[0059] Figure 6G shows the state in which a portion T1 of the target object T has been collected in the first collection container 6. The control device 70 controls the moving device 40 to move the capillary 20 above the first collection container 6. Furthermore, the control device 70 controls the pressurizing device 64 by closing the first valve 63 and opening the second valve 65, thereby pressurizing the inside of the capillary 20. As a result, a portion T1 of the target object T is discharged and collected in the first collection container 6.

[0060] Furthermore, in step S7 shown in Figure 5, the control device 70 recovers the remaining portion T2 of the object T.

[0061] Figure 6H shows the state in which the remaining portion T2 of the object T has been collected in the second collection container 7. The control device 70 controls the moving device 40 to move the capillary 20 above the second collection container 7. Furthermore, the remaining portion T2 of the object T is pressed by the rod-shaped pressing member 8, so that the remaining portion T2 of the object T separates from the capillary 20 and is collected in the second collection container 7. The pressing member 8 is operated manually by the user.

[0062] In this way, the object T is separated into a portion T1 and the remainder T2 when the capillary 20 is pierced through the film 4. The recovered portion T1 and the remainder T2 of the object T are mainly used as analytical samples.

[0063] As described above, according to this embodiment, the extraction device 1 comprises a tubular capillary 20, a suction device 61 that creates negative pressure inside the capillary 20, and a moving device 40 that moves the capillary 20. The suction device 61 creates negative pressure inside the capillary 20 so that the object T is held at the tip E of the capillary 20 and a part T1 of the object T is sucked in from the tip E of the capillary 20. The moving device 40 moves the capillary 20 so that the capillary 20 pierces the film 4 from the tip E of the capillary 20 while the object T is held at the tip E of the capillary 20 and a part T1 of the object T is inside the capillary 20.

[0064] According to this method, a portion T1 of the object T is drawn into the capillary 20, and then the capillary 20 is pierced into the film 4, thereby separating the portion T1 from the object T. In this case, compared to, for example, the case where a portion T1 of the object T is torn off and separated from the object T, damage to the portion T1 of the object T can be suppressed. Also, the portion T1 of the object T is inside the capillary 20, and when the object T is separated by the capillary 20 being pierced into the film 4, it is suppressed from coming out of the capillary 20. Furthermore, as described above, the amount of a portion T1 of the object T drawn can be adjusted by the drive amount of the suction device 61. In other words, the extraction device 1 can adjust the amount of a portion T1 of the object T extracted. Therefore, the extraction device 1 can appropriately extract a portion T1 of the object T.

[0065] Furthermore, the extraction device 1 is further equipped with a pressurizing device 64 that pressurizes the inside of the capillary 20. The pressurizing device 64 pressurizes the inside of the capillary 20 after the capillary 20 has been pierced into the film 4 from its tip E.

[0066] According to this, the inside of the capillary 20 is pressurized by the pressurizing device 64, causing a portion T1 of the target object T to be discharged. Therefore, the extraction device 1 can appropriately extract a portion T1 of the target object T.

[0067] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the tip portion 22 of the capillary 20 decreases as it moves from the base end B to the tip end E.

[0068] According to this, the capillary 20 can easily penetrate the film 4.

[0069] Furthermore, object T is a cell aggregate.

[0070] Because cell aggregates are viscoelastic, if they are separated, for example, by being torn off, a portion of the cell aggregate is particularly susceptible to damage. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the cell aggregate is separated by the capillary 20 being pierced into the film 4 as described above, damage to a portion of the cell aggregate can be suppressed. Furthermore, the extraction device 1 can appropriately aspirate a portion of the cell aggregate that is located inside the cell aggregate. Therefore, the extraction device 1 can provide as an analytical sample the contents of the cell aggregate that are relatively less affected by external factors (for example, the direct influence of the culture medium).

[0071] The extraction method also includes the steps of: creating negative pressure inside a tubular capillary 20 and holding the object T with the tip E of the capillary 20; further reducing the pressure inside the capillary 20 while the object T is held by the tip E of the capillary 20 to draw a portion T1 of the object T into the inside of the capillary 20; and piercing the film 4 from the tip E of the capillary 20 while a portion T1 of the object T is inside the capillary 20.

[0072] According to this, as described above, when the capillary 20 is pierced into the film 4, a part T1 of the object T is separated from the object T. Therefore, the part T1 of the object T can be appropriately extracted.

[0073] The extraction method further includes the step of pressurizing the inside of the capillary 20 after the capillary 20 has been pierced into the film 4, thereby discharging a portion T1 of the target object T located inside the capillary 20.

[0074] According to this, as described above, a portion T1 of the target object T is ejected, allowing for the appropriate extraction of a portion T1 of the target object T.

[0075] Furthermore, the extraction method further includes the step of pressing the remaining portion T2 of the object T on the outer surface of the capillary 20 with a pressing member 8 after the capillary 20 has been pierced into the film 4, thereby recovering the remaining portion T2 of the object T on the outer surface of the capillary 20.

[0076] According to this, the remaining portion T2 of the object T is pressed by the pressing member 8, thereby allowing the remaining portion T2 of the object T to be properly recovered.

[0077] Next, we will describe the differences between the extraction apparatus 1 according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure and the above-described embodiment.

[0078] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the operations performed by the control device 70 of the extraction device 1 according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure. Steps S1, S2, S3, S4, and S7 shown in Figure 7 are the same as steps S1, S2, S3, S4, and S7 shown in Figure 5. On the other hand, step S15 in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 corresponds to step S6 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5, and step S16 in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 corresponds to step S5 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5.

[0079] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first collection container 16 used when the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is executed. In this modified example, the first collection container 16 comprises a main body 16a and a film 4.

[0080] The main body 16a is box-shaped and has a well W. The well W is open upwards and is a space capable of accommodating a part T1 of the object T. The well W may also be capable of accommodating all of the object T or the remaining part T2 of the object T.

[0081] The film 4 is placed on the main body 16a and covers the well W. Specifically, the film 4 covers the entire opening of the well W.

[0082] Next, we will explain the operation in this modified example in which the extraction device 1 extracts and recovers a part T1 of the target object T.

[0083] In this modified example, the control device 70 executes steps S1, S2, S3, and S4 of the flowchart shown in Figure 7 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. In step S4, the control device 70 pierces the capillary 20 into the film 4.

[0084] Figure 9 shows the state in which the capillary 20 is pierced into the film 4 of the first collection container 16 shown in Figure 8.

[0085] Next, in step S15, the control device 70 causes a portion T1 of the object T to be recovered. The control device 70 controls the pressurizing device 64 by closing the first valve 63 and opening the second valve 65, thereby pressurizing the inside of the capillary 20. As a result, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 9, a portion T1 of the object T is discharged into the well W and recovered into the first recovery container 16.

[0086] Furthermore, in step S16, the control device 70 pulls the capillary 20 from the film 4. The control device 70 pulls the capillary 20 from the film 4, similar to step S5 of the above embodiment.

[0087] Next, the control device 70 performs step S7 in the same manner as in the embodiment described above. In this modified example, the first recovery container 16 is used to separate the object T.

[0088] The first recovery container 16 of this modified example comprises a main body 16a having a well W capable of containing a part T1 of the object T, and a film 4 placed on the main body 16a and covering the well W. The film 4 is inserted from the tip E of the tubular capillary 20, with the object T held by the tip E of the capillary 20 and a part T1 of the object T inside the capillary 20.

[0089] According to this, the first recovery container 16 makes it easy to separate the target object T and recover a portion T1 of the target object T.

[0090] Furthermore, when the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is executed, the third collection container 29 (corresponding to the "collection container") described below may be used.

[0091] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the third collection container 29. The third collection container 29 comprises a main body portion 29a and a lid portion 29b.

[0092] The main body portion 29a is box-shaped and has a well W. The well W opens on the upper surface 29a1 of the main body portion 29a.

[0093] The lid portion 29b is detachably positioned on the upper surface 29a1 of the main body portion 29a. The lid portion 29b comprises a cylindrical portion 29b1 and a film 4.

[0094] The cylindrical portion 29b1 is cylindrical with openings at both ends. The cylindrical portion 29b1 is capable of accommodating the remaining portion T2 of the object T. Needless to say, the cylindrical portion 29b1 is not limited to a cylindrical shape; for example, it may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0095] The film 4 is positioned at the first end (bottom surface 29b2) of the cylindrical portion 29b1. The film 4 covers the entire opening of the well W when the lid portion 29b is positioned on the main body portion 29a.

[0096] Next, we will explain the operation in which the extraction device 1 extracts and recovers a portion T1 of the target object T by using the third collection container 29 shown in Figure 10 and executing the flowchart shown in Figure 7. When the third collection container 29 shown in Figure 10 is used, the first collection containers 6, 16 and the second collection container 7 are not used.

[0097] The control device 70 executes steps S1, S2, and S3 of the flowchart shown in Figure 7 in the same manner as in the embodiment described above.

[0098] Figure 11A shows the state in which a portion T1 of the object T has been aspirated into the inside of the capillary 20 and the capillary 20 is positioned above the third collection container 29.

[0099] Furthermore, step S4 of the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is performed in the same manner as in the embodiment described above.

[0100] Figure 11B shows the state in which the capillary 20 is pierced into the film 4 of the third collection container 29.

[0101] Next, the control device 70 recovers a portion T1 of the object T in step S15 shown in Figure 7.

[0102] Figure 11C shows the state in which a portion T1 of the target object T has been collected in the third collection container 29. The control device 70 controls the pressurizing device 64 by closing the first valve 63 and opening the second valve 65, thereby pressurizing the inside of the capillary 20. As a result, a portion T1 of the target object T is discharged into the well W and collected in the main body 29a.

[0103] Furthermore, in step S16 shown in Figure 7, the control device 70 pulls the capillary 20 from the film 4.

[0104] Figure 11D shows the state in which the capillary 20 has been withdrawn from the film 4 of the third recovery container 29 shown in Figure 10. The control device 70 withdraws the capillary 20 from the film 4, similar to step S5 of the above embodiment.

[0105] Next, in step S7, the control device 70 recovers the remaining portion T2 of the object T.

[0106] Figure 11E shows the state in which the remaining portion T2 of the object T has been collected in the third collection container 29. With the capillary 20 pulled out from the film 4 of the third collection container 29, the remaining portion T2 of the object T is pressed by the pressing member 8, causing the remaining portion T2 of the object T to separate from the capillary 20 and fall onto the lid portion 29b for collection.

[0107] Figure 11F shows the state in which the main body 29a and the lid 29b of the third collection container 29 have been separated. By separating the main body 29a and the lid 29b, a portion T1 of the object T collected in the main body 29a and the remaining portion T2 collected in the lid 29b are removed.

[0108] The third recovery container 29 of this modified example comprises a main body 29a having a well W capable of accommodating a portion T1 of the object T, and a lid 29b detachably disposed on the main body 29a and capable of accommodating the remaining portion T2 of the object T. The lid 29b comprises a cylindrical portion 29b1 with openings at both ends, and a film 4 disposed at the first end of the cylindrical portion 29b1, which covers the well W when the lid 29b is placed on the main body 29a. When the lid 29b is placed on the main body 29a, the tubular capillary 20 pierces the film 4 from its tip E, with the object T held at the tip E of the capillary 20 and a portion T1 of the object T inside the capillary 20.

[0109] According to this, the third collection container 29 can easily collect both a portion T1 and the remaining portion T2 of the target object T.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first collection container 6, the second collection container 7, and the third collection container 29 described above, a buffer solution (so-called buffer) may be contained in the parts (well W and inside the lid portion 29b) where a portion T1 of the target object T and the remaining portion T2 of the target object T are collected.

[0111] Furthermore, when the object T is held by the tip E of the capillary 20, the tip E of the capillary 20 may be inside the object T. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Extraction device 20 capillaries 22 Capillary tip 29. Third collection container (collection container) 29a Main body 29b Lid 29b1 Cylinder part 40 Mobile device 60 Pressure Regulator 61 Suction device 64 Pressurizing device 70 Control device B Capular base E Capillary tip T object T1 Part of the object T2 Remaining part of the object W Well

Claims

1. A tubular capillary, A suction device that creates negative pressure inside the capillary, The device comprises a moving device for moving the capillary, The suction device creates a negative pressure inside the capillary so that the object is held at the tip of the capillary and a portion of the object is sucked out from the tip of the capillary. The moving device moves the capillary so that the capillary pierces the film from its tip, while the object is held at the tip of the capillary and a part of the object is inside the capillary. Extraction device.

2. The device further comprises a pressurizing device for pressurizing the inside of the capillary, The pressurizing device pressurizes the inside of the capillary after the capillary has been pierced into the film from its tip. The extraction apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The tip of the capillary has an outer diameter that decreases from the base end towards the tip. The extraction apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned object is a cell mass. The extraction apparatus according to claim 1.

5. A process of creating negative pressure inside a tubular capillary and holding an object at the tip of the capillary, With the object being held at the tip of the capillary, the process involves further reducing the pressure inside the capillary to draw a portion of the object into the capillary. The process includes the step of piercing the film from the tip of the capillary while a portion of the object is inside the capillary, Extraction method.

6. The process further includes, after the capillary is pierced into the film, pressurizing the inside of the capillary to discharge a portion of the object inside the capillary. The extraction method according to claim 5.

7. The process further includes, after the capillary is pierced into the film, pressing the remaining portion of the object on the outer surface of the capillary with a pressing member to recover the remaining portion of the object on the outer surface of the capillary. The extraction method according to claim 5.

8. A main body having a well capable of accommodating a part of the object, The main body is detachably disposed and comprises a lid capable of accommodating the remaining portion of the object, The aforementioned lid portion is A cylindrical section with openings at both ends, The system includes a film that is positioned at the first end of the cylindrical portion and covers the well when positioned in the main body, When the lid is positioned on the main body, the film is such that the object is held at the tip of the tubular capillary, and a part of the object is inside the capillary, and the capillary pierces the object from its tip. Collection container.

Images