Specimen testing plate structure, specimen testing device, specimen testing method

Abstract

In specimen testing, it can sometimes be difficult to perform measurements with small amounts of samples or reagents. [Solution] A plate structure for specimen testing having a first plate and a second plate that is spaced apart from and opposite to the first plate, wherein the first main surface of the second plate that is on the side of the first plate has a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region adjacent to the hydrophilic region, the hydrophilic region has a first hydrophilic region in a region that does not face the first plate and a second hydrophilic region in a region that faces the first plate, the hydrophobic region has a first hydrophobic region in a region that does not face the first plate and a second hydrophobic region in a region that faces the first plate, and the ratio of the second hydrophilic region to the second hydrophobic region is higher than the ratio of the first hydrophilic region to the first hydrophobic region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a specimen testing plate structure for holding a liquid specimen or reagent, a specimen testing apparatus, and a specimen testing method.

Background Art

[0002] In automatic analyzers that optically measure the concentration or activity value of components contained in specimens such as blood and urine using chemical reactions with test reagents, the specimen and the test reagent are dispensed into a reaction vessel to measure optical data such as absorbance, and the concentration of the target component to be measured is calculated. In the measurement of optical data, it is preferable that the optical path length is constant without varying from location to location, and for this reason, an optically transparent rectangular reaction cell is used as the reaction vessel. Reducing the size of the reaction cell makes it possible to lower reagent consumption, but on the other hand, there are problems such as the reaction cell becoming expensive, being difficult to wash and dry, and being difficult to handle.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for transporting droplets in the downstream direction by continuously increasing the ratio of the hydrophilic surface from the upstream side to the downstream side in a plate having a hydrophilic surface pattern and a hydrophobic surface pattern as a pattern forming base material. Further, in Patent Document 2, a technique is disclosed in which a pattern with a continuously increased ratio of hydrophilic surfaces is formed between a substrate and a cover, a supply port for supplying droplets is formed in the upstream cover, and the supplied droplets are transported in the downstream direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the measuring substrates or devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have the problem that a large amount of evaporation occurs from the droplets during transport. . [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A specimen testing plate structure according to a first aspect of the present invention is: A specimen testing plate structure comprising a first plate and a second plate located opposite the first plate with a space between them, Of the main surfaces of the second plate, the first main surface located on the side of the first plate has a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region adjacent to the hydrophilic region. The hydrophilic region comprises a first hydrophilic region included in the region of the first main surface that does not face the first plate, and a second hydrophilic region included in the region of the first main surface that faces the first plate. The hydrophobic region comprises a first hydrophobic region included in the region not facing the first plate, and a second hydrophobic region included in the region facing the first plate. The specimen testing plate structure is characterized in that the ratio of the second hydrophilic region to the second hydrophobic region is higher than the ratio of the first hydrophilic region to the first hydrophobic region.

[0007] A specimen testing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is a specimen testing apparatus having a light source unit, a light control unit for controlling light from the light source unit, a light detection unit, and a holding unit for the specimen testing plate structure described above.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a specimen testing method that performs testing by irradiating droplets of specimen solution present inside a specimen testing plate structure with light from a light source, The steps include: placing the droplets on the sample testing plate structure and moving them within the sample testing plate structure; The steps include: irradiating the position of the droplet after movement within the sample testing plate structure with light from the light source unit, and detecting the light from the droplet; This is a specimen testing method that has [specific characteristics / features]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a plate structure for specimen testing, a specimen testing apparatus, and a specimen testing method that can be expected to enable specimen testing with small amounts of test reagents or specimens. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the specimen testing plate structure according to this embodiment. Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the first plate facing the first main surface of the second plate, Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the main surface of the second plate, Figure 1(c) is a top view of the specimen testing plate structure formed by combining the first plate and the second plate, and Figure 1(d) is a side view of the specimen testing plate structure formed by combining the first plate and the second plate (cross section AA' in Figure 1(b)). [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of droplets in a sample testing plate structure according to Example 1. Figure 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of AA' in Figure 1(b) with the position change section omitted, Figures 2(b) and (c) are schematic diagrams when droplets are dispensed, Figure 2(d) is a schematic diagram when the droplet is in contact with the first plate, and Figure 2(e) is a schematic diagram of the state in which the droplet is stored in a region formed between the plates (hereinafter referred to as the "droplet holding region"). [Figure 3] This figure illustrates the storage of two droplets in a sample testing plate structure according to Example 2. Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram of the AA' cross-section of Figure 1(b) with one droplet already stored, with the position change section omitted. Figures 3(b) and (c) are schematic diagrams of the dispensing of the second droplet. Figure 3(d) is a schematic diagram of the second droplet in contact with the first plate. Figure 3(e) is a schematic diagram of the second droplet stored in the droplet holding area. [Figure 4]This figure illustrates the stirring of two droplets in a sample testing plate structure according to Example 3. Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram of the AA' cross-section of Figure 1(b) with one droplet already contained, with the position change section omitted. It is a schematic diagram of a droplet that is difficult to mix with the already contained droplet in contact with the first plate. Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the mixed liquid. Figures 4(c) and (d) are schematic diagrams of the case when the relative positions of the first plate and the second plate are changed. Figure 2(e) is a schematic diagram of the state in which the mixed liquid has been mixed. [Figure 5] This figure shows the configuration of the specimen testing plate structure according to Example 4. Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the first plate facing the main surface of the second plate, Figure 5(b) is a side view of the first plate, and Figure 5(c) is a side view of the first plate and the second plate combined. [Figure 6] This figure shows the behavior of a droplet in a sample testing plate structure according to Example 4. Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional view when the droplet is in contact with the edge of the first plate, and Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view when the droplet is stored in the holding area. [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the surface of the first plate facing the main surface of the second plate in the specimen testing plate structure according to Example 5. Figures 7(a) are schematic diagrams relating to the plates used in Examples 1 to 4, and Figures 7(b) to (e) are schematic diagrams relating to different embodiments. [Figure 8] This figure shows the configuration of a specimen testing plate structure in which hydrophilic regions are arranged in a one-dimensional manner in the specimen testing plate structure according to Example 6. Figure 8(a) is a schematic diagram of the second plate, Figure 8(b) is a schematic diagram of one main surface of the first plate, and Figure 8(c) is a top view of the specimen testing plate structure formed by combining the second plate and the first plate. [Figure 9] This is a top view of a specimen testing plate structure in which the hydrophilic regions of the specimen testing plate structure according to Example 7 are arranged in a two-dimensional manner. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, an example of one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The plate structure for specimen testing of the present embodiment is a plate structure for specimen testing having a first plate and a second plate that faces the first plate with a gap therebetween, Of the main surfaces of the second plate, the first main surface present on the first plate side has a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region adjacent to the hydrophilic region, The hydrophilic region includes a first hydrophilic region contained in a region of the first main surface that does not face the first plate, and a second hydrophilic region contained in a region of the first main surface that faces the first plate, The hydrophobic region includes a first hydrophobic region contained in a region that does not face the first plate, and a second hydrophobic region contained in a region that faces the first plate, The present invention relates to a plate structure for specimen testing, wherein the ratio of the second hydrophilic region to the second hydrophobic region is higher than the ratio of the first hydrophilic region to the first hydrophobic region.

[0012] The plate structure for specimen testing according to the present embodiment will be described using Fig. 1(a) to Fig. 1(d). The plate structure for specimen testing has a second plate 101 at a position facing the first plate 111 with a gap from the first plate 111.

[0013] (First plate) FIG. 1(a) is a schematic view of the surface of the first plate 111 that faces the main surface of the second plate 101. Here, "facing" means opposing each other, and they may face each other in parallel or non-parallel. The base 112 of the first plate 111 is made of glass or resin. It is desirable to be transparent to the wavelength of light from the light source used for acquiring optical data for specimen testing, for example, having a transmittance of 80% or more. A hydrophobic region 113 of the first plate 111 is formed on one side surface of the first plate 111. A part of the hydrophobic region 113 of the first plate 111 is present in a circular shape around the hydrophilic region 115 of the first plate 111. Here, "hydrophilic" and "hydrophobic" in the present embodiment can be defined by the angle of the interface between the liquid and the solid at the point where the water droplet contacts when the water droplet is placed on the solid surface (water contact angle) or the like. For example, the hydrophilic region can be defined as a region with a water contact angle of 70° or less, and the hydrophobic region can be defined as 70° or more, and the difference in water contact angle between the hydrophilic region and the hydrophobic region is preferably 50° or more. The hydrophilic region 115 of the first plate 111 may be formed by depositing a hydrophilic film, or the surface of the base glass or resin may be used as it is. The hydrophobic region 113 of the first plate 111 is preferably made of a fluorine-based resin such as Teflon (registered trademark) resin. For example, when Teflon (registered trademark) resin is used, the contact angle with water is about 110 degrees. On the other hand, the contact angle with water on the glass surface is about 10 to 20 degrees. Reference numeral 121 denotes a position changing portion, which is used to form a predetermined gap when combined with the second plate 101 described later. Further, as will be described later, the position changing portion 121 is a spacer so that the position of the first plate can be moved relative to the second plate 101, and may be an elastic body such as rubber (Young's modulus 0.01 to 0.1 GPa). Statically, the gap between the first plate 111 and the second plate 101 returns to its original state, and is not limited to rubber as long as the gap can be changed when an external force is applied, and any structure that achieves this function structurally is acceptable.

[0014] (Second plate) Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the second plate 101. The base 102 of the second plate 101 is made of glass or resin, just like the first plate 111. It is desirable that it be transparent to the wavelength of light used for acquiring optical data for specimen testing, for example, with a transmittance of 80% or more. A hydrophobic region is formed on one surface of the second plate 101 (the main surface of the second plate 101 that is on the side facing the first plate). The hydrophobic region includes a first hydrophobic region 103 included in the region not facing the first plate, and a second hydrophobic region 301 included in the region facing the first plate. A hydrophilic region is formed on one surface of the second plate 101 (the main surface of the second plate 101 that is on the side facing the first plate). The hydrophilic region includes a first hydrophilic region 105 which is included in the region not facing the first plate, and a second hydrophilic region 107 which is included in the region facing the first plate. Furthermore, it is preferable that at least a portion of the hydrophobic region exists around the hydrophilic region. In Figure 1(b), a portion of the second hydrophobic region 301 surrounds the second hydrophilic region 107. The space above the second hydrophilic region 107 is the droplet-holding region 203 (see Figure 2(a)). Also, the first hydrophilic region 105 is formed in a comb-tooth shape connected to the second hydrophilic region 107. It is preferable that the second hydrophilic region 107 and the comb-tooth shaped first hydrophilic region 105 are continuous. The first hydrophilic region 105 exists in the region of the first main surface 109 that does not face the first plate 111, and the ratio of the second hydrophilic region 107 to the second hydrophobic region 301 is greater than the ratio of the first hydrophilic region 105 to the first hydrophobic region 103. Preferably, the ratio of hydrophilic regions to hydrophobic regions increases in the direction from the region not facing the first plate toward the region facing the first plate on the first main surface. The ratio of hydrophilic regions to hydrophobic regions in the direction from the region not facing the first plate toward the region facing the first plate on the first main surface may increase in steps (including two steps) or continuously. The second hydrophilic region may have a circular region (108). A hydrophilic film may be formed on at least one of the second hydrophilic region 107 and the first hydrophilic region 105, but the surface of the base glass or resin may also be used. A hydrophobic film formed of Teflon® resin or fluororesin is preferred for at least one of the first hydrophobic region 103 and the second hydrophobic region 301. For example, when Teflon® resin is used, the contact angle with water is about 110 degrees. On the other hand, the contact angle with water on a glass surface is about 10 to 20 degrees.

[0015] (Combination of the first plate and the second plate) Figure 1(c) is a top view of the combined state of the first plate 111 and the second plate 101, and Figure 1(d) is a side view of the combined state of the combined state of the first plate 111 and the second plate 101 (section AA' in Figure 1(b)). The first plate 111 and the second plate 101 are combined via a position change section 121 so that the hydrophobic region 113 of the first plate 111 and the hydrophobic region 301 of the second plate 111 face each other, and the hydrophilic region 115 of the first plate 111 and the hydrophilic region 107 of the second plate 101 coincide vertically (face each other). The first hydrophobic region 103 of the second plate 101 is schematically shown enclosed by a dotted line. Also, as shown in Figure 1(c), the first hydrophilic region 105 exists in a position on the main surface of the second plate 101 (the entire area shown in Figure 1(d)) that does not face the first plate 111 and is exposed when viewed from above. As will be described later, droplets are dispensed into the exposed portion including the first hydrophilic region 105. The structure is not limited to this one, as long as droplets can be dispensed into the portion including the first hydrophilic region 105; for example, the first plate 111 may be provided with a dispensing window. The above describes the configuration of the specimen testing plate structure according to the present invention. The more detailed configuration and its effects will be revealed in the following examples.

[0016] (Specimen testing equipment) Furthermore, the specimen testing apparatus of this embodiment relates to a specimen testing apparatus having a light source unit, a light control unit that controls the light from the light source unit, a light detection unit, and a holding unit for the specimen testing plate structure described above. Preferably, the light control unit of the specimen testing apparatus is a light control unit that controls the irradiation of a second hydrophilic region of the specimen testing plate structure held by the holding unit with light from the light source unit.

[0017] (Specimen testing method) Furthermore, the specimen testing method of this embodiment is a specimen testing method that performs testing by irradiating droplets of specimen liquid present inside a specimen testing plate structure with light from a light source, and comprises the steps of: placing droplets on a specimen testing plate structure and moving them inside the specimen testing plate structure; and irradiating the position of the moved droplets within the specimen testing plate structure with light from a light source and detecting the light from the droplets.

[0018] Furthermore, in the specimen testing method according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the specimen testing plate structure is the specimen testing plate structure according to this embodiment.

[0019] [Example 1] A more specific example of droplet behavior in the sample testing plate structure according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A', similar to Figure 1(d). Here, the position change portion 121 has been omitted for simplicity of explanation. In the figure, 201 is a dispensing area including the first hydrophilic region 105, and 203 is a droplet holding area surrounded by the hydrophilic region 115 of the first plate and the second hydrophilic region 107 of the second plate.

[0020] The base material 112 of the first plate 111 and the base material 102 of the second plate 101 are made of quartz glass with a thickness of 1 mm. The unspecified positional change portion 121 is a spacer made of rubber with a height of 1 mm, and is configured so that the gap is 1 mm when the first plate 111 and the second plate 101 are combined. The hydrophobic regions 113 and 103 of the first plate 111 are made of Teflon® resin with a thickness of 15 microns. The contact angles with water were 15 degrees for the hydrophilic region 115 of the first plate 111 and the second hydrophilic region 107 of the second plate 101, and 110 degrees for the hydrophobic regions 113 and 103 of the first plate 111.

[0021] The hydrophilic region 115 of the first plate 111 and the second hydrophilic region 107 of the second plate 101 were defined as circles with a diameter of 4 mm. As a result, the volume of the droplet-holding region 203 is 12.6 μL, assuming it is a cylinder.

[0022] The dispensing process is shown in Figures 2(b) and 2(c). In the figures, 211 is a pipette tip, and 213 is a test solution consisting of a mixture of glucose solution (sample substitute solution) prepared at a predetermined concentration and a commercially available glucose colorant. As shown in Figure 2(c), one 5 μL droplet 215 is dispensed onto the exposed portion of the dispensing area 201. The second plate 101 has a first hydrophilic area 105 (not indicated in the figure). The ratio of hydrophilic area to hydrophobic area differs on the right and left sides of droplet 215, with the right side having a higher proportion of hydrophilic area. As a result, a force is generated on droplet 215 to the right, causing it to move to the right.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2(d), when the droplet 215, which has moved to the right, comes into contact with the adjacent first plate 111, a capillary force is generated, and the droplet is drawn into the constricted area formed by the first plate 111 and the second plate 101. As a result, as shown in Figure 2(e), the droplet 215 is stored in the droplet holding area 203.

[0024] The glucose concentration of the glucose solution (sample substitute) can be measured by irradiating the droplet 215 with light of a predetermined wavelength and measuring the absorbance from the droplet held in the droplet holding area 203. For example, a measurement method generally called the endpoint method can be used. Specifically, about 5 minutes after mixing, light with a wavelength of 505 nm is irradiated and its absorbance is measured, and the glucose concentration of the glucose solution (sample substitute) is calculated from the mixing ratio of the glucose solution (sample substitute) and the glucose coloring solution. At this time, since the optical path length is set to 1 mm by the position changing unit 121, the absorbance of the droplet 215 can be measured with high accuracy. Furthermore, even if the volume of the droplet deviates from a predetermined value, the optical path length remains unchanged, so it does not affect the measurement accuracy. In addition, the volume fluctuation due to evaporation of the droplet during the reaction time can be suppressed by being covered with the first plate 111.

[0025] (Comparative example) In the absence of the first plate 111, the droplets take on a spherical cap shape (a shape with a portion of a sphere cut off), and the optical path length varies depending on the location, making accurate absorbance measurement difficult. Furthermore, if the volume of the droplet deviates from a predetermined value, the height of the spherical cap changes, affecting the measurement accuracy. In addition, there is a risk that the concentration may change due to volume fluctuations caused by droplet evaporation during the reaction time.

[0026] As described above, the sample testing plate structure according to this embodiment allows a small amount of test solution, such as a few μL, to be stored in the holding area without the need for special power. Furthermore, since the optical path length can be set to a predetermined value, the accuracy of the optical data is improved. Furthermore, while using an optically transparent rectangular reaction cell as a general-purpose container, as shown in the background technology section, would require approximately 50-100 μL of reagent, in this example, the reagent volume is only about 5 μL, thus reducing reagent consumption.

[0027] [Example 2] In Example 1, an example was shown in which one droplet is stored in the droplet holding area 203, but the volume of the droplet holding area may be determined so that it can hold at least two or more droplets.

[0028] The storage of two droplets in the specimen testing plate structure according to the present invention will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A', the same as in Figure 2(a). Here, the position change section 121 has been omitted for simplicity of explanation. The same number is assigned to identical components, and their explanations are omitted.

[0029] In Figure 3(a), 215 is a droplet consisting of a mixture of mouse serum and buffer in a predetermined ratio, with a volume of 5 μL. The method for storing droplet 215 in the droplet holding area 203 is the same as that described in Example 1.

[0030] Figures 3(b) and 3(c) show the dispensing of the second droplet. 303 is a commercially available substrate solution for measuring lipase activity. As shown in Figure 3(c), a 5 μL droplet 305 is dispensed into the dispensing area 201. As described in Example 1, a force is generated on droplet 305 to the right, causing it to move to the right.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3(d), when droplet 305, which has moved to the right, comes into contact with the first plate 111, a capillary force is generated, and the droplet is drawn into the constricted area formed by the first plate 111 and the second plate 101. As a result, as shown in Figure 3(e), droplet 309, formed by mixing droplet 215 and droplet 305, is stored in the droplet holding area 203. The capillary force on the minute droplet is strong, and the minute droplet is instantly drawn into the constricted area, so the two droplets are mixed by the impact when they collide.

[0032] The lipase concentration in mouse serum can be measured by irradiating droplet 309 with light of a predetermined wavelength and measuring its absorbance. For example, a measurement method generally called the rate method can be used. Specifically, light with a wavelength of 580 nm is irradiated, and the absorbance is measured every 20 seconds for 5 minutes starting immediately after mixing, and the increase in absorbance (slope) is calculated. Then, the lipase concentration in mouse serum is calculated considering the mixing ratio of the various solutions. At this time, since the optical path length is set to 1 mm by the position change unit 121, the absorbance of droplet 215 can be measured with high accuracy. Furthermore, the volume change due to evaporation of the droplet during the reaction time can be suppressed by being covered with the first plate.

[0033] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which two droplets are stored in the droplet-holding region, but this is not the only example. For example, three droplets consisting of mouse serum, buffer solution, and substrate solution may be stored in the droplet-holding region.

[0034] [Example 3] Example 2 demonstrated a case where two droplets were mixed by the impact of collision. However, it is also possible to improve measurement accuracy by more actively promoting mixing for droplets that are difficult to mix. An example of this is shown in Figure 4.

[0035] Figure 4(a) shows the state in which droplet 305, which has moved to the right, is in contact with the first plate 111, the same as in Figure 3(d). In this state, capillary force is generated, and droplet 305 is drawn into the constricted area between the first plate 111 and the second plate 101. Droplets 215 and 305 collide, and a mixed liquid 307 is formed as shown in Figure 4(b). In Figure 4(b), the two liquids are mixed in the center but not around the edges, which is schematically represented by a gradient.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4(c) and 4(d), the distance (relative position) between the first plate 111 and the second plate 101 is changed by pushing or pulling the edge of the first plate 111 to promote stirring. Although not shown in the figure, the position-changing part 121 is a spacer, and this operation is possible because it is made of an elastic material such as rubber. As a result, as shown in Figure 4(e), mixed droplets 309 are formed and stored in the droplet-holding area 203.

[0037] In this embodiment, compared to Example 3, the uniformity of the droplets is improved, and the in-plane variation of the optical data is reduced, which is expected to improve measurement accuracy. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the first plate is tilted relative to the second plate, but this is not the only option; the distance between the first plate and the second plate may be varied while maintaining parallelism.

[0038] [Example 4] In Examples 1 to 3, depending on the viscosity of the droplets and the shape of the edge of the first plate, droplets may be trapped at the edge of the first plate and not drawn into the constricted area. A structure to avoid this phenomenon will be explained using Figure 5. In the figure, the same number is given to components that are the same as before, and their explanations are omitted.

[0039] Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram of the main surface of the first plate 311 facing the first main surface of the second plate 101 according to this embodiment, and Figure 5(b) is a side view of the first plate 311. Unlike embodiments 1 to 3, in this embodiment, a tapered portion 313 is provided in the base material 312 where the droplet first makes contact (droplet placement portion). The tapered portion can also be referred to as a tapered shape. Figure 5(c) is a side view of the first plate 311 and the second plate 101 combined.

[0040] The behavior of droplets in the sample testing plate structure in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6(a) shows the dispensed droplet 215 moving to the right and coming into contact with the first plate 311. In this state, capillary force is generated in the direction of the narrower gap, causing the droplet 215 to move to the right. As a result, the droplet 215 is stored in the droplet holding region 203, as shown in Figure 6(b). According to this embodiment, by reducing the frequency of droplet retraction failures, it becomes possible to more reliably store droplets in the droplet holding area.

[0041] [Example 5] In Examples 1 to 4, the first plate was shown to have a configuration in which a hydrophilic region 115 of the first plate was surrounded by a hydrophobic region 113 of the first plate, but this is not the only configuration. Other examples of the first plate will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0042] Figure 7(a): Same as Examples 1-4. Figure 7(b): The hydrophilic region 115 of the first plate is formed by a hydrophilic region 401 connecting the edge where the droplet first makes contact with the circular portion, and the circular portion itself. This has the effect of more effectively drawing the droplet into the holding region. Figure 7(c): The hydrophilic region 115 of the first plate is formed by a comb-shaped region 403 that connects the edge where the droplet first makes contact with the circular portion, and the circular portion itself, which has the effect of more effectively drawing the droplet into the holding region. Figure 7(d): The entire surface is covered with the hydrophobic region 113 of the first plate. The droplet-holding region is composed of the second hydrophilic region on the second plate. In this example, a reduction in manufacturing costs can be expected. Figure 7(e): The entire surface is covered with a hydrophilic region of the base material surface. The droplet-holding region is composed of a second hydrophilic region on the second plate side. In this example, a reduction in manufacturing costs can be expected.

[0043] [Example 6] In the embodiments described above, the droplet holding region was shown as one example, but it may also be arranged in an array.

[0044] Figure 8 shows an example where the droplet-holding regions are arranged in a one-dimensional manner. Here, we show an example where eight droplets are arranged in a single row. Figure 8(a) is a schematic diagram of the second plate 501. In the figure, 503 is a hydrophobic region, and eight hydrophilic patterns consisting of a second hydrophilic region 507 and a first hydrophilic region 505 are arranged in a row. Figure 8(b) is a schematic diagram of the first plate 511. In the figure, 513 is the hydrophobic portion of the first plate, and consists of eight hydrophilic regions 515 of the first plate arranged in a row. 517 are spacers made of an elastic material, and nine of them are arranged to separate the hydrophilic regions 515 of the first plate. Figure 8(c) is a top view of the second plate 501 and the first plate 511 combined.

[0045] According to this embodiment, since a large number of droplets can be held in a small area, improved throughput and a reduction in the device footprint can be expected.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first plate is constructed as a single unit, but each droplet-holding region may be constructed independently. In this case, stirring can be performed independently for each droplet-holding region.

[0047] [Example 7] Figure 9 shows an example where the droplet-holding regions are arranged in a two-dimensional direction. Here, an example of an 8x3 arrangement is shown. Plate 601 is the second plate, in which hydrophilic patterns consisting of a first hydrophilic region and a second hydrophilic region are arranged in an 8x3 array within the hydrophobic region. 511 is the first plate and has the same configuration as in Example 6. Three of the first plate 511 are arranged so as to cover the second hydrophilic region of the second plate 601 in alternating rows. According to this embodiment, since a large number of droplets can be held in a small area, improved throughput and a reduction in the device footprint can be expected. In this embodiment, the first plate is constructed as a single unit, but each droplet-holding region may be constructed independently. In this case, stirring can be performed independently for each droplet-holding region.

[0048] [Other examples] The sample testing plate structure of this embodiment may be disposable to avoid contamination after each measurement. Alternatively, it may be washed and reused multiple times.

[0049] The cleaning method involves dispensing a cleaning solution equal to or larger than the volume of the droplet holding area and drawing it in, thereby cleaning the droplet transport structure and the droplet holding area. If drying is necessary, the constricted area can be blown away with compressed air.

[0050] Alternatively, the first and second plates could be made detachable so that each can be cleaned separately. This would have the advantage of making it easier to dry the plates. If they are to be separated, it would be preferable for the spacer to be integrated with one of them for ease of handling. For example, the first plate and the spacer could be integrated.

[0051] In the case of specimen testing, the reaction may be carried out in an environment that mimics the body temperature of the human body, for example, at 37°C. In such applications, the specimen testing plate structure of the present invention may be used on a hot plate kept at a predetermined temperature. In this case, it is also possible to facilitate optical measurement by providing an opening in the hot plate and aligning the portion of the specimen testing plate structure corresponding to the droplet holding part with the opening.

[0052] This embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. [Configuration 1] A specimen testing plate structure comprising a first plate and a second plate located opposite the first plate with a space between them, Of the main surfaces of the second plate, the first main surface located on the side of the first plate has a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region adjacent to the hydrophilic region. The hydrophilic region comprises a first hydrophilic region included in the region of the first main surface that does not face the first plate, and a second hydrophilic region included in the region of the first main surface that faces the first plate. The hydrophobic region comprises a first hydrophobic region included in the region not facing the first plate, and a second hydrophobic region included in the region facing the first plate. A specimen testing plate structure characterized in that the ratio of the second hydrophilic region to the second hydrophobic region is higher than the ratio of the first hydrophilic region to the first hydrophobic region. [Configuration 2] The specimen testing plate structure according to configuration 1, wherein the main surface of the first plate on the side of the second plate has a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region. [Configuration 3] The specimen testing plate structure according to configuration 2, wherein at least a portion of the hydrophilic region of the main surface of the first plate on the side of the second plate and at least a portion of the hydrophilic region of the second plate are opposite each other. [Structure 4] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the hydrophobic region is located around the hydrophilic region of the main surface of the first plate that is on the side of the second plate. [Composition 5] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the end of the first plate on the side of the first main surface that does not face the first plate has a tapered shape. [Composition 6] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, having a position-changing section that can change the relative positions of the first plate and the second plate. [Composition 7] The specimen testing plate structure according to configuration 6, wherein the position-changing portion is a spacer located between the first plate and the second plate. [Structure 8] The specimen testing plate structure according to configuration 7, wherein the spacer is an elastic material. [Composition 9] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the first hydrophilic region includes a comb-shaped region. [Configuration 10] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the ratio of hydrophilic regions to hydrophobic regions increases in a stepwise manner in the direction from the region of the first main surface that does not face the first plate toward the region that faces the first plate. [Composition 11] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the ratio of hydrophilic regions to hydrophobic regions increases continuously from the region of the first main surface that does not face the first plate to the region that faces the first plate. [Composition 12] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the hydrophobic region is located around the hydrophilic region. [Composition 13] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein a plurality of hydrophilic regions having a first hydrophilic region and a second hydrophilic region are arranged in a one-dimensional direction on the first main surface to form the hydrophilic regions. [Composition 14] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein a plurality of hydrophilic regions, each consisting of a first hydrophilic region and a second hydrophilic region, are arranged in a two-dimensional direction on the first main surface to form the hydrophilic regions. [Composition 15] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, having a detachable structure that allows the first plate and the second plate to be attached and detached. [Composition 16] The specimen testing plate structure according to configuration 7, wherein the first plate and the spacer are integrated into a single structure. [Composition 17] A specimen testing plate structure according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein at least a portion of the hydrophilic region is a hydrophilic film present on the surface of the second plate. [Composition 18] A specimen testing apparatus comprising a light source unit, a light control unit for controlling light from the light source unit, a light detection unit, and a holder for a specimen testing plate structure as described in any one of configurations 1 to 17. [Composition 19] The specimen testing apparatus according to configuration 18, wherein the light control unit is a light control unit that controls the irradiation of the second hydrophilic region of the specimen testing plate structure held in the holding unit with light from the light source unit. [Method 1] A specimen testing method that performs testing by irradiating droplets of specimen solution present inside a specimen testing plate structure with light from a light source, The steps include: placing the droplets on the sample testing plate structure and moving them within the sample testing plate structure; The steps include: irradiating the position of the droplet after movement within the sample testing plate structure with light from the light source to detect the light from the droplet; A specimen testing method that includes [specific characteristics]. [Method 2] The specimen testing method according to Method 1, wherein the specimen testing plate structure is one of the specimen testing plate structures described in Configurations 1 to 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 101, 501, 601: Second plate 102: Maternal body 103: First hydrophobic region 503: Hydrophobic region 105, 505: First hydrophilic region 107, 507: Second hydrophilic region 108: Circular area 109: First Main Face 111, 311, 511: First plate 112: Maternal body 113, 513: Hydrophobic regions of the first plate 115, 515: Hydrophilic region of the first plate 121: Position change section 201: Dispensing area 203: Droplet holding area 215:Droplet 301: Second hydrophobic region 401, 403: Hydrophilic region

Claims

1. A specimen testing plate structure comprising a first plate and a second plate located opposite the first plate with a space between them, Of the main surfaces of the second plate, the first main surface located on the side of the first plate has a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region adjacent to the hydrophilic region. The hydrophilic region comprises a first hydrophilic region included in the region of the first main surface that does not face the first plate, and a second hydrophilic region included in the region of the first main surface that faces the first plate. The hydrophobic region comprises a first hydrophobic region included in the region not facing the first plate, and a second hydrophobic region included in the region facing the first plate. A plate structure for specimen testing, characterized in that the ratio of the second hydrophilic region to the second hydrophobic region is higher than the ratio of the first hydrophilic region to the first hydrophobic region.

2. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the main surface of the first plate on the side of the second plate has a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region.

3. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the hydrophilic region of the main surface of the first plate on the side of the second plate and at least a portion of the hydrophilic region of the second plate are opposite each other.

4. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic region exists around the hydrophilic region of the main surface of the first plate that is on the side of the second plate.

5. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the end portion of the first main surface of the first plate on the side not facing the first plate has a tapered shape.

6. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, having a position-changing portion that can change the relative positions of the first plate and the second plate.

7. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 6, wherein the position-changing portion is a spacer located between the first plate and the second plate.

8. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 7, wherein the spacer is an elastic material.

9. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the first hydrophilic region includes a comb-shaped region.

10. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of hydrophilic regions to hydrophobic regions increases in a stepwise manner in the direction from the region of the first main surface that does not face the first plate toward the region that faces the first plate.

11. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of hydrophilic regions to hydrophobic regions increases continuously from the region of the first main surface not facing the first plate to the region facing the first plate.

12. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic region is present around the hydrophilic region.

13. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of hydrophilic regions having a first hydrophilic region and a second hydrophilic region are arranged in a one-dimensional direction on the first main surface to form the hydrophilic regions.

14. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of hydrophilic regions, each consisting of a first hydrophilic region and a second hydrophilic region, are arranged in a two-dimensional direction on the first main surface to form the hydrophilic regions.

15. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, having a detachable structure that allows the first plate and the second plate to be attached to and detached.

16. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 7, wherein the first plate and the spacer are integrated into a single structure.

17. The specimen testing plate structure according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the hydrophilic region is a hydrophilic film present on the surface of the second plate.

18. A specimen testing apparatus comprising a light source unit, a light control unit for controlling light from the light source unit, a light detection unit, and a holder for the specimen testing plate structure described in claim 1.

19. The specimen testing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the light control unit is a light control unit that controls the irradiation of the second hydrophilic region of the specimen testing plate structure held in the holding unit with light from the light source unit.

20. A specimen testing method that performs testing by irradiating droplets of specimen solution present inside a specimen testing plate structure with light from a light source, The steps include: placing the droplets on the sample testing plate structure and moving them within the sample testing plate structure; The steps include: irradiating the position of the droplet after movement within the sample testing plate structure with light from the light source unit, and detecting the light from the droplet; A specimen testing method that includes [specific characteristics / features].

21. The specimen testing method according to claim 20, wherein the specimen testing plate structure is the specimen testing plate structure described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

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