Liquid handling device and liquid handling system

Abstract

To provide a liquid handling device capable of suppressing fluctuation of the flow rate of fluid caused by a pump.SOLUTION: A liquid handling device includes: a first flow channel configured to channel liquid from an upstream part, including a pump, toward a downstream part; and a plurality of dampers each connected to the first flow channel and configured to suppress fluctuation in the flow rate of liquid flowing in the first flow channel caused by the pump by changing the volume of internal gas according to the pressure of liquid in the first flow channel. Among the plurality of dampers, the volume of an upstream side damper of two dampers adjacent to each other is less than or equal to the volume of a downstream side damper. The volume of the most upstream side damper of the plurality of dampers is smaller than the volume of the most downstream side damper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid handling device and a liquid handling system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, liquid handling devices (e.g., microfluidic chips) have been used to perform high-precision and high-speed analysis of nucleic acids, proteins, cells, etc. The liquid handling device has an advantage that the amount of reagents and samples required for analysis can be small, and it is expected to be used in various applications such as clinical tests, food tests, and environmental tests. As an example of such a liquid handling device, a liquid handling device capable of sorting and collecting minute droplets containing nucleic acids, proteins, etc., and particles such as cells is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When sorting and collecting particles using a liquid handling device as described in Patent Document 1, in order to flow a liquid containing particles in a flow path, it is common to connect a pump capable of metering liquid delivery such as a peristaltic pump. However, due to its structure, in many such metering liquid delivery pumps, even though the average flow rate is constant, the flow rate per unit time periodically changes. Such a periodic change in the flow rate is also referred to as "pulsation".

[0005] On the other hand, in order to perform high-precision sorting and collection of particles using a liquid handling device as described in Patent Document 1, it is preferable to suppress the pulsation and stabilize the flow rate in the flow path.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid handling apparatus and a liquid handling system capable of reducing fluctuations in the flow rate of a liquid caused by a pump.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The liquid handling apparatus according to the present invention includes a first flow path configured to flow the liquid sent from an upstream portion including a pump toward a downstream portion, and a plurality of dampers each connected to the first flow path and configured to reduce fluctuations in the flow rate of the liquid flowing in the first flow path caused by the pump by varying the volume of the gas inside according to the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path. Among the plurality of dampers, the volume of the upstream damper among two adjacent dampers is less than or equal to the volume of the downstream damper, and the volume of the most upstream damper among the plurality of dampers is smaller than the volume of the most downstream damper.

[0008] The liquid handling system according to the present invention includes a pump and the liquid handling apparatus according to the present invention connected to the pump so as to be located downstream of the pump.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid handling apparatus and a liquid handling system capable of reducing fluctuations in the flow rate of a liquid caused by a pump.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a liquid handling system and a liquid handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, a liquid handling system and a liquid handling apparatus that can select and separate specific particles from a large number of particles contained in a liquid will be described.

[0012] (Configuration of Liquid Handling System) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a liquid handling system 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a part of the components of the liquid handling apparatus 200 is shown by a broken line. FIGS. 2A to 2E are diagrams showing the configuration of the liquid handling apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2A is a plan view, FIG. 2B is a bottom view, FIG. 2C is a bottom view (bottom view of the substrate 202) in a state where the film 204 is removed, FIG. 2D is a front view, and FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of FIG. 2C.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid handling system 100 includes a liquid handling apparatus 200, an introduction unit 300, a pump 400, a sorting unit 500, a first recovery unit 600, and a second recovery unit 700. In the present embodiment, between the introduction unit 300 and the pump 400, between the pump 400 and the inlet 210 of the liquid handling apparatus 200, between the first recovery port 270 of the liquid handling apparatus 200 and the first recovery unit 600, and between the second recovery port 280 of the liquid handling apparatus 200 and the second recovery unit 700, they are connected by tubes 800, respectively.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid handling apparatus 200 is connected to the pump 400 so as to be located downstream of the pump 400. In the present embodiment, the liquid handling apparatus 200 is disposed downstream of the introduction unit 300 and the pump 400 and upstream of the first recovery unit 600 and the second recovery unit 700. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, the liquid handling apparatus 200 includes an inlet 210, a first flow path 220, a plurality of dampers 230a to 230d, a branch portion 240, a second flow path 250, a third flow path 260, a first recovery port 270, and a second recovery port 280. In the present embodiment, the liquid handling apparatus 200 is composed of a substrate 202 and a film 204 joined to the back surface of the substrate 202.

[0015] On the substrate 202, a plurality of grooves for forming the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, or the third flow path 260, a plurality of recesses for forming the dampers 230a to d, and a plurality of through holes for forming the inlet 210, the first recovery port 270, or the second recovery port 280 are formed. The plurality of grooves and recesses open to the back side of the substrate 202. The plurality of through holes open to the front side and the back side of the substrate 202. On the front side of the substrate 202, cylindrical protrusions protrude around the openings of the through holes for forming the inlet 210, the first recovery port 270, or the second recovery port 280. These protrusions function as connection parts of the tube 800. The film 204 is joined to the back surface of the substrate 202 so as to close the openings of the grooves, recesses, and through holes. The grooves of the substrate 202 closed by the film 204 become the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 for flowing a liquid containing particles, for example. Further, the recesses of the substrate 202 closed by the film 204 become the dampers 230a to d. Furthermore, the through holes of the substrate 202 with one opening closed by the film 204 become the inlet 210, the first recovery port 270, or the second recovery port 280.

[0016] The thickness of the substrate 202 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Here, the "thickness of the substrate 202" means the thickness of the portion of the substrate 202 where the grooves, recesses, through holes, and protrusions are not formed. Also, the material contained in the substrate 202 is not particularly limited. The material contained in the substrate 202 can be appropriately selected from, for example, known resins and glass. Examples of the material contained in the substrate 202 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin resin, silicone resin, and elastomer.

[0017] The thickness of the film 204 is not particularly limited and is, for example, 30 μm or more and 300 μm or less. Also, the material contained in the film 204 is not particularly limited. The material contained in the film 204 can be appropriately selected from known resins, for example. Examples of the material contained in the film 204 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin-based resin, silicone resin, and elastomer. The film 204 is joined to the substrate 202 by, for example, thermal welding, laser welding, an adhesive, or the like.

[0018] The inlet 210 is an opening for introducing a liquid into the first flow path 220, which is connected to the upstream end of the first flow path 220. In the present embodiment, the inlet 210 is connected to the pump 400 via the tube 800. As will be described later, the pump 400 is connected to the introduction unit 300 via the tube 800. Therefore, by driving the pump 400, the liquid in the introduction unit 300 is introduced from the inlet 210 into the first flow path 220. The configuration of the inlet 210 is not particularly limited as long as it can be appropriately connected to the pump 400. In the present embodiment, the inlet 210 is composed of a through-hole formed in the substrate 202, a film 204 that closes the opening on the back side of the through-hole, and the cylindrical protrusion, and is shaped to hold the end of the tube 800.

[0019] The first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 are flow paths through which liquid can move inside, and are configured to flow the liquid sent from the upstream portion including the pump 400 toward the downstream portion. In the present embodiment, the upstream end of the second flow path 250 and the upstream end of the third flow path 260 are connected to the downstream end of the first flow path 220. That is, the first flow path 220 branches into the second flow path 250 and the third flow path 260 at the branch portion 240. The liquid flowing from upstream to downstream in the first flow path 220 proceeds to the second flow path 250 or the third flow path 260 at the branch portion 240, and flows from upstream to downstream in the second flow path 250 or the third flow path 260. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the sorting unit 500 sorts the particles contained in the liquid flowing in the first flow path 220 at the branch portion 240, causes the sorted particles to proceed to the second flow path 250, and causes the remaining particles to proceed to the third flow path 260.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 are composed of a groove formed in the substrate 202 and a film 204 that closes the opening of the groove. The cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 are not particularly limited. In this specification, the "cross-section of the flow path" means the cross-section of the flow path orthogonal to the direction in which the liquid flows. The cross-sectional shape of the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 is not particularly limited, and for example, it is a substantially rectangular shape with a side length (width and depth) of about several tens of μm. The cross-sectional area of the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 may or may not be constant in the liquid flow direction. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 are constant.

[0021] A plurality of dampers 230a to 230d are respectively connected to the first flow path 220, and are configured to reduce the variation (pulsation) of the flow rate of the liquid flowing in the first flow path 220 caused by the pump 400 by varying the volume of the gas inside according to the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220. In the present embodiment, the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d are each composed of a recess and a groove formed in the substrate 202 and a film 204 that closes the openings of the recess and the groove. The recess blocked by the film 204 becomes a chamber that houses a gas whose volume changes according to the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220. The type of gas is not particularly limited, and is, for example, air. The groove blocked by the film 204 becomes a flow path that connects the first flow path 220 and the chamber. The chamber is open only to the first flow path 220 via the flow path.

[0022] A part of the liquid flowing in the first flow path 220 enters the damper 230 from the connection part between the first flow path 220 and the damper 230. At this time, since the gas in the damper 230 cannot move to the outside, as the liquid enters the damper 230, the gas in the damper 230 is compressed and the pressure of the gas in the damper 230 increases. As a result, the liquid enters the damper 230 until the pressure of the liquid at the connection part and the pressure of the gas in the damper 230 are balanced. Therefore, when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 is high, the amount of liquid entering the damper 230 increases, and when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 is low, the amount of liquid entering the damper 230 decreases (see FIG. 3B). Thereby, even when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 fluctuates periodically, the damper 230 can suppress the variation (pulsation) of the flow rate in the first flow path 220. That is, when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 rises, the damper 230 takes in the liquid in the first flow path 220 to reduce the flow rate in the first flow path 220, and when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 falls, the damper 230 sends the liquid into the first flow path 220 to increase the flow rate in the first flow path 220, thereby suppressing the variation (pulsation) of the flow rate in the first flow path 220.

[0023] In the liquid handling device 200 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of dampers 230a to 230d are connected to different positions of the first flow path 220. The positions of the connection portions of the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d with the first flow path 220 are not particularly limited. For example, the connection portions of the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d with the first flow path 220 may be arranged at equal intervals, or may be arranged at different intervals. In the present embodiment, the connection portions of the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d with the first flow path 220 are arranged at equal intervals.

[0024] Further, the sizes of the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d are adjusted such that the upstream damper 230 is smaller and the downstream damper 230 is larger. More specifically, the volume of the most upstream damper 230a among the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d is smaller than the volume of the most downstream damper 230d. Also, the volume of the upstream damper 230 among two adjacent dampers 230 is less than or equal to the volume of the downstream damper 230. For example, the volume of the second damper 230b located second from the upstream side is the same as or smaller than the volume of the third damper 230c located third from the upstream side. Although the volumes of two adjacent dampers 230 may be the same in this way, it is preferable that the volume of the upstream damper 230 among two adjacent dampers 230 is smaller than the volume of the downstream damper 230. By providing the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d such that the upstream damper 230 is smaller and the downstream damper 230 is larger, fluctuations (pulsations) of the liquid in the first flow path 220 can be efficiently suppressed in a short time.

[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams for explaining how one damper 230' functions.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3A, immediately after starting to flow the liquid through the first flow path 220, the pressure inside the damper 230' is the same as the outside air (for example, 100 kPa). In this state, the damper 230' is not functioning. Here, it is assumed that the pump 400 is pumping the liquid at 150 kPa, and the pressure of the liquid at the connection between the damper 230' and the first flow path 220 is 140 kPa.

[0027] A part of the liquid flowing through the first flow path 220 enters the damper 230'. At this time, the gas inside the damper 230' is compressed, and the pressure of the gas inside the damper 230' increases. Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the liquid continues to enter the damper 230' until the pressure of the liquid at the above connection and the pressure of the gas inside the damper 230 are balanced. In this state, the damper 230' can function for the first time. That is, when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 rises, the damper 230' takes in the liquid in the first flow path 220 to reduce the flow rate in the first flow path 220, and when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 drops, the damper 230' sends the liquid into the first flow path 220 to increase the flow rate in the first flow path 220, thereby suppressing the variation (pulsation) of the flow rate in the first flow path 220.

[0028] Here, from the viewpoint of enhancing the function of suppressing the variation (pulsation) of the flow rate in the first flow path 220, the larger the size of the damper 230' is, the more preferable it is. On the other hand, as can be seen from FIG. 3B, in order to make the large damper 230' function, more liquid needs to flow into the damper 230', so the time required until the damper 230' can function becomes longer. Also, when the damper 230' is composed of a recess formed in the substrate 202 and the film 204, if the damper 230' is large, the film 204 closing the recess of the substrate 202 is likely to bend, and the function of the damper 230' may be impaired. Therefore, in the liquid handling device 200 according to the present embodiment, instead of one large damper 230', a plurality of small dampers 230a to 230d are provided, thereby shortening the time until the function can be exerted and enhancing the function of suppressing the variation (pulsation) of the flow rate.

[0029] Figures 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of a plurality of dampers 230a to 230d. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, a liquid handling device according to a comparative example having a plurality of dampers 230a' to 230d of the same size is shown, and in FIG. 4C, a liquid handling device 200 according to the present embodiment having a plurality of dampers 230a to 230d that are smaller toward the upstream side is shown.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4A, immediately after starting to flow the liquid through the first flow path 220, the pressure in each of the dampers 230a' to 230d is the same as the outside air (for example, 100 kPa). In this state, each of the dampers 230a' to 230d is not functioning. Here, it is assumed that the pump 400 is pumping the liquid at 150 kPa, and the pressures of the liquid at the connection portions between each of the dampers 230a' to 230d and the first flow path 220 are 140 kPa, 130 kPa, 120 kPa, and 110 kPa from the upstream side, respectively.

[0031] A part of the liquid flowing through the first flow path 220 enters into each of the dampers 230a' to 230d. At this time, the gas in each of the dampers 230a' to 230d is compressed, and the pressure of the gas in the damper 230 increases. Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the liquid enters into the damper 230 until the pressure of the liquid at the connection portion and the pressure of the gas in the damper 230 are balanced. In this state, each of the dampers 230a' to 230d can function for the first time. That is, when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 rises, each of the dampers 230a' to 230d takes in the liquid in the first flow path 220 to reduce the flow rate in the first flow path 220, and when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 drops, each of the dampers 230a' to 230d sends the liquid into the first flow path 220 to increase the flow rate in the first flow path 220, thereby suppressing the variation (pulsation) of the liquid in the first flow path 220.

[0032] When the volume of one damper 230' shown in FIG. 3B is the same as the total volume of a plurality of dampers 230a' to 230d' shown in FIG. 4B, the plurality of dampers 230a' to 230d' shown in FIG. 4B can be expected to exhibit the same level of function as the one damper 230' shown in FIG. 3B. On the other hand, since each of the dampers 230a' to 230d' shown in FIG. 4B is significantly smaller than the damper 230' shown in FIG. 3B, it can also be expected that each of the dampers 230a' to 230d' shown in FIG. 4B will function in a short time. Further, even when each of the dampers 230a' to 230d' is constituted by a recess formed in the substrate 202 and the film 204, since each of the dampers 230a' to 230d' is small, the film 204 is less likely to bend. Also, providing a plurality of small dampers 230a' to 230d' instead of providing one large damper 230' increases the design freedom of the liquid handling device 200, and the liquid handling device 200 can also be miniaturized.

[0033] Here, when comparing the most upstream damper 230a' and the most downstream damper 230d' shown in FIG. 4B, it can be seen that the time required for the most upstream damper 230a' to exhibit its function (the time required for the pressure to balance) is longer. Therefore, in the liquid handling device 200 according to the present embodiment, in order to further shorten the time required for the damper to exhibit its function, as shown in FIG. 4C, the sizes of the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d are adjusted so that the upstream damper 230 is smaller and the downstream damper 230 is larger. By doing so, it becomes possible to make the time required for each of the dampers 230a to 230d to exhibit its function closer, and while ensuring a sufficient function to suppress fluctuations (pulsations) in the flow rate as a whole for the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d, it is realized that the time required for the dampers to exhibit their functions is further shortened.

[0034] The total volume of the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set according to, for example, the magnitude of pulsations caused by the pump 400. For example, the total volume of the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d is 30 to 600 μL.

[0035] The number of dampers 230 is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more, but three or more is preferable. In the present embodiment, the number of dampers 230 is four. Further, the shape of the damper 230 is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above volume condition. In the present embodiment, the shape of the damper 230 is a substantially quadrangular prism.

[0036] The first recovery port 270 is an opening for recovering the liquid that has flowed in the second flow path 250 and is connected to the downstream end of the second flow path 250. In the present embodiment, the first recovery port 270 is connected to the first recovery unit 600 via a tube 800. Therefore, the liquid that has flowed in the second flow path 250 is recovered by the first recovery unit 600. The configuration of the first recovery port 270 is not particularly limited as long as it can be appropriately connected to the first recovery unit 600. In the present embodiment, the first recovery port 270 is composed of a through hole formed in the substrate 202, a film 204 that closes the opening on the back side of the through hole, and the cylindrical protrusion, and is shaped to hold the end of the tube 800.

[0037] The second recovery port 280 is an opening for recovering the liquid that has flowed in the third flow path 260 and is connected to the downstream end of the third flow path 260. In the present embodiment, the second recovery port 280 is connected to the second recovery unit 700 via a tube 800. Therefore, the liquid that has flowed in the third flow path 260 is recovered by the second recovery unit 700. The configuration of the second recovery port 280 is not particularly limited as long as it can be appropriately connected to the second recovery unit 700. In the present embodiment, the second recovery port 280 is composed of a through hole formed in the substrate 202, a film 204 that closes the opening on the back side of the through hole, and the cylindrical protrusion, and is shaped to hold the end of the tube 800.

[0038] As described above, in addition to the liquid handling device 200, the liquid handling system 100 includes an introduction unit 300, a pump 400, a sorting unit 500, a first recovery unit 600, and a second recovery unit 700 (see FIG. 1).

[0039] The introduction unit 300 holds the liquid to be introduced into the liquid handling device 200. The configuration of the introduction unit 300 is not particularly limited. For example, the introduction unit 300 is a container that houses the liquid. In the present embodiment, the introduction unit 300 holds a liquid containing predetermined particles. Examples of the particles include minute droplets containing nucleic acids, proteins, etc., and cells. The type of the dispersion medium in the liquid is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the type of the particles, etc.

[0040] The pump 400 sends the liquid to the first flow path 220 of the liquid handling device 200. In the present embodiment, the pump 400 is connected to the introduction unit 300 and the inlet 210 of the liquid handling device 200 via tubes 800, respectively, sucks the liquid containing the particles in the introduction unit 300, and sends the liquid to the inlet 210. The type of the pump 400 is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit the above function. Since the liquid handling system 100 according to the present embodiment can reduce pulsation, the pump 400 may be a peristaltic pump (also referred to as a tube pump, a roller pump, etc.) that may cause pulsation. In the present embodiment, the pump 400 is a peristaltic pump.

[0041] The sorting unit 500 has a detection unit and an operation unit arranged in the vicinity of the branch unit 240 of the liquid handling device 200, sorts and fractionates the particles contained in the liquid flowing in the first flow path 220 of the liquid handling device 200. More specifically, the detection unit of the sorting unit 500 detects whether the particles that have reached the branch unit 240 are predetermined particles. When the particles detected by the detection unit of the sorting unit 500 are the particles to be fractionated, the operation unit of the sorting unit 500 operates the particles so that the particles proceed to the second flow path 250, and when the particles detected by the detection unit are not the particles to be fractionated, the operation unit of the sorting unit 500 operates the particles so that the particles proceed to the third flow path 260.

[0042] The configuration of the detection unit is not particularly limited as long as it can sort the particles and is appropriately selected according to the type of the particles. For example, when the particles to be sorted emit fluorescence of a predetermined wavelength and other particles do not emit the fluorescence, the detection unit has a light source that emits excitation light and a detector that detects the fluorescence.

[0043] The configuration of the operation unit is not particularly limited as long as it can operate the direction in which the particles travel, and is appropriately selected according to the type of particles. For example, when the particles to be sorted are attracted to a positive or negative electric field, the operation unit may have an electrode pair capable of applying the positive or negative electric field near the upstream end of the second flow path 250 in the branch unit 240 (see Patent Document 1).

[0044] The first recovery unit 600 recovers the liquid that has flowed through the second flow path 250 of the liquid handling device 200. As described above, in the present embodiment, the liquid containing the particles sorted by the sorting unit 500 flows through the second flow path 250. Therefore, the first recovery unit 600 recovers the liquid containing the particles sorted by the sorting unit 500. In the present embodiment, the first recovery unit 600 is connected to the first recovery port 270 of the liquid handling device 200 via a tube 800, and accommodates the liquid flowing into the first recovery port 270. The configuration of the first recovery unit 600 is not particularly limited. For example, the first recovery unit 600 is a container capable of accommodating the liquid.

[0045] The second recovery unit 700 recovers the liquid that has flowed through the third flow path 260 of the liquid handling device 200. As described above, in the present embodiment, the liquid containing the particles not sorted by the sorting unit 500 flows through the third flow path 260. Therefore, the second recovery unit 700 recovers the liquid containing the particles not sorted by the sorting unit 500. In the present embodiment, the second recovery unit 700 is connected to the second recovery port 280 of the liquid handling device 200 via a tube 800, and accommodates the liquid flowing into the second recovery port 280. The configuration of the second recovery unit 700 is not particularly limited. For example, the second recovery unit 700 is a container capable of accommodating the liquid.

[0046] (Operation of the Liquid Handling System) Hereinafter, an example of a method for handling a liquid using the liquid handling system 100 will be described. Here, an example of separating a predetermined particle from a large number of particles in the liquid accommodated in the introduction unit 300 and recovering it to the first recovery unit 600 will be described.

[0047] First, with a liquid containing a large number of particles placed in the introduction section 300, the pump 400 is driven. As a result, the liquid in the introduction section 300 is introduced into the first flow path 220 from the inlet 210 of the liquid handling device 200 through the tube 800. A part of the liquid introduced into the first flow path 220 enters the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d, and the remaining part of the liquid introduced into the first flow path 220 proceeds in the first flow path 220. As described above, after the liquid enters the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d until the pressure of the gas in the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d balances with the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220, the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d can appropriately suppress the pulsation caused by the pump 400. Until then, the sorting section 500 moves all the particles that have reached the branching section 240 to the third flow path 260.

[0048] When the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d function, the fluctuation of the flow rate at the branching section 240 is almost eliminated. In this state, the sorting section 500 sorts predetermined particles from among the particles that have reached the branching section 240 and moves them to the second flow path 250. The sorting section 500 moves the remaining particles to the third flow path 260. Since the flow rate at the branching section 240 is stable, the sorting section 500 can perform the sorting and separation of particles with high precision.

[0049] The predetermined particles moved into the second flow path 250 by the sorting section 500 are collected in the first collection section 600 through the first collection port 270 and the tube 800. On the other hand, the predetermined particles moved into the third flow path 260 by the sorting section 500 are collected in the second collection section 700 through the second collection port 280 and the tube 800. Therefore, by using the liquid handling system 100, only the predetermined particles can be collected in the first collection section 600.

[0050] (Effect) As described above, according to the liquid handling system 100 and the liquid handling device 200 according to the present embodiment, by providing the plurality of dampers 230a to 230d and reducing the fluctuation of the liquid flow rate caused by the pump 400, the sorting section 500 can perform the sorting and separation of particles with high precision.

Industrial Applicability

[0051] The liquid handling system 100 and the liquid handling device 200 according to this embodiment are useful in various applications such as clinical tests, food tests, and environmental tests, for example.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] 100 Liquid handling system 200 Liquid handling device 202 Substrate 204 Film 210 Inlet 220 First flow path 230a~d Damper 240 Branch portion 250 Second flow path 260 Third flow path 270 First recovery port 280 Second recovery port 300 Introduction portion 400 Pump 500 Sorting portion 600 First recovery portion 700 Second recovery portion 800 Tube

Claims

1. A first flow path configured to cause a liquid sent from an upstream portion including a pump to flow toward a downstream portion; a plurality of dampers each connected to the first flow path, the dampers configured to reduce fluctuations in a flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path caused by the pump by varying a volume of gas therein in response to a pressure of the liquid in the first flow path; having Among the plurality of dampers, a volume of an upstream damper of two mutually adjacent dampers is equal to or smaller than a volume of a downstream damper, A volume of the most upstream damper among the plurality of dampers is smaller than a volume of the most downstream damper. Liquid handling equipment.

2. 2. A liquid handling device according to claim 1, wherein of said plurality of dampers, the volume of the upstream damper of two adjacent dampers is smaller than the volume of the downstream damper.

3. 3. A liquid handling device according to claim 1, wherein said connecting portions of said plurality of dampers with said first flow passage are disposed at equal intervals.

4. Further comprising a second flow path and a third flow path, The upstream end of the second flow path and the upstream end of the third flow path are connected to the downstream end of the first flow path. A liquid handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The liquid handling device has a substrate having a groove and a plurality of recesses formed on one surface thereof, and a film bonded to the one surface of the substrate, the first flow path includes the groove, the opening of which is blocked by the film, The dampers include the recesses whose openings are closed by the film. A liquid handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A pump, a liquid handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, connected to said pump so as to be located downstream of said pump; A liquid handling system comprising:

7. The liquid handling system of claim 6 wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.

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