Array plate structure

Abstract

Provided is an array plate structure which is an object of optical measurement, the array plate structure enabling reduction of assembly work that requires skill and of man-hours and being a reaction container with secured non-contamination and dimensional accuracy. This array plate structure comprises: an array plate having one face on which spots are fixed in an array shape; a bank for storing liquid on the one face; and a solid disposed to be in contact with the spots, the solid having a softening point temperature of 36°C or less.

Description

Array Plate Structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an array plate structure that is a reagent for preserving biological materials immobilized on an array plate and a frame member for holding the reagent.

[0002] Array plates, such as protein arrays, peptide arrays, and DNA arrays, are known in which a large number of biological substances, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, are fixed in the form of spots on a substrate. By using an array plate, the large number of fixed biological substances can be reacted with substances in a specimen, and the interactions between them can be observed simultaneously. This allows comprehensive analysis of interactions with a large number of substances, including biological specimens such as blood, cell extracts, saliva, and interstitial fluid.

[0003] Another known measurement method using an array plate involves selectively fluorescently labeling spots where an interaction of interest has occurred to obtain optical information. A confocal laser microscope is known as a device for observing fluorescently labeled specimens. A confocal laser microscope has an illumination optical system, a fluorescence detection optical system, and a two-dimensional scanning system.

[0004] The illumination optical system has the function of focusing and irradiating a laser beam onto the specimen. The fluorescence detection optical system has the function of detecting the amount of fluorescent light from spots labeled with fluorescent probes. The two-dimensional scanning system has the function of acquiring a fluorescent image of the spots on the array plate by two-dimensionally scanning the array plate or the optical system.

[0005] In order to reduce the burden on workers in the reaction process and measurement process using an array plate, testing devices have been developed that cause desired interactions in biological materials on the array plate and then measure the biological materials after the reaction. For example, Patent Document 1 shows an example of a testing device that can perform the reaction process and measurement process by attaching a frame member that holds a reagent used in the reaction process and an observation solution used in the measurement process to the array plate.

[0006] JP 2023-12426 A

[0007] To comprehensively analyze the interactions between specimens and biological materials, it is desirable to immobilize biological materials at high density on array plates. However, since this process is difficult to perform manually, it is common to outsource the fabrication of array plates to a contractor that owns an array plate manufacturing machine. In this case, measures are required to prevent the biological materials from being altered during transportation and storage of the fabricated array plates.

[0008] One known method for preventing deterioration is to pour a preservative reagent into a container capable of holding liquid, such as a petri dish, and then immerse the array plate in the preservative reagent and freeze it. When applying an array plate frozen in a container to the testing device of Patent Document 1, the following steps are performed before attaching a frame member to the array plate and installing it in the device.

[0009] First, the storage reagent is thawed and the array plate is removed from the petri dish. Next, the array plate is washed with a cleaning solution to remove the storage solution. Next, the cleaning solution adhering to the array plate is wiped off so as not to damage the areas where the biological material has been spotted. Finally, a frame member is attached and the plate is placed in the device.

[0010] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an array plate structure that reduces the assembly work and labor required for skill acquisition, and is a reaction vessel that is guaranteed to be non-contaminated and an optical measurement object that is guaranteed to have dimensional accuracy.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to an array plate structure comprising: an array plate having spots fixed in an array on one surface; a bank portion for storing a liquid on the side of the one surface; and a solid body arranged in contact with the spots, wherein the softening point temperature of the solid body is 36°C or lower.

[0012] According to the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the step of attaching a frame member to the array plate can be omitted, thereby improving the throughput of inspections using automated equipment.

[0013] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the specimen device of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an array plate structure according to Example 1. FIG. 2 is an assembly view of the array plate structure according to Example 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the array plate structure according to Example 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an array plate according to Example 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a bank portion according to Example 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another example of a bank portion according to Example 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a seal portion according to Example 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a clip portion according to Example 1. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an array plate structure according to Example 2. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a base portion according to a modified example of Example 2. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an array plate structure according to Example 3. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bank portion according to Example 3.

[0014] One embodiment relates to an array plate structure. The array plate structure of the present disclosure includes an array plate having spots fixed in an array on one surface thereof, a bank portion for storing a liquid on the one surface, and a solid disposed in contact with the spots, the softening point temperature of the solid being 36°C or lower. This eliminates the need for the conventional preparatory steps prior to a reaction process using the array plate structure, which involve removing a protective medium from the array plate on the spot array and then attaching a bank portion to the array plate after removal. This reduces the time the spot array is exposed to the working atmosphere between removing the protective medium and attaching a frame member, thereby reducing the risk of the spot array being contaminated by substances originating from the working environment or being masked by contaminants originating from the working environment. Furthermore, among the man-hours required for the preparatory steps from placing the array plate structure on an inspection device to starting inspection, it is possible to reduce the number of steps that require manual labor or in which the proficiency of the operator performing the preparation affects the dimensional accuracy of the finished array plate structure. Therefore, the array plate structure according to this embodiment reduces preparation costs and ensures non-contamination and dimensional accuracy. The explanation is given below.

[0015] [Example 1] This example shows an example in which the array plate structure of the present disclosure is applied to an inspection device that performs a reaction process in which a liquid reagent is supplied to and discharged from biological materials such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids immobilized on an array plate, and a measurement process in which optical measurements are performed on the biological materials after the reaction. Note that, hereinafter, the liquefied storage reagent, the liquid reagent used in the reaction process, and the cleaning liquid for cleaning the storage reagent and the reagent used in the reaction process are collectively referred to as liquid reagent.

[0016] <Inspection Device> First, before describing the array plate structure, the inspection device in which the array plate structure is installed will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the internal structure of the inspection device as viewed from the ceiling. The inspection device 10 is an inspection device that performs, on the array plate structure 1 of the present disclosure, a cleaning process in which melted storage reagents are removed from the array plate structure, a reaction process in which a biological material is reacted with a liquid reagent, and a measurement process in which the biological material after the reaction is optically measured. The holder 11 on which the array plate structure 1 is installed is equipped with a shaking mechanism that can shake the array plate structure.

[0017] The holder 11 is placed on a table 14 that can be moved in the X0 direction by an actuator 13. The holder 11 is provided with a holding mechanism (not shown) that allows the array plate structure 1 to be fixed to the holder 11. This allows the array plate structure 1 to be held on the holder 11 even when shaking or moving. A temperature control block 12 is provided on the holder 11 and is in thermal contact with the array plate structure 1 placed on the holder 11.

[0018] In the washing step, first, the array plate structure 1 is left standing on the holder 11 for a predetermined time until the storage reagent is completely melted. The testing device is provided with a drainage area 15 for discharging the liquid reagent from the array plate structure 1 and a liquid supply area 16 for supplying the liquid reagent. When the storage reagent is completely melted, the device drives the actuator 13 to move the table 14 so that the array plate structure 1 to be drained is positioned in the drainage area 15, and the storage liquid is drained using a drainage pipette (not shown).

[0019] Next, the device drives the actuator 13 to move the table 14 so that the array plate structure 1 is positioned in the liquid supply area 16. Then, a washing liquid is supplied by the liquid supply pipetter, and a shaking operation is performed for a predetermined period of time by the shaking mechanism provided in the holder 11. After the shaking operation is completed, the device moves again to the liquid drainage area 15, where the used washing liquid is drained by the liquid drainage pipetter, and then moves to the liquid supply area 16, where a washing liquid is supplied and a shaking operation is performed. This process is repeated to remove the stored reagent from the array plate structure 1.

[0020] In the reaction step, as in the cleaning step described above, the actuator 13 is driven to move the array plate structure 1 placed on the table 14 to the drainage area 15 and the liquid supply area 16, thereby supplying and draining the liquid reagent used in the reaction. In addition to the shaking operation, the array plate structure 1 is heated using the temperature control block 12 in the reaction step to promote the reaction.

[0021] After the reaction process, the array plate structure 1 is moved to a relay area 17 in the device by driving the actuator 13, and is handed over to a transport hand 18 moving in the Y0 direction. The delivered array plate structure 1 is then transported in the Y0 direction by the transport hand 18 to a measurement area 19. Then, the measurement process is carried out in the measurement area 19.

[0022] The transport hand 18 can be configured to be able to transport the array plate structure 1 even within the measurement area 19, and the transport of the array plate structure 1 to be measured within the measurement area 19 by the transport hand 18 can be performed by scanning in the Y0 direction during the measurement process.

[0023] The measurement system 20 is a confocal laser microscope and includes an illumination optical system, a fluorescence detection optical system, and a scanning system (not shown). The illumination optical system has the function of focusing and irradiating a laser beam onto an object to be observed. The fluorescence detection optical system has the function of detecting the amount of fluorescence from spots labeled with fluorescent probes. The scanning system is disposed below the array plate structure 1 and performs reciprocal scanning in the X0 direction.

[0024] By combining scanning in the Y0 direction by the transport hand 18 with reciprocating scanning in the X0 direction of the operating system, it is possible to obtain a two-dimensional fluorescent image of the spot area on the array plate structure 1. Here, the transport hand 18 has a bifurcated shape, and can hold the array plate 6 without interfering with the spot area when viewed from below, making it possible to measure the entire spot area.

[0025] This eliminates the need for the conventional work of wiping off reagents and attaching frame members for holding liquid reagents that were required to use an array plate in a testing device. In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of steps in the preparation process from placing the array plate structure in the testing device to starting testing, which require manual labor and in which the skill level of the operator performing the preparation affects the dimensional accuracy of the finished array plate structure. Therefore, the array plate structure according to this embodiment reduces the cost required for preparation and ensures a low level of contamination and dimensional accuracy of the structure.

[0026] <Array Plate Structure> Next, an embodiment of the array plate structure 1 of the present disclosure for installation in the above-mentioned testing device will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the bank portion 2, seal portion 3, clip portion 4, frozen solidified storage reagent 5, and array plate 6 that constitute the array plate structure 1, viewed obliquely from above. In this example, the X1 axis is parallel to the short direction of the array plate 6, and the Y1 axis is parallel to the long direction.

[0027] The Z1 axis is set perpendicular to the X1 and Y1 axes. When the array plate 6 is installed in the inspection device, the orientation in which the spot area faces the ceiling of the inspection device is called upright, and the orientation in which it faces the floor is called inverted. When the array plate 6 is upright, the surface facing the positive direction of the Z1 axis is called the front surface, and the surface facing the negative direction is called the back surface. The positive direction of the Y1 axis is called the back side, and the negative direction is called the front side.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the bank part 2 is formed in a rectangular frame shape, and an opening 21 provided in the center holds the preserved reagent 5. The clip part 4 is U-shaped, and as shown in the assembly diagram of Figure 3, the bank part 2, the seal part 3, and the array plate 6 are pressed together and clamped together by fitting the upper convex part 41 into the concave part 22 of the bank part 2 and inserting the lower convex part 42 below the array plate 6.

[0029] In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are preferably connected in a circumferential and liquid-tight manner so as to surround the array spots, and the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are preferably connected via an elastic seal portion 3 or a joint portion (see Example 3). As shown in the X1Z1 cross-sectional view of Fig. 4, the seal portion 3 is placed between the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6, and connects the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 liquid-tightly even when the preserved reagent 5 melts and becomes liquid.

[0030] <Array Plate> The array plate structure of the present disclosure includes an array plate 6 having spots fixed in an array on one surface. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the array plate 6 when it is held upright. The array plate 6 is a rectangular glass slide, and spot areas 61, to which a plurality of biological materials are fixed, are formed on its surface. The spot areas 61 are formed at a distance from the end faces and side faces of the array plate 6 to provide areas that come into contact with the seal unit 3.

[0031] In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the spots preferably contain peptide bonds, and the array of spots is an arrangement of spots or sets of spots with different molecular structures. Proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, etc. are arranged on the spots, and molecules contained in a molten solid (preserved sample) are reacted with the spots. The solid is a biological sample such as blood, cell extract, saliva, or interstitial fluid that has been solidified by freezing or other methods. If each spot has a different molecular structure, various reactions with the sample can be observed, broadening the range of sample testing.

[0032] <Bank portion> The array plate structure of the present disclosure includes a bank portion 2 for storing liquid on one side. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the bank portion 2 when it is upright. The bank portion 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame and includes an opening 21 in the center. The opening 21 is larger than the spot area 61, and when the bank portion 2 is installed on the array plate 6, the opening 21 is positioned so as to surround the outer periphery of the spot area 61. In addition, a recess 22 is provided on the side of the bank portion 2, and as described above, the upper convex portion 41 of the clip portion 4 is adapted to fit into the recess 22.

[0033] 7 shows a perspective view of the bank portion 2 when it is inverted. A protrusion 23 is provided on the rear surface 24 of the bank portion 2, which is one step higher than the other part of the rear surface 24. The inner side surface 231 and the left and right side surfaces 232 of the protrusion 23 are flat, and by butting the end surfaces of the array plate 6 against these flat surfaces, it is possible to position the array plate 6 in the longitudinal and lateral directions.

[0034] Furthermore, the distance between the left and right side surfaces 232 is longer than the short-side lengths of the array plate 6 and the seal portion 3, so that the array plate 6 and the seal portion 3 can be placed between the side surfaces 232. Furthermore, a protrusion 25 is provided on the outer edge of the opening 21, which is adapted to come into contact with the seal portion 3.

[0035] The bank is made of a material that is inert to liquid reagents and biological materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which are often used in biochemical experiments.

[0036] <Sealing portion> In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the sealing portion 3 or the bonding portion (see Example 3) preferably has an elongation rate of 10% or more at room temperature when in contact with a solid (preserved reagent). Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the sealing portion 3. The sealing portion 3 is a rectangular thin plate and is made of an elastic material, such as silicone rubber or fluorosilicone rubber, that has an elongation rate of 10% or more at room temperature even at low temperatures so as not to lose elasticity when in contact with a frozen preserved reagent. An opening 31 is provided in the center of the sealing portion 3, and the opening 31 is formed in a shape roughly similar to, but slightly smaller than, the convex portion 25 of the bank portion 2.

[0037] When the array plate structure 1 is assembled, the convex portion 25 of the bank portion 2 comes into contact with the outer periphery of the opening portion 31. The size of the opening portion 31 is larger than the spot area 61, similar to the opening portion 21 of the bank portion 2, so that the seal portion 3 does not overlap the spot area 61 when the array plate structure 1 is assembled.

[0038] Next, we will discuss the thickness of the seal portion 3 for liquid-tightly connecting the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6. If the distance between the protrusion 25 and the surface of the array plate 6 when the bank portion 2 is placed on the array plate 6 without the seal portion 3 sandwiched therebetween is d, then the thickness D of the seal portion 3 is designed to satisfy the following equation: D > d (Equation 1).

[0039] Therefore, when the bank portion 2, the seal portion 3, and the array plate 6 are clamped together by the clip portion 4, the convex portion 25 bites into the seal portion. Furthermore, the arrangement is designed so that the relationship shown in Equation 1 is maintained even if the array plate 6, the bank portion 2, and the seal portion 3 expand or contract due to temperature changes when the stored reagent 5 is frozen or thawed.

[0040] <Solid> The array plate structure of the present disclosure includes a solid arranged in contact with the spots. Here, the solid refers to a preservation reagent 5 for cryopreserving the biological material fixed to the spot area 61. Below, we will first show the properties that the preservation reagent 5 should satisfy and examples of additives for maintaining the biological material in a good preservation state, and then describe the appropriate amount of preservation reagent 5.

[0041] In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the solid and the softened product obtained by heating the solid to a temperature equal to or higher than its softening point are chemically inactive to the spots. In other words, in order to preserve the biological material for a long period of time, it is preferable that the preservation reagent 5 is chemically inactive to the biological material.

[0042] In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the solid and the softened product obtained by heating the solid through the softening point temperature are chemically inactive to both the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6. In addition, it is more preferable that they are also inactive to the seal portion 3.

[0043] Furthermore, in the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the softening point temperature of the solid (preserved reagent 5) is preferably 36° C. or lower, and more preferably −20° C. or higher and 10° C. or lower. This makes it possible to transition the preservation reagent 5 from a solid to a liquid without altering biological materials such as proteins that are susceptible to high temperatures.

[0044] In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the softening point temperature preferably includes the melting point of the solid. In particular, a melting point of 10°C or less is more preferable because it allows the preservation reagent 5 to be melted at room temperature without heating. On the other hand, if the melting point is too low, a special refrigeration device will be required for transportation, so the melting point is preferably -20°C or higher. An example of such a preservation reagent 5 is physiological saline. In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the solid preferably includes a preservation liquid containing physiological saline that has been cooled to below the melting point.

[0045] In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the solid (preservation reagent 5) preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a cryoprotectant, a buffer, a blocking agent, a surfactant, an ionic strength adjuster, an antioxidant, and a reducing agent. Some examples are given below.

[0046] Additives may be added to the storage reagent 5 to preserve biological materials in good condition or to improve the detection accuracy of optical measurements. Examples of additives suitable for storing protein-spotted array plates include: pH buffers such as Tris-HCl, which maintain a constant pH of the solution suitable for protein function.

[0047] In addition, cryoprotectants such as high concentrations of glycerin can prevent ice crystal formation during protein storage, protecting the structure and function of proteins. Antioxidants such as glutathione can prevent proteins from oxidizing and changing their function and structure. Non-ionic surfactants can prevent protein aggregation.

[0048] Reducing agents such as dithiothreitol can prevent improper disulfide bond formation during protein storage, which can alter protein function. Sodium chloride adjusts the ionic strength of the protein solution, allowing the protein to fold correctly and function. Blocking agents can also be added as additives.

[0049] During the reaction process, proteins contained in the reagent adhere to the array plate, so fluorescence is observed not only in the spotted areas but also in background areas where no proteins are spotted. By using a blocking agent, the fluorescence intensity in the background areas can be suppressed, making it possible to obtain fluorescent images with a good S / N ratio.

[0050] In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the solid (preserved reagent 5) preferably has a heat capacity to keep the spots cool. The temperature around the array plate 6 changes when the preserved reagent 5 is frozen or transported, or when the device is being prepared for the testing process. Therefore, the amount of the preserved reagent 5 is adjusted so that it has sufficient heat capacity to prevent these temperature changes from affecting the biological material. Generally, the amount of biological material spotted on the array plate is very small, so the above requirement can be met if the thickness of the preserved reagent 5 is several hundred microns or more.

[0051] On the other hand, if the amount of preservation reagent 5 is too large, it will take a long time to thaw. This will reduce the throughput of the testing process and also lengthen the time it takes for the biological material to pass through a temperature range where it is susceptible to damage. Therefore, the amount of preservation reagent 5 is adjusted so that the thickness after thawing is no more than a few centimeters after being placed on the frame member.

[0052] <Clip portion> The array plate structure of the present disclosure preferably has a clip portion 4 that presses against the seal portion 3. Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the clip portion 4. The clip portion 4 has a U-shaped structure with an upper convex portion 41 and a lower convex portion 42. The distance between the back surface 411 of the convex portion 41 and the surface 421 of the convex portion 42 is designed to be smaller than the distance between the surface of the concave portion 22 of the bank portion 2 and the slide glass 6 when the array plate structure 1 is assembled.

[0053] Therefore, by fitting the convex portion 41 into the concave portion 22 of the embankment portion 2 and then positioning the clip portion 4 so that the lower convex portion 42 is located below the array plate 6, the embankment portion 2, the array plate 6 and the seal portion 3 can be clamped together under pressure.

[0054] <Method of assembling the array plate structure> Next, the procedure for assembling the array plate structure 1 will be described. First, the bank portion 2 is inverted so that the back surface 24 of the bank portion 2 faces the ceiling of the inspection device. Next, the seal portion 3 is placed on the bank portion 2 so that the protrusion 25 of the bank portion does not overlap with the opening 31. Next, the array plate 6 is inverted and placed on the seal portion 3 so that the spot area 61 is inside the opening 31.

[0055] Then, the clip portion 4 is inserted from the side of the bank portion 2. This is done for all four clip portions in the same way to erect the array plate structure 1. A liquid preservation reagent 5 is dispensed into the array plate structure 1 from the opening 21 of the bank portion 2, and the preservation reagent 5 is frozen by cooling it to −80° C. or below in a freezer.

[0056] In this way, the array plate structure 1 of this embodiment can be transported and stored with the bank portion 2 and seal portion 3 capable of holding a liquid reagent attached, so there is no need to attach a frame when using it in a testing device, making it possible to improve throughput.

[0057] As described above, in the array plate structure of Example 1, the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are clamped together by pressure using the clip portion 4. At this time, a pressure force acts on the bank portion 2, the seal portion 3, the clip portion 4, and the array plate 6, causing deformation of each component. One example of such deformation is when the area around the center of the array plate 6 deforms in a convex shape upward or downward relative to the horizontal plane.

[0058] As described above, the measurement system 20 is a confocal laser microscope that acquires fluorescent images of spots by two-dimensionally scanning the array plate 6. Therefore, if the area around the center of the array plate 6 is deformed convexly compared to the outer periphery, the focal position will be shifted between the center and the outer periphery of the array plate 6, resulting in unevenness in the detected brightness depending on the measurement position.

[0059] The array plate structure of the present disclosure preferably has a base portion 7 that abuts against the back surface of the array plate 6. This embodiment shows an example of an array plate structure 1 that has a base portion 7 for suppressing deformation of the array plate 6. Fig. 10 shows an exploded perspective view of the array plate structure 1 that has the base portion 7 that abuts against the back surface of the array plate 6. The base portion 7 has an opening 71 that surrounds the spot area 61, and it is possible to perform microscopic observation from the back surface of the array plate 6.

[0060] In the array plate structure of the present disclosure, the elastic modulus of the base portion 7 is preferably higher than that of the bank portion 2, and the elastic modulus of the base portion 7 is preferably higher than that of the array plate 6. The surface 72 of the base portion 7 is processed so that its flatness is sufficiently small so that it can be used as a reference plane when two-dimensionally scanning the array plate 6, and is further made of a material with higher rigidity than the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6. Therefore, the base portion 7 does not deform even when a pressure force is applied, and further, because the flatness of the surface 72 is small, the array plate 6 does not deform even when pressed against the base portion 7.

[0061] As another modification, a structure in which the base portion 7 and the clip portion 4 are integrated may be used. Fig. 11 shows a modification of the base portion 7 in which the lower portion of the clip portion 4 is rotatably connected. In this example, a support portion 73 and a rotation shaft 74 for supporting the clip portion 4 are provided on the side of the base portion 7, and the clip portion 4 is rotatable around the rotation shaft 74. When assembling the array plate structure 1, the left and right clip portions 4 are rotated so that the convex portions 41 fit into the concave portions 22.

[0062] Furthermore, the support portion 73 is provided with a ball plunger (not shown), and the clip portion 4 is provided with a recess for receiving a ball, so that rotation of the clip portion 4 is restricted when the protrusion 41 is fitted into the recess 22 of the bank portion 2. This prevents the clip portion 4 from coming off the bank portion 2 even when shaking or moving is performed, and the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are connected liquid-tightly.

[0063] In Examples 1 and 2, the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are connected liquid-tightly using the clip portion 4 and the seal portion 3, but this increases the number of parts, which is a problem. Therefore, in this Example, an example of an array plate structure 1 in which the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are connected by adhesive is shown.

[0064] Fig. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the array plate structure 1 of this embodiment, which is composed of the bank portion 2, the storage reagent 5, and the array plate 6. Since pressure contact by the clip portion 4 is not required, the side of the bank portion 2 of this embodiment is flat without any recesses, as shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 13 shows an inverted perspective view of the bank portion 2 of this embodiment. Since the seal portion 3 is not required, the back surface 24 of the bank portion 2 of this embodiment is flat.

[0065] When assembling the array plate structure 1, adhesive is applied to the back surface 24 or the portion of the front surface of the array plate 6 that comes into contact with the back surface 24, forming a joint. Then, the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are inverted, and the array plate 6 is placed on the bank portion 2 while abutting against the side surfaces 231 and 232. After the adhesive has hardened, the liquid preservation reagent 5 is dispensed into the bank portion and cooled to −80° C. or below in a freezer to freeze the preservation reagent 5.

[0066] In this embodiment, adhesive is used as an example of connecting the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 in a liquid-tight manner using a method other than pressure welding, but a structure in which the bank portion 2 and the array plate 6 are integrated may also be used, which makes it possible to further reduce the number of parts.

[0067] The present disclosure 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 disclosure. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-098186, filed June 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] 1: Array plate structure 2: Bank portion 21: Opening 22: Recess for fitting with clip portion 23: Protrusion for abutting against array plate 231: Abutment surface with array plate (short direction) 232: Abutment surface with array plate (longitudinal direction) 24: Back surface of bank portion 25: Protrusion for pressing against seal portion 3: Seal portion 31: Opening of seal portion 4: Clip portion 5: Preserved reagent 6: Array plate 61: Spot area 7: Base portion 71: Opening 72: Surface of base portion 73: Clip portion support portion 74: Rotation axis of clip portion

Claims

1. An array plate structure comprising: an array plate having spots fixed in an array on one surface; a bank for storing liquid on the side of said one surface; and a solid body arranged in contact with said spots and having a softening point temperature of 36°C or less.

2. The array plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the softening point temperature is -20°C or higher and 10°C or lower.

3. The array plate structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the softening point temperature includes the melting point of the solid.

4. The array plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the solid has a heat capacity for keeping the spot cool.

5. The array plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the solid and the softened product obtained by heating the solid to a temperature equal to or higher than the softening point temperature are chemically inactive with respect to the spot.

6. An array plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the solid and the softened material obtained by heating the solid through the softening point temperature are chemically inactive with respect to both the bank portion and the array plate.

7. The array plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the solid comprises a preservation liquid containing physiological saline that has been cooled below its melting point.

8. The array plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the solid contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a cryoprotectant, a buffer, a blocking agent, a surfactant, an ionic strength adjuster, an antioxidant, and a reducing agent.

9. The array plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bank portion and the array plate are connected in a circumferential and liquid-tight manner so as to surround the array of spots.

10. The array plate structure according to claim 9, wherein the bank portion and the array plate are connected via an elastic seal portion or joint portion.

11. The array plate structure according to claim 10, wherein the elongation of the sealing portion or the joining portion at the temperature when in contact with the solid is 10% or more of the elongation at room temperature.

12. The array plate structure according to claim 11, further comprising a clip portion that presses against the sealing portion.

13. The array plate structure according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a base portion that abuts against the rear surface of the array plate.

14. The array plate structure according to claim 13, wherein the modulus of elasticity of said base portion is higher than the modulus of elasticity of said bank portion.

15. The array plate structure according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the elastic modulus of the base portion is higher than the elastic modulus of the array plate.

16. The array plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the spots contain peptide bonds, and the array of spots is an arrangement of spots or sets of spots having different molecular structures.

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