JP7679254B2 - Liquid handling device and liquid handling system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid handling device and a liquid handling system.

In recent years, liquid handling devices (e.g., flow channel chips) have been used to perform high-precision and high-speed analysis of nucleic acids, proteins, cells, etc. Liquid handling devices have the advantage that only small amounts of reagents and samples are required for analysis, and are expected to be used in a variety of applications, such as clinical testing, food testing, and environmental testing. One example of such a liquid handling device is a liquid handling device that can select and separate minute droplets containing nucleic acids, proteins, etc., and particles such as cells (e.g., Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-181369 A

When sorting and separating particles using a liquid handling device such as that described in Patent Document 1, it is common to connect a pump capable of delivering a fixed amount of liquid, such as a peristaltic pump, to flow the liquid containing the particles through the flow path. However, due to their structure, many of these fixed amount delivery pumps have a periodically changing flow rate per unit time, even if the average flow rate is constant. Such periodic changes in flow rate are also called "pulsation."

On the other hand, in order to perform highly accurate particle sorting and separation using a liquid handling device such as that described in Patent Document 1, it is preferable to suppress the above-mentioned pulsation and stabilize the flow rate in the flow path.

The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid handling device and a liquid handling system that can reduce fluctuations in the liquid flow rate caused by the pump.

The liquid handling device according to the present invention has a first flow path configured to direct liquid sent from an upstream portion including a pump toward a downstream portion, and a plurality of dampers each connected to the first flow path and configured to reduce fluctuations in the flow rate of liquid flowing through the first flow path caused by the pump by varying the volume of the gas inside in response to the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path, and of the plurality of dampers, the volume of the upstream damper of two adjacent dampers is equal to or less than the volume of the downstream damper, and the volume of the most upstream damper of the plurality of dampers is smaller than the volume of the most downstream damper.

The liquid handling system according to the present invention has a pump and the liquid handling device according to the present invention connected to the pump so as to be located downstream of the pump.

The present invention provides a liquid handling device and a liquid handling system that can reduce fluctuations in the liquid flow rate caused by the pump.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a liquid handling system according to an embodiment. 2A to 2E are diagrams showing the configuration of a liquid handling device according to an embodiment. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams for explaining the functioning of one damper. 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams for explaining the functioning of multiple dampers.

The following describes a liquid handling system and a liquid handling device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, we describe a liquid handling system and a liquid handling device that can select and separate specific particles from a large number of particles contained in a liquid.

(Configuration of liquid handling system)
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a liquid handling system 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, some of the components of a liquid handling device 200 are indicated by dashed lines. Figs. 2A to 2E are diagrams showing the configuration of liquid handling device 200 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2A is a plan view, Fig. 2B is a bottom view, Fig. 2C is a bottom view with film 204 removed (bottom view of substrate 202), Fig. 2D is a front view, and Fig. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 2C.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid handling system 100 has a liquid handling device 200, an introduction section 300, a pump 400, a sorting section 500, a first recovery section 600, and a second recovery section 700. In this embodiment, the introduction section 300 and the pump 400, the pump 400 and the introduction port 210 of the liquid handling device 200, the first recovery port 270 of the liquid handling device 200 and the first recovery section 600, and the second recovery port 280 of the liquid handling device 200 and the second recovery section 700 are each connected by a tube 800.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid handling device 200 is connected to the pump 400 so as to be located downstream of the pump 400. In this embodiment, the liquid handling device 200 is disposed downstream of the inlet 300 and the pump 400, and upstream of the first recovery section 600 and the second recovery section 700. As shown in FIGS. 2A to E, the liquid handling device 200 has an inlet 210, a first flow path 220, a plurality of dampers 230a to d, a branching section 240, a second flow path 250, a third flow path 260, a first recovery port 270, and a second recovery port 280. In this embodiment, the liquid handling device 200 is composed of a substrate 202 and a film 204 bonded to the back surface of the substrate 202.

The substrate 202 is formed with a plurality of grooves for the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, or the third flow path 260, a plurality of recesses for the dampers 230a-d, and a plurality of through holes for the inlet 210, the first recovery port 270, or the second recovery port 280. The plurality of grooves and recesses open on the back side of the substrate 202. The plurality of through holes open on the front and back sides of the substrate 202. On the front side of the substrate 202, cylindrical protrusions protrude around the openings of the through holes for the inlet 210, the first recovery port 270, or the second recovery port 280. These protrusions function as the connection parts of the tube 800. The film 204 is bonded to the back side of the substrate 202 so as to block the openings of the grooves, recesses, and through holes. The grooves of the substrate 202 blocked by the film 204 become the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 for flowing, for example, liquid containing particles. In addition, the recesses of the substrate 202 blocked by the film 204 become the dampers 230a-d. Furthermore, the through-holes of the substrate 202 with one opening blocked by the film 204 become the inlet 210, the first recovery port 270, or the second recovery port 280.

The thickness of the substrate 202 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Here, the "thickness of the substrate 202" refers to the thickness of the portion of the substrate 202 in which the grooves, recesses, through holes, and protrusions are not formed. The material contained in the substrate 202 is also not particularly limited. The material contained in the substrate 202 can be appropriately selected from, for example, known resins and glasses. Examples of the material contained in the substrate 202 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin resins, silicone resins, and elastomers.

The thickness of the film 204 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 30 μm or more and 300 μm or less. The material contained in the film 204 is also not particularly limited. The material contained in the film 204 can be appropriately selected, for example, from known resins. Examples of the material contained in the film 204 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin resins, silicone resins, and elastomers. The film 204 is joined to the substrate 202, for example, by heat welding, laser welding, adhesive, or the like.

The inlet 210 is an opening connected to the upstream end of the first flow path 220 for introducing liquid into the first flow path 220. In this embodiment, the inlet 210 is connected to the pump 400 via a tube 800. As described later, the pump 400 is connected to the inlet 300 via the tube 800. Therefore, by driving the pump 400, the liquid in the inlet 300 is introduced from the inlet 210 to the first flow path 220. The configuration of the inlet 210 is not particularly limited as long as it can be appropriately connected to the pump 400. In this embodiment, the inlet 210 is composed of a through hole formed in the substrate 202, a film 204 blocking the opening on the back side of the through hole, and the cylindrical protrusion, and is shaped to be able to hold the end of the tube 800.

The first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 are flow paths through which liquid can move, and are configured to flow liquid sent from an upstream portion including the pump 400 toward the downstream portion. In this embodiment, the upstream end of the second flow path 250 and the upstream end of the third flow path 260 are connected to the downstream end of the first flow path 220. That is, the first flow path 220 branches into the second flow path 250 and the third flow path 260 at the branching portion 240. The liquid that has flowed from upstream to downstream in the first flow path 220 proceeds to the second flow path 250 or the third flow path 260 at the branching portion 240, and flows from upstream to downstream in the second flow path 250 or the third flow path 260. As described below, in this embodiment, the sorting section 500 sorts particles contained in the liquid flowing in the first flow path 220 at the branching section 240, and causes the sorted particles to proceed to the second flow path 250 and the remaining particles to proceed to the third flow path 260.

In this embodiment, the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 are composed of a groove formed in the substrate 202 and a film 204 closing the opening of the groove. The cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 are not particularly limited. In this specification, the "cross-section of the flow path" means the cross-section of the flow path perpendicular to the direction in which the liquid flows. The cross-sectional shape of the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a substantially rectangular shape with a side length (width and depth) of about several tens of μm. The cross-sectional areas of the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 may or may not be constant in the flow direction of the liquid. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the first flow path 220, the second flow path 250, and the third flow path 260 are constant.

The dampers 230a-d are each connected to the first flow path 220, and are configured to reduce the fluctuation (pulsation) in the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path 220 caused by the pump 400 by changing the volume of the gas inside according to the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220. In this embodiment, the dampers 230a-d are each composed of a recess and a groove formed in the substrate 202, and a film 204 that blocks the opening of the recess and the groove. The recess blocked by the film 204 becomes a chamber that contains a gas whose volume changes according to the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220. The type of gas is not particularly limited, and is, for example, air. The groove blocked by the film 204 becomes a flow path that connects the first flow path 220 and the chamber. The chamber is open only to the first flow path 220 via the flow path.

A part of the liquid flowing in the first flow path 220 enters the damper 230 from the connection between the first flow path 220 and the damper 230. At this time, since the gas in the damper 230 cannot move to the outside, the more the liquid enters the damper 230, the more the gas in the damper 230 is compressed, and the greater the pressure of the gas in the damper 230 becomes. As a result, the liquid enters the damper 230 until the pressure of the liquid at the connection and the pressure of the gas in the damper 230 are balanced. Therefore, when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 is large, the amount of liquid that enters the damper 230 increases, and when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 is small, the amount of liquid that enters the damper 230 decreases (see FIG. 3B). As a result, even if the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 fluctuates periodically, the damper 230 can suppress the fluctuation (pulsation) of the flow rate in the first flow path 220. That is, when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 increases, the damper 230 reduces the flow rate in the first flow path 220 by taking in the liquid in the first flow path 220, and when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 decreases, the damper 230 increases the flow rate in the first flow path 220 by sending liquid into the first flow path 220, thereby suppressing fluctuations (pulsations) in the flow rate in the first flow path 220.

In the liquid handling device 200 according to this embodiment, the multiple dampers 230a-d are connected to different positions on the first flow path 220. The positions of the connections of the multiple dampers 230a-d to the first flow path 220 are not particularly limited. For example, the connections of the multiple dampers 230a-d to the first flow path 220 may be arranged at equal intervals or at different intervals. In this embodiment, the connections of the multiple dampers 230a-d to the first flow path 220 are arranged at equal intervals.

The sizes of the dampers 230a-d are adjusted so that the more upstream the damper 230 is, the smaller the damper 230 is, and the more downstream the damper 230 is, the larger the damper 230 is. More specifically, the volume of the most upstream damper 230a among the dampers 230a-d is smaller than the volume of the most downstream damper 230d. Furthermore, the volume of the upstream damper 230 among two adjacent dampers 230 is equal to or smaller than the volume of the downstream damper 230. For example, the volume of the damper 230b located second from the upstream side is equal to or smaller than the volume of the damper 230c located third from the upstream side. In this way, the volumes of the two adjacent dampers 230 may be the same, but it is preferable that the volume of the upstream damper 230 among the two adjacent dampers 230 is smaller than the volume of the downstream damper 230. By providing multiple dampers 230a-d so that the dampers 230 on the upstream side are smaller and the dampers 230 on the downstream side are larger, fluctuations (pulsations) of the liquid in the first flow path 220 can be suppressed efficiently in a short time.

Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams to explain how one damper 230' functions.

As shown in FIG. 3A, immediately after liquid begins to flow through the first flow path 220, the pressure inside the damper 230' is the same as the outside air (e.g., 100 kPa). In this state, the damper 230' is not functioning. Here, it is assumed that the pump 400 is pumping liquid at 150 kPa, and the pressure of the liquid at the connection between the damper 230' and the first flow path 220 is 140 kPa.

A part of the liquid flowing in the first flow path 220 enters the damper 230'. At this time, the gas in the damper 230' is compressed, and the pressure of the gas in the damper 230' increases. After that, as shown in FIG. 3B, the liquid enters the damper 230' until the pressure of the liquid at the connection part and the pressure of the gas in the damper 230 are balanced. In this state, the damper 230' can perform its function for the first time. That is, when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 increases, the damper 230' reduces the flow rate in the first flow path 220 by taking in the liquid in the first flow path 220, and when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 decreases, the damper 230' increases the flow rate in the first flow path 220 by sending liquid into the first flow path 220, thereby suppressing fluctuations (pulsations) in the flow rate in the first flow path 220.

Here, from the viewpoint of enhancing the function of suppressing the fluctuation (pulsation) of the flow rate in the first flow path 220, the larger the size of the damper 230', the more preferable. On the other hand, as can be seen from FIG. 3B, in order to make a large damper 230' function, more liquid needs to flow into the damper 230', so the time required for the damper 230' to function becomes longer. Also, if the damper 230' is composed of a recess formed in the substrate 202 and a film 204, if the damper 230' is large, the film 204 that blocks the recess of the substrate 202 becomes easily bent, and there is a risk that the function of the damper 230' will be impaired. Therefore, in the liquid handling device 200 according to this embodiment, multiple small dampers 230a-d are provided instead of one large damper 230', thereby shortening the time until the function can be exerted and enhancing the function of suppressing the fluctuation (pulsation) of the flow rate.

Figures 4A-C are schematic diagrams for explaining how multiple dampers 230a-d function. Figures 4A and 4B show a liquid handling device according to a comparative example having multiple dampers 230a'-d' of the same size, while Figure 4C shows a liquid handling device 200 according to this embodiment having multiple dampers 230a-d that are smaller on the upstream side.

As shown in FIG. 4A, immediately after liquid begins to flow through the first flow path 220, the pressure inside each damper 230a'-d' is the same as the outside air (e.g., 100 kPa). In this state, each damper 230a'-d' is not functioning. Note that here, the pump 400 is pumping liquid at 150 kPa, and the pressure of the liquid at the connection between each damper 230a'-d' and the first flow path 220 is 140 kPa, 130 kPa, 120 kPa, and 110 kPa, respectively, from the upstream side.

A part of the liquid flowing in the first flow path 220 enters each damper 230a'-d'. At this time, the gas in each damper 230a'-d' is compressed, and the pressure of the gas in the damper 230 increases. After that, as shown in FIG. 4B, the liquid enters the damper 230 until the pressure of the liquid at the connection part and the pressure of the gas in the damper 230 are balanced. In this state, each damper 230a'-d' can only function. That is, when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 increases, each damper 230a'-d' reduces the flow rate in the first flow path 220 by taking in the liquid in the first flow path 220, and when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 decreases, each damper 230a'-d' increases the flow rate in the first flow path 220 by sending liquid into the first flow path 220, thereby suppressing fluctuations (pulsations) of the liquid in the first flow path 220.

When the volume of one damper 230' shown in FIG. 3B and the total volume of the multiple dampers 230a'-d' shown in FIG. 4B are the same, the multiple dampers 230a'-d' shown in FIG. 4B can be expected to perform the same function as the single damper 230' shown in FIG. 3B. On the other hand, since each damper 230a'-d' shown in FIG. 4B is significantly smaller than the damper 230' shown in FIG. 3B, each damper 230a'-d' shown in FIG. 4B can be expected to perform its function in a short time. Also, even if each damper 230a'-d' is composed of a recess formed in the substrate 202 and the film 204, the film 204 is less likely to bend because each damper 230a'-d' is small. Furthermore, providing multiple small dampers 230a'-d' rather than providing one large damper 230' allows greater freedom in designing the liquid handling device 200, and also allows the liquid handling device 200 to be made more compact.

Comparing the most upstream damper 230a' and the most downstream damper 230d' shown in FIG. 4B, it can be seen that the most upstream damper 230a' takes a longer time to function (time required for pressure to balance). In the liquid handling device 200 according to this embodiment, therefore, in order to further shorten the time required for the dampers to function, the sizes of the multiple dampers 230a-d are adjusted so that the more upstream the dampers 230 are, the smaller they are, and the more downstream the dampers 230 are, as shown in FIG. 4C. In this way, it is possible to bring the times required for each damper 230a-d to function closer together, and it is possible to shorten the time required for the multiple dampers 230a-d as a whole to function while ensuring sufficient function to suppress fluctuations (pulsation).

The total volume of the multiple dampers 230a-d is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on factors such as the magnitude of pulsation caused by the pump 400. For example, the total volume of the multiple dampers 230a-d is 30-600 μL.

The number of dampers 230 is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more, but three or more is preferable. In this embodiment, the number of dampers 230 is four. In addition, the shape of the dampers 230 is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above volume conditions. In this embodiment, the shape of the dampers 230 is an approximately square prism.

The first recovery port 270 is an opening connected to the downstream end of the second flow path 250 for recovering the liquid that has flowed through the second flow path 250. In this embodiment, the first recovery port 270 is connected to the first recovery section 600 via the tube 800. Therefore, the liquid that has flowed through the second flow path 250 is recovered in the first recovery section 600. The configuration of the first recovery port 270 is not particularly limited as long as it can be appropriately connected to the first recovery section 600. In this embodiment, the first recovery port 270 is composed of a through hole formed in the substrate 202, a film 204 that blocks the opening on the back side of the through hole, and the cylindrical protrusion, and is shaped to be able to hold the end of the tube 800.

The second recovery port 280 is an opening connected to the downstream end of the third flow path 260 for recovering the liquid that has flowed through the third flow path 260. In this embodiment, the second recovery port 280 is connected to the second recovery section 700 via the tube 800. Therefore, the liquid that has flowed through the third flow path 260 is recovered in the second recovery section 700. The configuration of the second recovery port 280 is not particularly limited as long as it can be appropriately connected to the second recovery section 700. In this embodiment, the second recovery port 280 is composed of a through hole formed in the substrate 202, a film 204 that blocks the opening on the back side of the through hole, and the cylindrical protrusion, and is shaped to be able to hold the end of the tube 800.

As mentioned above, in addition to the liquid handling device 200, the liquid handling system 100 also has an introduction section 300, a pump 400, a sorting section 500, a first recovery section 600, and a second recovery section 700 (see Figure 1).

The introduction section 300 holds the liquid to be introduced into the liquid handling device 200. The configuration of the introduction section 300 is not particularly limited. For example, the introduction section 300 is a container that contains a liquid. In this embodiment, the introduction section 300 holds a liquid that contains predetermined particles. Examples of particles include minute droplets that contain nucleic acids or proteins, and cells. The type of dispersion medium in the liquid is not particularly limited, and can be selected appropriately depending on the type of particles, etc.

The pump 400 sends liquid to the first flow path 220 of the liquid handling device 200. In this embodiment, the pump 400 is connected to the introduction section 300 and the introduction port 210 of the liquid handling device 200 via a tube 800, respectively, and sucks liquid containing particles in the introduction section 300 and sends the liquid to the introduction port 210. The type of pump 400 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above function. Since the liquid handling system 100 according to this embodiment can reduce pulsation, the pump 400 may be a peristaltic pump (also called a tube pump, roller pump, etc.) that may cause pulsation. In this embodiment, the pump 400 is a peristaltic pump.

The sorting unit 500 has a detection unit and an operation unit arranged near the branching unit 240 of the liquid handling device 200, and sorts and separates particles contained in the liquid flowing through the first flow path 220 of the liquid handling device 200. More specifically, the detection unit of the sorting unit 500 detects whether or not a particle that has reached the branching unit 240 is a predetermined particle. The operation unit of the sorting unit 500 operates the particle so that the particle advances to the second flow path 250 when the particle detected by the detection unit is a particle to be separated, and operates the particle so that the particle advances to the third flow path 260 when the particle detected by the detection unit is not a particle to be separated.

The configuration of the detection unit is not particularly limited as long as it can select particles, and is appropriately selected depending on the type of particle. For example, if the particles to be selected emit fluorescence of a predetermined wavelength and other particles do not emit the fluorescence, the detection unit has a light source that emits excitation light and a detector that detects the fluorescence.

The configuration of the operation unit is not particularly limited as long as it can control the direction in which the particles move, and is appropriately selected depending on the type of particle. For example, if the particles to be sorted are attracted to a positive or negative electric field, the operation unit may have an electrode pair capable of applying the positive or negative electric field near the upstream end of the second flow path 250 in the branching portion 240 (see Patent Document 1).

The first recovery unit 600 recovers the liquid that has flowed through the second flow path 250 of the liquid handling device 200. As described above, in this embodiment, the liquid containing the particles sorted by the sorting unit 500 flows through the second flow path 250. Therefore, the first recovery unit 600 recovers the liquid containing the particles sorted by the sorting unit 500. In this embodiment, the first recovery unit 600 is connected to the first recovery port 270 of the liquid handling device 200 via a tube 800, and stores the liquid that has flowed into the first recovery port 270. The configuration of the first recovery unit 600 is not particularly limited. For example, the first recovery unit 600 is a container that can store liquid.

The second recovery section 700 recovers the liquid that has flowed through the third flow path 260 of the liquid handling device 200. As described above, in this embodiment, liquid containing particles that have not been sorted by the sorting section 500 flows through the third flow path 260. Therefore, the second recovery section 700 recovers the liquid containing particles that have not been sorted by the sorting section 500. In this embodiment, the second recovery section 700 is connected to the second recovery port 280 of the liquid handling device 200 via a tube 800, and stores the liquid that has flowed into the second recovery port 280. The configuration of the second recovery section 700 is not particularly limited. For example, the second recovery section 700 is a container that can store liquid.

(Liquid Handling System Operation)
The following describes an example of a method for handling liquid using liquid handling system 100. Here, an example is described in which predetermined particles are separated from a large number of particles in the liquid contained in introduction section 300 and collected in first collection section 600.

First, the pump 400 is driven with a liquid containing a large number of particles placed in the inlet 300. As a result, the liquid in the inlet 300 is introduced into the first flow path 220 from the inlet 210 of the liquid handling device 200 via the tube 800. A part of the liquid introduced into the first flow path 220 enters the dampers 230a-d, and the remaining part of the liquid introduced into the first flow path 220 proceeds through the first flow path 220. As described above, after the liquid enters the dampers 230a-d until the pressure of the gas in the dampers 230a-d and the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path 220 are balanced, the dampers 230a-d can appropriately suppress the pulsation caused by the pump 400. Until then, the sorting section 500 moves all particles that have reached the branch section 240 to the third flow path 260.

When the multiple dampers 230a-d are functioning, there is almost no fluctuation in the flow rate at the branching section 240. When this state is reached, the sorting section 500 selects specific particles from among the particles that have reached the branching section 240 and moves them to the second flow path 250. The sorting section 500 moves the remaining particles to the third flow path 260. Because the flow rate at the branching section 240 is stable, the sorting section 500 can select and separate particles with high accuracy.

The predetermined particles moved into the second flow path 250 by the sorting unit 500 are collected in the first collection unit 600 via the first collection port 270 and the tube 800. On the other hand, the predetermined particles moved into the third flow path 260 by the sorting unit 500 are collected in the second collection unit 700 via the second collection port 280 and the tube 800. Therefore, by using the liquid handling system 100, it is possible to collect only the predetermined particles in the first collection unit 600.

(effect)
As described above, in the liquid handling system 100 and liquid handling device 200 of this embodiment, by providing a plurality of dampers 230a-d to reduce fluctuations in the liquid flow rate caused by pump 400, it is possible to sort and separate particles with high accuracy in sorting section 500.

The liquid handling system 100 and liquid handling device 200 of this embodiment are useful in a variety of applications, such as clinical testing, food testing, and environmental testing.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Liquid handling system 200 Liquid handling device 202 Substrate 204 Film 210 Inlet 220 First flow path 230a-d Damper 240 Branching section 250 Second flow path 260 Third flow path 270 First recovery port 280 Second recovery port 300 Inlet section 400 Pump 500 Sorting section 600 First recovery section 700 Second recovery section 800 Tube

Claims (7)

A first flow path configured to cause a liquid sent from an upstream portion including a pump to flow toward a downstream portion;
a plurality of dampers each connected to the first flow path, the dampers configured to reduce fluctuations in a flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path caused by the pump by varying a volume of gas therein in response to a pressure of the liquid in the first flow path;
having
Among the plurality of dampers, a volume of an upstream damper of two mutually adjacent dampers is equal to or smaller than a volume of a downstream damper,
A volume of the most upstream damper among the plurality of dampers is smaller than a volume of the most downstream damper.
Liquid handling equipment. The liquid handling device according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the upstream damper of two adjacent dampers is smaller than the volume of the downstream damper. The liquid handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection portions of the dampers with the first flow path are arranged at equal intervals. Further comprising a second flow path and a third flow path,
The upstream end of the second flow path and the upstream end of the third flow path are connected to the downstream end of the first flow path.
A liquid handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The liquid handling device has a substrate having a groove and a plurality of recesses formed on one surface thereof, and a film bonded to the one surface of the substrate,
the first flow path includes the groove, the opening of which is blocked by the film,
The dampers include the recesses whose openings are closed by the film.
A liquid handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A pump,
a liquid handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, connected to said pump so as to be located downstream of said pump;
A liquid handling system comprising: The liquid handling system of claim 6, wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.