Processing device and processing method

Abstract

This processing device performs processing for handling cells or a cell culture sample using a holding member having at least one holding part for holding the cells or the cell culture sample. The processing device has a protective surface facing the holding part. The protective surface has an area larger than the planar area of a compartment in which the holding part is disposed. The processing device has a first fixing structure for fixing an object that accesses the holding part for processing.

Description

Processing device and processing method

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a processing device and a processing method.

[0002] The following techniques are known as techniques related to processing devices for performing processes that handle cells or cell culture samples. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-179433 describes a sample preparation device that includes a base, a storage structure adapted to store a plurality of sample receptacles, and a pipetting guide that is fixed so as to be movable relative to the storage structure. The pipetting guide has a plurality of pipetting guide structures that can be positioned relative to the plurality of sample receptacles.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-134066 describes a dispensing device that dispenses a sample into a sample container with a removable lid when the lid is removed. This dispensing device includes a dispensing head that moves relative to the sample container to dispense the sample into the sample container, a lid capture unit that is provided on the dispensing head and captures the lid, and a lid capture unit driving means that drives the lid capture unit to move the lid captured by the lid capture unit to the side of the dispensing head.

[0004] Commercial production of cell-based pharmaceuticals typically involves the use of sealed culture bags or large-scale bioreactors, which reduce the risk of cell contamination by foreign substances, bacteria, viruses, etc., because cells are processed entirely within a sealed space.

[0005] However, for example, when special processing that is difficult to automate by machine is required, closed systems such as those described above may not be sufficient. In such cases, cells or cell culture samples are handled in an open environment, increasing the risk of cell contamination. Cell contamination can occur due to bacterial or viral infections, as well as foreign objects falling from above.

[0006] To prevent foreign matter from dropping from above from contaminating the cells or cell culture sample, a lid or microfilter may be used on the culture vessel. However, processing steps such as medium replacement and pipetting are generally performed with the lid or microfilter open. In this case, there is a risk that foreign matter may fall onto the cells or cell culture sample when the operator's hands or processing tools move above the cells or cell culture sample.

[0007] The disclosed technology has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to prevent foreign matter from being mixed into cells or cell culture samples during processing involving cells or cell culture samples.

[0008] The processing device according to the disclosed technology is a processing device for performing processing on cells or cell culture samples using a holding member having at least one holder for holding cells or cell culture samples. The processing device has a protective surface facing the holder. The protective surface has an area larger than the planar area of ​​the compartment in which the holder is arranged and has a first fixing structure for fixing an object that accesses the holder for processing.

[0009] It is preferable that the entire holding member can be accommodated in a space formed below the protective surface. The first fixing structure may include a groove or a notch for engaging the object with the protective surface. The holding member may have a plurality of holding portions arranged along a predetermined direction. In this case, the plurality of grooves or the plurality of notches may be provided at intervals corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of holding portions. The first fixing structure may be provided on a side of the protective surface along the arrangement direction of the holding portions. The processing device may further include an auxiliary unit having a second fixing structure that sandwiches the object between the first fixing structure and the second fixing structure.

[0010] The holding member may have a plurality of holding portions arranged along a predetermined direction. In this case, one of the protective surface and the holding portions may be capable of moving relative to the other along the arrangement direction of the plurality of holding portions. The processing device may have a positioning mechanism that determines the relative position of the protective surface and the holding portion in the movement direction of the relative movement. The positioning mechanism may include a protrusion connected to the protective surface and a guide provided along the movement direction and having a plurality of recesses that engage with the protrusion. The plurality of recesses may be provided at intervals corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of holding portions.

[0011] The holding member may have a plurality of holding portions arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. In this case, the first fixing structure may include a plurality of grooves or a plurality of notches provided on a side along the first direction at intervals corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of holding portions in the first direction. One of the protective surface and the holding portions may be capable of moving relative to the other along the second direction.

[0012] The processing device may further include a base portion on which the holding members are mounted. In this case, one of the protective surface and the base portion may be capable of moving relative to the other along the arrangement direction of the plurality of holding members.

[0013] The processing method according to the disclosed technology is a processing method for performing processing of cells or cell culture samples using a holding member having at least one holder for holding cells or cell culture samples. The processing method includes placing a protective surface at a position opposite the holder and performing the processing while fixing the relative position between the protective surface and an object that accesses the holder for processing. The protective surface has an area larger than the planar area of ​​the compartment in which the holder is placed.

[0014] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being mixed into cells or cell culture samples during processing of cells or cell culture samples.

[0015] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a processing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a retaining member according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a method for forming a pattern of cells or a cell adhesive on the culture surface of a culture substrate using a retaining member according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a method for forming a pattern of cells or a cell adhesive on the culture surface of a culture substrate using a retaining member according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a method for forming a pattern of cells or a cell adhesive on the culture surface of a culture substrate using a retaining member according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a method for forming a pattern of cells or a cell adhesive on the culture surface of a culture substrate using a retaining member according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a method for forming a pattern of cells or a cell adhesive on the culture surface of a culture substrate using a retaining member according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a method for forming a pattern of cells or a cell adhesive on the culture surface of a culture substrate using a retaining member according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for forming a pattern of cells or a cell adhesive on the culture surface of a culture substrate using a retaining member according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 1 is an X-Z plan view of a cover part and a base part as seen from the open end side of the cover part according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 2 is a Y-Z plan view showing wheels moving on guides according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 3 is an X-Y plan view showing an example of a processing method using a processing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 4 is an X-Y plan view showing an example of a processing method using a processing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 5 is an X-Y plan view showing an example of a processing method using a processing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0016] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The processing device 100 is used to perform processing for handling cells or cell culture samples using a holding member 10 having at least one holding portion for holding cells or cell culture samples. The type of cells is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, human-derived iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells). The cell culture sample is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, water, culture medium, an artificially synthesized peptide solution, and a cell adhesive.

[0018] Before describing the processing device 100 according to this embodiment, a holding member 10 used together with the processing device 100 will be described.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the holding member 10. The holding member 10 is a device for forming a pattern of cells or cell adhesive on the culture surface of a culture substrate (not shown). The cells include cell aggregates such as colonies formed by cell aggregation. The holding member 10 has a plurality of columnar structures 12 arranged on the surface of a substrate 11. The columnar structures 12 are an example of a "holding section" in the disclosed technology. Each of the columnar structures 12 has a columnar structure whose axial direction is perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate 11. The axial length of the columnar structures 12 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 1 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0020] The culture substrate is a substrate on which a pattern of cells or cell adhesive is formed by the holding member 10, and has a culture surface on which cells are cultured. The culture substrate may be, for example, a well plate having a plurality of wells, and the culture surface may be, for example, the bottom surface of each of the plurality of wells provided in the well plate. The plurality of columnar structures 12 may be provided corresponding to the plurality of wells provided in the well plate. FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration including 48 columnar structures 12 provided corresponding to each well of a well plate having 48 (6 × 8) wells. The arrangement of the columnar structures 12 (the number of rows and columns and the arrangement spacing) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1 and may be determined appropriately depending on the arrangement of the cell pattern to be formed on the culture substrate.

[0021] Each of the columnar structures 12 has a holding surface 13 at its tip for holding a liquid. The liquid held on the holding surface 13 is typically a cell suspension or a cell adhesive. The pattern formed on the culture surface of the culture substrate by the holding member 10 reflects the planar shape of the holding surface 13. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a holding surface 13 having a circular planar shape. The shape of the holding surface 13 is determined appropriately depending on the pattern of cells or cell adhesive to be formed on the culture substrate.

[0022] At least the holding surface 13 of the columnar structures 12 is preferably made of a hydrophobic (water-repellent) material. By making the holding surface 13 of a hydrophobic (water-repellent) material, a larger amount of liquid can be held on the holding surface 13. This makes it possible to form a relatively large cell or cell adhesive pattern on the culture surface of the culture substrate. The holding surface 13 of the columnar structures 12 is preferably made of a material having a contact angle with water of 45° or more. Furthermore, the columnar structures 12 are preferably resistant to high-pressure steam sterilization, i.e., heat-resistant. At least the holding surface 13 of the columnar structures 12 may be made of a resin. For example, polyacetal can be suitably used as the material of the columnar structures 12 (holding surface 13). The columnar structures 12 may be made of the same material as the substrate 11 and may be integrated with the substrate 11.

[0023] 3A to 3G, a method for forming a pattern of cells or cell adhesive on the culture surface of a culture substrate using the holding member 10 is described below. First, the holding member 10 is placed so that the holding surfaces 13 of the columnar structures 12 face vertically upward. At this time, the holding surfaces 13 are horizontal (FIG. 3A).

[0024] Next, with the holding surfaces 13 facing vertically upward, a cell suspension or cell adhesive is dropped onto each holding surface 13 of the columnar structures 12 to form a droplet 20 of the cell suspension or cell adhesive so as to form an air-liquid-solid interface on the outer edge of the holding surface 13 ( FIG. 3B ). The cell suspension or cell adhesive is dropped onto the holding surface 13 using a pipette 50 and a processing device 100 (see FIG. 1 ). The configuration and method of use of the processing device 100 will be described later. The cell suspension or cell adhesive is an example of a "cell or cell culture sample" in the disclosed technology. The pipette 50 is an example of an "object accessing the holding portion" in the disclosed technology.

[0025] The size of the cell or cell adhesive pattern formed on the culture surface of the culture substrate can be controlled by the amount of droplets 20 formed on the holding surface 13 of the columnar structures 12. The amount of droplets 20 formed on the holding surface 13 is determined depending on the size of the pattern to be formed on the culture surface 32. Forming the droplets 20 by dripping liquid onto the holding surface 13 can produce a "pinning effect" that secures the droplets 20 to the holding surface 13. The "pinning effect" makes it possible to retain droplets on the holding surface 13 even if the droplet's outline extends beyond the outer edge of the holding surface 13. The "pinning effect" also stabilizes the state of the droplets 20 formed on the holding surface 13. This makes it possible to uniformize the state of the droplets 20 formed on the holding surfaces 13 among multiple columnar structures 12, thereby uniforming the pattern of cells or cell adhesive formed on the culture surface of the culture substrate.

[0026] Next, with the holding surface 13 on which the droplet 20 is formed facing vertically upward, the droplet 20 is brought into contact with the culture surface 32 of the culture substrate 30 ( FIG. 3C ). That is, the culture substrate 30 is placed over the columnar structures 12, bringing the droplet 20 into contact with the culture surface 32. This causes the cell suspension or cell adhesive held on the holding surface 13 to adhere to the culture surface 32 of the culture substrate 30. The culture substrate 30 may be a well plate having a plurality of wells 31. In this case, the bottom surface of each well 31 serves as the culture surface 32. Each of the plurality of columnar structures 12 provided on the holding member 10 corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of wells 31 provided on the culture substrate 30.

[0027] When the droplets 20 formed on the holding surface 13 are brought into contact with the culture surface 32, the columnar structures 12 and the wells 31 are aligned in the horizontal direction with the bottom surfaces of the wells 31 facing downward. Thereafter, while maintaining the culture surface 32 horizontal, the culture surface 32 is gradually brought closer to the holding surface 13, and each of the droplets 20 formed on the holding surface 13 of each of the plurality of columnar structures 12 is brought into contact with the bottom surface (culture surface 32) of each of the plurality of wells 31 in a batch process.

[0028] The size of the pattern formed on the culture surface 32 can be controlled by the distance between the holding surface 13 and the culture surface 32 when the droplet 20 is brought into contact with the culture surface 32. The distance between the holding surface 13 and the culture surface 32 when the droplet 20 is brought into contact with the culture surface 32 is determined according to the size of the pattern to be formed on the culture surface 32.

[0029] After contacting the droplet 20 with the culture surface 32, the culture surface 32 is moved away from the holding surface 13. This separates the droplet 20 into the holding surface 13 side and the culture surface 32 side (FIG. 3D). A pattern of cell suspension or cell adhesive that reflects the planar shape of the holding surface 13 is formed on the bottom surface (culture surface 32) of each of the multiple wells 31 in a batch process. The following describes an example in which a pattern of cell adhesive is formed on the bottom surface (culture surface 32) of each well 31. Extracellular matrix proteins such as vitronectin, laminin, fibronectin, collagens, and gelatins can be used as cell adhesives.

[0030] After the cell adhesive 21 is attached to the culture surface 32, excess cell adhesive 21 is removed from each well 31. The cell adhesive 21 attached to the bottom surface (culture surface 32) of each well 31 remains on the culture surface 32 while maintaining its pattern ( FIG. 3E ).

[0031] Next, cells 40 are seeded on the culture surface 32 ( FIG. 3F ). The cells 40 are seeded by injecting a cell suspension adjusted to a predetermined cell concentration into each well 31. The type of cells 40 is not particularly limited as long as they are adhesive cells. The cells 40 may be, for example, human-derived iPS cells.

[0032] The cells 40 adhere to the area of ​​the culture surface 32 coated with the cell adhesive 21. Then, by culturing the cells 40 in an appropriate environment, the cells 40 proliferate in the area coated with the cell adhesive 21. As a result, a cell pattern 41 corresponding to the pattern of the cell adhesive 21 is formed on the culture surface 32 ( FIG. 3G ).

[0033] According to the holding member 10 and the pattern forming method, a pattern having a size corresponding to the size of the droplets 20 formed on the holding surface 13 is formed, so that it is possible to form a relatively large pattern.

[0034] The processing device 100 will be described below. The processing device 100 is used, for example, in a process of forming a droplet 20 on the holding surface 13 of the holding member 10 using a pipette 50 (see FIG. 3B ). As shown in FIG. 1 , the processing device 100 has a base unit 110, a cover unit 120, and an auxiliary unit 130. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the base unit 110 alone. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cover unit 120 alone. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the auxiliary unit 130 alone.

[0035] The base portion 110 is a flat member and has a mounting surface 111 on which the holding member 10 is mounted. The area 112 surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 4 is the mounting area for the holding member 10. The area of ​​the mounting surface 111 is larger than the planar area of ​​the holding member 10, and the entire holding member 10 can be mounted on the mounting surface 111.

[0036] The cover 120 has a rectangular box-like structure formed by a protective surface 121, side surfaces 122, and a back surface 123. The protective surface 121 corresponds to the top surface of the rectangular parallelepiped, and the front and bottom surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped are open. When the holding member 10 is mounted on the mounting surface 111 of the base 110, the protective surface 121 is located above the holding member 10, the side surfaces 122 are located to the sides of the holding member 10, and the back surface 123 is located behind the holding member 10.

[0037] The protective surface 121 is parallel to the mounting surface 111 of the base portion 110. That is, when the holding member 10 is mounted on the base portion 110, the protective surface 121 faces the holding surface 13 of the columnar structure 12. The side surface 122 and the back surface 123 are perpendicular to the mounting surface 111 of the base portion 110.

[0038] The protective surface 121 has an area larger than the planar area of ​​the compartment in which the columnar structures 12 of the holding member 10 are arranged. The area of ​​the region 124 surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 5 corresponds to the planar area of ​​the compartment in which the columnar structures 12 of the holding member 10 are arranged. The entire holding member 10 can be accommodated in a space 140 (i.e., the space formed below the protective surface 121) surrounded by the protective surface 121, side surface 122, rear surface 123 of the cover part 120, and the mounting surface 111 of the base part 110. By disposing the protective surface 121 above the columnar structures 12, it is possible to protect the droplet 20 (cells or cell culture sample) held on the holding surface 13 of the columnar structures 12 from foreign matter falling from above. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from being mixed into the droplet 20 (cells or cell culture sample).

[0039] The shape of the protective surface 121 is a rectangle or square having sides along the X direction and sides along the Y direction. The holding member 10 is mounted on the base part 110 so that the arrangement direction of the columnar structures 12 is along the X direction and the Y direction (i.e., so that the arrangement direction is parallel to each side of the protective surface 121).

[0040] The protective surface 121 has a first fixing structure 125 for fixing the pipettes 50 to a side along the X direction (arrangement direction of the columnar structures 12) on the open end side (front side) of the cover part 120. The first fixing structure 125 is composed of a plurality of grooves (or notches) 126 provided along the X direction. The plurality of pipettes 50 engage with each of the grooves (or notches) 126, thereby positioning the plurality of pipettes 50 relative to the holding surface 13 and fixing them.

[0041] 1 illustrates a state in which only one pipette 50 is fixed to the protective surface 121, but it is possible to simultaneously fix multiple pipettes 50 to the protective surface 121 by engaging multiple pipettes 50 with each of multiple grooves (or notches) 126. The multiple grooves (or notches) 126 are provided at the same intervals as the arrangement intervals of the columnar structures 12 in the X direction. By engaging the multiple pipettes 50 with each of the multiple grooves (or notches) 126, each pipette 50 is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the columnar structures 12 arranged along the X direction.

[0042] The auxiliary part 130 is a member that assists in fixing the pipette 50 to the protective surface 121. The auxiliary part 130 has a first part 131 that extends along the X direction, and a second part 132 that is connected to both ends of the first part 131 in the X direction and extends along the Z direction.

[0043] The second part 132 is fastened to the side of the cover part 120 by a screw 135 (see FIG. 1 ), so that the first part 131 is supported so as to be positioned above the first fixing structure 125 of the protective surface 121. The first part 131 has a second fixing structure 133 that sandwiches the pipette 50 between itself and the first fixing structure 125 provided on the protective surface 121.

[0044] The second fixing structure 133 is configured by a plurality of grooves (or cutouts) 134 provided along the X direction, similar to the first fixing structure 125. The plurality of grooves (or cutouts) 134 that make up the second fixing structure 133 are provided at the same intervals as the arrangement intervals of the columnar structures 12 in the X direction, similar to the plurality of grooves (or cutouts) 126 that make up the first fixing structure 125, and are provided at positions that correspond to the plurality of grooves (or cutouts) 126 that make up the first fixing structure 125.

[0045] The pipette 50 engages with the groove (or notch) 126 that constitutes the first fixing structure 125 and with the groove (or notch) 134 that constitutes the second fixing structure 133, so that the pipette 50 is sandwiched between the first fixing structure 125 and the second fixing structure 133, as shown in Figure 1.

[0046] One of the cover part 120 and the base part 110 can move relative to the other in the Y direction. That is, when the holding member 10 is mounted on the base part 110, one of the protective surface 121 and the columnar structures 12 can move relative to the other in the arrangement direction of the columnar structures 12. In this embodiment, the base part 110 and the holding member 10 are kept stationary, and the cover part 120 and the auxiliary part 130 move in the Y direction. The pipette 50 moves together with the cover part 120 and the auxiliary part 130. Note that the cover part 120, the auxiliary part 130, and the pipette 50 may be kept stationary, and the base part 110 and the holding member 10 may move in the Y direction.

[0047] The processing device 100 has a positioning mechanism that positions the relative positions of the cover part 120 and the base part 110 in the direction of relative movement of the two (in other words, the relative positions of the protective surface 121 and the columnar structures 12). The positioning mechanism is composed of wheels 150 (see FIG. 7) connected to the protective surface 121 and a plurality of recesses 114 (see FIGS. 4 and 8) that engage with the wheels 150.

[0048] 7 is an XZ plan view of the cover unit 120 and the base unit 110 as viewed from the open end side of the cover unit 120. The cover unit 120 has wheels 150 attached to each of the two side surfaces 122. The wheels 150 are disposed inside a space 140 surrounded by the protective surface 121 and side surfaces 122 of the cover unit 120 and the mounting surface 111 of the base unit 110.

[0049] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 , both ends of the base unit 110 in the X direction have guides 113 extending in the Y direction, which is the movement direction of the cover unit 120. The guides 113 have a plurality of recesses 114 and protrusions 115 arranged along the Y direction. That is, the guides 113 have an uneven structure in which the recesses 114 and protrusions 115 are continuous along the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 8 , the cover unit 120 moves in the Y direction as the wheels roll on the guides 113. When the wheels 150 engage with the recesses 114, the wheels 150 are sandwiched between the protrusions 115 at the front and rear, thereby restricting movement of the wheels 150 in the Y direction. This allows the cover unit 120 to move in the Y direction in stages, enabling the relative positions of the cover unit 120 and the base unit 110 in the Y direction to be determined.

[0050] The recesses 114 are provided at intervals equal to the arrangement intervals of the columnar structures 12 in the Y direction. This makes it possible to make the position in the Y direction of the pipette 50, which moves together with the cover part 120 and the auxiliary part 130, correspond to the arrangement of the columnar structures 12 in the Y direction. That is, when the wheel 150 is engaged with a certain recess 114, the pipette 50 is positioned in the nth row in the Y direction of the columnar structure 12, and when the wheel 150 is engaged with the adjacent recess 114, the pipette 50 is positioned in the (n+1)th row in the Y direction of the columnar structure 12.

[0051] The following describes a processing method using the processing device 100. Figures 9A to 9D are XY plan views showing an example of a processing method using the processing device 100. Note that the auxiliary unit 130 is not shown in Figures 9A to 9D.

[0052] First, the pipettes 50 are engaged with the grooves (or notches) 126 constituting the first fixing structure 125 provided on the protective surface 121. Next, the pipettes 50 are engaged with the grooves (or notches) 134 constituting the second fixing structure 133 provided on the auxiliary part 130, thereby helping to fix each pipette 50 to the protective surface 121 ( FIG. 9A ).

[0053] Next, the holding member 10 having a plurality of columnar structures 12 is mounted on the mounting surface 111 of the base portion 110 (FIG. 9A).

[0054] Next, the cover part 120 is moved one step in the Y direction. Each pipette 50 moves integrally with the cover part 120. As a result, each pipette 50 is positioned at a position corresponding to each of the columnar structures 12 arranged in the first row in the Y direction. That is, each of the columnar structures 12 arranged in the first row in the Y direction is positioned directly below the outlet of the corresponding pipette 50. Thereafter, a liquid containing cells or a cell culture sample is ejected from each pipette 50. As a result, droplets 20 containing cells or a cell culture sample are formed in a batch process on each holding surface 13 of each of the columnar structures 12 arranged in the first row in the Y direction ( FIG. 9B ).

[0055] Next, the cover unit 120 is moved one more step in the Y direction. Each pipette 50 moves integrally with the cover unit 120. As a result, each pipette 50 is positioned at a position corresponding to each of the columnar structures 12 arranged in the second row in the Y direction. Each of the columnar structures 12 arranged in the first row in the Y direction is covered with a protective surface 121. This prevents foreign matter from entering the droplets 20 held on each holding surface 13 of the columnar structures 12 arranged in the first row in the Y direction. Thereafter, a liquid containing cells or a cell culture sample is ejected from each of the pipettes 50. As a result, droplets 20 containing cells or a cell culture sample are formed in a batch process on each holding surface 13 of the columnar structures 12 arranged in the second row in the Y direction ( FIG. 9C ).

[0056] Thereafter, the cover part 120 is moved step by step in the Y direction, and droplets 20 are sequentially formed on the holding surfaces 13 of the columnar structures 12 arranged in each row. After the droplets 20 are formed, each of the columnar structures 12 is covered with the protective surface 121 by the movement of the cover part 120. This prevents foreign matter from getting into the droplets 20 ( FIG. 9D ).

[0057] As described above, according to the processing device 100 and the processing method using the same in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosed technology, after the droplet 20 containing the cells or cell culture sample is formed, each of the columnar structures 12 is covered with the protective surface 121. Therefore, according to the processing device 100 and the processing method using the same in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosed technology, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being mixed into the cells or cell culture sample in a process of handling the cells or cell culture sample using the holding member 10 having a plurality of columnar structures 12 that hold the cells or cell culture sample.

[0058] While the above description exemplifies a case in which a device including multiple columnar structures 12 is used as a holding member to hold cells or cell culture samples, the disclosed technology is not limited to this embodiment. A plate or dish including multiple wells can also be used as a holding member to hold cells or cell culture samples. In this case, the processing device 100 is used, for example, for a process in which droplets of cells or cell culture samples are dispensed into each well. That is, the processing device 100 can also be used to perform the process shown in FIG. 3F . After droplets containing cells or cell culture samples are dispensed, each well is covered by a protective surface 121 that moves integrally with the pipette. The disclosed technology can also be applied to a holding member 10 that includes at least one columnar structure and one well that holds cells or cell culture samples.

[0059] In addition, although the above description has been given by way of example of a case where the pipette 50 is used as an object that accesses the holder for processing cells or cell culture samples, the disclosed technology is not limited to this example. The disclosed technology can also be applied to cases where a lifter, spreader, various sensors, or the like is used as an object that accesses the holder for processing cells or cell culture samples.

[0060] In addition, in the above description, a configuration in which the protective surface 121 is supported by the side surface 122 and the back surface 123 of the cover portion 120 has been exemplified, but the disclosed technology is not limited to this configuration. For example, the protective surface 121 may be supported by a support portion that extends vertically from above the protective surface 121 toward the protective surface 121. Alternatively, the protective surface 121 may be supported by a support portion that extends horizontally from the side of the protective surface 121 toward the protective surface 121.

[0061] In the above description, the first fixing structure 125 is provided on a side of the protective surface 121 along the arrangement direction of the columnar structures 12, but the disclosed technology is not limited to this. The first fixing structure 125 may be a structure separate from the protective surface 121 and connected to the protective surface 121.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above description, an example has been given of a configuration in which the positioning mechanism is configured with wheels 150 (see FIG. 7 ) connected to protective surface 121 and a plurality of recesses 114 (see FIGS. 4 and 8 ) that engage with wheels 150, but the disclosed technology is not limited to this configuration. The thing that engages with recess 114 does not have to be something that rotates like wheel 150. In other words, the positioning mechanism may be configured with protrusions connected to protective surface 121 and a plurality of recesses 114 that engage with these protrusions.

[0063] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiments: (Supplementary Note 1) A processing device for performing processing on cells or cell culture samples using a holding member having at least one holder for holding cells or cell culture samples, the processing device having a protective surface facing the holder, the protective surface having an area larger than a planar area of ​​a compartment in which the holder is arranged, and a first fixing structure for fixing an object that accesses the holder for the processing.

[0064] (Supplementary Note 2) The processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the entire holding member can be accommodated in a space formed below the protective surface.

[0065] (Supplementary Note 3) The processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the first fixing structure includes a groove or a notch that allows the object to engage with the protective surface.

[0066] (Supplementary Note 4) The processing device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the holding member has a plurality of the holding portions arranged along a predetermined direction, and the plurality of the grooves or the plurality of the notches are provided at intervals corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of the holding portions.

[0067] (Supplementary Note 5) The processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the first fixing structure is provided on a side of the protective surface along an arrangement direction of the holding portions.

[0068] (Supplementary Note 6) The processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, further including an auxiliary unit having a second fixing structure that sandwiches the object between the first fixing structure and the auxiliary unit.

[0069] (Supplementary Note 7) The processing device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the holding member has a plurality of the holding portions arranged along a predetermined direction, and one of the protective surface and the holding portion is capable of relative movement with respect to the other along the arrangement direction of the plurality of the holding portions.

[0070] (Supplementary Note 8) The processing device according to Supplementary Note 7, further comprising a positioning mechanism that positions the relative position between the protective surface and the holder in the movement direction of the relative movement.

[0071] (Supplementary Note 9) The processing device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the positioning mechanism includes: a wheel connected to the protective surface; and a guide provided along the movement direction and having a plurality of recesses that engage with the wheel.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 10) The processing device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the recesses are provided at intervals corresponding to the arrangement of the holders.

[0073] (Supplementary Note 11) The processing device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the holding member has a plurality of holding portions arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first fixing structure includes a plurality of grooves or a plurality of notches provided on a side along the first direction at intervals corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of holding portions in the first direction, and one of the protective surface and the holding portion is capable of relative movement along the second direction with respect to the other.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 12) The processing device according to Supplementary Note 7, further comprising a base portion on which the holding member is mounted, wherein one of the protective surface and the base portion is capable of relative movement with respect to the other along an arrangement direction of the plurality of holding members.

[0075] (Supplementary Note 13) A processing method for performing processing on cells or cell culture samples using a holding member having at least one holding part for holding cells or cell culture samples, the processing method including: arranging a protective surface at a position opposite the holding part; and performing the processing while fixing the relative position between an object that accesses the holding part for the processing and the protective surface, wherein the protective surface has an area larger than the planar area of ​​a compartment in which the holding part is arranged.

[0076] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-111076, filed on July 5, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, all documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A processing device for handling cells or cell culture samples using a holding member having at least one holding portion for holding cells or cell culture samples, It has a protective surface facing the aforementioned holding portion, The protective surface has an area larger than the planar area of ​​the compartment in which the retaining portion is located, and has a first fixing structure for fixing an object that accesses the retaining portion for the processing. The retaining member has a plurality of retaining parts arranged along a predetermined direction, One of the protective surface and the retaining portion is capable of relative movement with respect to the other along the direction in which the multiple retaining portions are arranged. Processing device.

2. The entire retaining member can be accommodated in the space formed below the protective surface. The processing device according to claim 1.

3. The first fixing structure includes a groove or notch for engaging the object with the protective surface. The processing device according to claim 1.

4. The retaining member has a plurality of retaining parts arranged along a predetermined direction, Multiple grooves or notches are provided at intervals corresponding to the arrangement of the multiple retaining parts. The processing device according to claim 3.

5. The first fixing structure is provided on the side of the protective surface that is aligned with the direction of arrangement of the retaining portions. The processing device according to claim 1.

6. The present invention further includes an auxiliary part having a second fixing structure that sandwiches the object between itself and the first fixing structure. The processing device according to claim 1.

7. The system has a positioning mechanism for positioning the relative position between the protective surface and the holding portion in the direction of the relative movement. The processing device according to claim 1.

8. The positioning mechanism is, A protrusion connected to the protective surface, A guide provided along the aforementioned direction of movement and having a plurality of recesses that engage with the protrusion, including The processing device according to claim 7.

9. Multiple recesses are provided at intervals corresponding to the arrangement of the multiple retaining parts. The processing device according to claim 8.

10. The retaining member has a plurality of retaining portions arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, The first fixing structure includes a plurality of grooves or notches provided on the sides along the first direction at intervals corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of holding portions in the first direction, One of the protective surface and the retaining portion is relative to the other in the second direction. It is movable. The processing device according to claim 1.

11. The base portion on which the holding member is mounted further includes, One of the protective surface and the base portion is capable of relative movement with respect to the other along the direction of arrangement of the multiple holding portions. The processing device according to claim 1.

12. A processing method for handling cells or cell culture samples using a holding member having at least one holding portion for holding cells or cell culture samples, A protective surface is positioned opposite the aforementioned holding portion. The process includes performing the process while fixing the relative position between the object accessing the holding portion and the protective surface for the purpose of the process, The protective surface has an area larger than the planar area of ​​the section in which the retaining part is located. The retaining member has a plurality of retaining parts arranged along a predetermined direction, The process is performed while moving one of the protective surface and the retaining portion relative to the other along the direction of arrangement of the plurality of retaining portions. Processing method.