Method for measuring particles in a solution and apparatus for carrying out the same.

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for measuring particles present in a solution. [Solution] The particle measuring device according to the present invention includes a power supply unit for applying a voltage, a chip on which a plurality of electrodes are formed in sequence on a microchannel through which a fluid passes, a circuit unit on which at least a part of a bridge circuit is printed so as to be in a predetermined electrical state with respect to the plurality of electrodes formed on the chip, and a measuring unit which applies a voltage to the circuit unit and measures the change in the output signal of the bridge circuit due to particles in the fluid passing through the microchannel. According to the present invention, fine particles in a solution can be accurately measured using the change in electrical signal. Furthermore, the properties of the fine particles can be measured more accurately using the magnitude and time of the change in electrical signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for measuring particles present in a solution.

Background Art

[0002] For the purity of a solution containing fine particles and the analysis at the cell unit, various particle counting techniques have been developed.

[0003] For example, in the light scattering method, after light directly passes through a sample, it is reflected by the surface of particles in the sample, and the number and size of the particles are calculated based on the correlation between the amount of the sensed light and the size or refractive index of the particles to be measured. However, when the surface of the particles has an irregular shape, the degree of light reflection may vary depending on the surface, resulting in an associated error problem.

[0004] On the other hand, the method using electrical resistance passes a conductive sample through the gap between electrodes and counts the particles using the electrical pulses generated at this time.

[0005] Typically, an impedance-based flow cytometer measures the size and distribution of particles using the principle of the electrical resistance method. When particles dispersed in an electrolyte solution pass through small holes in a microchannel, it measures that the resistance between two electrodes through which a predetermined current is flowing increases and a potential difference is generated, and converts it into the size and distribution of the particles.

[0006] However, for such flow cytometry, an operator trained in a well-controlled microenvironment is required, and there is a demerit that it is difficult to use outside a laboratory environment due to complex equipment.

[0007] Therefore, for portable analysis and diagnosis purposes, a more simplified structure needs to be devised.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to propose a simpler method for measuring particles in a solution.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention aims to propose a method for measuring particles in a solution by processing the signals output by configuring a chip with microchannels and a bridge circuit separately.

[0010] More specifically, the present invention aims to propose a method for counting the passage of fine particles using electrical signals sensed through a Wheatstone bridge.

[0011] More specifically, the present invention aims to propose a method for measuring the properties of particles using the magnitude and time of electrical state changes caused by input and output signals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A particle measuring device according to the present invention for solving the above technical problems includes a power supply unit for applying a voltage, a chip on which a plurality of electrodes are formed in sequence on a microchannel through which a fluid passes, a circuit unit on which at least a part of a bridge circuit is printed so as to be in a predetermined electrical state with respect to the plurality of electrodes formed on the chip, and a measuring unit which applies a voltage to the circuit unit and measures the change in the output signal of the bridge circuit due to particles in the fluid passing through the microchannel.

[0013] The measuring unit detects the phase change of the electrical signal caused by the position of the particles between the arranged electrodes, and counts the particles in the fluid based on the number of phase changes.

[0014] The measurement unit preferably calculates the size of the particles in the fluid based on the magnitude of the amplitude of the phase-shifted electrical signal.

[0015] The system further includes a signal conversion unit that converts the electrical signal applied by the power supply unit into an AC signal, amplifies the converted AC signal, and adjusts it to a predetermined offset. Preferably, the measurement unit measures the change in the electrical state using the output signal measured by the bridge circuit after the offset-adjusted electrical signal has been applied.

[0016] Preferably, the measurement unit multiplies and amplifies the output signal using the offset-adjusted initial electrical signal, removes specific frequency signals from the amplified output signal to convert it to DC, and detects the electrical phase value signal due to the change in the electrical state.

[0017] Preferably, the frequency to be removed is set to a frequency similar to at least the frequency of the initial electrical signal.

[0018] Preferably, the measurement unit calculates the time it takes for the particles to pass through the flow path using the generation period of the DC-converted output signal.

[0019] A particle measurement method according to the present invention for solving the aforementioned technical problems includes the steps of applying a voltage to a bridge circuit that is in a predetermined electrical state with respect to a plurality of electrodes arranged sequentially on a microchannel through which a fluid passes, and measuring the change in the output signal of the bridge circuit due to particles in the fluid passing through the microchannel.

[0020] The measurement step preferably involves detecting the phase change of the electrical signal caused by the position of the particles between the arranged electrodes, and counting the particles in the fluid based on the number of phase changes.

[0021] In the measurement step, it is preferable to calculate the size of the particles in the fluid based on the magnitude of the phase-shifted electrical signal.

[0022] The step of applying the voltage includes converting an electrical signal into an alternating current signal, amplifying the converted alternating current signal, adjusting the amplified electrical signal to a predetermined offset, and applying the offset-adjusted electrical signal to the bridge circuit.

[0023] The step of measuring includes calculating the difference between output signals output from the bridge circuit and amplifying the difference, multiplying and amplifying the signal with the amplified difference using the offset-adjusted first electrical signal, and removing a specific frequency signal in the amplified output signal to make it direct current.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, minute particles in a solution can be accurately measured using changes in an electrical signal.

[0025] Also, the properties of minute particles can be more accurately measured using the magnitude and time of changes in an electrical signal.

[0026] Also, according to the present invention, the characteristics of particles can be efficiently measured even at a relatively low voltage with a simple circuit configuration.

[0027] Also, according to the present invention, by quantifying the biological characteristics of particles measured using an individual's reference value, it can be directly utilized for clinical diagnosis.

[0028] Also, according to the present invention, it can be popularized as a portable measuring device by miniaturizing the measuring device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the structure of a device for measuring particle values according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the structure of a power supply unit of a device for measuring particle values according to the present invention. [Figure 3a] It is a diagram showing the processing process of a power supply unit of an input electrical signal according to the present invention. [Figure 3b] This figure shows the processing process of the power supply unit for input electrical signals according to the present invention. [Figure 3c] This figure shows the processing process of the power supply unit for input electrical signals according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the structure of the measuring unit of the apparatus for measuring particle values ​​according to the present invention. [Figure 5a] This figure shows the processing process of the output electrical signal measurement unit according to the present invention. [Figure 5b] This figure shows the processing process of the output electrical signal measurement unit according to the present invention. [Figure 5c] This figure shows the processing process of the output electrical signal measurement unit according to the present invention. [Figure 5d] This figure shows the processing process of the output electrical signal measurement unit according to the present invention. [Figure 6a] This figure shows the process of detecting electrical signals using particles according to the present invention. [Figure 6b] This figure shows the process of detecting electrical signals using particles according to the present invention. [Figure 6c] This figure shows the process of detecting electrical signals using particles according to the present invention. [Figure 6d] This figure shows the process of detecting electrical signals using particles according to the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the characteristics of the measured signal used to measure particle values ​​according to the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the characteristics of the electrode structure for measuring particle values ​​according to the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the flow chart of the method for measuring particle values ​​according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The following is merely illustrative of the principle of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can invent various devices that realize the principle of the invention and fall within the concept and scope of the invention, although these are not explicitly described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, all conditional terms and embodiments mentioned herein are, in principle, expressly intended solely for the purpose of enabling the concept of the invention to be understood, and should be understood as not being limited to such specifically cited embodiments and states.

[0031] The aforementioned objectives, features, and benefits will become clearer from the following detailed description relating to the attached drawings, thereby enabling a person with ordinary skill in the art to easily implement the technical idea of ​​the invention.

[0032] Furthermore, when describing the invention, if it is determined that a specific description of prior art related to the invention may obscure the gist of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 shows the structure of the apparatus 100 for measuring particle values ​​according to the present invention.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, the particle measuring device 100 according to the present invention includes a power supply unit 110 that provides power, a circuit unit 120 on which a circuit is printed, and a measuring unit 130 that detects and measures the electrical signal output from the circuit unit 120.

[0035] Furthermore, the particle measuring device 100 can be configured to include a microchannel formed on a substrate between an inlet and outlet that are open to the outside, and a measuring chip 140 in which multiple electrodes are arranged in contact with the channel.

[0036] The tip 140 can be formed in a structure that allows it to be attached to and detached from the particle measuring device 100, thereby enabling the user to measure particles in the solution they intend to measure by changing the tip each time they perform a measurement.

[0037] Furthermore, the electrodes on the inserted chip 140, together with the electrodes in the circuit section, form a bridge circuit, which allows the measurement unit 130 to detect even more minute changes in electrical characteristics.

[0038] In this embodiment, the measurement unit 130 measures the electrical signal output from the bridge circuit, with the basic state being that the electrolyte solution passes through the microchannel but no particles in the solution pass between the electrodes. The measurement unit 130 detects particles based on the measured signal, by detecting changes in the electrical signal caused by changes in electrical characteristics such as impedance due to particles in the solution passing between the electrodes in the channel.

[0039] Specifically, by detecting the phase change of an electrical signal when particles in a solution are positioned between electrodes arranged in a grid, the number of particles in the fluid can be counted based on the number of times the phase-changed signal occurs.

[0040] Here, the particle measuring device 100 according to this embodiment can be operated even with a DC voltage power supply from a portable power supply device such as a dry cell battery, by performing a pre-treatment process to convert the power supply applied by the power supply unit to AC before application.

[0041] Refer to Figure 2 for a more detailed explanation of the input signal preprocessing steps.

[0042] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the power supply unit according to this embodiment.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, the power supply unit further includes a function generator 114 and a signal conversion unit 116 in addition to the power supply 112.

[0044] Generally, in the case of power sources for portable devices such as batteries, electrical signals are output in the form of a DC power source by maintaining predetermined poles at the terminals. In this embodiment, the function generator 114 converts the DC signal into the form of an AC signal from the potential difference provided by the power source 112 in order to clearly detect changes in components such as phase due to particles.

[0045] Specifically, the function generator 114 converts the applied voltage into a periodic signal having a continuous waveform with a determined function period. The function generator 114 can be implemented in various forms, such as a microcontroller unit or a function generator, as needed.

[0046] Next, the signal conversion unit 116 amplifies the AC signal having a continuous waveform and adjusts it to a predetermined offset. The amplified AC signal, after adjusting the offset, is finally converted into a form in which positive and negative voltage values ​​are repeated so that it has the shape of a sine wave. The AC signal with periodically repeating positive and negative voltage values ​​prevents electrolysis of the analytical solution by the power supply through the electrodes.

[0047] The signals converted during the above signal processing process will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3a, as described above, the voltage output from batteries mainly used in portable devices has a predetermined signal in DC form. In the case of a DC signal without periodicity, it is difficult to detect an electrical signal that has a minute phase difference depending on the properties of the material through which it is conducted.

[0049] Therefore, the function generator 114 can convert the DC signal from the power supply 112 into a continuous waveform and then into a periodic signal in the form shown in Figure 3b.

[0050] Next, the signal conversion unit 116 amplifies the input signal to increase the amount of change in the electrical signal from the output of the function generator 114, and at the same time adjusts the offset so that it has a sinusoidal shape, thereby generating the final input signal shown in Figure 3c.

[0051] In other words, the power supply unit 110 according to the present invention solves the problem of extreme ion imbalance in the electrolyte due to the unidirectional electrical signal of batteries commonly used in portable devices, leading to electrolysis of the solution and increased resistance, by converting the AC signal, and also enables detection of particle flow in the electrolyte solution using the periodic component of the sinusoidal periodic signal.

[0052] After the periodic signal generated through the above process is applied to the circuit unit 120, the measurement unit 130 detects, preferably, a change in the magnitude of the voltage over time as an electrical signal output from the bridge circuit.

[0053] In this embodiment, the bridge circuit can be designed such that the impedances of multiple resistors and electrodes are balanced in a Wheatstone bridge. Therefore, electrical signals generated by state changes within the bridge circuit can be detected more sensitively compared to detecting absolute signal values.

[0054] However, in the case of electrical signals detected from a bridge circuit, they are also sensitive to noise, so the measurement unit 130 in this embodiment needs to accurately distinguish the changes in the signal components caused by the specific particles to be detected.

[0055] Therefore, the measurement unit 130 according to the present invention includes a configuration for accurate detection.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4, the measurement unit 130 includes a buffer 132, an amplifier 134, a multiplier 136, and a filter 138.

[0057] Buffer 132 utilizes its characteristic of having an input impedance close to infinite to ensure that the output signal from the bridge circuit is not affected by other circuit components of the measurement unit 130, and that the signal is input to the amplifier 134 almost unchanged.

[0058] Amplifier 134 calculates the difference between the input signals and amplifies the value of that difference. The input signals may contain various noises from the solution, and by amplifying the difference value, the noise is temporarily removed, and only the asymmetric signal values ​​generated from the particles are extracted. The extracted signals are then fed into multiplier 136.

[0059] Next, the multiplier 136 multiplies and amplifies the output signal of amplifier 134. Specifically, it can be amplified by multiplying the output signals together using the first electrical signal in an offset-adjusted sinusoidal form. The first signal is used because it has the same signal frequency as the output signal, and other signals with the same frequency other than the first signal can be used as needed.

[0060] When particles in a solution are positioned between electrodes in a channel while passing through it, the impedance between the electrodes due to the particles can instantaneously increase, and a potential difference can be generated due to the capacitor-like action of the particles. This can cause changes in the amplitude and phase of the voltage signal.

[0061] Therefore, the multiplier 136 amplifies the waveform signal by multiplying the initial electrical signal and the output signal in order to extract the signal with a phase difference, while simultaneously constantizing the phase value. The output of the multiplier 136 is calculated as the sum of an AC wave with frequency as a variable and a DC wave affected by the phase difference. Therefore, in order to finally extract only the phase difference generated by the particle, the filter 138 filters the AC wave with the output signal of the multiplier 136.

[0062] In other words, the processing steps for extracting the pure target signal generated by the particles from the output signal detected by the measurement unit 130 described above will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5a, the electrical signal output from the first Wheatstone bridge can have a complex waveform that is uninterpretable due to the difference in the electrical properties of the solution and the particles.

[0064] Therefore, buffer 132 compensates for the amount of signal bouncing in the output signal, converting it into an interpretable waveform signal. The converted signal takes the form shown in Figure 5b, and the overall appearance of the signal can be close to a sine wave.

[0065] Here, buffer 132 utilizes its characteristic of having an input impedance close to infinite to ensure that there is no loss in the value of the signal being measured while connecting different circuits. The signal value that has passed through the buffer is amplified by amplifier 134 to remove the difference between the signals, and noise is temporarily removed. Changes in the electrical components due to particles contained in the signal are amplified and extracted using multiplier 136. For signal amplification and extraction, in this embodiment, the input signal can be multiplied by the offset-adjusted sinusoidal input signal and output signal of power supply 110. The amplified signal in the form shown in Figure 5c can be output from multiplier 136.

[0066] After compensation through a buffer, the amplified signal passes through a multiplier circuit, resulting in a mixture of frequency components and constant-form DC waveforms corresponding to the phase difference. Filter 138 detects the minute phase difference signals generated by the particle's influence by removing the frequency component signals.

[0067] In other words, after removing the frequency component signal, the remaining signal contains a signal with a phase difference in the form shown in Figure 5d.

[0068] The output signal, from which the component corresponding to the frequency of the input signal has been removed, is converted to DC in a form similar to the signal initially applied by the power supply, and therefore the measurement unit 130 can more clearly extract the particle-induced change component in the signal.

[0069] As described above, the signal output from filter 138 takes on a specific waveform because the particle momentarily positions itself on the electrode and then disappears, and this allows for the determination of whether or not a particle has passed through.

[0070] In this embodiment, the process of generating a specific waveform signal with a phase shift detected by the passage of particles will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6.

[0071] Referring first to Figure 6a, before the particles pass through the electrodes, the voltage signals in the bridge circuit are in equilibrium and have the same phase as the input electrical signals. Therefore, the signal output from filter 138 retains its DC waveform.

[0072] Subsequently, when the particle travels further and is located between the first and second electrodes, a voltage drop occurs between the electrodes due to the particle acting as a resistor or capacitor. Consequently, the phase θ1 of voltage V1 decreases compared to the phase θ2 of voltage V2. Therefore, the electrical signal due to the phase change can be detected as a partial waveform, as shown in Figure 6b, after the input signal and signals of the same frequency have been removed via filter 138. Alternatively, the waveform can be detected by removing the input signal and similar frequency signals within a predetermined range.

[0073] Next, if the particle passes the first electrode again and lies between the second and third electrodes, a voltage drop occurs between the second and third electrodes, creating a difference between the phase θ2 of voltage V2 and the phase θ1 of voltage V1. This again creates a phase difference, and a signal is detected in the form shown in Figure 6c due to the phase of V1 being larger than the phase of V2.

[0074] Once the final particle has passed through all the electrodes, the system returns to its basic state, and a signal in the form shown in Figure 6d is detected.

[0075] Furthermore, if the particles are cells, due to the characteristics of cells, they can act as capacitors when positioned between electrodes. Therefore, the size and characteristics of the particles may affect the capacitance, and these characteristics may be reflected in the signal.

[0076] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to count the number of particles by detecting the waveform of a series of particles, and to calculate the size of the particles using the magnitude of the waveform.

[0077] Referring to Figure 7, the wavelength of the signal can be calculated from the transit time of the particle. Furthermore, the magnitude of the signal can also be calculated from the particle size, as it is proportional to the voltage change caused by the particle acting as a capacitor, as mentioned above.

[0078] Furthermore, since the above signals are generated from the start to the completion of the particle's passage through the electrode, it is possible to convert these signals into temporal characteristics or particle passage velocities to calculate further particle characteristics.

[0079] For example, if particles in a solution have elasticity like cells, they can change their shape and size according to their inherent stiffness, and can pass through passages narrower than their original width by reducing the diameter of the body. However, when cells in the human body combine with various substances or their physical stiffness increases due to aging, their elasticity decreases and they become harder.

[0080] Cells with increased rigidity take longer to pass through a passage of the same width. The particle measuring device according to this embodiment can use the proportional relationship between the passage time (wavelength) and the factors that affect rigidity to understand the characteristics of cells and make biological judgments such as diagnoses.

[0081] For example, red blood cells in the blood, whose rigidity has increased due to the effects of glycated hemoglobin, take longer to pass through a passage of the same width. The particle measuring device according to this embodiment can also determine the degree of glycation of individual red blood cells using the proportional relationship between the passage time and the glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1C level).

[0082] Furthermore, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the fluid is formed by a pattern of fine electrodes, and since the distance d between electrodes can be calculated in advance, it is also possible to calculate the electrode passage velocity from the wavelength b of the waveform.

[0083] As described above, the measurement unit 130 according to this embodiment can count the number of particles using the characteristics of the DC signal output from the filter 138, and can also classify particles according to their unique characteristics using the magnitude and length of the signal.

[0084] The particle measurement method according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 9.

[0085] Referring to Figure 9, in order to apply a voltage to a bridge circuit that has multiple electrodes arranged sequentially on a microchannel through which the fluid passes and is in a predetermined electrical state, the electrical signal is first converted to an AC signal, and then the converted AC signal is amplified.

[0086] Next, the amplified electrical signal is adjusted to a predetermined offset (S200) in order to transform it into a sinusoidal wave-like form.

[0087] The pre-processed input signals described above are applied to the bridge circuit (S300).

[0088] Next, the change in the electrical state of the bridge circuit due to particles in the fluid passing through the microchannel is measured from the output electrical signal (S400). Specifically, for measurement, only the bouncing signals due to the difference in properties between the particles and the solution can be extracted from a portion of the output signal from the bridge circuit and amplified.

[0089] By removing specific frequency signals from the amplified output signal and converting it to DC, it is possible to detect minute signals generated by particles positioned between electrodes arranged in a flow path, and count the particles in the fluid based on the number of times the detected signals occur.

[0090] Furthermore, it is possible to calculate the size of the particles in the fluid based on the magnitude of the phase-shifted electrical signal, and to calculate the transit time based on the amplitude of the electrical signal.

[0091] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately measure fine particles in a solution using changes in electrical signals.

[0092] Furthermore, by using the magnitude and time of changes in electrical signals, the properties of fine particles can be measured more accurately.

[0093] Furthermore, the present invention enables efficient measurement of particle characteristics even at relatively low voltages using a simple circuit configuration.

[0094] The degree of glycation can be easily measured by using the changes in the physical properties of particles caused by glycation.

[0095] Furthermore, by calculating the hardness of each individual particle based on the time it takes for it to pass through a fine channel, the degree of glycation can be measured stably against external and human factors, compared to measurement equipment using biochemical techniques.

[0096] Furthermore, the present invention enables the detection of minute electrical changes caused by the passage of particles using a simple circuit configuration, thereby allowing the degree of saccharification of the particles to be measured.

[0097] Furthermore, this invention can be directly applied to clinical diagnosis by correcting particle values ​​measured using individual reference values.

[0098] Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein can be implemented, for example, using software, hardware, or a combination thereof, within a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device.

[0099] In terms of hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein can be implemented using at least one of the following: ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions. In some cases, the embodiments described herein can be implemented as a control module itself.

[0100] Through a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein can be implemented in separate software modules. Each of these software modules can perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. Software code can be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code can be stored in a memory module and executed by a control module.

[0101] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can make various modifications, alterations, and substitutions without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0102] Accordingly, the embodiments and accompanying drawings disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by such embodiments and accompanying drawings. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the following claims, and all technical ideas within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power supply unit that applies voltage, A chip in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode are formed, arranged in order on a microchannel through which a fluid passes, A circuit section including a circuit element connected to the electrodes such that it constitutes a bridge circuit with the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode, wherein a voltage is applied from the power supply unit, A measuring unit that measures changes in the output signal of the bridge circuit due to particles in the fluid passing through the microchannel, Includes, The microchannel, when the particle is a cell, has a width narrower than the original size of the cell. The aforementioned measuring unit is The passage time of the particle through the microchannel is calculated from the change in the output signal. The rigidity of the particle is calculated using the aforementioned transit time. The degree of saccharification of the particles is determined based on the rigidity. A device for measuring the degree of glycation, characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned particles are red blood cells in the blood. The measurement unit determines the degree of glycation of individual red blood cells using the proportional relationship between the transit time and the glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c Level). The apparatus for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The measurement unit, when using the order of passage of the fluid as a reference, determines that the particles in the fluid are in order The first change in the output signal when positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, The second change in the output signal when positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode, The passage time is calculated accordingly. A device for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it is a device for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The measurement unit detects a phase change in the electrical signal caused by the position of the particle between the electrodes, and calculates the transit time using the period of occurrence of the phase change. A device for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it is a device for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A signal conversion unit that converts the electrical signal applied from the power supply unit into an AC signal, then amplifies the converted AC signal and adjusts it with a predetermined offset. It further includes, The measurement unit measures the change in the electrical state of the output signal measured by the bridge circuit after the application of the electrical signal that has been offset-adjusted by the signal conversion unit. A device for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it is a device for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The measurement unit amplifies the output signal using the initial electrical signal offset-adjusted by the signal conversion unit, removes specific frequency signals from the amplified output signal to convert it to DC, and calculates the transit time using the generation period of the DC output signal. The apparatus for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a device for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 5.

7. The measurement unit further calculates the particle size based on the amplitude of the change in the output signal, and calculates the stiffness based on the size and the transit time. A device for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it is a device for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The steps include applying a voltage to a circuit section that connects a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode arranged in sequence in a microchannel on a chip, and a bridge circuit, A step of measuring the change in the output signal of the bridge circuit due to particles in the fluid passing through the microchannel, A step of calculating the passage time of the particle in the microchannel from the change in the output signal, A step of calculating the stiffness of the particle using the aforementioned transit time, A step of determining the degree of saccharification of the particles based on the rigidity, Includes, The microchannel, when the particle is a cell, has a width narrower than the original size of the cell. Method for measuring the degree of glycation.

9. The aforementioned particles are red blood cells in the blood. The aforementioned determination step involves determining the degree of glycation of individual red blood cells using the proportional relationship between the transit time and the glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c Level). The method for measuring the degree of glycation according to claim 8.

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