PARTICLE CAPTURE DEVICE AND PARTICLE CAPTURE METHOD

Abstract

To provide a particle capturing device and a particle capturing method for capturing and comprehensively analyzing particles such as cells.SOLUTION: A particle capturing device 1 includes: a substrate 2; a particle capturing film 3 which is capable of capturing particles; and a supporting body 4 which supports the particle capturing film in the state of imparting tensile force to the particle capturing film such that the particle capturing film is parallel with the substrate and a space is formed between the particle capturing film and the substrate, and further comprises an expansion member which expands the supporting body such that the tensile force is imparted to the particle capturing film.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a particle capture device and a method for capturing particles. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-207706, filed in Japan on November 2, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a demand for capturing particles such as cells and analyzing them comprehensively. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device including a film capable of capturing cells and a support structure that supports the film from below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 9,638,636 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the film may sag due to its own weight, the properties of the material, etc. If the film sags, the focus may shift when the captured particles are observed under a microscope.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a particle trapping device and a particle trapping method that are capable of suppressing focus shifting when observing trapped particles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A particle capture device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a substrate, a particle capture film capable of capturing particles, and a support that supports the particle capture film while applying tension to the particle capture film so that the particle capture film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle capture film and the substrate. According to this configuration, tension is applied to the particle trapping film so that the particle trapping film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle trapping film and the substrate, thereby making it possible to prevent the particle trapping film from bending. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the focus from shifting when observing the trapped particles. In addition, when there is no support structure for preventing bending, it is possible to make the effective area for trapping particles as large as possible. In addition, it is possible to prevent particles from resting on the support structure. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility of particles being erroneously recognized during image analysis.

[0007] The above-described particle trapping device may further include an engagement structure that engages the substrate with the support so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping film. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress bending of the particle trapping film with a simple configuration that utilizes a fitting structure.

[0008] In the above particle trapping device, the fitting structure may include a protrusion provided on the substrate, and a recess provided on the support that fits into the protrusion. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the bending of the particle capture film with a simple configuration using the convex portion and the concave portion. In addition, it is easier to fabricate the particle capture device than when the fitting structure includes the convex portion provided on the support and the concave portion provided on the substrate.

[0009] The above particle trapping device may further include an expansion member that expands the support so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping film. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress bending of the particle trapping film with a simple configuration that utilizes the expansion member.

[0010] The above-mentioned particle trapping device may further include a membrane expansion member that expands the particle trapping membrane so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping membrane. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress bending of the particle trapping membrane with a simple configuration that utilizes the membrane expansion member.

[0011] The above-described particle trapping device may further include an inclined support member that supports the support in a state inclined with respect to the substrate so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping film. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress bending of the particle trapping film with a simple configuration that utilizes the inclined support member.

[0012] The above particle trapping device may further comprise a liquid-absorbing swelling member that is coupled to the support so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping membrane, and that increases in volume by absorbing liquid. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the deflection of the particle-trapping membrane with a simple configuration that utilizes a liquid-absorbent swelling member.

[0013] In the above-mentioned particle capture device, the particle capture film may have a capture portion large enough to capture one of the particles, and a communication hole large enough that one of the particles cannot pass through and connecting the capture portion to the space. According to this configuration, it is possible to allow a dispersion liquid of particles to flow through the communication hole while a single particle is captured by the capture portion.

[0014] In the above-mentioned particle capture device, the particle capture film may include a first layer having the communicating hole, and a second layer having a through hole communicating with the communicating hole and having the same size as the outer shape of the capture portion. This makes it easier to fabricate the particle capture device compared to a case where the capture portion and the communicating hole are provided in a single layer.

[0015] In the above particle capture device, the space may be filled with liquid. According to this configuration, even when the particle capture film is immersed in liquid, the tension is applied to the particle capture film, thereby preventing the particle capture film from sagging due to the effects of swelling of the particle capture film, the weight of the liquid, surface tension, and the like.

[0016] A particle capture method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises preparing a substrate, a particle capture film capable of capturing particles, and a support body supporting the particle capture film, and applying tension to the particle capture film so that the particle capture film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle capture film and the substrate. According to this method, tension is applied to the particle trapping film so that the particle trapping film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle trapping film and the substrate, so that bending of the particle trapping film can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deviation of focus when observing trapped particles. In addition, when there is no support structure for preventing bending, it is possible to make the effective area for trapping particles as large as possible. In addition, it is possible to suppress particles from resting on the support structure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a particle capture device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of a particle capture device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a particle capture device. [Figure 6A] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams of a base film forming step in the method for producing a particle-trapping film according to the embodiment. [Figure 6B] 4A to 4C are explanatory views of a step of forming a first curable resin film in the method of producing a particle-trapping film according to an embodiment. [Figure 6C] 4A to 4C are explanatory views of a step of forming a first layer in the method of producing a particle-trapping film according to the embodiment. [Figure 6D] 5A to 5C are explanatory views of a step of forming a second curable resin film in the method for producing a particle-trapping film according to an embodiment. [Figure 6E] 5A to 5C are explanatory views of a step of forming a second layer in the method of producing a particle-trapping film according to the embodiment. [Figure 6F] 3A to 3C are explanatory views of a particle-trapping film in a method for producing a particle-trapping film according to an embodiment. [Figure 7A] 11 is an explanatory diagram of a particle trapping film before a tension applying step in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7B] 6A to 6C are explanatory views of a step of fitting a convex portion of a substrate and a concave portion of a support in a manufacturing method of a particle trapping device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device according to a first modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 9A] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a particle trapping film before a tension applying step in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to a first modified example of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9B] 13A to 13C are explanatory views of a step of joining an extension member to a support body in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to a first modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device according to a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 11A] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a particle trapping film before a tension applying step in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to a second modified example of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11B] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a joining step between a membrane expansion member and a support body in a manufacturing method for a particle capture device according to a second modified example of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device according to a third modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 13A] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a particle trapping film before a tension applying step in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to a third modified example of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13B] 13A to 13C are explanatory views of a step of joining an inclined support member and a support body in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to a third modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 15A] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a particle trapping film before a tension applying step in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15B] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a step of expanding a liquid-absorbent swelling member in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device according to a fifth modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 17A] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a particle trapping film before a tension applying step in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to a fifth modified example of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17B] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a step of fitting a curved convex portion of a convex portion and a curved concave portion of a support body in a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device according to a fifth modified example of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18A] 1 is a photograph of the center of a particle capture device of an embodiment, showing the results of microscopic observation of the particle capture device. [Figure 18B] 1 is a photograph of an edge portion of a particle capture device, showing the results of microscopic observation of the particle capture device of an embodiment. [Figure 19A] 11 is a photograph of the center of a particle capture device of a comparative example, showing the results of microscopic observation of the particle capture device. [Figure 19B] 1 is a photograph of an edge of a particle capture device, showing the results of microscopic observation of the particle capture device of the comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each member is described with reference to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. A specific direction in a horizontal plane is defined as the X direction, a direction perpendicular to the X direction in the horizontal plane is defined as the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction (i.e., the vertical direction) is defined as the Z direction.

[0019] <Particle capture device 1> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a particle capturing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the particle capture device 1 includes a substrate 2, a particle capture film 3, a support 4, an engagement structure 5 (see Fig. 3), and a suction section 6. The particle capture device 1 forms a flow path 10 (space) for the dispersion medium of the particles between the substrate 2 and the particle capture film 3 (see Fig. 3). For example, the particle capture device 1 is placed on a mounting surface parallel to a horizontal plane. In the figure, reference numeral 7 denotes a frame that holds the support 4, and reference numeral 8 denotes a waste liquid section from which liquid such as the dispersion medium is discharged.

[0020] <particle> For example, particles to be captured include cells, cell clusters, resin particles, metal particles, glass particles, ceramic particles, etc. However, the particles to be captured are not limited to these. For example, the diameter of the particle may be about 1 to 500 μm, about 1 to 200 μm, about 1 to 100 μm, or about 1 to 50 μm. The diameter of the particle means the diameter of a circle having the same area as the projected area of ​​the particle. The diameter of the particle is not particularly limited.

[0021] <Dispersion medium> To trap particles, the particles are suspended in a dispersion medium and supplied to the particle trapping device 1. An arrow W1 in Fig. 3 indicates the supply direction of the particles suspended in the dispersion medium. For example, the dispersion medium may be water, a buffer solution, an isotonic solution, a culture medium, etc. The dispersion medium is not particularly limited and may be appropriately used depending on the purpose.

[0022] <Material> The material of the particle trapping device 1 is preferably a transparent material from the viewpoint of facilitating observation of the particles. Furthermore, when observing the trapped particles using fluorescence observation as an index, the material is preferably one that has little autofluorescence. For example, the material of the particle trapping device 1 can be one that is transparent and has little autofluorescence. When capturing cells as particles, it is preferable that the material of the particle capturing device 1 is non-cytotoxic and has low cell adhesiveness. The material of the particle trapping device 1 is not particularly limited, and various materials can be used.

[0023] <Substrate 2> 2, the substrate 2 has a rectangular plate shape. For example, the length of the long side of the substrate 2 is 50 mm to 100 mm. For example, the length of the short side of the substrate 2 is 10 mm to 40 mm. For example, the material of the substrate 2 may be glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), cycloolefin polymer (COP), epoxy, or other common resin.

[0024] <Particle trapping membrane 3> The particle trapping film 3 is a film capable of trapping particles. As shown in FIG. 5, the particle trapping film 3 has a recess 15 (hereinafter referred to as a "trapping portion 15") having a size capable of trapping one particle. The particle trapping film 3 has a first layer 11 and a second layer 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the first layer 11 has a communication hole 13 that connects the trapping portion 15 to the flow path 10. The communication hole 13 has a size that does not allow one particle to pass through. The second layer 12 has a through hole 14 that communicates with the communication hole 13. The through hole 14 has the same size as the outer shape of the trapping portion 15. The trapping portion 15 is formed by the upper surface of the first layer 11 (the surface facing the second layer 12) and the through hole 14 of the second layer 12. In FIG. 4, the stacked structure of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12, the trapping portion 15, the communication hole 13, etc. are not shown.

[0025] In Fig. 5, the symbol B indicates one particle. In Fig. 5, the shape of the trapping part 15 is cylindrical. The shape of the capture part 15 is not particularly limited as long as it can capture one particle. For example, the shape of the capture part 15 may be a polyhedron (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped, a hexagonal prism, an octagonal prism, etc.) composed of multiple faces, an inverted truncated cone, an inverted truncated pyramid (an inverted triangular truncated pyramid, an inverted square truncated pyramid, an inverted pentagonal truncated pyramid, an inverted hexagonal truncated pyramid, an inverted polygonal truncated pyramid with seven or more sides), or a shape that combines two or more of these shapes. For example, the shape of the capture part 15 may be a cylinder in part and an inverted truncated cone in the remaining part. For example, when the shape of the capture part 15 is a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped, the bottom of the capture part 15 is usually flat, but may be a curved surface (convex or concave surface).

[0026] The dimensions of the capture part 15 can be appropriately determined in consideration of a suitable ratio between the diameter of the particle to be captured by the capture part 15 and the dimensions of the capture part 15. The capture part 15 is preferably patterned and its form, density, etc. are controlled. The shape and dimensions of the capture part 15 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the type of particle to be captured by the capture part 15 (the shape, dimensions, etc. of the particle) so that one particle is captured by one capture part 15.

[0027] In order for one particle to be captured in one capturing part 15, the dimensions of capturing part 15 are preferably as follows: The diameter of the largest circle inscribed in the planar shape of capturing part 15 is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 times the diameter of the particle to be captured in capturing part 15, more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.9 times, and even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.8 times. The depth of capturing part 15 is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 4 times the diameter of the particle to be captured in capturing part 15, more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.9 times, and even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.8 times.

[0028] For example, when the particles to be trapped are approximately spherical with a diameter of about 1 to 50 μm, the thickness of the particle-trapping film 3, the number of trapping parts 15, and the dimensions of the trapping parts 15 are preferably as follows. The thickness of the particle-trapping film 3 is preferably 1 to 100 μm, and more preferably 10 to 50 μm. The number of trapping parts 15 in the particle trapping film 3 is 1 cm 2 It is preferable that the number of molecules is in the range of 2,000 to 1,000,000 per molecule.

[0029] For example, when the trapping part 15 is cylindrical, the dimensions of the trapping part 15 are preferably 1 to 100 μm in diameter, more preferably 2 to 50 μm in diameter, and even more preferably 3 to 25 μm in diameter. The depth of the trapping part 15 is preferably 1 to 100 μm, more preferably 2 to 70 μm, even more preferably 3 to 50 μm, and particularly preferably 4 to 30 μm. When the depth of the trapping part 15 is 1 μm or more, particles are easily trapped, which is preferable from the viewpoint of practical application. When the depth of the trapping part 15 is 100 μm or less, it is preferable from the viewpoint of low risk of trapping multiple particles.

[0030] The dimensions of the communication hole 13 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the diameter of the particle to be captured in the capture section 15, the dimensions of the capture section 15, and the characteristics of the dispersion medium of the particle to be moved through the communication hole 13. The communication hole 13 is preferably patterned and the shape, pore diameter, density, etc. are controlled. When the communication hole 13 is controlled, it is preferable because it is easy to ensure the uniformity of the amount of dispersion medium permeating the particles. The communication hole 13 is not limited to one made by patterning. For example, the communication hole 13 may be one formed using a porous material such as a porous membrane. The number, position, shape, size, etc. of the communication holes 13 are not particularly limited as long as they can capture (store inside the capture section 15) particles without passing through them and have a size that allows the dispersion medium to move.

[0031] For example, when the capture part 15 is cylindrical, a plurality of circular communication holes 13 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the capture part 15 may be provided at the bottom of the capture part 15. The shape of the communication holes 13 is not limited to a circular shape. For example, the shape of the communication holes 13 may be rectangular. For example, when the particles to be trapped are approximately spherical with a diameter of about 1 to 50 μm and communicating hole 13 is circular, the diameter of communicating hole 13 is preferably 10 nm to 20 μm, more preferably 50 nm to 15 μm, and even more preferably 100 nm to 10 μm.When communicating hole 13 is rectangular, each side is preferably 10 nm to 20 μm, more preferably 50 nm to 15 μm, and even more preferably 100 nm to 10 μm.

[0032] It is preferable to use a material having flexibility for the particle-trapping film 3 in order to prevent cracking. For example, the material of the particle-trapping film 3 is a polymer such as a synthetic resin. Since the particle-trapping film 3 has a fine structure including the trapping portions 15 and the through holes 13, if the material of the particle-trapping film 3 is silicon nitride (SiN), it is likely to crack when thinned. In contrast, if the material of the particle-trapping film 3 is a polymer, it is less likely to crack when thinned.

[0033] <Channel 10> 3, the flow path 10 has an inlet through the communication hole 13 of the particle-trapping film 3 and an outlet through the suction section 6. When the dispersion medium is sucked through the suction section 6, the dispersion medium flows through the flow path 10 in the direction of the arrow W1 in FIG.

[0034] For example, when the particles to be trapped are approximately spherical with a diameter of about 1 to 50 μm, the distance between the substrate 2 and the particle trapping film 3 may be 100 μm or more, 150 μm or more, 200 μm or more, 250 μm or more, 300 μm or more, or 350 μm or more. The upper limit of the distance between the substrate 2 and the particle trapping film 3 is not limited by the performance of the particle trapping device 1. Considering the practicality of the particle trapping device 1 (the amount of dispersion medium used, the size of the microscope used for observation, etc.), the distance between the substrate 2 and the particle trapping film 3 is preferably 5 mm or less.

[0035] <Support 4> The support 4 supports the particle trapping film 3 under tension so that the particle trapping film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle trapping film 3 and the substrate 2. The particle trapping film 3 being parallel to the substrate 2 includes the particle trapping film 3 being substantially parallel to the substrate 2, taking into consideration manufacturing variations and dimensional tolerances of the particle trapping device 1.

[0036] The support 4 has a rectangular frame shape. The shape of the support 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape capable of supporting the particle-trapping film 3. For example, the material of the support 4 can be the same resin as that of the substrate 2. The space 10 between the particle-trapping film 3 and the substrate 2 serves as a flow path 10 through which the dispersion medium of the particles flows. The space 10 is filled with the dispersion medium (liquid).

[0037] <Fitting structure 5> The engagement structure 5 engages the substrate 2 with the support 4 so that the tension is applied to the particle-trapping film 3. The engagement structure 5 includes a protrusion 21 and a recess 22 that engage with each other. The engagement structure 5 is provided between the substrate 2 and the support 4.

[0038] The protrusion 21 is provided on the substrate 2. The protrusion 21 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the substrate 2. For example, the protrusion 21 is integrally formed with the substrate 2 using the same material. The recess 22 is provided on the inside of the lower part of the support 4. For example, the protrusion 21 is press-fitted together with the particle-trapping film 3 into the recess 22 of the support 4. This makes it possible to support the particle-trapping film 3 with the above-mentioned tension applied to the particle-trapping film 3.

[0039] <Method of Manufacturing Particle Trapping Device 1> The method for manufacturing the particle trapping device 1 includes a preliminary step of preparing the substrate 2, the particle trapping film 3, and the support 4, and a tensioning step of applying tension to the particle trapping film 3.

[0040] From the viewpoint of forming a capture portion 15 large enough to capture a single particle and a communicating hole 13 large enough to allow the dispersion medium to move, the material of the particle capture device 1 is preferably one polymerized using a curable resin composition (hereinafter also referred to as a "photosensitive resin composition") that is easy to micro-machine.

[0041] The curable resin composition has a property of being crosslinked and cured by irradiation with active energy rays such as ultraviolet rays, and is preferably used for negative-type photoresists, negative-type dry film resists, micro resin moldings having fine structures, etc. Hereinafter, a cured product obtained by curing the curable resin composition into a desired shape by a photolithography method is also referred to as a resin pattern.

[0042] When the curable resin composition is used for applications such as micro resin molding, the curable resin composition is first applied to the surface of a substrate on which a resin pattern is to be formed, and the solvent component contained in the curable resin composition is volatilized to produce a resin film. Next, a photomask having a shape of the pattern to be formed is placed on the surface of the resin film, and active energy rays such as ultraviolet rays are irradiated. After that, a development process and a post-baking process as necessary are performed, and a resin pattern is formed on the surface of the substrate. This resin pattern can be used in the particle capture device 1 of this embodiment.

[0043] Examples of such curable resin compositions that can be used include photocurable compositions that contain an epoxy-functional novolac resin, a cationic photopolymerization initiator such as a triarylsulfonium salt, and a diluent capable of reacting with an epoxy functional group, and that become a resin that is difficult to peel off when completely cured; and photocurable compositions that contain a polyfunctional bisphenol A formaldehyde-novolac resin, triphenylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate as an acid generator, and PGMEA as a solvent, and that become a resin capable of forming a thick film. These are resin compositions that are generally used in micro resin molding.

[0044] Furthermore, by preparing a curable resin composition by combining an epoxy resin with a specific acid generator and using this curable resin composition to form a resin pattern, it is possible to form a resin pattern that is highly sensitive, has small volumetric shrinkage during heat curing, and has a shape with a high aspect ratio. In addition, it will be naturally understood by those skilled in the art that the details of the curable resin composition can be implemented based on methods known to those skilled in the art, as described in JP-A-2008-180877, JP-A-2011-111588, and the like.

[0045] <Preliminary process> The preliminary steps include a particle-trapping film preparation step, a substrate preparation step, and a support preparation step. The particle-trapping film preparation process includes a first layer formation step of forming a first layer 11 and a second layer formation step of forming a second layer 12.

[0046] In the first layer formation step, a dissolvable base film 32 is formed on a support plate 31 (see FIG. 6A). Next, a first curable resin composition is applied onto the base film 32 to form a first curable resin film 33 (see FIG. 6B). Next, the first curable resin film 33 is exposed to light and then developed to form a first layer 11 having a pattern of communicating holes 13 (see FIG. 6C). In the first layer forming step, the first curable resin film 33 may be formed by directly applying the first curable resin composition onto the support plate 31 without forming the undercoat film 32 thereon.

[0047] For example, the support plate 31 may be a silicon wafer, a substrate made of a metal such as copper, chromium, iron, or aluminum, or a glass substrate. The first curable resin composition may be the above-mentioned photosensitive resin composition.

[0048] For example, the base film 32 may be made of polyvinyl alcohol resin, dextrin, gelatin, glue, casein, shellac, gum arabic, starch, protein, polyacrylic acid amide, sodium polyacrylate, polyvinyl methyl ether, styrene-based elastomer, copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, copolymer of vinyl acetate and itaconic acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, acetyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, or the like. These materials may be a combination of a plurality of materials soluble in the same type of liquid. For example, the material of the base film 32 may contain a rubber component such as mannan, xanthan gum, or guar gum from the viewpoint of the strength and flexibility of the base film 32.

[0049] The method for patterning the through holes 13 is not limited to exposure and development, and may also be an imprint method or a method using a directed self-assembly (DSA) technique. The method for hardening the first hardening resin film 33 does not have to be exposure, and any known method may be used.

[0050] In the second layer forming step, a second curable resin composition is applied onto the first layer 11 to form a second curable resin film 34 (see FIG. 6D). Next, the second curable resin film 34 is exposed to light and then developed to form a second layer 12 having a pattern of through-holes 14 (capture portions 15) (see FIG. 6E).

[0051] The second curable resin composition may be the above-mentioned photosensitive resin composition. The method for patterning the capture portion 15 is not limited to exposure and development, and may also be an imprint method or a method using a directed self-assembly (DSA) technique. In addition, the method for curing the second curable resin composition does not have to be exposure, and any known method may be used.

[0052] After the second layer forming step, the base film 32 is dissolved, and the first layer 11 is peeled off from the support plate 31 . For example, the support plate 31 is immersed in a release agent to dissolve the base film 32 and peel the first layer 11 from the support plate 31. This results in the particle-trapping film 3 (see FIG. 6F). Note that the support plate 31 itself may be dissolved after the second layer forming step. Before peeling the first layer 11 from the support plate 31, the support 4 may be bonded to the particle-trapping film 3.

[0053] In the substrate preparation step, the protrusions 21 capable of fitting into the recesses 22 of the support 4 are formed on the substrate 2. For example, in the substrate preparation step, the protrusions 21 are formed on the substrate 2 by injection molding.

[0054] In the substrate preparation step, pillars 25 may be formed on substrate 2. For example, in the substrate preparation step, pillars 25 are formed on substrate 2 by injection molding. Note that the pillar pattern may be formed in the same step as that for forming protrusions 21. Formation of pillar pattern 22 is optional, and this step may not be necessary.

[0055] In the support fabrication step, a recess 22 that fits into the protrusion 21 of the substrate 2 is formed in a portion of the support 4 that faces the substrate 2 (the lower portion of the support 4). For example, in the support fabrication step, the recess 22 is formed by injection molding on the inside (the lower inner portion of the support 4) of the surface of the support 4 that faces the substrate 2 (the lower surface of the support 4).

[0056] <Tensioning process> In the tension applying step, tension is applied to the particle-trapping film 3 so that the particle-trapping film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle-trapping film 3 and the substrate 2 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). Although the deflection of the particle-trapping film 3 before the tension applying step is shown in an exaggerated manner in FIG. 7A, this is not limiting. The particle-trapping film 3 does not have to have any deflection before the tension applying step.

[0057] In the tension applying step, the substrate 2 and the support 4 are fitted together so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping film 3. For example, the tension applying step includes a film bonding step (see FIG. 7A) of bonding the particle trapping film 3 to the support 4, and a fitting step of fitting the support 4 to which the particle trapping film 3 is bonded, into the substrate 2 after the film bonding step. Specifically, in the fitting step, a protrusion 21 provided on the substrate 2 is fitted into a recess 22 provided on the support 4 to which the particle trapping film 3 is bonded (see FIG. 7B). For example, by pressing the protrusion 21 together with the particle trapping film 3 into the recess 22 of the support 4, the particle trapping film 3 can be supported in a state in which the tension is applied to the particle trapping film 3. This makes it possible to bond the substrate 2, the particle-trapping film 3 and the support 4 while applying the tension to the particle-trapping film 3. For example, the curable resin composition may be used as an adhesive.

[0058] <Particle capture method> In an embodiment, the present invention provides a particle trapping method that prepares a substrate 2, a particle trapping film 3 capable of trapping particles, and a support 4 that supports the particle trapping film 3, and applies tension to the particle trapping film 3 so that the particle trapping film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle trapping film 3 and the substrate 2. The particle trapping method of the embodiment can be described as a method that includes a preliminary step of preparing the substrate 2, the particle trapping film 3, and the support 4, and a tensioning step of applying tension to the particle trapping film 3, or a manufacturing method for a particle trapping device 1 that includes the preliminary step and the tensioning step.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, the particle capture device 1 includes a substrate 2, a particle capture film 3 capable of capturing particles, and a support 4 that supports the particle capture film 3 while applying tension to the particle capture film 3 so that the particle capture film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle capture film 3 and the substrate 2, thereby achieving the following effects. According to this configuration, tension is applied to the particle trapping film 3 so that the particle trapping film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle trapping film 3 and the substrate 2, so that bending of the particle trapping film 3 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deviation of focus when observing the trapped particles. In addition, when there is no support structure for preventing bending, it is possible to make the effective area for trapping particles as large as possible. In addition, it is possible to suppress particles from being placed on the support structure. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility of particles being erroneously recognized during image analysis.

[0060] In the above-described particle trapping device 1, the fitting structure 5 that fits the substrate 2 and the support 4 together so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping film 3 provides the following effects. According to this configuration, the particle trapping film 3 can be prevented from bending with a simple configuration that utilizes the fitting structure 5.

[0061] In the above-described particle capturing device 1, the fitting structure 5 includes the convex portion 21 provided on the substrate 2 and the concave portion 22 provided on the support 4 and fitted into the convex portion 21, thereby achieving the following effects. This configuration makes it possible to suppress bending of the particle capture film 3 with a simple configuration that utilizes the convex portions 21 and the concave portions 22. In addition, compared to a case in which the engagement structure 5 includes the convex portions 21 provided on the support 4 and the concave portions 22 provided on the substrate 2, the particle capture device 1 is easier to fabricate.

[0062] In the above-mentioned particle capture device 1, the particle capture film 3 has a capture section 15 large enough to capture a single particle, and a communication hole 13 large enough that a single particle cannot pass through and connecting the capture section 15 to the space 10, thereby achieving the following effects. According to this configuration, it is possible to allow the dispersion liquid of particles to flow through the communication hole 13 while trapping part 15 traps a single particle.

[0063] In the above-mentioned particle capture device 1, the particle capture film 3 has a first layer 11 having a communicating hole 13 and a second layer 12 having a through hole 14 connected to the communicating hole 13 and having the same size as the outer shape of the capture portion 15, thereby achieving the following effects. According to this configuration, particle capture device 1 is easier to fabricate than when capture portion 15 and communication hole 13 are provided in a single layer.

[0064] In the above-described particle trapping device 1, the space 10 is filled with liquid, which provides the following effects. According to this configuration, even when the particle capture film 3 is immersed in liquid, the tension is applied to the particle capture film 3, so that bending of the particle capture film 3 due to swelling of the particle capture film 3, the weight of the liquid, the effects of surface tension, and the like can be suppressed.

[0065] <First Modification> Next, a first modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B. The first modified example differs from the embodiment in particular in the configuration for applying tension to the particle-trapping film 3. In Figures 8, 9A and 9B, the same configurations as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device 101 according to a first modified example of the embodiment. FIG 8 is a view corresponding to FIG 4.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, the particle capture device 101 includes an expansion member 120 that is coupled to the support 4 so that tension is applied to the particle capture film 3, and expands the support 4 by being pressed in. The expansion member 120 is attached to the inside of the support 4. The expansion member 120 expands the support 4 from the inner surface. The expansion member 120 supports the support 4 from the inside. The lower outer surface of the expansion member 120 is inclined so that the upper end is located outward and the lower end is located inward. The inner surface of the support 4 of the first modified example is inclined so that the upper end is located outward and the lower end is located inward. Note that, as long as the expansion member 120 can be pressed in, the outer surface of the expansion member 120 does not need to be inclined, and the inner surface of the support 4 does not need to be inclined. The inner shape of the support 4 of the first modified example is smaller than that of the expansion member 120 before the expansion member 120 is attached (see FIG. 9A). The support 4 of the first modified example is connected to the substrate 2 by a connecting member (not shown) so that a space 10 is formed between the particle-trapping film 3 and the substrate 2.

[0067] In the first modified example, in the tension applying step, tension is applied to the particle-trapping film 3 so that the particle-trapping film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle-trapping film 3 and the substrate 2. Although the deflection of the particle-trapping film 3 before the tension applying step is shown in an exaggerated manner in Fig. 9A, this is not limiting. The particle-trapping film 3 does not have to have a deflection before the tension applying step.

[0068] In the tension applying step, the support 4 to which the particle-trapping film 3 is bonded is expanded by press-fitting the expansion member 120 into the support 4 to which the particle-trapping film 3 is bonded, so that the tension is applied to the particle-trapping film 3. Specifically, the expansion member 120 is press-fitted into the support 4, so that the outer surface of the expansion member 120 is bonded to the inner surface of the support 4 (see FIG. 9B). For example, the curable resin composition may be used as an adhesive.

[0069] According to this modification, the particle trapping device 101 includes the expansion member 120 that expands the support 4 so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping film 3, thereby achieving the following effects. According to this configuration, with a simple structure that utilizes the expansion member 120, it is possible to prevent the particle trapping film 3 from sagging.

[0070] <Second Modification> Next, a first modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B. The second modified example differs from the embodiment in particular in the configuration for applying tension to the particle-trapping film 3. In Figures 10, 11A and 11B, the same configurations as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device 201 according to a second modified example of the embodiment. FIG 10 is a view corresponding to FIG 4.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 10, the particle capture device 201 includes a membrane expansion member 220 that is coupled to the support 4 so that tension is applied to the particle capture membrane 3, and expands the particle capture membrane 3 by pressing in. The membrane expansion member 220 is attached to the inside of the support 4. The membrane expansion member 220 expands the particle capture membrane 3 from the inner surface. The membrane expansion member 220 supports the support 4 from the inside. The cross-sectional shape of the membrane expansion member 220 is L-shaped. Note that as long as it is possible to support the support 4 from the inside, the cross-sectional shape of the membrane expansion member 220 does not have to be L-shaped.

[0072] The lower outer surface of the membrane expansion member 220 has an outer shape capable of expanding the particle capture membrane 3. The inner shape of the support 4 in the second modified example is smaller than that of the membrane expansion member 220 before the membrane expansion member 220 is attached (see FIG. 11A). Note that, as long as the membrane expansion member 220 can be supported, the inner shape of the support 4 may be smaller than that of the membrane expansion member 220. Also, as long as the particle capture membrane 3 can be expanded, the inner shape of the support 4 does not have to be smaller than that of the membrane expansion member 220.

[0073] The height of the support 4 in the second modified example is lower than the height of the lower outer surface of the membrane expansion member 220. The support 4 in the second modified example is connected to the substrate 2 by a connecting member (not shown) so that a space 10 is formed between the particle capture membrane 3 and the substrate 2.

[0074] In the second modified example, in the tension applying step, tension is applied to the particle-trapping film 3 so that the particle-trapping film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle-trapping film 3 and the substrate 2. Although the deflection of the particle-trapping film 3 before the tension applying step is shown in an exaggerated manner in Fig. 11A, this is not limiting. The particle-trapping film 3 does not have to have a deflection before the tension applying step.

[0075] In the tension application step, the particle-trapping film 3 is expanded by pressing a membrane expansion member 220 into the support 4 to which the particle-trapping film 3 is bonded so that the tension is applied to the particle-trapping film 3. Specifically, the membrane expansion member 220 is pressed into the support 4 to bond the outer surface of the membrane expansion member 220 to the inner surface of the support 4 (see FIG. 11B). In a second modified example, the lower end of the membrane expansion member 220 is caused to protrude downward below the lower surface of the support 4 (see FIG. 11B). For example, the curable resin composition may be used as an adhesive.

[0076] According to this modification, the particle trapping device 201 is provided with the membrane expansion member 220 that expands the particle trapping membrane 3 so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping membrane 3, thereby achieving the following effects. According to this configuration, with a simple configuration that utilizes the membrane expansion member 220, it is possible to prevent the particle trapping membrane 3 from sagging.

[0077] <Third Modification> Next, a third modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B. The third modified example differs from the embodiment in particular in the configuration for applying tension to the particle-trapping film 3. In Figures 12, 13A and 13B, the same configurations as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device 301 according to a third modified example of the embodiment. FIG 12 is a view corresponding to FIG 4.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 12, a particle capture device 301 includes an inclined support member 320 that supports the support 4 in a state inclined with respect to the substrate 2 so that tension is applied to the particle capture film 3. The inner surface of the inclined support member 320 is inclined with respect to a vertical line (a line perpendicular to one surface of the substrate 2). The inclined support member 320 supports the support 4 from the outside. The inner surface of the inclined support member 320 is inclined so that the upper end is located inward and the lower end is located outward. The support 4 of the third modified example does not have a recess 22 (see FIG. 4).

[0079] In the third modified example, in the tension applying step, tension is applied to the particle-trapping film 3 so that the particle-trapping film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle-trapping film 3 and the substrate 2. Although the deflection of the particle-trapping film 3 before the tension applying step is shown in an exaggerated manner in Fig. 13A, this is not limiting. The particle-trapping film 3 does not have to have a deflection before the tension applying step.

[0080] In the tension applying step, the support 4 is supported by the tilted support member 320 in a state in which the support 4 is tilted with respect to the substrate 2 so that the tension is applied to the particle-trapping film 3. Specifically, the outer surface of the support 4 is bonded to the inner surface of the tilted support member 320 fixed to the substrate 2 (see FIG. 13B). For example, the curable resin composition may be used as an adhesive.

[0081] According to this modified example, the particle capture device 301 is provided with an inclined support member 320 that supports the support 4 in a state inclined with respect to the substrate 2 so that the tension is applied to the particle capture film 3, thereby achieving the following effects. According to this configuration, the particle trapping film 3 can be prevented from sagging with a simple configuration that utilizes the inclined support member 320.

[0082] <Fourth modified example> Next, a fourth modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14, 15A, and 15B. The fourth modified example differs from the embodiment in particular in the configuration for applying tension to the particle-trapping film 3. In Figures 14, 15A and 15B, the same configurations as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device 401 according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG 14 is a view corresponding to FIG 4.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 14, the particle capture device 401 includes a liquid-absorbent swelling member 420 that is connected to the support 4 so that tension is applied to the particle capture film 3, and that increases in volume by absorbing liquid. The liquid-absorbent swelling member 420 is attached to a recess 422 on the lower outer side of the support 4. For example, the material of the liquid-absorbent swelling member 420 may be water-swelling rubber, polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. The material of the liquid-absorbent swelling member 420 is not particularly limited, and various materials may be used as long as they have the property of increasing in volume by absorbing liquid. The support 4 of the fourth modified example is connected to the substrate 2 by a connecting member (not shown) so that a space 10 is formed between the particle capture film 3 and the substrate 2.

[0084] In the fourth modified example, in the tension applying step, the liquid-absorbent swelling member 420 is made to absorb liquid, thereby increasing the volume of the liquid-absorbent swelling member 420, so that the particle-trapping film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle-trapping film 3 and the substrate 2. In FIG. 15A, the deflection of the particle-trapping film 3 before the tension applying step is shown in an exaggerated manner, but this is not limited to this. Before the tension applying step, the particle-trapping film 3 does not have to have a deflection. Before the tension applying step, the liquid-absorbent swelling member 420 enters a recess 422 on the lower outer side of the support 4.

[0085] In the tension applying step, the volume of liquid-absorbent swelling member 420 is increased by making liquid absorbent swelling member 420 absorb liquid so that the tension is applied to particle-trapping membrane 3. Specifically, liquid is absorbed into liquid-absorbent swelling member 420, causing liquid-absorbent swelling member 420 to bulge out of recess 422 on the outside of the lower part of support 4 (see FIG. 15B).

[0086] According to this modified example, the particle capture device 401 is provided with a liquid-absorbent swelling member 420 that is connected to the support 4 so that the tension is applied to the particle capture membrane 3, and that increases in volume by absorbing liquid, thereby achieving the following effects. According to this configuration, with a simple structure that utilizes the liquid-absorbent swelling member 420, it is possible to prevent the particle-trapping membrane 3 from sagging.

[0087] <Fifth Modification> Next, a fifth modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17A, and 17B. The fifth modified example differs from the embodiment in particular in the configuration for applying tension to the particle-trapping film 3. In Figures 16, 17A and 17B, the same configurations as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a particle capturing device 501 according to a fifth modified example of the embodiment. FIG 16 is a view corresponding to FIG 4.

[0088] 16, a particle trapping device 501 includes an engagement structure 505 that engages a substrate 2 with a support 4 so that tension is applied to a particle trapping film 3. The engagement structure 505 includes a curved convex portion 521 and a curved concave portion 522 that engage with each other. The engagement structure 505 is provided between the substrate 2 (convex portion 21 provided on the substrate 2) and the support 4.

[0089] The curved convex portion 521 is provided on the convex portion 21 of the substrate 2. The curved convex portion 521 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the convex portion 21. The curved convex portion 521 has an upwardly convex curved shape. For example, the curved convex portion 521 and the convex portion 21 are integrally formed from the same member. The curved recess 522 is provided on the lower surface of the support 4. The curved recess 522 has a curved shape that fits along the curved protrusion 521.

[0090] In the fifth modified example, in the tension applying step, tension is applied to the particle-trapping film 3 so that the particle-trapping film 3 is parallel to the substrate 2 and a space 10 is formed between the particle-trapping film 3 and the substrate 2. Although the deflection of the particle-trapping film 3 before the tension applying step is shown in an exaggerated manner in Fig. 17A, this is not limiting. The particle-trapping film 3 does not have to have a deflection before the tension applying step.

[0091] In the tension applying step, the protrusion 21 and the support 4 are fitted together so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping film 3. Specifically, the curved recess 522 provided on the support 4 is fitted together with the particle trapping film 3 into the curved protrusion 521 provided on the protrusion 21 (see FIG. 17B). For example, the curved protrusion 521 together with the particle trapping film 3 can be pressed into the curved recess 522 of the support 4, thereby supporting the particle trapping film 3 in a state in which the tension is applied to the particle trapping film 3. This makes it possible to join the protrusion 21, the particle trapping film 3, and the support 4 together in a state in which the tension is applied to the particle trapping film 3. For example, the curable resin composition may be used as an adhesive.

[0092] According to this modified example, in the particle capture device 501, the engagement structure 505 has a curved convex portion 521 provided on the convex portion 21 of the substrate 2 and a curved concave portion 522 provided on the support 4 and engaging with the curved convex portion 521, thereby achieving the following effects. According to this configuration, with a simple configuration that utilizes the curved convex portion 521 and the curved concave portion 522, it is possible to prevent the particle trapping film 3 from bending.

[0093] <Other Modifications> The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above examples are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc. For example, in the above embodiment, the fitting structure includes a convex portion provided on the substrate 2 and a concave portion provided on the support 4 to fit into the convex portion, but is not limited thereto. For example, the fitting structure may include a convex portion provided on the support 4 and a concave portion provided on the substrate 2.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the particle trapping film 3 includes a first layer 11 having communication holes 13 and a second layer 12 having a through-hole 14 that communicates with the communication holes 13 and has the same size as the outer shape of the trapping portion 15, but is not limited to this. For example, the particle trapping film 3 may be a single layer having the trapping portion 15 and the communication holes 13.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the space 10 is filled with liquid, but this is not limiting. For example, the space 10 does not have to be filled with liquid.

[0096] In addition, the components described above as embodiments or variations thereof may be combined as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and some of the multiple combined components may not be used as appropriate. EXAMPLES

[0097] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0098] [Example] (Production of particle capture membranes) "Through-hole patterning" The undercoat agent was applied onto a silicon substrate using a spin coater (1500 rpm, 20 seconds), and the substrate was prebaked on a hot plate at 90° C. for 1 minute and at 150° C. for 1 minute to form an undercoat film.

[0099] A photosensitive resin composition (see JP 2008-180877 A and JP 2011-111588 A) was applied onto the undercoat film using a spin coater (1500 rpm, 20 seconds) and prebaked on a hot plate at 60°C for 2 minutes. Then, a pattern exposure (GHI line, 150 mJ) was performed using an i-line stepper (model "NSR-2205i14E", manufactured by Nikon), and post-exposure heating was performed on a hot plate at 90°C for 3 minutes. Then, a development process was performed for 30 seconds by immersion using propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA). Next, the developed resin pattern was post-baked together with the substrate in an oven at 120°C for 1 minute to obtain a cylindrical resin pattern with a diameter of 2 μm.

[0100] <<Recess Patterning>> The photosensitive resin composition was applied onto the resin pattern with the through holes obtained above using a spin coater (1100 rpm, 60 seconds), and prebaked on a hot plate at 60°C for 2 minutes and at 120°C for 3 minutes. Then, a pattern exposure (GHI line, 60 mJ) was performed using an i-line stepper (model "NSR-2205i14E", manufactured by Nikon), and post-exposure heating was performed on a hot plate at 120°C for 3 minutes. Then, development processing was performed for 2 minutes by immersion using PGMEA. Next, the developed resin pattern was post-baked together with the substrate in an oven at 180°C for 15 minutes to obtain a recess pattern. The recesses were regular hexagons with a distance between opposite sides of 25 μm.

[0101] (Peeling of particle trapping film) The particle trapping film having the recess pattern obtained above was immersed in a release agent to dissolve the base film, thereby peeling off the particle trapping film having the recess pattern formed on the communicating hole resin pattern from the silicon substrate.

[0102] (Substrate manufacturing) The substrate was made of a thermoplastic resin and formed by injection molding.

[0103] (Manufacture of support) The support was formed by stereolithography using a photocurable resin, and was tilted so that the upper end of the inner surface of the support was positioned outward and the lower end of the inner surface of the support was positioned inward.

[0104] (Manufacturing of expansion members) The extension member was formed by stereolithography using a photocurable resin. The extension member was inclined so that the upper end of the outer surface of the lower part of the extension member was located outward and the lower end of the inner surface of the support was located inward. The outer shape of the lower part of the extension member was made larger than the inner shape of the support.

[0105] (Joining of particle capture film and substrate) A support was bonded to the particle trapping film obtained above with an adhesive so that the surface on which the recesses were open was the upper surface. An expansion member was pressed into the support to which the particle trapping film was bonded, thereby expanding the support supporting the particle trapping film. In this way, the particle trapping film was supported by the support while being subjected to tension. The support was connected to the substrate using a curable resin composition so that the surface opposite to the surface on which the recesses were open (the other surface) faced the substrate, and a space was formed between the particle trapping film and the substrate. In this way, a particle trapping device of the embodiment having the shape shown in FIG. 8 (shape of the first modified example) was obtained.

[0106] [Comparative Example] A comparative particle trapping device was produced in the same manner as in the example, except that an expansion member was press-fitted into the support to which the particle trapping membrane was bonded. The comparative particle trapping device did not have an expansion member.

[0107] (Joining of particle capture film and substrate) A support was bonded to the particle-trapping film obtained above with an adhesive so that the surface on which the recesses were open was the upper surface. The support was connected to the substrate using a curable resin composition so that the surface opposite to the surface on which the recesses were open (the other surface) faced the substrate and a space was formed between the particle-trapping film and the substrate. This resulted in a comparative particle trapping device.

[0108] [Experimental Example] Phosphate buffered saline was added to each of the particle capture devices of the examples and comparative examples, and the upper part of the particle capture film and the flow path between the particle capture film and the substrate were filled by sucking through the suction part. Next, an inverted microscope (Keyence, BZ-9000) was used with a phase contrast objective lens with a magnification of 20 times to focus on the center of the particle capture device and capture an image. After that, an image of the edge of the particle capture device was captured without correcting the focus.

[0109] 18A and 18B are photographs showing the results of microscopic observation of the particle capture device of the embodiment. Fig. 18A is a photograph of the center of the particle capture device. Fig. 18B is a photograph of the edge of the particle capture device. 19A and 19B are photographs showing the results of microscopic observation of a comparative example of a particle capture device, where Fig. 19A is a photograph of the center of the particle capture device, and Fig. 19B is a photograph of the edge of the particle capture device.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, in the comparative particle trapping device, when an image of the edge was captured after the focus was set on the center, the focus shifted due to the effect of bending of the particle trapping film. In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 19B, it was confirmed that in the particle trapping device of the embodiment, bending of the particle trapping film can be suppressed, and deviation of focus can be suppressed.

[0111] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the attached claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1,101,201,301,401,501...particle capture device, 2...substrate, 3...particle capture membrane, 4...support, 5...engagement structure, 10...flow path (space), 11...first layer, 12...second layer, 13...communicating hole, 14...through hole, 15...recess (capturing portion), 21...projection, 22...recess, 120...expansion member, 220...membrane expansion member, 320...inclined support member, 420...liquid-absorbent swelling member, B...particle

Claims

1. A substrate; A particle capture film capable of capturing particles; a support that supports the particle trapping film while applying tension to the particle trapping film so that the particle trapping film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle trapping film and the substrate, The tensioner further includes an expansion member that expands the support so that the tension is applied to the particle-trapping film. Particle capture device.

2. A substrate; A particle capture film capable of capturing particles; a support that supports the particle trapping film while applying tension to the particle trapping film so that the particle trapping film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle trapping film and the substrate, the particle trapping film is provided with an inclined support member that supports the support in a state in which the support is inclined with respect to the substrate so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping film. Particle capture device.

3. A substrate; A particle capture film capable of capturing particles; a support that supports the particle trapping film while applying tension to the particle trapping film so that the particle trapping film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle trapping film and the substrate, a liquid-absorbing swelling member that is connected to the support so that the tension is applied to the particle-trapping membrane and that increases in volume by absorbing liquid. Particle capture device.

4. The particle trapping membrane is A capture part having a size capable of capturing one of the particles; The trapping portion has a size that does not allow a single particle to pass through, and has a communication hole that communicates between the trapping portion and the space. A particle capture device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The particle trapping membrane is A first layer having the communicating holes; a second layer having a through hole communicating with the communication hole and having the same size as the outer shape of the capture portion; The particle capture device of claim 4 .

6. The space is filled with liquid. A particle capture device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A substrate; A particle capture film capable of capturing particles; A support for supporting the particle capture membrane is provided; applying tension to the particle trapping film so that the particle trapping film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle trapping film and the substrate; The tensioner further includes an expansion member that expands the support so that the tension is applied to the particle-trapping film. Particle capture method.

8. A substrate; A particle capture film capable of capturing particles; A support for supporting the particle capture membrane is provided; applying tension to the particle trapping film so that the particle trapping film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle trapping film and the substrate; the particle trapping film is provided with an inclined support member that supports the support in a state in which the support is inclined with respect to the substrate so that the tension is applied to the particle trapping film. Particle capture method.

9. A substrate; A particle capture film capable of capturing particles; A support for supporting the particle capture membrane is provided; applying tension to the particle trapping film so that the particle trapping film is parallel to the substrate and a space is formed between the particle trapping film and the substrate; a liquid-absorbing swelling member that is connected to the support so that the tension is applied to the particle-trapping membrane and that increases in volume by absorbing liquid. Particle capture method.

Images