Micro-centrifugal device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing simple and easy-to-use chromatography.　The present invention solved the problem by providing a micro-centrifugal device comprising: a substrate that is subjected to centrifugal force; one or more stock regions provided on the substrate for a sample liquid and / or a flowing liquid; a flow channel through which the sample liquid and / or the flowing liquid pass when the substrate is subjected to centrifugal force; a cartridge attachable to and detachable from a position in the flow channel, the cartridge including a packed bed; and one or more recovery regions for recovering the flowing liquid that has passed through the packed bed.

Description

Microcentrifugation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a microcentrifugation device for handling a small amount of sample.

[0002] In the pretreatment of chemical analysis, solid-phase extraction was developed for the purpose of separating and concentrating specific compounds from liquid samples. Solid-phase extraction uses a column filled with a packing material (solid phase) and passes a sample solution through it, enabling efficient separation of the target substance and unwanted substances. Currently, it is widely used in various fields such as the chemical industry, medicine, pharmacy, and environmental protection, and is also adopted in test methods for various public standards such as the analysis of residual pesticides in food and water quality analysis.

[0003] Patent No. 7569128

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly and simple microcentrifugation device.

[0005] The present invention solves the problem by providing a microcentrifugation device comprising a substrate to be centrifuged, one or more stock regions for sample liquid and / or flowing-down liquid provided on the substrate, a flow path for passing the sample liquid and / or flowing-down liquid by centrifuging the substrate, a cartridge having a packing layer detachably mounted in the middle of the flow path, and one or more recovery regions for recovering the flowing-down liquid that has passed through the packing layer. Effect

[0006] Since the present invention has a cartridge provided with a solid-phase carrier in advance and a substrate for mounting it, by changing the combination of the cartridge and the substrate (microcentrifugation device substrate), various small amounts of samples can be easily purified, improving usability.

[0007] Figure 1(A) is a front view of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). Figure 1(B) is an enlarged view of the frame a attached to Figure 1(A). Figure 2 is a structural diagram of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). Figure 2(A) is the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) with its top surface covered by a double-sided adhesive sheet 52 and a cover. Figure 2(B) is the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) with its top surface covered by the double-sided adhesive sheet 52. Figure 2(C) is the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) with its top surface covered by a single-sided adhesive sheet 53. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the cartridge 2 derived from Monospin (trademark name) (monolithic cartridge 23 with column). Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the monolithic cylindrical cartridge 26. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the monolithic box-type cartridge 25. Figure 5(A) is a perspective view, Figure 5(B) is a rear view, and Figure 5(C) is a top view. Figure 5(D) is a perspective view. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the powder solid-phase carrier cartridge 24. Figure 6(A) is a perspective view. Figure 6(B) is a perspective view of the rear side. Figure 6(C) is a plan view. Figure 7 shows an example of use of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). Figure 7(A) is a front view of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate), and Figure 7(B) is an enlarged view of the flow path used in Figure 7(A). Figure 7(C) is an explanatory diagram of the process of using the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). Figure 8 is an example of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). Figure 9 is an example of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). Figure 10 is an example of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). Figure 11 is an example of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate).

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different figures indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (Usage as a concentration / separation device) Figure 1(A) is a front view of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). The centrifugal rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) of the present invention can be used in all forms of general chromatography apparatus, such as as a concentration / separation device to increase the concentration of analytes, or as an analytical instrument to measure retention time. This specification describes the usage as a concentration / separation device as a typical example. A typical rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) of the present invention is a thick disc. The area and thickness of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) can be appropriately determined according to the amount of sample to be processed and the number of processing steps. The size of the substrate is not particularly limited. However, it is generally about 3 cm to 20 cm in diameter, and preferably about 5 to 15 cm.

[0010] (Rotation shaft hole 11) The rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate) is equipped with a rotation shaft hole 11 for setting it in a rotating device such as a centrifuge. Rotating devices other than centrifuges, such as CD players or spin coaters, can also be used as long as they can rotate stably. When using a centrifuge, the rotation speed is not particularly limited. However, generally, it is often around 500 to 5000 rpm, and preferably around 1500 to 3500 rpm.

[0011] (First stock area 12 to third stock area 13) The first stock area 12 to the third stock area 13 are areas where any liquid used in chromatography can be placed, such as sample solution, conditioning solution, eluent, washing solution, etc.

[0012] (Sample Solution) In this invention, the sample solution refers to the liquid to be analyzed. It may or may not contain the compound to be separated. For example, when analyzing water-soluble vitamins, even if the compound is not detected, it can be determined that it is below the limit of quantification. Furthermore, liquids used as pretreatment for analysis, such as those used as concentration and separation devices, are also included in the sample solution.

[0013] (Flowing liquid) In this invention, the flowing liquid refers to conditioning liquid, cleaning liquid, eluent, etc. Any liquid that can flow through cartridge 2 is acceptable, regardless of its purpose.

[0014] (First stock area 12, second stock area 14) The first stock area 12 and the second stock area 14 are areas containing conditioning liquid, washing liquid, and eluent for eluting trapped compounds for the separation carrier housed in the cartridge 2, which will be described later. The example shows an example with two stock areas, but there may be three or more stock areas.

[0015] (Cover) Although not shown in the diagram, the cover covers the entire rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate), except for the cartridge holder 15, the rotating shaft hole 11, the first inlet 121 to the second outlet 181, and the third inlet 131. The cover is preferably transparent. The cover is preferably made of an adhesive material such as double-sided tape, but glass or other resins can also be used. A transparent cover allows for checking the amount of liquid in the stock area (12, 13, 14) and the recovery area (17, 18).

[0016] (Structure of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate)) Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). Figure 2(A) shows the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) with its upper surface covered by a double-sided adhesive sheet 52 and a cover. The rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate) has various stock areas (13, 14) and channels created by microfabrication, but the top surface is open. Figure 2(A) shows a structure in which a double-sided adhesive sheet 52 is attached and a cover plate 51 is attached on top of it. The double-sided adhesive sheet 52 and the cover plate 51 are preferably transparent, allowing observation of the liquid flow and confirmation of whether conditioning or chromatography is complete. Tape that functions as a seal 56 is attached to the double-sided adhesive sheet 52 and is sandwiched between the double-sided adhesive sheet 52 and the cover plate 51, sealing the small holes 55. The user makes a hole in the seal 56 when injecting sample liquid or conditioning liquid or when guiding them to the target liquid reservoir. A sharp tool such as a pointed syringe can be used to make a hole. To close the hole again, a seal 56 such as a single-sided adhesive sheet that is slightly larger than the small holes 55 can be prepared and attached to the small holes 55.

[0017] Figure 2(B) shows a simpler type of rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) than that shown in Figure 2(A). The top surface of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) is covered with a double-sided adhesive sheet 52. The adhesion between the surface of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) and the double-sided adhesive sheet 52 must be firm and wrinkle-free to prevent air from entering. The surface of the double-sided adhesive sheet 52 is adhesive in order to apply a tape that will serve as a seal 56. The adhesive strength of the surface of the double-sided adhesive sheet 52 may be weak enough to prevent air from flowing in through gaps, as the seal 56 (tape) can be peeled off and reapplied. If the adhesive strength of the surface of the double-sided adhesive sheet 52 is strong, it will be impossible to peel off the seal 56 (tape) once it has been applied, so it may be possible to open the seal 56 (tape) by making a hole in it with a jig such as a hypodermic needle. To reseal it, a new seal 56 (tape) is applied to the hole.

[0018] Figure 2(C) shows a rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) whose upper surface is covered with a single-sided adhesive sheet 53. The adhesive surface of the single-sided adhesive sheet 53 faces the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) and is integrated with it. Small holes 55 made in the single-sided adhesive sheet 53 may be made in advance to match the position of the liquid reservoir. If small holes 55 are not made in the single-sided adhesive sheet 53, the user can make small holes 55 at appropriate positions using a jig such as a hypodermic needle. When closing the small holes 55, the user can close them with a seal 56 (tape). In this specification, small holes 55 may be expressed as inlets or outlets depending on the purpose. The material and structure of the cover plate 51 and adhesive sheet are arbitrary as long as they do not affect the purpose of chromatography, and are not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0019] (Inlets and Outlets) The inlets (121, 131, 141) are small holes 55 used to introduce conditioning liquid, sample liquid, and flowing liquid. The outlets (171, 181) are used to collect waste liquid and liquid containing separated compounds. In addition, the inlets (121, 131, 141) and outlets (171, 181) work together to connect the flow path and facilitate the flow of liquid stored in the stock area to the collection area. The inlets introduce air into the stock area (12, 13, 14), causing the liquid (sample liquid or flowing liquid) in the stock area to flow downstream, while the outlets release air, allowing the liquid that has flowed out of the stock area to be stored in the collection area.

[0020] (Injection from the third inlet 131, first inlet 121, and second inlet 141) The sample liquid, conditioning liquid, eluent, etc., are injected from the third inlet 131, first inlet 121, and second inlet 141. At this time, air may enter the third stock area 13, first stock area 12, and second stock area 14. Air significantly reduces the performance of liquid delivery. When the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate) starts to rotate, centrifugal force is applied and air bubbles, which are lighter in specific gravity, flow along the partition wall 3 towards the third inlet 131, first inlet 121, and second inlet 141. The partition wall 3 acts to allow air to escape from each small pore (121, 131, 141). The presence of the partition wall 3 makes it easier to expel air, but if no air enters, it will function without the partition wall 3.

[0021] (Cartridge holder 15) The cartridge holder 15 plays the role of fixing the cartridge 2 in place so that it does not move while it is rotating. The cartridge 2 is a component that contains various chromatography supports (hydrophobic chromatography supports, affinity chromatography supports, ion exchange chromatography supports, etc.). The chromatography solid phase support is selected depending on the analyte or the substance to be concentrated or separated. The chromatography solid phase support is then housed in a cartridge 2 of an appropriate structure and shape according to its physical form (monolith 231, granular, or gel). The cartridge holder 15 is equipped with a cartridge mounting section 151 so that any cartridge 2 (not shown) can be commonly housed in it. The cartridge 2 has a supply port 22 and an outlet port 21. The cartridge 2 (not shown) is installed by fitting the supply port 22 and outlet port 21 of the cartridge 2 into the cartridge mounting section 151. The upstream side of the cartridge 2 is set to connect to a flow path through which the sample etc. flows out. The discharge port 21 is subjected to a strong G-force during centrifugation and is pressed against the flow path on the recovery area side, suppressing liquid leakage, while the supply port 22 is firmly fitted into the flow path so that it does not come out during centrifugation.

[0022] (First recovery area 17, second recovery area 18) The second recovery area 18 is mainly used to collect waste liquids such as conditioning liquids and eluates that do not contain the compounds to be concentrated or separated. The second recovery area 18 has a second outlet 181. The first recovery area 17 of the example is used to collect the liquid obtained by eluting compounds trapped on the chromatography support in the cartridge 2 (not shown). The first recovery area 17 has a first outlet 171.

[0023] (How to use the third inlet 131, first inlet 121, second inlet 141, first outlet 171, and second outlet 181) As mentioned above, the first inlet 121, second inlet 141, and third inlet 131 are opened in a transparent cover that is not shown in the diagram. These small holes (121, 131, 141, 171, 181) are sealed using seal 56 (tape). In the initial state, the flow path of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate) is sealed at both the inlet and outlet, and no sample liquid or conditioning liquid flows through it.

[0024] The operator removes the seal 56 (or tape) blocking the first inlet 121 of the first stock area 12 and the seal 56 (or tape) blocking the second outlet 181 of the second recovery area 18 (waste liquid section) so that the first stock area 12 containing the conditioning liquid flows toward the second recovery area 18. Then, the operator switches on the centrifuge and rotates the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). As a result, the conditioning liquid passes through the cartridge 2 (not shown) set in the cartridge holder 15, and the chromatography carrier is prepared to function as a concentration and separation device. At this point, the operator stops the centrifuge.

[0025] Next, the worker puts the seal 56 (tape) that is blocking the first inlet 121 of the first stock area 12 back in place and leaves the seal 56 (tape) that is blocking the second outlet 181 of the second recovery area 18 open. Then the worker removes the seal 56 (tape) that is blocking the third inlet 131. The worker then operates the centrifuge again. This opens the flow path from the third stock area 13 to the second recovery area 18 via the cartridge 2 (not shown).

[0026] This operation traps the target compound in the sample on the chromatographic support in cartridge 2 (not shown). The liquid, which no longer contains the compound, leaves cartridge 2 and flows through the collection unit 19 towards the second recovery area 18.

[0027] If necessary, the operator may clean the inside of the cartridge 2 using the conditioning solution from the first stock area 12.

[0028] Next, the seals 56 (tape) on the second inlet 141 of the second stock area 14 where the eluate is stored and the second outlet 181 of the first recovery area 17 are removed, and the other first inlet 121, third inlet and second outlet 181 are sealed with seals 56 (tape). The compounds trapped on the chromatographic support in the cartridge 2 (not shown) are released by the eluate, and the eluate containing a high concentration of the compounds is stored in the first recovery area 17.

[0029] The operator can stop the centrifuge and obtain the concentrated and separated target compound from the first recovery area 17 using a pipette or the like from the first outlet 171.

[0030] (Cartridge 2) Cartridge 2, which has not been explained until now, will now be explained. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of cartridge 2 derived from Monospin (trademark name) (monolithic cartridge 23 with column). A commercially available monolithic cartridge 23 with a column is cut at the top and bottom of the microtube portion and used in the present invention. The supply port 22 and cartridge mounting portion 151 of cartridge 2 can be fitted together and cartridge 2 can be set in the cartridge holder 15. As a result, cartridge 2 does not vibrate even when the centrifuge is in operation, contributing to stable analysis. Various monolith 231 solid-phase support products are available from GL Sciences, and this method is the easiest way to create cartridge 2.

[0031] (Monolithic cylindrical cartridge 26) Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the monolithic cylindrical cartridge 26. When using a monolith 231 solid-phase carrier that is not in the Monospin (trademark) product lineup, it is also possible to make the cartridge 2 yourself. The monolithic cylindrical cartridge 26 is made such that the monolith 231 solid-phase carrier is fitted into the outer shell 261, and the supply port 22 is made to a size that can be fitted into the cartridge mounting part 151. The desired monolith 231 solid-phase carrier can be made by purchasing a large monolith 231 and cutting it into a cylinder.

[0032] (Monolithic Box-Type Cartridge 25) Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the monolithic box-type cartridge 25. Figure 5(A) is a perspective view, Figure 5(B) is a rear view, and Figure 5(C) is a top view. The monolithic box-type cartridge 25 has a supply port 22 on the upstream side and a discharge port 21 that is larger than the supply port 22 on the downstream side. A monolith 231 is fitted into the supply port 22. The shape of the monolith 231 is cylindrical. In addition, a fixing hole 253 is provided at the top of the supply port 22, which connects the monolithic box-type cartridge 25 to a projection provided on a cartridge holder 15 (not shown).

[0033] (Powdered Solid-Phase Carrier Cartridge 24) Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the powdered solid-phase carrier cartridge 24. Figure 6(A) is a perspective view. Figure 6(B) is a perspective view of the rear side. Figure 5(C) is a plan view. As shown in Figure 6(C), the powdered solid-phase carrier cartridge 24 has a first beam 248 and a second beam 249. In Figure 6(A), the first beam 248 is not shown so that the powdered solid-phase carrier 246 (powdered solid-phase carrier filled compartment 247) is clearly visible. The first beam 248 and the second beam 249 are members that reinforce the powdered solid-phase carrier cartridge 24 to prevent distortion and are provided at a height that does not come into contact with the sample liquid. Between the front wall 241 and the rear wall 245 of the powdered solid-phase carrier cartridge 24 are a first overflow wall 242 and a second overflow wall 244, and the powdered solid-phase carrier 246 is placed in the powdered solid-phase carrier filled compartment 247 surrounded by both overflow walls (242, 244). When the rotating substrate 1 equipped with the powder solid phase carrier cartridge 24 is rotated by the centrifuge, a strong G force is applied. The sample liquid entering through the inlet 2411 provided in the front wall 241 is pressed against the low first overflow wall 242 by the strong G force, overcomes the first overflow wall 242, and permeates the powder solid phase carrier-filled section 247 containing the powder solid phase carrier 246. The powder solid phase carrier 246 is pressed against the second overflow wall 244 like a plate by the strong G force. Compounds to be separated in the sample liquid are trapped as they pass through the powder solid phase carrier 246. The sample liquid, no longer containing the compounds trapped by the powder solid phase carrier 246, is blocked by the second overflow wall 244, and therefore overflows towards the rear wall 245, overflowing the low second overflow wall 244. The rear wall 245 also acts as an overflow wall, and the sample liquid, no longer containing the compound, is pressed against the rear wall 245 and overflows from the rear wall 245 due to the strong G force before flowing out.

[0034] (Diversity of Uses for the First Stock Area 12 and the Second Stock Area 14) The usage configuration described above involved placing a conditioning solution in the first stock area 12 and an eluent in the second stock area 14. In this configuration, the sample solution was passed through the cartridge 2 to adsorb the sample, wash it, and then elute it. However, the usage configuration is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to place different conditioning solutions in the first stock area 12 and the second stock area 14, perform conditioning, and then pass the sample solution through. Elution of compounds trapped in the cartridge 2 is performed on a separate rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate).

[0035] (Effects of microcartridge-based columns) The following effects can be expected from microcartridge-based columns: (1) By shortening the diffusion (movement) distance of molecules in a narrow space, mixing time can be reduced. Since diffusion time is proportional to the square of the diffusion distance, analysis and trapping times can be shortened.

[0036] (2) The specific boundary area is large. The surface area of ​​the channel wall or the interface area where liquids are in contact with each other is large relative to the sample volume. In solvent extraction, substances move to other phases through the interface, so the larger the specific boundary area, the better the extraction efficiency.

[0037] (3) Cartridge 2, which is a column with a small heat capacity, is small, so it has a small heat capacity and can be heated and cooled rapidly. In addition, the temperature can be controlled instantaneously with a small amount of energy.

[0038] (4) Using monolith 231 as a filler reduces labor and improves reproducibility. By using monolith 231 as a filler, the complicated work of filling with powder solid-phase filler can be avoided. It is difficult to fill powder uniformly, and the powder may flow during centrifugation, which can worsen reproducibility, but silica monolith 231 does not have these risks.

[0039] (5) Because centrifugal force is used, the mobile phase (eluate) does not require power such as a liquid delivery pump. Since the mobile phase moves by centrifugal force, there is no need for power like a liquid delivery pump, so the operating cost of the device is reduced.

[0040] (6) Cartridge 2 is replaceable. Cartridge 2 is replaceable, and if a rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate) is provided, it can be used to analyze various substances and compounds.

[0041] (Usage) Figure 7 shows an example of the use of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). Figure 7(A) is a front view of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate), and Figure 7(B) is an enlarged view of the flow path used in Figure 7(A). Figure 7(C) is an explanatory diagram of the usage process of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). The flow path in Figure 7(B) is just one example of usage, and it goes without saying that it is not limited to this. Also, it should be noted in advance that which of the first stock area 12, second stock area 14, and third stock area 13 is used to place the sample, which to place the eluent, and which to place the washing solution will be determined by the user's experimental objectives, etc. The usage described below is just one example. When the flow path in Figure 7(B) is used for conditioning, it is possible that no sample may be placed in it at all.

[0042] In the stopped process (a), conditioning solution is added from the third inlet 131. Sample solution is added to the second stock area 14 from the second inlet 141, and the second inlet 141 is sealed with a tape 56. Eluting solution is added to the first stock area 12 from the first inlet 121, and the first inlet 121 is then sealed with a tape 56.

[0043] The seals 56 (tape) on the third inlet 131 containing the conditioning solution and the second outlet 181 of the second recovery area 18 have been removed beforehand. As a result, a flow path is created from the third stock area 13 through the cartridge 2 equipped with a chromatography support to the second recovery area 18.

[0044] From step (b) to step (c), the centrifuge operates and passes through the intended flow path. The conditioning liquid in the third stock region 13 passes through the chromatography carrier in the cartridge 2, conditions the cartridge, and the waste liquid is stored in the second recovery region 18.

[0045] In step (d), the centrifuge is temporarily stopped, and then the seal 56 (tape) of the second inlet 141 is removed. When the centrifuge rotates again, from step (e) to step (f), the sample liquid in the second inlet 141 flows through the chromatography carrier of the cartridge 2, and the target substance is trapped in the cartridge 2 and remains in the chromatography carrier. Step (f) is a step of stopping and performing an operation, which is a step of removing the seal 56 (tape) of the first inlet 121 of the first stock region 12 and removing the seal 56 (tape) of the first outlet 171 of the first recovery region 17. Step (g) is also a step of performing a stopping operation, which is a step of closing the second outlet 181 of the second recovery region 18 with a seal 56 (tape). Thereby, a flow path connecting the first stock region 12 storing the eluate to the second recovery region 18 via the cartridge becoming complete.

[0046] When the centrifuge is rotated in step (h), the eluate begins to accumulate in the liquid collection part 19 in step (i). The substance to be separated can be obtained as the eluate. Centrifugation continues even after step (i), and the eluate begins to flow into the first recovery region 17. In the first recovery region 17, impurities are removed, and the downward flow liquid (eluate) containing the target substance accumulates.

[0047] (Diversity of the Rotating Substrate 1 (Microchromatography Substrate)) Figure 8 shows an example of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). The rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) in Figure 8 is dedicated to conditioning. The conditioning liquid is contained in the first stock region 12 and the second stock region 14. The cartridge 2 set in the cartridge holder 15 is passed through the conditioning liquid, conditioning is performed, and the waste liquid is stored in the first recovery region 17. Also, the conditioning-dedicated rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) in Figure 9 has portions that do not affect the function cut out (not formed), contributing to weight reduction. The rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) of the present invention may be made by a 3D printer, and the form in Figure 9 also saves printer materials. The shape of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) is not limited to a disk shape or a cross shape, and any specific shape (such as a square or a pentagon) is acceptable as long as it can rotate around the rotation axis.

[0048] Figure 10 shows an example of the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate). The rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate) in Figure 10 is dedicated to conditioning. Different conditioning liquids are contained in the first stock region 12 and the second stock region 14, respectively. The cartridge 2 set in the cartridge holder 15 is passed through these conditioning liquids in sequence, conditioning is performed, and the waste liquid is stored in the first recovery region 17.

[0049] Figure 11 shows an example of a rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate). The rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate) in Figure 11 can be used in various ways. When used exclusively for conditioning, the first stock area 12, the second stock area 14, and the third stock area 13 can each contain different conditioning solutions. When used as a concentration / separation device, a pre-conditioned cartridge 2 is used. Which of the first to third stock areas (12 to 14) is used to place the sample and which to place the eluent is determined by the capacity of the stock area, etc. When the user loads a sample into the third stock area 13, the sample in the third stock area 13 passes through the solid support in the cartridge 2, trapping the target compound. The waste liquid at this time is collected in the first recovery area 17. Next, a washing solution is supplied from the first stock area 12, and its waste liquid is collected in the first recovery area 17. Next, the eluate is supplied from the second stock area 14, and the trapped and concentrated compound is sent to the second recovery area 18.

[0050] (Uses other than concentration / separation devices - combination with analytical instruments) As shown above, various examples of how to use the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate) have been presented, but it goes without saying that even the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate) which is intended for specialized use can be used for other purposes, such as analysis. By installing analytical instruments (electrical conductivity, absorbance, etc.) in a centrifuge, the rotating substrate 1 (microchromatographic substrate) of the present invention can also be used for analysis.

[0051] (Automation of the process of removing the seals 56 (tape) from the small holes) The process of removing and attaching the seals 56 (tape) from the inlets and outlets (121, 131, 171, 181) of the stock area (12, 13, 14) and the recovery area (17, 18) can be automated. The chromatography apparatus is equipped with a centrifuge and a rotating substrate 1 (microchromatography substrate), and opens the inlets and outlets (121, 131, 171, 181) and seals them 56 in a programmed sequence.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are also included. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined by utilizing each other's technologies, as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in their purpose and configuration.

[0053] 1 Rotating substrate (microchromatographic substrate) 11 Rotating shaft hole 12 First stock area 121 First inlet 13 Third stock area 131 Third inlet 14 Second stock area 141 Second inlet 15 Cartridge holder 151 Cartridge mounting section 17 First recovery area 171 First outlet 18 Second recovery area 181 Second outlet 19 Liquid collection section 2 Cartridge 21 Discharge port 22 Supply port 23 Monolith cartridge with column 231 Monolith 24 Powdered solid-phase carrier cartridge 241 Front wall 2411 Inlet 242 First overflow wall 244 Second overflow wall 245 Rear wall 246 Powdered solid-phase carrier 247 Powdered solid-phase carrier filled section 248 First beam 249 Second beam 25 Monolithic box-type cartridge 253 Fixing hole section 26 Monolithic cylindrical cartridge 261 Outer shell 3 Partition wall 51 Cover plate 52 Double-sided adhesive sheet 53 Single-sided adhesive sheet 55 Small hole 56 Seal (tape)

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