Container structure

Abstract

This container structure is configured such that, when mounted on an array plate having an upper surface on which a spot array including a biological substance is formed, a container is formed that has the array plate as the bottom plate thereof and that is capable of storing liquid. The container structure includes: an embankment portion that forms a side wall of the container when mounted on the array plate; a facing portion that forms a top plate of the container facing the array plate; and an access portion that forms a path for supplying or draining liquid, outside a region in which the spot array is formed.

Description

container structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a container structure used to supply and hold liquids such as liquid specimens and chemical liquids to an array plate in a specimen analyzer.

[0002] Array plates such as protein arrays, peptide arrays, and DNA arrays are known, in which a large number of substances such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids are fixed in the form of spots on a substrate. By using an array plate for analyzing a sample, it is possible to simultaneously observe the interactions between the large number of substances fixed on the array plate and substances in the sample. This allows for comprehensive analysis of the interactions between a large number of substances and liquid samples derived from living organisms, such as blood, cell extracts, saliva, and interstitial fluid.

[0003] Another known sample analysis method using an array plate involves selectively fluorescently labeling spots where an interaction of interest has occurred to obtain optical information. A known device for observing fluorescently labeled samples is a confocal laser microscope. The confocal laser microscope has an illumination optical system, a fluorescence detection optical system, and a two-dimensional scanning system. The fluorescence detection optical system has the function of detecting the amount of fluorescence from spots labeled with fluorescent probes. The two-dimensional scanning system has the function of acquiring a fluorescent image of the spot area on the array plate by two-dimensionally scanning the array plate or the optical system.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a reaction process is performed in which a frame is fixed to an array plate to allow liquid to be stored, and a pipette tip moves above the framed array plate to sequentially supply and drain multiple chemical solutions to cause reactions.Then, a specimen evaluation device is described in which, after the reaction process is completed, optical scanning measurement is performed while maintaining the liquid retention state, and a fluorescent image of the spot area is obtained.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes a chamber slide in which the bottom plate and the bank portion that forms the side are bonded together to prevent leakage of the chemical solution outside the holding portion. In this chamber slide, the cover is secured to the bank portion with a snap mechanism, allowing the holding portion to be kept moist and warm. Because all components that make up this covered chamber slide are made of materials that allow optical measurements from the outside, it can also be used directly for fluorescence observation.

[0006] JP 2023-12426 A U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 017143

[0007] In the device configuration of Patent Document 1, when supplying liquid to an array plate, the force of the liquid ejected from the pipette tip could cause the liquid to splash out of the container. Furthermore, some liquids contain surfactants, which can easily generate bubbles at the tip of the pipette tip. When these bubbles burst, the liquid could splash out of the container. Furthermore, when supplying or draining liquid to or from the array plate, liquid adhering to the outer surface of the pipette tip could drip into the container as the pipette tip moves above the array plate. This could result in inconsistencies in the amount of liquid supplied or in unwanted drained liquid being re-contaminated. Furthermore, in a configuration where multiple array plates are arranged, the splashing or dripping could potentially contaminate other array plates.

[0008] The present invention provides a container structure that is attached to an array plate having an upper surface on which a spot array containing biological substances is formed, and is configured to form a container that can store liquid using the array plate as a bottom plate, the container structure having: a bank portion that forms the side wall of the container when attached to the array plate; an opposing portion that forms the top plate of the container that faces the array plate; and an access portion that forms a path for supplying or draining liquid outside the array area on which the spot array is formed, thereby solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] The container structure according to the present invention has a bank portion that forms the side wall of the container and an opposing portion that forms the top plate of the container, thereby reducing the splashing of liquid outside the container during liquid supply. Furthermore, by providing an access portion outside the area where the spot array is formed, it is possible to prevent unwanted liquid from entering areas other than the access portion within the array plate during liquid supply or drainage.

[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of a container comprising a first embodiment of the container structure of the present invention and an array plate. FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a plan view of the container shown in FIG. 1A viewed from above. FIG. 2B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the container structure constituting the container shown in FIG. 2A, taken vertically along line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the container structure constituting the container shown in FIG. 2A, taken vertically along line 2C-2C in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the container structure constituting the container shown in FIG. 2A, taken horizontally along line 2D-2D in FIG. 2B. FIG. 3A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which, when a drug solution is supplied to the container shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A to 2D, the pipette tip 6 is above the container and begins to descend toward the opening of the access portion 4a provided in the facing portion 4 by a Z-drive mechanism (not shown). 3B is a vertical cross-sectional view, following FIG. 3A, showing the pipette tip 6 passing through the opening of the access portion 4a and further descending to a position where its tip reaches a position within the space surrounded by the bank portion 3. FIG. 3C is a vertical cross-sectional view, following FIG. 3B, showing the state where, when the descent of the pipette tip 6 is completed, an automatic dispenser (not shown) dispenses the chemical solution 7 to start supplying the solution. FIG. 3D is a vertical cross-sectional view, following FIG. 3C, showing the state where the supply of the chemical solution is completed, the pipette tip 6 begins to rise, and the chemical solution 7 flows over the upper surface of the array plate 2 to reach the upper surface of the array region 2a. FIG. 3E is a vertical cross-sectional view, following FIG. 3D, showing the state where the tip of the pipette tip 6 moves upward from the opening of the access portion 4a to complete the operation. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the appearance of a container composed of a second embodiment of the container structure of the present invention and an array plate. FIG. 4B shows the interior of the container shown in FIG. 4A. This figure is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG. 2B. Fig. 5A is a perspective view showing the appearance of a container constituted by a third embodiment of the container structure of the present invention and an array plate. Fig. 5B is an exploded perspective view showing the interior of the container shown in Fig. 5A. Fig. 6A shows the interior of a container constituted by a fourth embodiment of the container structure of the present invention and an array plate. This figure is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section shown in Fig. 2B. Fig. 6B shows the interior of the container shown in Fig. 6A as viewed from another direction.2B. FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of a container structure of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment of a container structure of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the housing (enclosure) of a sample analyzer using a container composed of a container structure of the present invention and an array plate, as viewed from the front of the device. FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the housing (enclosure) of the sample analyzer shown in FIG. 9A, as viewed from above the device. FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the housing (enclosure) of the sample analyzer shown in FIG. 9A, as viewed from the side of the device.

[0011] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of a container structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A-2D, and 3A-3E. FIG. 1A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of a container 1 formed by engaging a container structure 5 of this embodiment with an array plate 2. FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view showing individual components constituting the container 1 of FIG. 1A. The container 1 has a configuration in which a container structure 5 consisting of a bank portion 3 and an opposing portion 4 is engaged with an array plate 2. The array plate 2 is a rectangular, flat glass slide, and its upper surface has an array area 2a in which multiple spots, each with a biological substance fixed thereto, are arranged. The bank portion 3 forming the side plate of the container structure 5 is formed of a resin material so as to surround a space in the shape of a rectangular frame. A groove-like recess 3a is formed near the lower end of the inner surface of each of the three walls of the bank portion 3 and along the lower end of the bank portion. The side edges of the array plate 2 are slidably engaged into this recess, thereby fixing the container structure 5 to the array plate 2, thereby forming the container 1. A chemical solution can be stored in the space within the container surrounded by the bank portion 3 and reacted with each spot arranged in the array region 2a on the upper surface of the array plate 2. Therefore, the dimensions of the recess 3a formed in the bank portion 3 are determined so that the side end or side edge of the array plate 2 fits tightly against the recess 3a and the chemical solution does not leak from the bottom of the container 1. An opposing portion 4 that forms the top plate of the container structure 5 is provided on the upper end surface of the bank portion 3. The opposing portion 4 is a rectangular flat plate with the same frame shape as the bank portion 3, and a hole that forms an access portion 4a necessary for supplying and draining the liquid penetrates through part of it in the thickness direction.

[0012] 2A to 2D show the configuration of the container 1 in more detail. FIG. 2A is a plan view of the container 1 formed by engaging the array plate 2 with the container structure 5, as viewed from above. FIG. 2B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the container structure 5 constituting the container 1, cut vertically along line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A (without cutting the array plate 2), as viewed from the side of the container (longitudinal side, from below in FIG. 2A). FIG. 2C is a vertical cross-sectional view of the container structure 5 constituting the container 1, cut vertically along line 2C-2C in FIG. 2A (without cutting the array plate 2), as viewed from the front of the container (front, left side in FIG. 2A). FIG. 2D is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the container structure 5 constituting the container 1, cut horizontally along line 2D-2D in FIG. 2B, as viewed from above the container structure.

[0013] 2B and 2C, the lower surface of the facing portion 4 has a convex shape with a recessed outer peripheral edge, and the outer peripheral edge contacts the upper end surface of the bank portion 3. At the same time, the step fixing portion 4b, which is a vertical surface formed between the outer peripheral edge and its inner region, contacts the upper edge of the inner surface of the bank portion 3 over the entire periphery, thereby fixing the bank portion 3 and the facing portion 4. This prevents the bank portion 3 and the facing portion 4 from shifting when the container 1 is moved.

[0014] 2A, an access portion 4a consisting of an oval-shaped through-hole is provided in the facing portion 4. This is an opening for inserting and removing a pipette tip when supplying a liquid medicine to the inside of the container and when discharging the liquid medicine.

[0015] 2D, the shape 4a' of the access portion 4a projected onto the upper surface of the array plate 2 is indicated by a dotted line. The array region 2a, in which a plurality of spots 2b are two-dimensionally arranged on the upper surface of the array plate 2, is positioned at a position shifted in the longitudinal direction of the array plate 2 from the center of the region surrounded by the inner surface of the bank portion 3 when the array plate 2 and the container structure 5 are engaged. In addition, the opening of the access portion 4a is provided in the facing portion 4 so that the position of the projected shape 4a' is outside the array region 2a.

[0016] 3A to 3E show a series of operations performed when supplying a chemical solution to a container. Note that the term "chemical solution" does not necessarily refer to a liquid reagent, but may also refer to a liquid specimen or the like. For convenience, all liquids injected into the array area during sample analysis using an array plate will be referred to as "chemical solution." In FIG. 3A, a pipette tip 6 used to supply the chemical solution is located above the container 1. The pipette tip 6 begins to descend toward the opening of the access portion 4a provided in the facing portion 4 by a Z-drive mechanism (not shown). In FIG. 3B, the pipette tip 6 passes through the opening of the access portion 4a and further descends until its tip reaches a position within the space surrounded by the bank portion 3. In FIG. 3C, once the descent is complete, an automatic dispenser (not shown) dispenses the chemical solution 7 from the pipette tip 6, initiating liquid supply. In FIG. 3D, the supply of the chemical solution is completed, the pipette tip begins to rise, and the chemical solution 7 flows over the top surface of the array plate 2 and reaches the top surface of the array area 2a. In FIG. 3E, the tip of the pipette tip 6 moves above the opening of the access portion 4a, completing the operation.

[0017] The above-described configuration is expected to have the following effects: By using a container structure in which an opening of the access section 4a is provided in the facing section 4 facing the spot array, the tip of the pipette tip is inserted into the space surrounded by the bank section 3 via the access section 4a, and liquid is supplied in this state. This prevents liquid splashing from the tip of the pipette tip and from splashing off the surface of the array plate 2 when the liquid hits the array plate 2 immediately after liquid supply begins, from scattering outside the container.

[0018] This configuration can also be expected to be effective when draining the chemical solution from a container. The operation of draining the chemical solution from a container is performed in the reverse order of the operations shown in Figures 3A to 3E, except that the tip of the pipette tip is lowered from the position when dispensing the chemical solution and then immersed in the chemical solution and aspirated. At this time, the chemical solution also adheres to the outer surface of the pipette tip. If a large amount of chemical solution adheres to the outer surface, it may drip (drip) when the pipette tip is moved out of the container, and fall back into the container. However, providing the facing portion 4 makes it possible to prevent this.

[0019] 2D, the access part 4a is provided so as to be shifted outside the array area in the longitudinal direction of the array plate 2 so that the position 4a' of the projected shape of the access part 4a onto the array plate surface does not overlap with the array area. This separates the array area from the position where the chemical solution is discharged from the pipette tip during liquid supply, and reduces the flow rate when it reaches the array area 2a, making it possible to prevent damage to the spots.

[0020] It is also preferable to separate the access part from the array region along the direction of shaking used in the reaction step (the longitudinal direction of the array plate), which can alleviate unevenness (e.g., specific gravity differences) caused by multiple components in the chemical solution when it is supplied from the access part, thereby reducing reaction unevenness within the array region.

[0021] In Figures 1A, 1B, 2A to 2D, and 3A to 3E, the access portion 4a is an oval opening, but the shape, size, and position of the opening are not limited to this. The minimum size that allows for liquid supply and drainage, in accordance with the shape, size, and position of the tip, is effective in preventing the chemical solution from splashing outside the container. Furthermore, the planar shape of the frame formed by the bank portion 3 may be a shape other than the rectangular shape depicted in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A to 2D, and 3A to 3E. Furthermore, the shape of the outer surface and the shape of the inner surface of the bank portion 3 may be different. Because some types of chemical solutions are expensive, the shape may be adapted to the liquid supply and drainage patterns that allow for a reduction in the amount of chemical solution.

[0022] [Second embodiment] Figures 4A and 4B show a container using a container structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the container, and Figure 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 2B in the first embodiment. Note that members (parts) having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0023] The container 1 is composed of an array plate 2 and a container structure 5 consisting of a bank portion 8 and an opposing portion 9. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the location of the access portion. In this embodiment, the bank portion 8 is provided with an access portion 8a that forms a path for supplying and draining a chemical solution into the container. A circular hole penetrates the access portion 8a obliquely downward from the outer surface of the bank portion 8 toward the internal space. The lower surface of the opposing portion 9 abuts against the upper end surface of the bank portion 8. The opposing portion 9 is a rectangular flat plate, and as in the first embodiment, its lower surface has a convex shape with a recessed outer periphery. The outer periphery contacts the upper end surface of the bank portion 8, and the stepped fixing portion 9a contacts the upper edge of the inner surface of the bank portion 8 along the entire periphery, thereby fixing the container structure. This configuration allows the container structure of the present invention to be used even when the shape of the pipette tip used for supplying and draining the chemical solution and the operating direction of the pipette tip are different.

[0024] 5A and 5B show a container using a container structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5A is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the container, and Fig. 5B is an exploded perspective view showing the individual components constituting the container.

[0025] The vessel 1 is composed of an array plate 2 and a vessel structure 5 consisting of a bank portion 10 and an opposing portion 11. This embodiment shows a mode in which the opposing portion is fixed in a different way from the first embodiment.

[0026] The container 1 is configured such that a container structure 5 consisting of a bank portion 10 and an opposing portion 11 is engaged and fixed to an array plate 2. The opposing portion 11 is a rectangular flat plate of uniform thickness and has an opening that serves as an access portion 11a. A handle portion 11b extends outward from a portion of the outer periphery of the opposing portion. The upper end surface of the bank portion 10 is formed with an opposing portion contact surface 10a that contacts the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the opposing portion 11, and outer peripheral steps 10b and 10c that contact the side end surfaces of the opposing portion 11 to fix the opposing portion 11 in the X and Y directions. A protrusion 10d is a portion of the outer peripheral step 10b that protrudes inward and restrains the opposing portion 11 in the Z direction. Furthermore, the outer peripheral step 10c is lower than the outer peripheral step 10b, facilitating attachment and detachment of the opposing portion 11. The handle portion 11b facilitates lifting the opposing portion 11 when removing it from the bank portion 10. With this configuration, the facing portion 11 can be reliably fixed in the Z direction in addition to the X and Y directions.

[0027] [Fourth embodiment] Figures 6A and 6B show a container using a container structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6A is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 2B in the first embodiment, and Figure 6B is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 2C in the first embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the way in which the facing portion is fixed to the bank portion. That is, the container 1 of this embodiment comprises an array plate 2 and a container structure 12 in which the bank portion and the facing portion are integrated.

[0028] Groove-shaped recesses 12b are provided along the lower end of the three inner surfaces of the sidewall portion (corresponding to the bank portion) of the container structure 12 near the lower end of the sidewall portion. These recesses engage to sandwich the three edges of the array plate 2 to form the container 1, maintaining airtightness to prevent leakage of the chemical solution supplied to the container to the outside. An elliptical hole penetrates the ceiling portion (corresponding to the facing portion) of the container structure 12, forming an access portion 12a that allows a pipette tip to be inserted into the space of the container when injecting or discharging the chemical solution stored in the container. The configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the number of parts compared to the first embodiment.

[0029] [Fifth Embodiment] A container using a container structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the structure of the access portion differs from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the container structure corresponding to FIG. 2A in the first embodiment. The access portion 13a is formed by an elliptical opening (hole) 14 penetrating the facing portion 13 and an opening lid (flap) 15 provided below the hole. The flap 15 is rotatably attached downward by a rotation support portion 16. When a pipette tip (not shown) descends and the tip of the pipette tip presses against the flap 15, the flap opens downward, allowing the pipette tip to further descend. When the pipette tip subsequently ascends and is removed from the hole, the flap closes again and returns to the position shown in the figure. The rotation support portion 16 is supported by an elastic support portion 17 made of an elastic material such as rubber. The elastic support portion 17 is also provided around the hole 14 in areas other than the position where the rotation support portion 16 is provided, and elastically abuts against the entire outer periphery of the flap.

[0030] In this embodiment, a flap 15 is installed in the hole 14 of the access portion 13a, creating a closed space inside the container. This prevents the liquid on the outer surface of the pipette tip from dripping during drainage and reentering the container. It also prevents the intrusion of droplets from outside. Additionally, by elastically supporting the outer periphery of the flap 15 and the rotation support portion 16, the internal pressure of the container, which increases when adjusting the temperature of the underside of the array plate 2 during the reaction process, is displaced upward by the elastic support portion 17, increasing the internal volume and preventing the pressure increase. In other words, this functions as a pressure adjustment portion.

[0031] [Sixth Embodiment] A container using a container structure according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the structure of the access portion as a pressure adjusting portion differs in part from that of the fifth embodiment. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the container. In the pressure adjusting portion, a flap 18 is attached to a rotation support portion 16 so as to be freely rotatable downward, but the rotation support portion 16 itself is fixed to the opposing portion 13. Furthermore, a portion of the flap 18 (the central portion in the figure) is composed of a flexible diaphragm 19 made of elastic rubber.

[0032] With this configuration, as in the fifth embodiment, a flap is installed in the access section to create a closed space inside the container, preventing the liquid on the outer surface of the tip that drips during drainage from reentering the container. It also prevents droplets from splashing from the outside from entering the container. Furthermore, by configuring part of the flap with a flexible diaphragm, the elastic structure of the diaphragm can prevent an increase in the internal pressure of the container.

[0033] [Example of use of container structure] An example of using the container structure of the present invention in an apparatus for performing sample analysis, which includes a reaction process in which a chemical solution is supplied to and discharged from biological material on an array plate, and a measurement process in which optical measurements are performed on the biological material after the reaction process, is described using Figures 9A to 9C.

[0034] 9A to 9C are schematic diagrams showing the internal structure of a sample analyzer using a container structure of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a front view, FIG. 9B is a top view of the 9B-9B cross section of FIG. 9A, taken from above, and FIG. 9C is a right side view of the 9C-9C cross section of FIG. 9A. The sample analyzer 101 performs sample analysis on multiple array plates 102, including a reaction process and a measurement process. The array plates 102 installed in the sample analyzer 101 are fitted with container structures 103 for storing chemical solutions, forming containers 104. The sample analyzer 101 has multiple mounting sections 105, on which the containers 104 are placed, at different positions in a direction intersecting the vertical direction so that multiple array plates can be processed in parallel. Each mounting section 105 is maintained approximately horizontal in the Y-axis direction and is equipped with a mechanism for reciprocating movement in the Y-axis direction. A temperature control block 106 is provided above the mounting portion 105 and is in thermal contact with the underside of the array plate 102. This allows multiple array plates 102 to be heated or maintained at a desired temperature by each individual temperature control block 106. The reciprocating movement causes the chemical solution stored on the upper surface of the array plate 102 to be agitated, and the temperature is controlled via the array plate 102, thereby promoting a reaction between the multiple spots on the array plate and the stored chemical solution. At the same time, reaction uniformity among the multiple spots within each array plate can be maintained. The multiple mounting portions 105 are arranged in a row on a table 108 that can be moved in the X direction by an actuator 107. Figures 9A and 9B show the sample analyzer 101 having five mounting portions 105, with containers 104 placed in each of the four mounting portions on the left.

[0035] A drain area 120, where the chemical solution is discharged from the container 104 during the reaction process, and a supply area 121, where the chemical solution is supplied, are located at predetermined positions within the apparatus. When draining the chemical solution, the actuator 107 is driven to move the table 108 so that the container storing the chemical solution to be drained is positioned in the drain area 120. When supplying the chemical solution, the actuator 107 is driven to move the table 108 so that the container 104 to be supplied is positioned in the supply area 121. After the reaction process, the container 104 is moved to a delivery area 122 within the apparatus by driving the actuator 107 while still holding the chemical solution injected during the final reaction process. The container 104 is then transferred to a transfer hand 110 by a transfer actuator 109 that is movable at least in the Y direction. The transferred container 104 is then transferred to a measurement area 123 in the Y direction while still placed on the transfer hand 110. After transfer, the measurement process is performed in the measurement area 123 while the liquid is held in the container 104. At this time, the transport hand 110 continues to hold the container 104 even within the measurement area 123 .

[0036] The measurement system 111 is a confocal laser microscope and includes an illumination optical system, a fluorescence detection optical system, and a scanning system 116, all of which are not shown. The illumination optical system has the function of focusing and irradiating a laser beam onto an observation target spot on the array plate 102. The fluorescence detection optical system has the function of detecting the amount of fluorescence from a spot labeled with a fluorescent probe. The scanning system 116 is disposed below the container 104 and performs reciprocal scanning in the X direction. By combining scanning in the Y direction by the transport hand 110 with reciprocal scanning in the X direction by the measurement system, a two-dimensional fluorescence image of multiple spot areas on the array plate 102 can be obtained.

[0037] When supplying or discharging a reagent, a disposable pipette tip 112 is attached to the tip of the automatic dispenser 117 by a tip rack 113. The automatic dispenser 117, which serves as a liquid handling means for supplying and discharging liquid, is moved in the XY and Z directions by an XY biaxial actuator 118 and a Z-axis actuator 119, respectively. The chemical tube rack 114 contains multiple tubes containing different types of chemical solutions 114a, 114b, and 114c, each configured to function as an individual liquid storage unit. The automatic dispenser 117 then aspirates the required chemical solution from a designated tube in accordance with the reaction process and moves it to the liquid supply area 121. After the container 104 to be supplied with the chemical solution is moved to the liquid supply area 121 by the actuator 107, the chemical solution is dispensed onto the array plate in the container 104. After the liquid supply operation, the unnecessary tip 112 is moved from the automatic dispenser 117 to a discard tip rack 115 and removed from the automatic dispenser 117 .

[0038] Furthermore, when draining the chemical solution contained in the container 104, the container 104 is moved to the drainage area 120 by the actuator 107. Furthermore, the automatic dispenser 117 is moved by , and after the chip 112 is attached, the chemical solution on the array plate 102 is aspirated in the drainage area 120 and drained. After the unnecessary chemical solution in the chip is discharged into a drainage container (not shown), the unnecessary chip 112 is detached from the automatic dispenser 117 in a waste tip rack 115. Note that in this example, one automatic dispenser is used for both the liquid supply and drainage operations, but separate liquid handling means may be used for the liquid supply and drainage.

[0039] In this example, the positions of the drainage area 120, the supply area 121, and the delivery area 122 are different from one another, but this is not a limitation. For example, since there is a time difference between the supply area 121 used in the reaction step and the delivery area 122 used in the measurement step, these two areas can be located in the same position. Furthermore, the drainage area 120 and the supply area 121 can also be located in the same position. This shortens the stroke of the actuator 107 and reduces the device space required. In this example, the actuator 107 is used to move the mounting unit 105 on which the container 104 is mounted, and the XY biaxial actuator 118 and the Z-axis actuator 119 are used to move the automatic dispenser 117, which serves as the liquid manipulation means. However, it goes without saying that the moving means for moving at least one of the liquid manipulation means and the mounting unit relative to the other is not limited to this configuration and can have any appropriate configuration that can achieve the relevant function.

[0040] In the case of supplying and draining liquids with multiple containers placed adjacent to each other, as in the device of this example, by configuring the containers by attaching the container structure of the present invention to an array plate, it is possible to prevent liquid splashed out of the container during liquid supply from entering other containers. It is also possible to prevent liquid accidentally dropped into a container while a pipette tip holding a liquid is moving. In addition, the flow rate of the liquid when it reaches the array area can be reduced, thereby preventing damage to the spots.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention.

[0042] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-021895, filed February 16, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Container 2 Array plate 2a Array region 2b Spot 3 Bank portion 3a Recess 4 Opposing portion 4a Access portion 4b Step fixing portion 5 Container structure 6 Pipette tip 7 Chemical solution 8 Bank portion 8a Access portion 9 Opposing portion 9a Step fixing portion 10 Bank portion 10a Opposing portion contact surface 10b Peripheral step 1 10c Peripheral step 2 10d Protrusion 11 Opposing portion 11a Access portion 11b Handle portion 12 Container structure 13 Opposing portion 13a Access portion 14 Opening 15 Flap 16 Rotation mechanism 17 Elastic support portion 18 Flap 19 Diaphragm 101 Sample analyzer 102 Array plate 103 Container structure 104 Container 105 Placement portion 106 Temperature control block 107 Actuator 108 Table 109 Transport actuator 110 Transport hand 111 Measurement unit 112 Pipette tip 113 Tip rack 114 Chemical liquid tube rack 115 Disposal tip rack 116 Scanning system 117 Automatic dispenser 118 XY two-axis actuator 119 Z-axis actuator 120 Drainage area 121 Liquid supply area 122 Delivery area 123 Measurement area

Claims

1. A container structure configured to be attached to an array plate having an upper surface on which a spot array containing biological substances is formed, and to form a container capable of storing liquid with the array plate as a bottom plate, the container structure having: a bank portion that forms the side wall of the container when attached to the array plate; an opposing portion that forms the top plate of the container facing the array plate; and an access portion that forms a path for supplying or draining liquid outside the area on which the spot array is formed.

2. A container structure according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral edge of the facing portion is fixed in contact with the upper end surface of the bank portion.

3. A container structure according to claim 2, wherein the facing portion is fixed by contacting the bank portion over the entire periphery of its outer periphery.

4. A container structure according to claim 1, wherein the opposing portion is integral with the bank portion.

5. A container structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the access portion is provided in a part of the opposing portion or a part of the bank portion.

6. A container structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the position of the projected shape of the access portion onto the array plate does not overlap with the spot array.

7. A container structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the access portion is configured to be able to adjust the pressure inside the container.

8. A container structure as described in claim 7, wherein the access portion includes an opening and an opening lid that closes the opening, and the opening lid is at least one of being configured to include a flexible diaphragm and being elastically supported.

9. A container structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the access portion is located outside the area in which the spot array is formed in the longitudinal direction of the container.

10. A container comprising the container structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and the array plate.

11. An apparatus comprising: a mounting section on which the container described in claim 10 is mounted; liquid handling means for performing at least one of the operations of supplying or discharging liquid to the container mounted on said mounting section; and moving means for moving at least one of said liquid handling means and said mounting section relative to the other.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein when the container includes the container structure according to claim 9, the placing section is provided with a mechanism for shaking the container in the longitudinal direction.

13. The device according to claim 11, comprising a plurality of said placing sections at different positions in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.

14. The device of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of liquid-containing sections, and wherein said liquid-handling means is configured to be able to dispense liquid from said plurality of liquid-containing sections into said container.

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