Separation device and separation method

Abstract

Provided are a separation device and separation method that make it possible to ensure the usability of separated particles while improving the efficiency of separation work.　A separation device 1 comprises: an input port 20; a separation flow channel 30 including a first separation flow channel 31, a second separation flow channel 32, and a third separation flow channel 33; and an extraction port 50. The first separation flow channel 31 is formed into a substantially spiral shape such that all of a plurality of particles are caused to be located at an inner wall section, etc. in the first separation flow channel 31 as a result of a separation target liquid flowing through the first separation flow channel 31. The second separation flow channel 32 is formed such that all of the plurality of particles are caused to be located at an outer wall section, etc. in the third separation flow channel 33 as a result of the separation target liquid flowing through the second separation flow channel 32 and flowing into the third separation flow channel 33. The third separation flow channel 33 is formed into a substantially spiral shape such that a plurality of particles are separated according to the plurality of particle sizes and are caused to be located in the third separation flow channel 33 so as to be aligned in the inside-outside direction as a result of the separation target liquid flowing through the third separation flow channel 33.

Description

Separation device and separation method

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation device and a separation method.

[0002] One technique proposed for separating specific cells from a biological sample involves centrifuging a centrifuge tube containing a mixture of a biological sample and a separation solution using a centrifuge with an insert placed in the centrifuge tube (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This technique includes a first step of filling the centrifuge tube with a separation solution, a second step of filling the centrifuge tube with the biological sample, a third step of rotating the centrifuge tube in the centrifuge to perform the centrifugation, and finally a fourth step of extracting the specific cells from the centrifuge tube.

[0003] International Publication No. 2012 / 149641

[0004] As described above, the conventional techniques involve steps 1 through 4, which require a relatively long time and require complex operations in steps 2 and 4, potentially making it difficult to improve the efficiency of the separation process. Furthermore, if the volume of the mixed solution exceeds the capacity of the centrifuge tube, the series of steps 1 through 4 must be repeated multiple times, potentially increasing the labor required for the separation process. Furthermore, since the centrifuge tube is rotated in the third step using a centrifuge, excessive force may be applied to the specific cells contained in the mixed solution in the centrifuge tube, potentially damaging the specific cells. This may make it difficult to ensure the usability of the specific cells after separation. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of ensuring the usability of separated particles such as specific cells while improving the efficiency and reducing the labor required for the separation process.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a separation device and a separation method that can ensure the usability of separated particles while improving the efficiency of separation work and reducing the effort required.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a separation device according to claim 1 is a separation device for separating a plurality of particles constituting a sample contained in a liquid to be separated, the separation device comprising: an inlet for inputting the liquid to be separated; a separation flow path through which the liquid to be separated inputted to the inlet flows, the separation flow path separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to particle size; and at least one extraction port for extracting particles of a specific particle size from the plurality of particles separated by the separation flow path, the separation flow path comprising a first separation flow path connected to the inlet, a second separation flow path connected to the first separation flow path, and a third separation flow path connected to the second separation flow path, and the liquid to be separated inputted to the inlet flows through the first separation flow path, and the inner wall and / or the inner wall of the first separation flow path are separated. the first separation flow path is configured in a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially vortex shape so that all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated are positioned near an outer wall of the third separation flow path when the liquid to be separated flowing out from the first separation flow path flows through the second separation flow path and into the third separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated at or / and near an outer wall of the third separation flow path; and the third separation flow path is configured in a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially vortex shape so that the liquid to be separated flowing out from the second separation flow path flows through the third separation flow path, thereby separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to a plurality of particle sizes, and positioning the separated plurality of particles in parallel in an inward / outward direction from an inner wall to an outer wall within the third separation flow path.

[0007] A separation device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the separation device according to the first aspect, wherein the second separation channel is formed in a substantially S-shape.

[0008] The separation device described in claim 3 is the separation device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the length in the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path is approximately the same as the length in the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the first separation flow path, and the length in the perpendicular direction perpendicular to the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path is longer than the length in the perpendicular direction at the cross section of the first separation flow path.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a separation device according to the third aspect, wherein the length of the cross section of the third separation channel in the orthogonal direction increases from the inner wall portion to the outer wall portion of the third separation channel.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the separation device according to the third aspect, wherein the third separation channel has a substantially rectangular cross section.

[0011] The separation device described in claim 6 is the separation device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first separation flow path is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction, the third separation flow path is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction and wound in the opposite direction to the first separation flow path, the third separation flow path is provided downstream of the first separation flow path, and the downstream end of the first separation flow path is connected to the upstream end of the third separation flow path via the second separation flow path.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a separation device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the radius of curvature of the first separation channel is made uniform and / or the radius of curvature of the third separation channel is made uniform.

[0013] The separation device of claim 8 is the separation device of claim 1 or 2, and further comprises an extraction flow path connected to the third separation flow path and the plurality of extraction ports, and the extraction flow path comprises a main flow path through which the liquid to be separated that has flowed out from the third separation flow path and contains the plurality of particles separated by the separation flow path according to a plurality of particle sizes, and a plurality of branch flow paths branching off from the main flow path, each of the plurality of branch flow paths connected to one of the plurality of extraction ports, and in each of the plurality of branch flow paths, particles of mutually different particle sizes from the plurality of particles contained in the liquid to be separated that has flowed out from the main flow path flow, respectively.

[0014] A separation apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the separation apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the sample is a biological sample containing a plurality of cells.

[0015] A separation method according to claim 10 is a separation method for separating a plurality of particles constituting a sample contained in a liquid to be separated using a separation device, the separation device comprising an input port, a separation flow path connected to the input port, and an extraction port connected to the separation flow path, the separation flow path comprising a first separation flow path connected to the input port and having a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially vortex shape, a second separation flow path connected to the first separation flow path, and a third separation flow path connected to the second separation flow path and having a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially vortex shape, the separation method comprising: an input step of inputting the liquid to be separated into the separation flow path via the input port; a separation step of separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to particle size by causing the liquid to be separated input in the input step to flow through the separation flow path; and an extraction step of extracting particles of a specific particle size from the plurality of particles separated in the separation step via the extraction port, wherein in the separation step: a first separation step in which the liquid to be separated introduced in the introducing step flows through the first separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on an inner wall portion of the first separation flow path and / or positions nearby there; a second separation step in which, after the first separation step, the liquid to be separated flowing out from the first separation flow path flows through the second separation flow path and into the third separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on an outer wall portion of the third separation flow path and / or positions nearby there; and a third separation step in which, after the second separation step, the liquid to be separated flowing out from the second separation flow path flows through the third separation flow path, thereby separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to a plurality of particle sizes and positioning the separated plurality of particles in parallel in the inward and outward direction from the inner wall portion to the outer wall portion within the third separation flow path.

[0016] According to the separation device of claim 1 or the separation method of claim 10, the first separation flow path is configured in a substantially arc-shaped, spiral-shaped, or vortex-shaped manner so that the liquid to be separated introduced into the introduction port flows through the first separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on the inner wall portion of the first separation flow path and / or in a position nearby thereto, and the liquid to be separated flowing out of the first separation flow path flows through the second separation flow path and into the third separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on the outer wall portion of the third separation flow path and / or in a position nearby thereto. The second separation channel is configured to position the sample liquid to be separated according to its particle size, and the liquid to be separated flowing from the second separation channel flows through the third separation channel, separating the multiple particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to their particle sizes. The third separation channel is configured in a generally arc-shaped, spiral-shaped, or vortex-shaped configuration so that the multiple separated particles are positioned parallel to each other in an inward-outward direction from the inner wall to the outer wall within the third separation channel. This allows for easier and faster separation than conventional techniques (techniques for separating specific cells using a centrifuge), improving the efficiency of the separation process. Furthermore, compared to the above-mentioned conventional techniques, the amount of separation liquid to be separated is prevented from increasing, reducing the effort required for the separation process. Furthermore, compared to the above-mentioned conventional techniques, damage to the separated particles during the separation process is reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated particles.

[0017] According to the separation device of claim 2, the second separation flow path is formed in an approximately S-shape, so that, compared to other shapes, the entire plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated can be effectively positioned on the outer wall portion of the third separation flow path and / or in a position nearby, thereby improving the function of the second separation flow path.

[0018] According to the separation device of claim 3, the length in the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path is made approximately the same as the length in the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the first separation flow path, and the length in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path is made longer than the length in the orthogonal direction at the cross section of the first separation flow path.Therefore, compared to other lengths, the third separation flow path can effectively separate multiple particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to multiple particle sizes, thereby improving the separation performance of the third separation flow path.

[0019] According to the separation device of claim 4, the orthogonal length of the cross section of the third separation flow path is increased from the inner wall to the outer wall of the third separation flow path. Therefore, compared to when the orthogonal length of the cross section of the third separation flow path is uniform, multiple particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated in the third separation flow path can be effectively separated according to multiple particle sizes, and the separation performance of the third separation flow path can be further improved.

[0020] In the separation device described in claim 5, the cross section of the third separation flow path is approximately rectangular, so that multiple particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated in the third separation flow path can be separated more effectively according to multiple particle sizes than if the cross section were circular or elliptical, and the separation performance of the third separation flow path can be further improved.

[0021] According to the separation device of claim 6, the first separation channel is formed in a generally spiral shape with multiple windings in the vertical direction, the third separation channel is formed in a generally spiral shape with multiple windings in the vertical direction and wound in the opposite direction to the first separation channel, the third separation channel is provided downstream of the first separation channel, and the downstream end of the first separation channel is connected to the upstream end of the third separation channel via the second separation channel. This allows the first separation channel and the third separation channel to function more effectively than when the first separation channel and the third separation channel are each formed in a spiral shape, thereby improving the separation performance of the separation channel. Furthermore, this makes it easier to install the separation device in combination with other devices (e.g., devices that perform pretreatment or detection processing) and / or components (e.g., fixing components), thereby improving the installability of the separation device.

[0022] According to the separation device of claim 7, since the radius of curvature of the first separation channel is made uniform and / or the radius of curvature of the third separation channel is made uniform, the distance that the liquid to be separated flows through the first separation channel and / or the third separation channel can be made longer compared to when the radii of curvature of the first separation channel and / or the third separation channel are made different. This allows the first separation channel and / or the third separation channel to function effectively (specifically, when the radius of curvature of the first separation channel is made uniform, multiple particles contained in the liquid to be separated can be stably positioned on the inner wall portion of the first separation channel and / or positions nearby. Furthermore, when the radius of curvature of the third separation channel is made uniform, the multiple particles can be stably positioned in parallel in the inward and outward directions within the third separation channel), thereby improving the separation performance of the separation channel.

[0023] According to the separation device of claim 8, the extraction flow path comprises a main flow path and a plurality of branch flow paths branching off from the main flow path, each of the plurality of branch flow paths being connected to one of a plurality of extraction ports, and each of the plurality of branch flow paths having a plurality of branch flow paths through which particles of mutually different particle sizes flow, among the plurality of particles contained in the liquid to be separated that has flowed out from the main flow path. Therefore, particles of different particle sizes can be extracted from each of the plurality of extraction ports, and a plurality of particles of different particle sizes can be extracted efficiently.

[0024] According to the separation device of claim 9, since the sample is a biological sample containing a plurality of cells, the separation work for the plurality of cells can be performed easily and quickly, and the efficiency of the separation work can be further improved. In addition, damage to the separated cells caused by the separation work can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated cells.

[0025] 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a separation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram showing a separation device, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a plan view. It is a diagram showing cross sections of separation channels, where (a) is a cross section of a first separation channel and (b) is a cross section of a third separation channel. It is a diagram showing the mechanism of separation of a plurality of particles. It is a diagram showing the separation status of a plurality of particles in a separation channel, where (a) is a cross section of the upstream side of the first separation channel, (b) is a cross section of the downstream side of the first separation channel, (c) is a cross section of the upstream side of the third separation channel, and (d) is a cross section of the downstream side of the third separation channel. It is a perspective view showing an overview of a separation device according to a second embodiment. It is a diagram showing a modified example of the separation device.

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment of a separation device and a separation method according to the present invention. First, [I] the basic concept of the embodiment will be described, then [II] specific details of the embodiment will be described, and finally, [III] modifications to the embodiment will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0027] [I] Basic Concept of the Embodiment First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a separation device for separating a plurality of particles that constitute a sample contained in a liquid to be separated, and a separation method using the separation device.

[0028] Here, the term "sample" refers to a substance consisting of multiple particles and subjected to testing, analysis, and / or inspection. This sample is a concept that includes, for example, specimens, reagents, sludge, and beverages, but in the embodiments, it is described as a biological sample (specimen) containing multiple cells. The specific type of "particle" is arbitrary, but examples include cells, bacteria, yeast, viruses, exosomes, microcarriers (e.g., latex particles, magnetic particles, gelatin particles), coagulated proteins, hop resin, sand, and / or metal microparticles.

[0029] Furthermore, the term "specimen" refers to a biological sample that is suspected of containing a target substance (or that is tested to determine whether it contains a target substance). This specimen is a concept that includes, for example, clinical specimens (for example, blood such as peripheral blood) and liquids containing physiologically active substances such as low-molecular-weight compounds, but in the embodiments, it will be described as blood.

[0030] Furthermore, the term "reagent" refers to a substance used to detect the substance to be analyzed by an immune reaction in a container described below, and is a concept that includes, for example, magnetic particle reagents, labeled antibodies, labeled antigens, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, "sludge" refers to materials discharged in connection with, for example, the treatment of water supply and sewerage systems or industrial wastewater.

[0032] Furthermore, "drinks" include, for example, soft drinks such as juice, alcoholic beverages such as beer, and the like.

[0033] Furthermore, the term "liquid to be separated" refers to a liquid used for separating a sample. This liquid to be separated is a concept that includes, for example, a liquid containing only a sample, a liquid containing a sample and a solution (for example, a sheath liquid, a density gradient solution, and / or a diluent), and the like, but in the embodiments, it will be described as a liquid containing only a sample.

[0034] [II] Specific Contents of the Embodiments Next, specific contents of the embodiments will be described.

[0035] [Embodiment 1] First, a description will be given of a separation device and a separation method according to embodiment 1. In this embodiment 1, a first separation channel and a third separation channel, which will be described later, are each substantially spiral.

[0036] (Configuration) First, the configuration of the separation device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0037] In the following description, the X direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the left-right direction of the separation device (the -X direction is the left direction of the separation device, and the +X direction is the right direction of the separation device), the Y direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front-to-back direction of the separation device (the +Y direction is the front direction of the separation device, and the -Y direction is the rear direction of the separation device), and the Z direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the up-down direction of the separation device (the +Z direction is the up direction of the separation device, and the -Z direction is the down direction of the separation device).

[0038] The separation device 1 is a device for separating a plurality of particles P (specifically, a plurality of cells) that constitute a sample (specifically, a biological sample containing a plurality of cells) contained in a liquid to be separated LS, and is generally equipped with a container 10, an inlet 20, a separation flow path 30, an extraction flow path 40, and an extraction port 50, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0039] (Configuration - Housing) First, the configuration of the housing 10 will be described.

[0040] The container 10 houses an inlet 20, a separation channel 30, an extraction port 50, and an extraction channel 40. As shown in FIG. 1 , the container 10 is placed on an installation surface S, and includes a first container 11, a second container 12, and a third container 13.

[0041] (Configuration—Container—First Container) The first container 11 is part of the basic structure of the container 10, and contains the inlet 20 and part of the separation channel 30 (specifically, the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33, which will be described later). The first container 11 is formed of a long, substantially cylindrical body made of resin, for example, and is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is substantially aligned with the vertical direction, as shown in FIG.

[0042] Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the first storage section 11 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0043] That is, the planar shape of the first housing portion 11 is set to be substantially annular, as shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0044] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially elliptical ring shape.

[0045] 2B, the outer diameter of the first storage section 11 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the first separation channel 31 (or the outer diameter of the third separation channel 33) described below. As an example, it may be set to be approximately 50 mm to 80 mm.

[0046] 2B, the inner diameter of the first storage section 11 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the first separation channel 31 (or the inner diameter of the third separation channel 33) described below. As an example, it may be set to be approximately 30 mm to 80 mm.

[0047] 2A, the vertical length of the first storage section 11 is set to be longer than the total length of the vertical length of a first separation channel 31 (described later) and the vertical length of a third separation channel 33 (described later). As an example, it may be set to about 60 mm to 100 mm.

[0048] (Configuration—Container—Second Container) The second container 12 is another part of the basic structure of the container 10, and contains another part of the separation channel 30 (specifically, the second separation channel 32, which will be described later). The second container 12 is formed, for example, from a substantially plate-like body made of resin, and is provided substantially horizontally in a space surrounded by the inner edge of the first container 11, as shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0049] Specifically, the space is provided at a position corresponding to the downstream end (lower end) of the first separation channel 31 described below and the upstream end (upper end) of the third separation channel 33 described below.

[0050] The specific shape and size of the second storage section 12 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment they are set as follows.

[0051] That is, the planar shape of the second accommodating portion 12 is set to be substantially circular as shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0052] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the planar shape of the first accommodating portion 11 is a substantially elliptical ring, the shape may be set to a substantially elliptical shape. Alternatively, the shape may be set to a substantially rectangular shape.

[0053] The outer diameter of the second housing portion 12 is set to be the same as the inner diameter of the first housing portion 11, as shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0054] The vertical length of the second storage section 12 is set to be longer than the vertical length of the second separation channel 32 (described later). For example, it may be set to about 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0055] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the second storage section 12 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 1, the second storage section 12 has one or more through holes 12a to reduce the weight of the second storage section 12 (in Figure 2 (b) , two are provided).

[0056] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, three or more through holes 12a may be provided, or the through hole 12a may be omitted.

[0057] (Configuration—Container—Third Container) Returning to Figure 1, the third container 13 is another part of the basic structure of the container 10, and contains the extraction port 50 and the extraction flow path 40. As shown in Figure 1, the third container 13 is formed of, for example, a resin plate, and is provided so as to protrude from the first container 11 to the right.

[0058] Specifically, it is provided in the lower part of the first storage section 11 at a position corresponding to the downstream end (lower end in FIG. 1) of a third separation channel 33 described below.

[0059] The specific shape and size of the third storage section 13 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment they are set as follows.

[0060] That is, the planar shape of the third housing portion 13 is set to be substantially trapezoidal as shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0061] However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially polygonal shape (for example, a substantially rectangular shape) or a substantially elliptical shape.

[0062] 2B, the left-right length of the third storage section 13 is set to be longer than the left-right length of the extraction flow path 40. As an example, it may be set to be approximately 50 mm to 70 mm.

[0063] 2B, the length of the third container 13 in the front-rear direction is set to be longer than the length of the extraction flow path 40 in the front-rear direction. For example, it may be set to be approximately 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0064] 2A, the vertical length of the third container 13 is set to be longer than the vertical length of the extraction flow path 40. As an example, it may be set to be approximately 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0065] (Configuration - Housing - Other Configurations) Furthermore, the other configurations of the housing 10 are optional, but in embodiment 1, the first housing section 11, the second housing section 12, and the third housing section 13 are formed integrally.

[0066] Specifically, it is formed by molding a transparent resin material (for example, polypropylene) using a 3D printer (or by injection molding).

[0067] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light source 10 may be formed by molding an opaque resin material using a 3D printer or the like.

[0068] With this configuration, the housing 10 can be constructed easily and quickly, and the manufacturability of the housing 10 can be improved.

[0069] However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first housing portion 11, the second housing portion 12, and the third housing portion 13 may be formed separately from each other and then connected using a known connecting means.

[0070] (Configuration—Inlet) Returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the inlet 20 will now be described.

[0071] The inlet 20 is an opening for introducing the liquid to be separated LS. This inlet 20 is provided in the first storage section 11, and specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, only one inlet 20 is provided on the top surface of the first storage section 11.

[0072] Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the insertion port 20 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment they are set as follows.

[0073] That is, the shape of the inlet 20 is set to be substantially circular as shown in FIG.

[0074] However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially elliptical shape or a substantially polygonal shape (for example, a substantially rectangular shape).

[0075] 1, the diameter of the insertion port 20 is set to be smaller than the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the first storage section 11. For example, it may be set to be about 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0076] (Configuration - Separation Channel) Next, the configuration of the separation channel 30 will be described.

[0077] The separation flow path 30 is a flow path through which the liquid to be separated LS introduced into the inlet 20 flows, and is a flow path for separating a plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to their particle sizes. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the separation flow path 30 is contained in the container 10 (specifically, the first container 11 and the second container 12), and includes a first separation flow path 31, a second separation flow path 32, and a third separation flow path 33.

[0078] (Configuration—Separation Channel—First Separation Channel) The first separation channel 31 is part of the basic structure of the separation channel 30, and is a channel that is connected to the inlet 20. This first separation channel 31 is configured as a long, hollow channel, and is housed in the first storage unit 11.

[0079] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(a), it is disposed in the upper part of the first storage section 11, and the upstream end of the first separation channel 31 (the upper end in FIG. 2(a)) is connected to the inlet 20 via the first connection channel 61.

[0080] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the first separation flow path 31 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 1, the first separation flow path 31 is configured to be approximately arc-shaped, approximately spiral-shaped, or approximately vortex-shaped so that the liquid to be separated LS introduced into the inlet 20 flows through the first separation flow path 31, and thereby positions all of the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the inner wall portion 30a of the first separation flow path 31 and / or in a position nearby it, and is specifically configured as follows.

[0081] Here, "arc-shaped" refers to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape that is curved like a bow around a central point, such as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional circular or elliptical arc. Furthermore, "spiral-shaped" refers to a three-dimensional shape that rotates around an axis over a range of 360 degrees or more and extends at an angle relative to the axial direction, and is a concept that includes, for example, a spiral shape with a uniform radius of curvature and a spiral shape with a non-uniform radius of curvature. Furthermore, "spiral-shaped" refers to a two-dimensional shape that resembles a spiral around a central point.

[0082] Furthermore, the "inner wall 30a of the first separation channel 31" refers to the wall on the axial side (or the central point side) of the first separation channel 31 (note that the same applies to the inner wall 30a of the third separation channel 33). Furthermore, the "outer wall 30b of the first separation channel 31" refers to the wall on the opposite side of the axial side (or the central point side) of the first separation channel 31 (note that the same applies to the outer wall 30b of the third separation channel 33).

[0083] That is, first, as shown in FIG. 2( a), the first separation channel 31 is formed in a generally spiral shape with multiple turns wound in the vertical direction, and more specifically, is formed in a generally spiral shape with five turns wound clockwise.

[0084] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the spiral may be formed in a generally spiral shape with less than five turns or six or more turns in a clockwise direction, or less than five turns or five or more turns in a counterclockwise direction.

[0085] The planar shape of the first separation channel 31 is set to be substantially annular, as shown in FIG. 2(a).

[0086] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially elliptical ring shape.

[0087] Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the first separation channel 31 is set to be uniform, as shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0088] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set non-uniformly. For example, the radius of curvature may be set to become smaller (or larger) as it goes downward.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2 (a), the vertical length of the first separation channel 31 is set to be shorter than the vertical length of the first storage section 11, and as an example, is set to be approximately half the vertical length of the first storage section 11.

[0090] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to be longer or shorter than half the length of the first storage section 11 in the up-down direction, for example.

[0091] The cross-sectional shape of the first separation channel 31 is set to be substantially rectangular, as shown in FIG. 3(a).

[0092] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to a shape other than a substantially rectangular shape (for example, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, etc.).

[0093] The cross-sectional size of the first separation channel 31 is determined based on the lift F generated in the first separation channel 31 (described later). Ｌ acts on a plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the separation target liquid LS in the first separation channel 31, but the Dean force F, which will be described later, generated in the first separation channel 31 Ｄ is set to a size that makes it difficult for it to act on the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS in the first separation channel 31.

[0094] As an example, the length in the inner / outer direction (the direction from the inner wall portion 30a to the outer wall portion 30b in the separation channel 30; the horizontal direction in Figure 3(a)) of the cross section of the first separation channel 31 may be set to approximately 500 μm to 1000 μm.

[0095] Furthermore, the length of the first separation channel 31 in the direction perpendicular to the inward / outward direction in its cross section (hereinafter referred to as the "orthogonal direction"; the vertical direction in Figure 3(a)) may be set shorter than the length of the first separation channel 31 in the inward / outward direction in its cross section, and may be set to, for example, approximately 40 μm to 80 μm.

[0096] With this configuration of the first separation flow path 31, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), when the liquid to be separated LS introduced into the inlet 20 flows through the first separation flow path 31, the entire plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS can be positioned on the inner wall portion 30a of the first separation flow path 31 and / or in a position nearby, thereby contributing to the separation of the plurality of particles P.

[0097] Furthermore, because the first separation channel 31 is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction, the speed of the liquid to be separated LS flowing through the first separation channel 31 can be increased compared to when the first separation channel 31 is formed in a spiral shape. This allows the first separation channel 31 to function effectively, and the separation performance of the separation channel 30 can be improved.

[0098] Furthermore, because the radius of curvature of the first separation channel 31 is uniform, the distance that the liquid to be separated LS flows through the first separation channel 31 can be made longer compared to when the radius of curvature of the first separation channel 31 is varied. This allows the first separation channel 31 to function effectively (specifically, the plurality of particles P contained in the liquid to be separated LS can be stably positioned on the inner wall portion 30a of the first separation channel 31 and / or in a position nearby), and the separation performance of the separation channel 30 can be further improved.

[0099] 2, the second separation channel 32 is another part of the basic structure of the separation channel 30, and is a channel that is connected to the first separation channel 31. The second separation channel 32 is configured as a long, hollow channel, and is housed in the second container 12.

[0100] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(b), it is arranged approximately horizontally within the second storage section 12, and the upstream end (specifically, the rear end) of the second separation channel 32 is connected to the downstream end (specifically, the lower end) of the first separation channel 31.

[0101] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the second separation flow path 32 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 1, the second separation flow path 32 is configured so that the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the first separation flow path 31 flows through the second separation flow path 32 and into the third separation flow path 33, thereby positioning all of the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation flow path 33 and / or in a position nearby, and specifically is configured as follows.

[0102] That is, first, the second separation channel 32 is formed in a substantially S-shape as shown in FIG. 2(b) (specifically, formed so that its planar shape is substantially S-shaped).

[0103] The reason why the second separation channel 32 is formed in a substantially S-shape is as follows.

[0104] Specifically, if the second separation channel 32 were formed linearly, a corner would be formed at the connection between the second separation channel 32 and the first separation channel 31 or the third channel, which would easily cause disturbances in the flow of the liquid to be separated LS. This would cause a mixture of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS at the connection, which would reduce the function of the second separation channel 32 (the function of positioning all of the particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS at the outer wall 30b of the third separation channel 33 and / or its vicinity). Furthermore, if the second separation channel 32 were formed in a wavy shape with three or more peaks, disturbances would easily occur in the flow of the liquid to be separated LS at each peak, which would reduce the function of the second separation channel 32. Therefore, to avoid the above problem, the second separation channel 32 is formed in a substantially S-shape.

[0105] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second separation channel 32 may be formed in a shape other than a substantially S-shape (for example, a straight line or the above-mentioned wavy shape).

[0106] The cross-sectional shape of the second separation channel 32 is set to vary from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0107] More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the upstream side of the second separation channel 32 is approximately the same as or similar to the cross-sectional shape of the first separation channel 31, and the cross-sectional shape of the downstream side of the second separation channel 32 is set to be approximately the same as or similar to the cross-sectional shape of the third separation channel 33.

[0108] However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the cross-sectional shape of the second separation channel 32 may be set to a uniform shape, and as an example, it may be set to a shape that is approximately the same as the cross-sectional shape of the first separation channel 31 or the cross-sectional shape of the third separation channel 33.

[0109] The cross-sectional size of the second separation channel 32 is determined based on the lift F generated in the second separation channel 32 (described later). Ｌ and the Dean force F described below. Ｄ is set to a size that makes it difficult for it to act on the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS in the second separation channel 32.

[0110] As an example, the length in the inward and outward directions at the cross section upstream of the second separation flow path 32 may be set to be approximately the same as the length in the inward and outward directions at the cross section of the first separation flow path 31, and the length in the perpendicular direction at the cross section upstream of the second separation flow path 32 may be set to be approximately the same as or slightly longer than the length in the perpendicular direction at the cross section of the first separation flow path 31.

[0111] In addition, the length in the inward and outward directions at the cross section downstream of the second separation flow path 32 may be set to be approximately the same as the length in the inward and outward directions at the cross section of the third separation flow path 33, and the length in the perpendicular direction at the cross section downstream of the second separation flow path 32 may be set to be approximately the same as or slightly shorter than the length in the perpendicular direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path 33.

[0112] With this configuration of the second separation flow path 32, as shown in Figures 5(b) and 5(c), the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the first separation flow path 31 flows through the second separation flow path 32 and into the third separation flow path 33, thereby positioning all of the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation flow path 33 and / or in its vicinity, thereby contributing to the separation of the multiple particles P.

[0113] Furthermore, since the second separation flow path 32 is formed in an approximately S-shape, compared to other shapes, the entire plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS can be effectively positioned on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation flow path 33 and / or in its vicinity, thereby improving the functionality of the second separation flow path 32.

[0114] 1 , the third separation channel 33 is another part of the basic structure of the separation channel 30, and is a channel that is connected to the second separation channel 32. This third separation channel 33 is configured as a long, hollow channel, and is housed in the first container 11.

[0115] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2(a), it is arranged in the lower part of the first storage section 11 (i.e., provided downstream of the first separation channel 31), and the upstream end of the third separation channel 33 (the upper end in Figure 2(a)) is connected to the downstream end of the second separation channel 32 (the front end in Figure 2(a)) (i.e., the downstream end of the first separation channel 31 and the upstream end of the third separation channel 33 are connected via the second separation channel 32).

[0116] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the third separation flow path 33 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 1, the third separation flow path 33 is configured to be approximately arc-shaped, approximately spiral-shaped, or approximately vortex-shaped so that the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the third separation flow path 33 separates the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to multiple particle sizes, and the separated multiple particles P are positioned in parallel in the inward and outward directions within the third separation flow path 33, and is specifically configured as follows.

[0117] That is, first, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the third separation channel 33 is wound multiple times in the vertical direction and is formed in an approximately spiral shape wound in the opposite direction to the first separation channel 31, and more specifically, is formed in an approximately spiral shape wound five times counterclockwise.

[0118] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the spiral may be formed in a generally spiral shape with fewer than five turns or six or more turns in a counterclockwise direction. Alternatively, if the first separation channel 31 is formed in a generally spiral shape with multiple turns in a counterclockwise direction, the spiral may be formed in a generally spiral shape with fewer than five turns or five or more turns in a clockwise direction.

[0119] The planar shape of the third separation channel 33 is set to be substantially annular.

[0120] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially elliptical ring shape.

[0121] The radius of curvature of the third separation channel 33 is set to be uniform.

[0122] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set non-uniformly. For example, the radius of curvature may be set to become smaller (or larger) as it goes downward.

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2 (a), the vertical length of the third separation channel 33 is set to be shorter than the vertical length of the first storage section 11, and as an example, is set to be approximately half the vertical length of the first storage section 11.

[0124] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to be longer or shorter than half the length of the first storage section 11 in the up-down direction, for example.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 3B, the cross-sectional shape of the third separation channel 33 is set to be substantially trapezoidal.

[0126] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to a shape other than a substantially trapezoidal shape (for example, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, etc.).

[0127] The cross-sectional size of the third separation channel 33 is determined based on the lift F generated in the third separation channel 33 as shown in FIG. Ｌ and Dean force F Ｄ is configured to act on a plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS in the third separation flow path 33, thereby separating the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to a plurality of particle sizes.

[0128] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(d), among the plurality of particles P, the lift force F Ｌ The particles P2 having a large particle size, which is governed by the Dean force F, are located on the inner wall portion 30a of the third separation channel 33 or in a position in the vicinity thereof. Ｄ The particle diameter is set so that particles P1 having a small particle diameter, which is dominated by the particle diameter, are positioned on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation channel 33 or in a position in the vicinity thereof.

[0129] More specifically, the length of the third separation channel 33 in the inner-outer direction in cross section is set to be approximately the same as the length of the first separation channel 31 in the inner-outer direction in cross section, as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0130] As shown in FIG. 3B, the length of the third separation channel 33 in the cross section in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the inward / outward direction is set to be longer than the length of the first separation channel 31 in the orthogonal direction in the cross section.

[0131] Specifically, the length of the third separation channel 33 in the cross section in the orthogonal direction is set to increase from the inner wall 30 a of the third separation channel 33 to the outer wall 30 b.

[0132] As an example, the minimum length in the orthogonal direction may be set to be approximately the same as (or shorter or longer than) the length in the orthogonal direction of the cross section of the first separation channel 31. Furthermore, the maximum length in the orthogonal direction may be set to be approximately 1.5 to 3 times the minimum length in the orthogonal direction.

[0133] By setting the cross-sectional size of the third separation channel 33 in this way, the Dean vortex D described later can be formed more easily than with other settings. Ｖ The Dean force F Ｄ This can promote the generation of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS in the third separation channel 33, and can effectively separate the particles P of the sample according to their particle sizes in the third separation channel 33. This can improve the separation performance of the third separation channel 33 (it is considered that an effect similar to the above effect can also be obtained when the cross section of the third separation channel 33 is substantially rectangular).

[0134] Furthermore, compared to when the length in the perpendicular direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path 33 is made uniform, the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS in the third separation flow path 33 can be effectively separated according to multiple particle sizes, thereby further improving the separation performance of the third separation flow path 33.

[0135] Here, the Dean force F Ｄ As shown in FIG. 4, when the liquid to be separated LS flows through the separation channel 30 (specifically, the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33), a Dean vortex D Ｖ This is the force generated by the formation of a secondary flow called a secondary flow, and is calculated based on the following equations (1) to (3).

[0136] (where ρ: density (kg / m ３ ), u: viscosity (kgm －１ s －１ ), R: radius of curvature (m), D e : Dean number U ｆ : Average flow velocity (m / s), D ｈ : hydraulic diameter when the cross section of the channel is rectangular, a: channel width, b: channel height)

[0137] Also, the lift force F Ｌ is a force F Ｄ The force generated together with the force is calculated based on the following formula (4).

[0138] (where G: shear rate (m / s), C Ｌ : lift coefficient, a ｐ : Particle size (m))

[0139] It is desirable to set the cross-sectional sizes of the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33 by referring to these formulas (1) to (4).

[0140] With such a configuration of the third separation flow channel 33, as shown in Figures 5(c) and 5(d), the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the second separation flow channel 32 flows through the third separation flow channel 33, thereby separating the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to their multiple particle sizes, and positioning the separated multiple particles P in parallel in the inward and outward directions within the third separation flow channel 33 (specifically, of the separated multiple particles P, particles with larger particle sizes can be positioned on the inner wall 30a side of the third separation flow channel 33, and particles with smaller particle sizes can be positioned on the outer wall 30b side of the third separation flow channel 33), thereby contributing to the separation of the multiple particles P.

[0141] Furthermore, since the third separation flow path 33 is formed in an approximately spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction, the third separation flow path 33 can function more effectively than when the third separation flow path 33 is formed in a spiral shape, and the separation performance of the separation flow path 30 can be improved.

[0142] Furthermore, because the radius of curvature of the third separation channel 33 is uniform, the distance over which the liquid to be separated LS flows through the third separation channel 33 can be made longer than when the radius of curvature of the third separation channel 33 is varied. This allows the third separation channel 33 to function effectively (specifically, allows the plurality of particles P to be stably positioned so as to be aligned in the inward and outward directions within the third separation channel 33), and the separation performance of the separation channel 30 can be improved.

[0143] (Configuration - Separation Channel - Other Configurations) Furthermore, the other configurations of the separation channel 30 are optional, but in embodiment 1, the first separation channel 31, the second separation channel 32, and the third separation channel 33 are formed integrally.

[0144] Specifically, when molding the housing 10 (specifically, the first housing section 11 and the second housing section 12), they are formed integrally by molding a transparent resin material using a 3D printer (or by injection molding).

[0145] With this configuration, the separation channels 30 can be easily and accurately configured, and the manufacturability of the separation channels 30 can be improved.

[0146] With the separation flow channel 30 as described above, the liquid to be separated LS introduced into the inlet 20 flows through the separation flow channel 30, and multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS can be separated according to particle size.

[0147] Furthermore, since the approximately spiral first separation flow path 31 and the approximately spiral third separation flow path 33 are connected via the second separation flow path 32, it becomes easier to install the separation device 1 in combination with other devices (e.g., devices that perform pre-processing or detection processing) and / or components (e.g., fixing components), thereby improving the ease of installation of the separation device 1.

[0148] (Configuration - Extraction Channel) Returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the extraction channel 40 will now be described.

[0149] The extraction flow channel 40 is a flow channel for extracting particles P of a specific particle size from the plurality of particles P separated by the separation flow channel 30. As shown in Figure 1, the extraction flow channel 40 is housed in the third container 13, and includes a main flow channel 41, a first branch flow channel 42, and a second branch flow channel 43.

[0150] (Configuration—Extraction Channel—Main Channel) The main channel 41 is part of the basic structure of the extraction channel 40, and is a channel through which the liquid to be separated LS flows, which has flowed out from the third separation channel 33 and contains a plurality of particles P separated according to a plurality of particle sizes by the separation channel 30. The main channel 41 is configured as a long, hollow channel, and, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is provided substantially horizontally within the first storage section 11 of the third storage section 13, and is connected to the separation channel 30 (specifically, the downstream end of the third separation channel 33).

[0151] The specific shape and size of the main flow path 41 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment they are set as follows.

[0152] That is, the planar shape of the main flow path 41 is set to be approximately linear.

[0153] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to a substantially curved shape, for example.

[0154] In addition, the longitudinal length of the main flow path 41 (the left-right length in Figure 2) is set to be shorter than the left-right length of the third storage section 13, and as an example, it may be set to about half the left-right length of the third storage section 13.

[0155] The cross-sectional shape of the main flow channel 41 is set to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the third separation flow channel 33 .

[0156] The cross-sectional size of the main flow channel 41 is set to be approximately the same as the cross-sectional size of the third separation flow channel 33 .

[0157] (Configuration—Extraction flow path—First branch flow path, second branch flow path) The first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 are a plurality of branch flow paths branching off from the main flow path 41, and each of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 is connected to one of a plurality of extraction ports 50, and in each of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43, particles P of mutually different particle diameters among the plurality of particles P contained in the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the main flow path 41 flow through the plurality of branch flow paths.

[0158] These first branch flow path 42 and second branch flow path 43 are composed of long, hollow flow paths, and as shown in Figure 2, are each arranged approximately horizontally within the third storage section 13 and are each connected to the downstream end of the main flow path 41.

[0159] Specifically, the first branch flow path 42 is arranged so as to be approximately aligned with the longitudinal direction of the main flow path 41, and is arranged so that the front wall portion of the first branch flow path 42 is connected to the front wall portion of the main flow path 41.

[0160] In addition, the second branch flow path 43 is arranged at an angle so that it moves further rearward than the main flow path 41 as it moves downstream, and is arranged so that the rear wall portion of the second branch flow path 43 is connected to the rear wall portion of the main flow path 41.

[0161] Furthermore, the specific shapes and sizes of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0162] That is, the planar shapes of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 are each set to be approximately linear.

[0163] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each of the curves may be set to have a substantially curved shape, for example.

[0164] The longitudinal lengths of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 (the left-right lengths in FIG. 2 ) are set to be shorter than the left-right length of the third storage section 13. As an example, they may each be set to about half the left-right length of the third storage section 13.

[0165] The cross-sectional shapes of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 are each set to be approximately rectangular.

[0166] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to a shape other than a substantially rectangular shape (for example, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially elliptical shape, etc.).

[0167] The cross-sectional sizes of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 are set smaller than the cross-sectional size of the main flow path 41. As an example, the diameters of the cross-sections of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 may be set to about half the length of the cross-section of the main flow path 41 in the horizontal direction (or vertical direction).

[0168] With this configuration of the first branch flow path 42, particles P1 with small particle diameters flow out of the multiple particles P contained in the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the main flow path 41, and these small particles P1 can be extracted from the extraction port 50 (specifically, the first extraction port 51 described later) connected to the first branch flow path 42.

[0169] Furthermore, due to the configuration of the second branch flow path 43, particles P2 with larger particle diameters flow out of the multiple particles P contained in the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the main flow path 41, and these large particles P2 can be extracted from the extraction port 50 (specifically, the second extraction port 52 described later) connected to the second branch flow path 43.

[0170] (Configuration - Extraction flow path - Other configurations) Furthermore, the other configurations of the extraction flow path 40 are optional, but in embodiment 1, the main flow path 41, the first branch flow path 42, and the second branch flow path 43 are integrally formed.

[0171] Specifically, when molding the container 10 (specifically, the third container section 13), it is integrally formed by molding a transparent resin material using a 3D printer (or by injection molding).

[0172] With this configuration, the extraction flow path 40 can be easily and accurately configured, and the manufacturability of the extraction flow path 40 can be improved.

[0173] The extraction flow path 40 as described above allows particles P with different particle sizes to be extracted from each of the multiple extraction ports 50, and allows multiple particles P with different particle sizes to be extracted efficiently.

[0174] (Configuration - Extraction Port) Returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the extraction port 50 will now be described.

[0175] The extraction port 50 is an opening for extracting particles P of a specific particle size from the plurality of particles P separated by the separation channel 30. As shown in Fig. 1 , one or more extraction ports 50 are provided on the upper surface of the third storage section 13 on the side opposite to the first storage section 11 (two extraction ports are provided in Fig. 1 ).

[0176] Specifically, one of the two extraction ports 50 is connected to the downstream end of the first branch flow path 42 via a second connecting flow path 62. The other of the two extraction ports 50 is connected to the downstream end of the second branch flow path 43 via a third connecting flow path 63.

[0177] In the following, as necessary, of the two extraction ports 50, the extraction port 51 connected to the first branch flow path 42 will be referred to as the "first extraction port 51," and the extraction port 52 connected to the second branch flow path 43 will be referred to as the "second extraction port 52."

[0178] Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the extraction port 50 (specifically, the first extraction port 51 and the second extraction port 52) ​​are arbitrary, but in embodiment 1 they are set as follows.

[0179] That is, the shape of the extraction port 50 is set to be approximately circular.

[0180] However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially elliptical shape or a substantially polygonal shape (for example, a substantially rectangular shape).

[0181] The diameter of the extraction port 50 is set to be approximately the same as the diameter of the insertion port 20. For example, it may be set to be approximately 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0182] However, this is not limiting, and for example, the diameter may be set to be shorter or longer than the diameter of the insertion port 20.

[0183] (Configuration - Other Configurations) Furthermore, the other configurations of the separation device 1 are optional, but in embodiment 1, the container 10, the inlet 20, the separation flow path 30, the extraction flow path 40, and the extraction port 50 are integrally formed.

[0184] Specifically, when molding the container 10, the container 10 is integrally formed by molding a transparent resin material using a 3D printer (or by injection molding).

[0185] With this configuration, the separation device 1 can be constructed simply and accurately, and the manufacturability of the separation device 1 can be improved.

[0186] Furthermore, the separation device 1 described above can perform separation work more easily and quickly than conventional techniques (techniques for separating specific cells using a centrifuge), thereby improving the efficiency of the separation work. Furthermore, compared to the conventional techniques, damage to the separated particles P caused during the separation work can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated particles P.

[0187] Furthermore, since the sample is a biological sample containing multiple cells, the separation of the multiple cells can be performed easily and quickly, further improving the efficiency of the separation process. Furthermore, damage to the separated cells caused by the separation process can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated cells.

[0188] (Separation Method) Next, a separation method using the above-described separation device 1 will be described.

[0189] The separation method is a method for separating a plurality of particles P that constitute a sample contained in a liquid to be separated LS using a separation device 1. This separation method includes a charging step, a separation step, and an extraction step.

[0190] (Separation Method - Adding Step) First, the adding step will be described.

[0191] The introduction step is a step of introducing the liquid to be separated LS into the separation channel 30 via the introduction port 20 .

[0192] Specifically, the liquid to be separated LS is introduced into the inlet 20 by using a known injection means (for example, a pipette, etc.) not shown inserted into the inlet 20 .

[0193] (Separation Method - Separation Step) Next, the separation step will be described.

[0194] The separation process is a process that occurs after the introduction process, in which the liquid to be separated LS is introduced in the introduction process and flows through the separation flow path 30, thereby separating multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to their particle size, and includes a first separation process, a second separation process, and a third separation process.

[0195] (Separation Method - Separation Step - First Separation Step) First, the first separation step will be described.

[0196] The first separation process is a process in which the liquid to be separated LS introduced in the introduction process flows through the first separation flow path 31, thereby positioning all of the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the inner wall portion 30a of the first separation flow path 31 and / or in a position nearby.

[0197] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5(a), a plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS are dispersed in the upstream portion of the first separation channel 31. Then, a lift force F is generated by the liquid to be separated LS flowing through the first separation channel 31 in a substantially spiral shape. ＬAs a result, as shown in Figure 5 (b), the particles P are collected on the inner wall portion 30a of the first separation channel 31 and / or its nearby positions within the downstream portion of the first separation channel 31, thereby positioning the entire particles P on the inner wall portion 30a of the first separation channel 31 and / or its nearby positions.

[0198] (Separation Method - Separation Step - Second Separation Step) Next, the second separation step will be described.

[0199] The second separation process is a process in which, after the first separation process, the liquid to be separated LS flows out from the first separation flow path 31, flows through the second separation flow path 32, and enters the third separation flow path 33, thereby positioning all of the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation flow path 33 and / or in a position nearby.

[0200] 5(b), in the downstream portion of the first separation channel 31, all of the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS are located on the inner wall 30a of the first separation channel 31 and / or in a position nearby the wall 30a. Thereafter, the liquid to be separated LS flows through the second separation channel 32 and into the third separation channel 33, which has a substantially spiral shape and is wound in the opposite direction to the first separation channel 31. As a result, in the upstream portion of the third separation channel 33, all of the plurality of particles P are located on the outer wall 30b of the third separation channel 33 and / or in a position nearby the wall 30b, as shown in FIG.

[0201] (Separation Method - Separation Step - Third Separation Step) Next, the third separation step will be described.

[0202] The third separation process is a process that occurs after the second separation process, in which the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the second separation flow path 32 flows through the third separation flow path 33, thereby separating the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to multiple particle sizes, and positioning the separated multiple particles P in parallel in the inward and outward directions within the third separation flow path 33.

[0203] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5(c), in the upstream portion of the third separation channel 33, a plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS are located on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation channel 33 and / or in a position adjacent thereto. Thereafter, a lift force F generated by the liquid to be separated LS flowing through the substantially spiral third separation channel 33 Ｌ and Dean force F Ｄ As a result, as shown in Figure 5 (d), in the downstream portion of the third separation channel 33, particles P2 having larger particle diameters among the plurality of particles P are collected on the inner wall portion 30a of the third separation channel 33 or a position nearby thereto, and particles P1 having smaller particle diameters are collected on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation channel 33 or a position nearby thereto, thereby positioning the large particles P2 and the small particles P1 in parallel in the inward and outward directions.

[0204] (Separation Method - Extraction Step) Next, the extraction step will be described.

[0205] The extraction step is a step of extracting particles P having a specific particle size from the plurality of particles P separated in the separation step through the extraction port 50 after the separation step.

[0206] Specifically, particles P1 with small particle diameters among the multiple particles P separated in the separation process flow into the first branch flow path 42 via the main flow path 41 of the extraction flow path 40, and the small particles P1 are extracted by sucking them out of the first extraction port 51 using a known suction means (e.g., a pipette, etc.) not shown that is inserted into the first extraction port 51.

[0207] Furthermore, since particles P2 having a larger particle size among the multiple particles P separated in the separation process flow into the second branch flow path 43 via the main flow path 41 of the extraction flow path 40, the large particles P2 are extracted by sucking them out of the second extraction port 52 using the suction means inserted into the second extraction port 52.

[0208] The separation method described above allows for simpler and faster separation than conventional techniques (techniques for separating specific cells using a centrifuge), improving the efficiency of the separation work. Furthermore, compared to the conventional techniques, damage to the separated particles P caused during the separation work can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated particles P.

[0209] Effect of First Embodiment As described above, according to the first embodiment, the first separation channel 31 is configured in a substantially spiral shape so that the liquid to be separated LS introduced into the inlet 20 flows through the first separation channel 31, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the inner wall 30a of the first separation channel 31 and / or a position nearby thereto, and the liquid to be separated LS flowing out of the first separation channel 31 flows through the second separation channel 32 and into the third separation channel 33, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the outer wall 30b of the third separation channel 33 and / or a position nearby thereto. The second separation channel 32 is configured so that the liquid to be separated LS flows through the third separation channel 33, and the liquid to be separated LS flows from the second separation channel 32 through the third separation channel 33, thereby separating the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to a plurality of particle sizes, and the third separation channel 33 is configured in a substantially spiral shape so that the separated plurality of particles P are positioned in parallel in the inward and outward direction from the inner wall 30 a to the outer wall 30 b within the third separation channel 33. This makes it possible to perform the separation operation more easily and quickly than conventional techniques (techniques for separating specific cells using a centrifuge), thereby improving the efficiency of the separation operation. Furthermore, compared to the above-mentioned conventional techniques, damage to the separated particles P caused during the separation operation can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated particles P.

[0210] Furthermore, since the second separation flow path 32 is formed in an approximately S-shape, compared to other shapes, the entirety of the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS can be effectively positioned on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation flow path 33 and / or in its vicinity, thereby improving the functionality of the second separation flow path 32.

[0211] Furthermore, the length in the inward and outward directions at the cross section of the third separation flow channel 33 is approximately the same as the length in the inward and outward directions at the cross section of the first separation flow channel 31, and the length in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the inward and outward directions at the cross section of the third separation flow channel 33 is longer than the length in the orthogonal direction at the cross section of the first separation flow channel 31.Therefore, compared to other lengths, the third separation flow channel 33 can effectively separate multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to multiple particle sizes, thereby improving the separation performance of the third separation flow channel 33.

[0212] Furthermore, the orthogonal length of the cross section of the third separation flow channel 33 is increased from the inner wall 30a to the outer wall 30b of the third separation flow channel 33, so that the separation performance of the third separation flow channel 33 can be further improved, by effectively separating multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS in the third separation flow channel 33 according to multiple particle sizes, compared to when the orthogonal length of the cross section of the third separation flow channel 33 is uniform.

[0213] Furthermore, the first separation channel 31 is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction, the third separation channel 33 is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction and wound in the opposite direction to the first separation channel 31, the third separation channel 33 is provided downstream of the first separation channel 31, and the downstream end of the first separation channel 31 is connected to the upstream end of the third separation channel 33 via the second separation channel 32. This allows the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33 to function more effectively than when the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33 are each formed in a spiral shape, thereby improving the separation performance of the separation channel 30. Furthermore, the separation device 1 can be easily installed in combination with other devices (e.g., devices that perform pretreatment or detection treatment) and / or components (e.g., fixing components), thereby improving the installability of the separation device 1.

[0214] Furthermore, because the radii of curvature of the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33 are made uniform, the distance over which the liquid to be separated LS flows through the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33 can be made longer than when the radii of curvature of the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33 are made different. This allows the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel to function effectively (specifically, when the radii of curvature of the first separation channel 31 are made uniform, the plurality of particles P contained in the liquid to be separated LS can be stably positioned on the inner wall portion of the first separation channel 31 and / or positions nearby. Furthermore, when the radii of curvature of the third separation channel 33 are made uniform, the plurality of particles P can be stably positioned in parallel in the inward and outward directions within the third separation channel 33), thereby improving the separation performance of the separation channel 30.

[0215] Furthermore, the extraction flow path 40 comprises a main flow path 41 and a plurality of branch flow paths branching off from the main flow path 41, each of which is connected to one of a plurality of extraction ports 50, and each of which comprises a plurality of branch flow paths through which particles P of different particle sizes flow, out of a plurality of particles P contained in the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the main flow path 41. Therefore, particles P of different particle sizes can be extracted from each of the plurality of extraction ports 50, and a plurality of particles P of different particle sizes can be extracted efficiently.

[0216] Furthermore, since the sample is a biological sample containing multiple cells, the separation of the multiple cells can be performed easily and quickly, further improving the efficiency of the separation process. Furthermore, damage to the separated cells caused by the separation process can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated cells.

[0217] [Embodiment 2] Next, a separation device according to embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment 2, the first separation channel and the third separation channel are each substantially spiral-shaped. However, the configuration according to embodiment 2 is the same as the configuration according to embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified, and the same components will be denoted by the same names or symbols as those used in embodiment 1 as necessary, and their description will be omitted.

[0218] (Configuration) First, a description will be given of the configuration of the separation device according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 6 , the separation device 100 according to embodiment 2 includes a container 10, an inlet 20, a separation channel 30, an extraction channel 40, and an extraction port 50.

[0219] (Configuration - Housing) First, the configuration of the housing 10 will be described.

[0220] The container 10 is formed, for example, from a solid body made of resin (specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, it is formed from a substantially flat plate-like body), and is placed on a substantially horizontal installation surface S, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0221] Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the container 10 are arbitrary, but in the second embodiment they are set as follows.

[0222] That is, the planar shape of the container 10 is set to a substantially rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 6. However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially circular shape or a substantially elliptical ring shape.

[0223] 6, the left-right length of the container 10 is set to be longer than the left-right length of the separation channel 30. As an example, the left-right length may be set to be approximately 1.2 to 2 times the left-right length of the separation channel 30.

[0224] 6, the length of the container 10 in the front-rear direction is set to be longer than the length of the separation channel 30 in the front-rear direction. As an example, the length may be set to be approximately 1.2 to 2 times the length of the separation channel 30 in the front-rear direction.

[0225] The vertical length of the container 10 is set to be longer than the vertical length of the separation channel 30. As an example, the vertical length may be set to be about two to three times the length of the separation channel 30 in the front-rear direction.

[0226] (Configuration—Inlet) Next, the configuration of the inlet 20 will be described.

[0227] The input port 20 is configured in substantially the same manner as the input port 20 in embodiment 1, and as shown in FIG. 6, only one is provided on the top surface of the housing body 10, specifically, on the left side of the top surface of the housing body 10.

[0228] (Configuration - Separation Channel) Next, the configuration of the separation channel 30 will be described.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 6 , the separation channel 30 is housed in the container 10 and includes a first separation channel 31 , a second separation channel 32 , and a third separation channel 33 .

[0230] (Configuration—Separation flow path—First separation flow path) The first separation flow path 31 is composed of a long, hollow flow path, and as shown in FIG. 6, is provided approximately horizontally in the left part of the container 10, and the upstream end of the first separation flow path 31 (the inner end in FIG. 6) is connected to the inlet 20 via a first connection flow path 61.

[0231] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the first separation flow path 31 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 2, the first separation flow path 31 is configured to be approximately arc-shaped, approximately spiral-shaped, or approximately vortex-shaped so that the liquid to be separated LS introduced into the inlet 20 flows through the first separation flow path 31, and thereby positions all of the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the inner wall portion 30a of the first separation flow path 31 and / or in a position nearby it, and is specifically configured as follows.

[0232] That is, first, as shown in Figure 6, the first separation flow path 31 is formed in an approximately spiral shape wound multiple times in a plan view, and more specifically, is formed in an approximately spiral shape wound three times counterclockwise from the inside to the outside of the container 10.

[0233] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wire may be formed in a generally spiral shape wound counterclockwise less than three times or four or more times, or in a generally spiral shape wound clockwise less than three times or three or more times.

[0234] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the left-right length of the first separation flow path 31 is set to be shorter than the left-right length of the container 10, and as an example, it is set to be approximately one-third of the left-right length of the container 10.

[0235] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the length of the first separation flow path 31 in the front-to-rear direction is set to be shorter than the length of the container 10 in the front-to-rear direction, and as an example, it is set to be approximately half the length of the container 10 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0236] The cross-sectional shape of the first separation channel 31 is set to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the first separation channel 31 according to the first embodiment.

[0237] The cross-sectional size of the first separation channel 31 is set to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional size of the first separation channel 31 according to the first embodiment.

[0238] With this configuration of the first separation flow path 31, similar to the first separation flow path 31 in embodiment 1, the liquid to be separated LS introduced into the inlet 20 flows through the first separation flow path 31, and the entire plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS can be positioned on the inner wall portion 30a of the first separation flow path 31 and / or in its vicinity, thereby contributing to the separation of the plurality of particles P.

[0239] (Configuration—Separation Channel—Second Separation Channel) The second separation channel 32 is configured as a long, hollow channel, and is housed within the container 10 .

[0240] Specifically, it is arranged approximately horizontally in the central part of the container 10, and the upstream end of the second separation flow path 32 (the left end in Figure 6) is connected to the downstream end of the first separation flow path 31 (the outer end in Figure 6).

[0241] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the second separation flow channel 32 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 2, the second separation flow channel 32 is configured so that the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the first separation flow channel 31 flows through the second separation flow channel 32 and into the third separation flow channel 33, thereby positioning all of the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation flow channel 33 and / or in a position nearby, and specifically is configured as follows.

[0242] That is, first, the second separation channel 32 is formed in a substantially S-shape as shown in FIG. 6 (specifically, it is formed so that its planar shape is substantially S-shaped).

[0243] The cross-sectional shape of the second separation channel 32 is set to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the second separation channel 32 according to the first embodiment.

[0244] The cross-sectional size of the second separation channel 32 is set to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional size of the second separation channel 32 according to the first embodiment.

[0245] With this configuration of the second separation flow path 32, similar to the second separation flow path 32 in embodiment 1, the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the first separation flow path 31 flows through the second separation flow path 32 and into the third separation flow path 33, thereby positioning all of the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation flow path 33 and / or in its vicinity, thereby contributing to the separation of the multiple particles P.

[0246] (Configuration—Separation Channel—Third Separation Channel) The third separation channel 33 is configured as a long, hollow channel, and is housed within the container 10 .

[0247] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, it is arranged on the right side of the container 10 (i.e., arranged parallel to the first separation flow path 31 in a substantially horizontal direction), and the upstream end of the third separation flow path 33 (the outer end in FIG. 6) is connected to the downstream end of the second separation flow path 32 (the right end in FIG. 6).

[0248] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the third separation flow path 33 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 2, the third separation flow path 33 is configured to be approximately arc-shaped, approximately spiral-shaped, or approximately vortex-shaped so that the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the third separation flow path 33 flows through the third separation flow path 33, thereby separating the multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to multiple particle sizes, and positioning the separated multiple particles P in parallel in the inward and outward directions within the third separation flow path 33, and is specifically configured as follows.

[0249] That is, first, as shown in Figure 6, the third separation flow path 33 is formed in an approximately spiral shape by being wound multiple times in a plan view and wound in the opposite direction to the first separation flow path 31, and more specifically, is formed in an approximately spiral shape by being wound three times clockwise from the outside to the inside of the container 10.

[0250] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the spiral may be formed in a generally spiral shape with fewer than three or four or more turns in a clockwise direction. Alternatively, when the first separation channel 31 is formed in a generally spiral shape with multiple turns in a clockwise direction, the spiral may be formed in a generally spiral shape with fewer than three or three or more turns in a counterclockwise direction.

[0251] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the left-right length of the third separation flow path 33 is set to be shorter than the left-right length of the container 10, and as an example, it is set to be approximately one-third of the left-right length of the container 10.

[0252] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the length of the third separation flow path 33 in the front-to-rear direction is set to be shorter than the length of the container 10 in the front-to-rear direction, and as an example, it is set to be approximately half the length of the container 10 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0253] The cross-sectional shape of the third separation channel 33 is set to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the third separation channel 33 according to the first embodiment.

[0254] The cross-sectional size of the third separation channel 33 is set to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional size of the third separation channel 33 according to the first embodiment.

[0255] By setting the cross-sectional size of the third separation channel 33 in this manner, similar to the third separation channel 33 in embodiment 1, the third separation channel 33 can effectively separate multiple particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to multiple particle sizes, thereby improving the separation performance of the third separation channel 33.

[0256] (Configuration - Extraction Channel) Next, the configuration of the extraction channel 40 will be described.

[0257] As shown in FIG. 6 , the extraction flow path 40 is housed in the container 10 and includes a first branch flow path 42 and a second branch flow path 43 .

[0258] (Configuration—Extraction flow path—First branch flow path and second branch flow path) The first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 are a plurality of branch flow paths branching off from the separation flow path 30 (specifically, the third separation flow path 33), and each of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 is connected to one of a plurality of extraction ports 50, and in each of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43, particles P of mutually different particle diameters among the plurality of particles P contained in the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the main flow path 41 flow through the plurality of branch flow paths.

[0259] These first branch flow path 42 and second branch flow path 43 are composed of long, hollow flow paths, and as shown in Figure 6, are each arranged approximately horizontally within the container 10 and are each connected to the downstream end of the third separation flow path 33.

[0260] Specifically, the first branch flow path 42 is arranged so as to be approximately aligned with the longitudinal direction of the third separation flow path 33, and is arranged so that the outer wall portion of the first branch flow path 42 is connected to the outer wall portion 30b of the third separation flow path 33.

[0261] In addition, the second branch flow path 43 is positioned so that it is further away from the third separation flow path 33 toward the inside of the container 10 as it moves downstream, and the inner wall portion of the second branch flow path 43 is connected to the inner wall portion 30a of the third separation flow path 33.

[0262] Furthermore, the specific shapes and sizes of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 are set to be approximately the same as the specific shapes and sizes of the first branch flow path 42 and the second branch flow path 43 according to embodiment 1.

[0263] With this configuration of the first branch flow path 42, similar to the first branch flow path 42 in embodiment 1, particles P1 with small particle diameters flow out of the multiple particles P contained in the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the separation flow path 30, and the small particles P1 can be extracted from the extraction port 50 (specifically, the first extraction port 51) connected to the first branch flow path 42.

[0264] Furthermore, with this configuration of the second branch flow path 43, similar to the second branch flow path 43 in embodiment 1, particles P2 with larger particle diameters flow out of the multiple particles P contained in the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the separation flow path 30, and therefore the large particles P2 can be extracted from the extraction port 50 (specifically, the second extraction port 52) ​​connected to the second branch flow path 43.

[0265] (Configuration - Extraction Port) Next, the configuration of the extraction port 50 will be described.

[0266] The extraction ports 50 are configured in substantially the same manner as the extraction ports 50 according to the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 6, two of them are provided on the top surface of the container 10, specifically, on the right side of the top surface of the container 10.

[0267] Specifically, of the two extraction ports 50, the first extraction port 51 is connected to the downstream end of the first branch flow path 42 via a second connecting flow path 62. Furthermore, of the two extraction ports 50, the second extraction port 52 is connected to the downstream end of the second branch flow path 43 via a third connecting flow path 63.

[0268] The separation device 100 described above, like the separation device 1 according to embodiment 1, can perform separation work more easily and quickly than the conventional techniques, thereby improving the efficiency of the separation work. Furthermore, compared to the conventional techniques, damage to the separated particles P caused during the separation work can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated particles P.

[0269] Furthermore, since the first separation flow path 31 and the third separation flow path 33 are arranged side by side in an approximately horizontal direction, the vertical length of the separation device 100 can be reduced compared to the separation device 1 according to embodiment 1, and the separation device 100 can be installed even when the height of the installation space is relatively low.

[0270] (Separation Method) Next, a separation method using the above-described separation device 100 will be described.

[0271] The separation method is substantially the same as the separation method according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0272] Effect of Second Embodiment As described above, according to the second embodiment, the first separation channel 31 is configured in a substantially spiral shape so that the liquid to be separated LS introduced into the inlet 20 flows through the first separation channel 31, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the inner wall 30a of the first separation channel 31 and / or positions nearby thereto, and the liquid to be separated LS flowing out of the first separation channel 31 flows through the second separation channel 32 and into the third separation channel 33, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS on the outer wall 30b of the third separation channel 33 and / or positions nearby thereto. The second separation channel 32 is configured so that the liquid to be separated LS flowing out from the second separation channel 32 flows through the third separation channel 33, thereby separating the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated LS according to a plurality of particle sizes, and the third separation channel 33 is configured in a substantially spiral shape so that the separated plurality of particles P are positioned in parallel in the inward and outward direction from the inner wall 30 a to the outer wall 30 b within the third separation channel 33. As a result, similar to the separation device 1 according to embodiment 1, the separation operation can be performed more easily and quickly than in the conventional technology, and the efficiency of the separation operation can be improved. Furthermore, compared to the conventional technology, damage to the separated particles P caused during the separation operation can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated particles P.

[0273] [III] Modifications to the Embodiments The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical ideas of each invention as set forth in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

[0274] (Regarding the problems to be solved and the effects of the invention) First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above, and the present invention may solve problems not described above or achieve effects not described above, or may solve only some of the problems described or achieve only some of the effects described.

[0275] (Regarding shape, numerical values, structure, and time series) The shape, numerical values, or interrelationships between the structure or time series of multiple components of the components illustrated in the embodiments and drawings can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0276] (Regarding the liquid to be separated) In the above embodiment 1, the liquid to be separated LS was described as a liquid containing only a sample, but it is not limited to this and may be, for example, a liquid containing a sample and a sheath liquid (the same applies to the liquid to be separated LS in embodiment 2).

[0277] In this case, for example, the size of the cross section of the first separation channel 31 may be set to be approximately the same as the size of the cross section of the third separation channel 33. As an example, the length of the cross section of the first separation channel 31 in the inward / outward direction may be set to be approximately the same as the length of the cross section of the third separation channel 33 in the inward / outward direction, and the length of the cross section of the first separation channel 31 in the orthogonal direction may be set to be approximately the same as the length of the cross section of the third separation channel 33 in the orthogonal direction.

[0278] The first container 11 may also be provided with an inlet 20 for introducing a sample into the separation channel 30 and an inlet 20 for introducing a sheath liquid into the separation channel 30 .

[0279] (Regarding the Separation Device) In the above-described first and second embodiments, the separation device has been described as including the container 10, but this is not limiting. For example, if the separation flow path 30 and the extraction flow path 40 are configured as tubular flow paths made of, for example, resin or glass, the container 10 may be omitted.

[0280] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, the separation device is described as having a first connection flow path 61, a second connection flow path 62, and a third connection flow path 63, but this is not limited to this, and for example, at least one of the first connection flow path 61, the second connection flow path 62, or the third connection flow path 63 may be omitted.

[0281] In this case, the inlet 20 or the extraction port 50 may be directly connected to the separation channel 30 or the extraction channel 40 .

[0282] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the separation device is described as including the extraction flow path 40, but this is not limiting, and for example, the extraction flow path 40 may be omitted.

[0283] In this case, the downstream portion of the third separation channel 33 may be branched into a plurality of portions, and the extraction ports 50 may be connected to the branched portions, respectively.

[0284] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the container 10, the inlet 20, the separation channel 30, the extraction channel 40, and the extraction port 50 are described as being integrally formed, but this is not limiting. For example, parts of the container 10, the inlet 20, the separation channel 30, the extraction channel 40, and the extraction port 50 may be formed separately from one another and then connected using a known connecting means.

[0285] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the separation device has been described as including the container 10, the inlet 20, the separation channel 30, the extraction channel 40, and the extraction port 50, but is not limited to this. For example, in addition to these configurations, if the first extraction port 51 and the second extraction port 52 are each provided on a side surface of the third container 13, the separation device may further include a first storage unit (e.g., a known reservoir) that stores the particles P extracted from the first extraction port 51, and a second storage unit (e.g., a known reservoir) that stores the particles P extracted from the second extraction port 52.

[0286] Alternatively, the separation device may further include a promoting means (for example, a known pump) for promoting the flow of the liquid to be separated LS flowing through the separation flow path 30 and the extraction flow path 40. In this case, for example, the separation device may be installed on a substantially vertical installation surface S.

[0287] (Regarding the Housing) In the first and second embodiments, the housing 10 is described as being made of a resin material, but is not limited to this and may be made of, for example, a glass material or a metal material.

[0288] In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the first storage section 11 is described as being substantially cylindrical, but it may be rectangular, cubic, or cylindrical. In this case, the second storage section 12 may be omitted.

[0289] (Regarding Separation Channels) In the above-described first and second embodiments, the first separation channel 31 and the second separation channel 32 are described as being substantially helical or spiral-shaped, but are not limited thereto and may be, for example, substantially arc-shaped.

[0290] 7, the first separation channel 31 may be formed in a two-dimensional, approximately semicircular arc shape, and the second separation channel 32 may be arranged horizontally alongside the first separation channel 31 and formed in a two-dimensional, approximately semicircular arc shape that curves in the opposite direction to the first separation channel 31. The downstream end (right end) of the first separation channel 31 may be connected to the upstream end (left end) of the third separation channel 33 via the second separation channel 32. The radii of curvature of the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33 are desirably set to values ​​that allow the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33 to function.

[0291] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, it has been explained that the length in the orthogonal direction in the cross section of the third separation channel 33 is set to increase from the inner wall portion 30a of the third separation channel 33 to the outer wall portion 30b, but this is not limited to this and may be set uniformly, for example.

[0292] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the third separation channel 33 is described as being set to a substantially trapezoidal shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cross-sectional shape may be set to a substantially rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 4 . It should be noted that, while separation of particles P is likely to be suppressed when the cross-sectional bottom surface is a curved surface (e.g., a circular or elliptical shape), such a problem is unlikely to occur when the cross-sectional bottom surface is a flat surface (e.g., a substantially trapezoidal or rectangular shape). From this perspective, by setting the cross-sectional shape to a substantially rectangular shape, the plurality of particles P of the sample contained in the separation target liquid LS in the third separation channel 33 can be separated more effectively according to a plurality of particle sizes than when the cross-sectional bottom surface is a circular or elliptical shape, and the separation performance of the third separation channel 33 can be further improved.

[0293] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 1, it was explained that the third separation flow path 33 is provided below the first separation flow path 31, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the third separation flow path 33 may be provided above the first separation flow path 31.

[0294] In this case, the inlet 20 may be provided near the upstream end (specifically, the lower end) of the first separation channel 31, the downstream end (specifically, the upper end) of the first separation channel 31 may be connected to the upstream end (specifically, the lower end) of the third separation channel 33 via the second separation channel 32, and the extraction channel 40 may be provided near the downstream end (specifically, the upper end) of the third separation channel 33. The inlet 20 may also be provided with the aforementioned promoting means.

[0295] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the third separation channel 33 is described as being provided downstream of the first separation channel 31, but this is not limiting. For example, the third separation channel 33 may be provided in parallel with the first separation channel 31 in the horizontal direction, and the downstream end (lower end) of the first separation channel 31 may be connected to the upstream end (upper end) of the third separation channel 33 via the second separation channel 32. In this case, the inlet 20 may be provided with the promoting means.

[0296] Alternatively, the third separation channel 33, which is generally spiral and wound in the same direction as the first separation channel 31, may be arranged in parallel to the first separation channel 31 in the horizontal direction, and the downstream end (lower end) of the first separation channel 31 may be connected to the (lower end) of the third separation channel 33 via the second separation channel 32. In this case, the inlet 20 may be provided with the above-mentioned promoting means.

[0297] In addition, in the second embodiment, the first separation channel 31 and the third separation channel 33 are described as being arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the third separation channel 33 may be provided below the first separation channel 31, and the downstream end (outer end) of the first separation channel 31 may be connected to the upstream end (outer end) of the third separation channel 33 via the second separation channel 32.

[0298] Alternatively, the third separation flow path 33, which is spirally wound in the same direction as the first separation flow path 31, may be located below the first separation flow path 31, and the downstream end (outer end) of the first separation flow path 31 and the upstream end (inner end) of the third separation flow path 33 may be connected via the second separation flow path 32.

[0299] (Regarding the Extraction Port) In the above-described first and second embodiments, the number of extraction ports 50 provided is two, but this is not limited thereto. For example, if only small particles P1 or large particles P2 are to be extracted from the plurality of particles P separated by the separation channel 30, only one extraction port 50 may be provided.

[0300] In this case, either the first branch flow path 42 or the second branch flow path 43 may be connected to the extraction port 50, and the other of the first branch flow path 42 or the second branch flow path 43 may be connected to a waste port connected to a waste storage means (e.g., a known tank, etc.) for disposing of the remaining particles P among the separated multiple particles P.

[0301] Furthermore, for example, when particles P having three or more particle sizes are to be extracted from the plurality of particles P separated by the separation channel 30, the number of extraction ports 50 provided may be three or more.

[0302] In this case, the number of branch flow paths may be three or more.

[0303] (Supplementary Note) A separation device of Supplementary Note 1 is a separation device for separating a plurality of particles constituting a sample contained in a liquid to be separated, comprising: an inlet for introducing the liquid to be separated; a separation flow path through which the liquid to be separated introduced into the inlet flows, the separation flow path separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to particle size; and at least one extraction port provided for extracting particles of a specific particle size from the plurality of particles separated by the separation flow path, the separation flow path comprising a first separation flow path connected to the inlet, a second separation flow path connected to the first separation flow path, and a third separation flow path connected to the second separation flow path, and as the liquid to be separated introduced into the inlet flows through the first separation flow path, the separation device separates the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to particle size on an inner wall portion of the first separation flow path and / or a position nearby the inner wall portion of the first separation flow path. The first separation flow path is configured in a substantially arc-like, spiral, or vortex shape so as to position all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid, the second separation flow path is configured so that the liquid to be separated flowing out from the first separation flow path flows through the second separation flow path and into the third separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on an outer wall portion of the third separation flow path and / or a position nearby the outer wall portion, and the third separation flow path is configured in a substantially arc-like, spiral, or vortex shape so that the liquid to be separated flowing out from the second separation flow path flows through the third separation flow path, thereby separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to a plurality of particle sizes, and positioning the separated plurality of particles in parallel in an inward / outward direction from the inner wall portion to the outer wall portion within the third separation flow path.

[0304] The separation device of Supplementary Note 2 is the separation device of Supplementary Note 1, wherein the second separation channel is formed in a substantially S-shape.

[0305] The separation device of Supplementary Note 3 is the separation device described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the length of the third separation flow path in the inward / outward direction at its cross section is approximately the same as the length of the first separation flow path in the inward / outward direction at its cross section, and the length of the third separation flow path in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the inward / outward direction at its cross section is longer than the length of the first separation flow path in the orthogonal direction at its cross section.

[0306] The separation device of Supplementary Note 4 is the separation device of Supplementary Note 3, wherein the length of the cross section of the third separation channel in the orthogonal direction increases from the inner wall portion to the outer wall portion of the third separation channel.

[0307] The separation device of Supplementary Note 5 is the separation device of Supplementary Note 3, wherein the cross section of the third separation channel is substantially rectangular.

[0308] The separation device of Supplementary Note 6 is the separation device of Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the first separation flow path is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction, the third separation flow path is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction and wound in the opposite direction to the first separation flow path, the third separation flow path is provided downstream of the first separation flow path, and the downstream end of the first separation flow path is connected to the upstream end of the third separation flow path via the second separation flow path.

[0309] The separation device of Supplementary Note 7 is the separation device of Supplementary Note 6, wherein the radius of curvature of the first separation channel is made uniform and / or the radius of curvature of the third separation channel is made uniform.

[0310] The separation device of Supplementary Note 8 is the separation device described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, and further comprises an extraction flow path connected to the third separation flow path and the plurality of extraction ports, and the extraction flow path comprises a main flow path through which the liquid to be separated that has flowed out from the third separation flow path and contains the plurality of particles separated by the separation flow path according to a plurality of particle sizes, and a plurality of branch flow paths branching off from the main flow path, each of the plurality of branch flow paths connected to one of the plurality of extraction ports, and in each of the plurality of branch flow paths, particles of mutually different particle sizes among the plurality of particles contained in the liquid to be separated that has flowed out from the main flow path flow, respectively.

[0311] The separation device of Supplementary Note 9 is the separation device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the sample is a biological sample containing a plurality of cells.

[0312] A separation method according to Supplementary Note 10 is a separation method for separating a plurality of particles constituting a sample contained in a liquid to be separated using a separation device, the separation device comprising: an input port; a separation flow path connected to the input port; and an extraction port connected to the separation flow path, the separation flow path comprising: a first separation flow path connected to the input port and having a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially spiral shape; a second separation flow path connected to the first separation flow path; and a third separation flow path connected to the second separation flow path and having a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially spiral shape. The separation method includes: an input step of inputting the liquid to be separated into the separation flow path via the input port; a separation step of separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to particle size by causing the liquid to be separated input in the input step to flow through the separation flow path; and an extraction step of extracting particles having a specific particle size from the plurality of particles separated in the separation step via the extraction port, a first separation step in which the liquid to be separated introduced in the introducing step flows through the first separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on an inner wall portion of the first separation flow path and / or positions nearby there; a second separation step in which, after the first separation step, the liquid to be separated flowing out from the first separation flow path flows through the second separation flow path and into the third separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on an outer wall portion of the third separation flow path and / or positions nearby there; and a third separation step in which, after the second separation step, the liquid to be separated flowing out from the second separation flow path flows through the third separation flow path, thereby separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to a plurality of particle sizes and positioning the separated plurality of particles in parallel in the inward and outward direction from the inner wall portion to the outer wall portion within the third separation flow path.

[0313] (Effects of Supplementary Note) According to the separation device described in Supplementary Note 1 or the separation method described in Supplementary Note 10, the first separation channel is configured in a substantially arc-like, substantially spiral, or substantially vortex shape so that the liquid to be separated introduced into the inlet flows through the first separation channel, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on the inner wall portion of the first separation channel and / or positions nearby, and the liquid to be separated flowing out of the first separation channel flows through the second separation channel and into the third separation channel, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on the outer wall portion of the third separation channel and / or positions nearby. The second separation flow path is configured so that the liquid to be separated flowing out from the second separation flow path flows through the third separation flow path, thereby separating a plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to a plurality of particle sizes, and the third separation flow path is configured in a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially vortex shape so that the separated particles are positioned in parallel in an inward-outward direction from the inner wall to the outer wall within the third separation flow path. This makes it possible to perform the separation operation more easily and quickly than conventional techniques (techniques for separating specific cells using a centrifuge), thereby improving the efficiency of the separation operation. Furthermore, compared to the above-mentioned conventional techniques, damage to the separated particles caused during the separation operation can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated particles.

[0314] According to the separation device described in Appendix 2, the second separation flow path is formed in an approximately S-shape, so that, compared to other shapes, the entire plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated can be effectively positioned on the outer wall portion of the third separation flow path and / or in a position adjacent thereto, thereby improving the functionality of the second separation flow path.

[0315] According to the separation device described in Appendix 3, the length in the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path is approximately the same as the length in the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the first separation flow path, and the length in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path is longer than the length in the orthogonal direction at the cross section of the first separation flow path.Therefore, compared to other lengths, the third separation flow path can effectively separate multiple particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to multiple particle sizes, thereby improving the separation performance of the third separation flow path.

[0316] According to the separation device described in Appendix 4, the orthogonal length of the cross section of the third separation flow path is increased from the inner wall to the outer wall of the third separation flow path, so that multiple particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated in the third separation flow path can be effectively separated according to multiple particle sizes in comparison with when the orthogonal length of the cross section of the third separation flow path is uniform, thereby improving the separation performance of the third separation flow path.

[0317] In the separation device described in Appendix 5, the cross section of the third separation flow path is approximately rectangular. Therefore, compared to when the cross section of the third separation flow path is circular or elliptical, the third separation flow path can effectively separate multiple particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to multiple particle sizes, thereby further improving the separation performance of the third separation flow path.

[0318] According to the separation device described in Appendix 6, the first separation channel is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction, the third separation channel is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in the vertical direction and in the opposite direction to the first separation channel, the third separation channel is provided downstream of the first separation channel, and the downstream end of the first separation channel is connected to the upstream end of the third separation channel via the second separation channel, so that the first separation channel and the third separation channel can function more effectively and the separation performance of the separation channel can be improved compared to when the first separation channel and the third separation channel are each formed in a spiral shape. Furthermore, since the separation device can be easily installed in combination with other devices (e.g., devices that perform pretreatment or detection processing) and / or components (e.g., fixing components), the installability of the separation device can be improved.

[0319] According to the separation device described in Supplementary Note 7, the radius of curvature of the first separation channel is made uniform and / or the radius of curvature of the third separation channel is made uniform, so the distance that the liquid to be separated flows through the first separation channel and / or the third separation channel can be made longer compared to when the radii of curvature of the first separation channel and / or the third separation channel are made different. This allows the first separation channel and / or the third separation channel to function effectively (specifically, when the radius of curvature of the first separation channel is made uniform, multiple particles contained in the liquid to be separated can be stably positioned on the inner wall portion of the first separation channel and / or positions nearby. Furthermore, when the radius of curvature of the third separation channel is made uniform, the multiple particles can be stably positioned in parallel in the inward and outward directions within the third separation channel), thereby improving the separation performance of the separation channel.

[0320] According to the separation device described in Appendix 8, the extraction flow path comprises a main flow path and a plurality of branch flow paths branching off from the main flow path, each of the plurality of branch flow paths being connected to one of a plurality of extraction ports, and each of the plurality of branch flow paths having a plurality of branch flow paths through which particles of mutually different particle sizes flow, among the plurality of particles contained in the liquid to be separated that has flowed out from the main flow path. Therefore, particles of different particle sizes can be extracted from each of the plurality of extraction ports, and a plurality of particles of different particle sizes can be extracted efficiently.

[0321] According to the separation device described in Appendix 9, since the sample is a biological sample containing a plurality of cells, the separation operation for the plurality of cells can be performed easily and quickly, and the efficiency of the separation operation can be further improved. In addition, damage to the separated cells caused by the separation operation can be reduced, making it easier to ensure the usability of the separated cells.

[0322] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Separation device 10 Storage body 11 First storage section 12 Second storage section 12a Through hole 13 Third storage section 20 Input port 30 Separation flow path 30a Inner wall portion 30b Outer wall portion 31 First separation flow path 32 Second separation flow path 33 Third separation flow path 40 Extraction flow path 41 Main flow path 42 First branch flow path 43 Second branch flow path 50 Extraction port 51 First extraction port 52 Second extraction port 61 First connection flow path 62 Second connection flow path 63 Third connection flow path 100 Separation device D Ｖ Dean Vortex F Ｄ Dean Power F Ｌ Lift force LS Liquid to be separated P Particles P1 Particles with small particle size P2 Particles with large particle size S Installation surface

Claims

1. A separation device for separating a plurality of particles constituting a sample contained in a liquid to be separated, comprising: an inlet for introducing the liquid to be separated; a separation flow path through which the liquid to be separated introduced into the inlet flows, the separation flow path separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to particle size; and at least one extraction port provided for extracting particles of a specific particle size from the plurality of particles separated by the separation flow path, the separation flow path comprising: a first separation flow path connected to the inlet; a second separation flow path connected to the first separation flow path; and a third separation flow path connected to the second separation flow path, the first separation flow path being configured in a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially vortex-shaped manner so that the liquid to be separated introduced into the inlet flows through the first separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated on an inner wall portion of the first separation flow path and / or a position adjacent thereto, a second separation flow path is configured so that the liquid to be separated flowing out from the first separation flow path flows through the second separation flow path and into the third separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the multiple particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated at an outer wall portion of the third separation flow path and / or a position near thereto; and the third separation flow path is configured in a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially vortex-shaped manner so that the liquid to be separated flowing out from the second separation flow path flows through the third separation flow path, thereby separating the multiple particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to a multiple particle sizes, and positioning the separated multiple particles in parallel in an inward and outward direction from an inner wall portion to an outer wall portion within the third separation flow path.

2. The separation device according to claim 1, wherein the second separation channel is formed in a substantially S-shape.

3. A separation device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the length in the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path is approximately the same as the length in the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the first separation flow path, and the length in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the inward / outward direction at the cross section of the third separation flow path is longer than the length in the orthogonal direction at the cross section of the first separation flow path.

4. A separation device according to claim 3, wherein the length of the third separation channel in the cross section in the orthogonal direction is increased from the inner wall portion to the outer wall portion of the third separation channel.

5. The separation device according to claim 3, wherein the third separation channel has a cross section of a substantially rectangular shape.

6. A separation device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first separation flow path is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in a vertical direction, the third separation flow path is formed in a generally spiral shape wound multiple times in a vertical direction and in a direction opposite to that of the first separation flow path, the third separation flow path is provided downstream of the first separation flow path, and the downstream end of the first separation flow path and the upstream end of the third separation flow path are connected via the second separation flow path.

7. The separation device according to claim 6, wherein the radius of curvature of the first separation channel is uniform and / or the radius of curvature of the third separation channel is uniform.

8. A separation device as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising an extraction flow path connected to the third separation flow path and a plurality of the extraction ports, the extraction flow path comprising: a main flow path through which the liquid to be separated flowing out from the third separation flow path, the liquid to be separated containing the plurality of particles separated by the separation flow path according to a plurality of particle sizes, flows; and a plurality of branch flow paths branching off from the main flow path, each of the plurality of branch flow paths being connected to one of the plurality of extraction ports, and in each of the plurality of branch flow paths, particles of mutually different particle sizes among the plurality of particles contained in the liquid to be separated flowing out from the main flow path flow.

9. The separation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sample is a biological sample containing a plurality of cells.

10. A separation method for separating a plurality of particles constituting a sample contained in a liquid to be separated using a separation device, the separation device comprising an input port, a separation flow path connected to the input port, and an extraction port connected to the separation flow path, the separation flow path comprising a first separation flow path connected to the input port and having a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially spiral shape, a second separation flow path connected to the first separation flow path, and a third separation flow path connected to the second separation flow path and having a substantially arc-shaped, substantially spiral, or substantially spiral shape, the separation method comprising: an input step of inputting the liquid to be separated into the separation flow path via the input port; a separation step of separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to particle size by causing the liquid to be separated input in the input step to flow through the separation flow path; and an extraction step of extracting particles of a specific particle size via the extraction port from the plurality of particles separated in the separation step, wherein in the separation step: a first separation step in which the liquid to be separated introduced in the introducing step flows through the first separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated at an inner wall portion and / or a position nearby the inner wall portion of the first separation flow path; a second separation step in which, after the first separation step, the liquid to be separated flowing out from the first separation flow path flows through the second separation flow path and into the third separation flow path, thereby positioning all of the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated at an outer wall portion and / or a position nearby the outer wall portion of the third separation flow path; and a third separation step in which, after the second separation step, the liquid to be separated flowing out from the second separation flow path flows through the third separation flow path, thereby separating the plurality of particles of the sample contained in the liquid to be separated according to a plurality of particle sizes, and positioning the separated plurality of particles in parallel in an inward / outward direction from the inner wall portion to the outer wall portion within the third separation flow path.

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