JP4741740B2 - Liquid ejection device for producing probe carrier, probe carrier producing device and probe carrier producing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus for producing a probe carrier, a probe carrier production apparatus having the liquid ejection apparatus, and a probe carrier production method using the liquid ejection apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When analyzing the base sequence of gene DNA, or simultaneously performing genetic diagnosis with high reliability for multiple items, it is necessary to select a DNA having the target base sequence using a plurality of types of probes. DNA microchips are attracting attention as a hand-pitch for providing a plurality of types of probes used for this sorting operation. In addition, in high-throughput screening and combinatorial chemistry of drugs, etc., it is necessary to arrange a large number of target protein and drug solutions (for example, 96,384,1536 types) and perform an orderly screening. Become. Developed a method for arranging many kinds of drugs for that purpose, automated screening technology in that state, a dedicated device, software for controlling a series of screening operations and statistically processing the results Has been.
[0003]
These parallel screening operations basically use a so-called probe array in which a number of known probes are arranged in a row (array) for the goods to be evaluated. The presence / absence of an action or a reaction on the probe is detected under the same conditions. In general, what kind of probe action and reaction is used is determined in advance, and therefore, the probe types mounted on one probe array are, for example, a group of DNA probes having different base sequences, etc. It is a kind of substance when roughly classified. That is, a substance used for a group of probes is, for example, DNA, protein, synthesized chemical substance (drug), and the like. In many cases, a probe array composed of a plurality of types of probes is often used, but depending on the nature of the screening work, DNA having the same base sequence, protein having the same amino acid sequence, It is possible to use an array in which a large number of chemical substances are arranged. These are mainly used for drug screening and the like.
[0004]
In a probe array consisting of a plurality of types of probes forming a group, specifically, a group of DNAs having different base sequences, a group of proteins having different amino acid sequences, or a group of different chemical substances are included in the group. In many cases, the seeds are arranged on a substrate or the like in an array according to a predetermined arrangement order. Among these, the DNA probe array is used for analyzing the base sequence of gene DNA and simultaneously performing highly reliable genetic diagnosis for many items.
[0005]
One of the problems in a probe array composed of a plurality of types of probes forming a group is to mount as many kinds of probes as possible, for example, DNA probes having many kinds of base sequences, on one substrate. In other words, how densely the probes can be arranged in an array.
[0006]
As one of the methods, there is a method in which a predetermined volume of probe solution is discharged onto a substrate and applied in a two-dimensional array. As described above, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-187900 discloses a method of using a liquid discharge apparatus that is generally used for printing as a liquid discharge apparatus that discharges a plurality of probe solutions.
[0007]
By the way, as described above, it is desired that the probe array has more probes placed on the substrate. In this case, it is desirable to use a liquid ejection apparatus suitable for probe array manufacturing, rather than using a printing liquid ejection apparatus as the liquid ejection apparatus.
[0008]
Specifically, a liquid ejection apparatus in which a plurality of ejection ports (hereinafter referred to as “nozzles”) are arranged in a two-dimensional array is desirable. At this time, a configuration having the same number of nozzles as a plurality of probe solutions to be discharged may be used. Further, it is preferable that the number of probe solutions that can be discharged from one liquid discharge device is larger.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus has a number of nozzles arranged in a two-dimensional array, and thus has the following problems.
[0010]
In other words, the conventional liquid discharge apparatus is provided with a number of nozzles arranged in a two-dimensional array for discharging a plurality of different types of probe solutions on the chip surface. Corresponding to each of the nozzles, there is a flow path for guiding the ink to the nozzle, and a supply port that also serves as a liquid storage portion communicating with the flow path is provided on the back surface of the chip. The liquid ejecting apparatus is mounted on the carriage unit of the probe array manufacturing apparatus, and spotting the probe solution on the glass substrate that becomes the probe array while moving.
[0011]
However, as described above, since the liquid ejection device ejects a plurality of different types of probe solutions, the supply port is filled with a plurality of different types of probe solutions, respectively. There is a problem that the probe solution flows from the supply port to the supply port forming surface, which is the back surface of the chip, and flows into the supply port filled with different probe solutions through the supply port forming surface and mixed.
[0012]
As a method for preventing the mixed liquid, a method of widening the interval between the supply ports is conceivable, but the structure from the nozzle to the supply port through the flow channel has a bubble structure in the flow channel when the structure is complicated. Since there are concerns about problems such as accumulation and ejection failure, it is desirable to keep them as simple as possible. When nozzles are arranged at a high density, it is desirable to arrange the supply ports at a high density. In addition, this method has a problem that the liquid discharge apparatus is increased in size and cost. Furthermore, even if this method is adopted, there is no denying the danger of mixing liquids with certainty.
[0013]
In addition, a method of filling the supply port that also serves as the liquid storage portion with a small amount of the probe solution to avoid overflow when moving the liquid ejection device is conceivable, but if there are many probe arrays to be manufactured, There is a problem that the work of filling the probe solution once is required, and the tact time at the time of manufacturing the probe array is lowered.
[0014]
It is an object of the present invention to manufacture a probe array even when the arrangement density of supply ports filled with a plurality of types of liquids is arranged at a high density when a liquid ejection device is used as a means for manufacturing the probe array. When the liquid ejection device moves, the probe solution overflows from the supply port and passes through the ink supply port formation surface on the back surface of the chip, thereby preventing liquid mixture due to flowing into the supply port filled with different probe solutions. An object is to provide a probe carrier manufacturing liquid ejecting apparatus, a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus having the liquid ejecting apparatus, and a probe carrier manufacturing method using the liquid ejecting apparatus.
[0015]
  The present invention for achieving the above object is a liquid ejection apparatus used for manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes capable of specifically binding to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier,
  A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
  The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
A water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on the surface forming the supply port.
[0016]
In this liquid ejection apparatus, it is preferable that the water repellent region is provided in a part of the supply port.
[0017]
  Further, the present invention is a liquid ejection device used for manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes that can specifically bind to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier,
  A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
  The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
The surface forming the supply port has a hydrophilic region around each of the supply ports, and a hydrophilic region around the supply port that is filled with a different probe solution and a hydrophilic region around the supply port that is filled with the probe solution. A water-repellent region is provided between the two.
[0018]
In this liquid ejection apparatus, the water repellent region may be provided between the hydrophilic regions around all the adjacent supply ports on the surface on which the supply port is formed.
[0019]
  The present invention also provides a probe carrier comprising: a liquid ejection device that ejects a probe solution; and a carrier holding means for holding the carrier and moving the carrier relative to the liquid ejection device. A device,
  The liquid ejection device includes:
  A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
  The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
A water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on the surface forming the supply port surface.
[0020]
In this liquid ejection apparatus, the hydrophilic region may be provided between water-repellent regions around all adjacent supply ports on the surface on which the supply port is formed.
[0021]
Each of the liquid ejection devices as described above further includes a second liquid storage portion for increasing the amount connected to the integrally formed liquid storage portion. A water region is preferably provided.
[0022]
Further, as the discharge energy generating means, a heater element that generates heat energy, heats the probe solution to boil the film, and discharges the liquid from the discharge port with the pressure can be applied.
[0023]
  Furthermore, the present invention provides a probe carrier having a liquid ejection device for ejecting a probe solution and a carrier holding means for holding the carrier and moving the carrier relative to the liquid ejection device. A device,
  The liquid ejection device includes:
  A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
  The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
A water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on the surface forming the supply port surface.
[0024]
  Furthermore, the present invention provides a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes that can specifically bind to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier by ejecting a probe solution containing the probe from the liquid ejection device onto the carrier. A method of manufacturing comprising:
  While moving the liquid ejecting device relative to the carrier, each of the plural types of probes is ejected as a solution from the liquid ejecting device based on the information on the arrangement position, and supplied to the carrier and fixed. Having a process,
  The liquid ejection device includes:
  A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
  The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
What provided the water-repellent area | region around each supply port of the surface which forms the said supply port surface was used.
[0025]
According to the configuration of the present invention described above, even when the arrangement density of the supply ports filled with a plurality of types of liquids is arranged at a high density, the probe is removed from the supply port when moving the liquid ejection device when manufacturing the probe carrier. It is possible to prevent liquid mixture from overflowing and flowing into the supply ports filled with different probe solutions through the supply port forming surface of the liquid ejection device.
[0026]
Note that it is desirable that the probe carrier manufacturing apparatus and the probe carrier manufacturing method also have corresponding structural features added according to various aspects of the liquid ejection device of the present invention described above.
[0027]
Moreover, the probe and probe carrier described in this specification are demonstrated here.
[0028]
In the present specification, the probe immobilized on the carrier is capable of specifically binding to a specific target substance. In addition, the probes include oligonucleotides, polynucleotides, or other polymers that can be recognized by a particular target. The term “probe” refers to both a molecule having a probe function, such as an individual polynucleotide molecule, and a population of molecules having the same probe function, such as polynucleotides of the same sequence surface-immobilized at dispersed locations, often ligands Also included is a molecule called Also, probes and targets are often used interchangeably, and probes can bind to or become able to bind to a target as part of a ligand-antiligand (sometimes called a receptor) pair. is there. Probes and targets in the present invention may include bases as found in nature, or analogs thereof.
[0029]
In addition, as an example of a probe supported on a carrier, a part of an oligonucleotide having a base sequence that can hybridize with a target nucleic acid has a binding part with the carrier via a linker. And a structure having a structure linked to the surface of the carrier. In addition, the position in the molecule | numerator of the oligonucleotide of a support | carrier and a coupling | bond part in the case of such a structure is not specifically limited in the range which does not impair the desired hybridization reaction.
[0030]
Probes employed in the probe array to which the method of the present invention is applied are appropriately selected according to the purpose of use. However, in order to suitably carry out the method of the present invention, DNA, RNA, cDNA (complementary DNA), PNA, oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, other nucleic acid, oligopeptide, polypeptide, protein, enzyme, substrate for enzyme, antibody, epitope for antibody, antigen, hormone, hormone receptor, It is preferably at least one selected from a ligand, a ligand receptor, an oligosaccharide and a polysaccharide.
[0031]
In the present invention, a plurality of these probes fixed on the carrier surface as independent regions, for example, dot spots, is called a probe carrier, and those arranged at a predetermined interval are called a probe array.
[0032]
On the other hand, the probe has a structure that can be bonded to the surface of the carrier, and it is desirable that the probe be fixed on the carrier via the bondable structure. At that time, the structure that can be bonded to the carrier surface of the probe includes amino group, mercapto group, carboxyl group, hydroxyl group, acid halide (haloformyl group; -COX), halide (-X), aziridine, maleimide group, succinimide Group, isothiocyanate group, sulfonyl chloride group (-SO₂Cl), an aldehyde group (formyl group; —CHO), a hydrazine, an iodoacetamide, and other organic functional groups are preferably introduced. Further, depending on the structure necessary for binding to the probe-side carrier, the surface of the carrier may be subjected to a necessary treatment.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the liquid ejection apparatus for producing a probe carrier and the probe carrier producing apparatus of the present invention will be described in more detail with specific embodiments. Moreover, although embodiment shown here is an example of the best embodiment of this invention, this invention is not limited by these embodiment.
[0034]
First, an example of a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus will be described.
[0035]
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic diagrams showing a structural example of a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus using the probe carrier manufacturing liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention.
[0036]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a liquid ejection apparatus, reference numeral 21 denotes a probe array manufacturing apparatus, reference numeral 22 denotes a carrier support base which is a carrier holding means, 23 denotes a liquid ejection apparatus support base, 24 denotes a probe solution supply unit, Reference numeral 25 denotes a dropping needle, and 26 denotes a probe solution tank.
[0037]
The liquid ejecting apparatus 1 is fixed to a liquid ejecting apparatus support base 23, and the liquid ejecting apparatus support base 23 can be moved with high precision in order to supply the probe solution to the liquid ejecting apparatus 1. In the probe solution supply unit 24, a plurality of probe solution tanks 26 for storing various probe solutions are formed according to the type of the probe solution, and a dropping needle for dropping the solution is provided below the tank. 25 is attached.
[0038]
The probe solution is supplied to the liquid discharge device 1 by moving the liquid discharge device 1 so that the liquid discharge device support 23 can supply a desired probe solution, and the supply port of the liquid discharge device 1 below the dropping needle 25. (See FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9), and the probe solution tank 26 of the probe solution supply unit 24 is pressurized to supply the probe solution from the dropping needle 25. is there.
[0039]
In FIG. 2 showing another probe array manufacturing apparatus, reference numeral 1 denotes a liquid ejection apparatus, 11 denotes a shaft for guiding the movement of the liquid ejection apparatus substantially in parallel, 12 denotes a stage to which the probe array is fixed, 13 Indicates a glass substrate to be a probe array.
[0040]
The liquid ejecting apparatus 1 moves in the X direction (main scanning direction) in FIG. 2, the stage 12 moves in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction), and the liquid ejecting apparatus 1 is two-dimensionally relative to the stage 12. Can move.
[0041]
Although FIG. 2 shows an apparatus structure in which a plurality of glass substrates 13 to be probe arrays are fixed and a probe is applied to each glass substrate 13, the probe array is formed on a single glass substrate to be a large probe array. After that, a plurality of probe arrays may be obtained by cutting one glass substrate.
[0042]
In the following, various embodiments serving as characteristic parts of the probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus 1 will be described.
[0043]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the probe solution supply port forming surface of the semiconductor chip constituting the probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0044]
In FIG. 3, the semiconductor chip constituting the probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus 1 is formed such that the distance between the centers of adjacent supply ports 6 is 1.27 mm (20 dpi (20 dots per inch)) in the horizontal direction in the figure. There are five supply port groups each consisting of eight nozzles arranged at a dot interval, and the interval between adjacent supply port groups is also set to 20 dpi. The length of one side of the supply port 6 is 1 mm, and the interval between the supply ports adjacent to the supply port (interval in the horizontal direction or vertical direction in the figure) is 0.27 mm. The length of the tip in the long side direction is 12 mm, the length in the short side direction is 7 mm, and the number of nozzles in one tip is 40. The supply port 6 is not limited to a quadrangle, and may be another polygon, a circle, or the like as shown in FIG.
[0045]
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of one of a plurality of nozzle portions for discharging a liquid of the semiconductor chip constituting the probe array manufacturing liquid discharge apparatus 1 shown in FIGS.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 5, as a configuration for discharging the liquid, electricity serving as discharge energy generation means for causing the probe solution to boil and discharge from the nozzle 2 above (substantially facing) the nozzle 2 that is the discharge port. A heater 5 serving as a heat conversion body is disposed, and a flow path 7 communicating with each nozzle and a supply port 6 also serving as a liquid storage unit are provided. The probe solution is supplied from above the supply port 6 by a tube or pipette as described above, and filled in the nozzle 2. At that time, as shown in FIG. 5, since the flow path 7 is very short, when the probe solution is injected, the inside of the nozzle 2 is immediately filled with the probe solution. The discharge can be normally performed to the extent that the above is performed. The ejection energy source for ejecting droplets from the nozzle 2 is not limited to the electrothermal converter, and a vibration element is also applicable.
[0047]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the water-repellent region 3 is provided around each supply port 6 on the surface forming the opening surface of the supply port 6.
[0048]
By adopting such a configuration, the water repellent treatment is performed around each supply port 6 on the surface forming the supply port surface, so that the liquid in the probe array manufacturing apparatus shown in FIGS. The probe solution can be prevented from flowing from the supply port 6 to the water-repellent region 3 during the movement scanning of the discharge device 1, and the mixed solution by the probe solution flowing into the supply port 6 filled with different types of probe solutions. Can be prevented.
[0049]
The water-repellent region 3 in the present invention can be formed by a known method performed by a printing liquid discharge apparatus (inkjet recording head).
[0050]
Further, the water-repellent region 3 may be provided not only on the supply port forming surface that is the back surface of the chip but on a part of the side surface of the opening that forms the supply port 6. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, it is preferable to prevent the probe solution 9 from overflowing by providing a water-repellent region from the inner edge of the upper end of the supply port 6 to the supply port formation surface.
[0051]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting the liquid ejection device for manufacturing a probe array according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 7, the present embodiment has a hydrophilic region 4 (white coating portion in the figure) around each supply port 6 on the surface forming the supply port surface as shown in the first embodiment. In addition, a water-repellent region 3 (blacked portion in the figure) is provided between the hydrophilic region 4 around the supply port 6 filled with the probe solution and the hydrophilic region 4 around the adjacent supply port 6. Is.
[0053]
Thereby, even when the probe solution flows from the supply port 6 to the supply port formation surface during the movement of the liquid ejection device, the probe solution that has flowed out flows into the supply port 6 adjacent to the hydrophilic region 4 around the supply port 6. Only the water repellent region 3 provided between the surrounding hydrophilic region 4 flows out, and the same effect as that of the embodiment shown in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0054]
Further, the water-repellent region 3 may be provided not only between all the adjacent supply ports 6 but only between the adjacent supply ports 6 filled with different types of probe solutions.
[0055]
The widths of the water repellent region 3 and the hydrophilic region 4 can be changed depending on the type of probe solution, the supply port diameter, and the like. The water repellent region 3 and the hydrophilic region 4 can be formed by a known method.
[0056]
Further, the supply port 6 is not limited to a quadrangle, and may be another polygonal shape or a circular shape.
[0057]
Furthermore, although the description has been given with respect to the case where the two-dimensionally arranged nozzles are arranged orthogonally, the nozzle arrangement is the same by adopting the same configuration as described so far even when other forms are adopted. Can be expected.
[0058]
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 8, even when the nozzles are arranged in five rows in the horizontal direction in the figure and offset by 100 dpi (dot spacing of 100 dots per inch), as shown in FIG. A similar effect can be obtained by disposing the water-repellent region 3 in parallel with the offset nozzle rows.
[0059]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting a liquid ejection apparatus for manufacturing a probe array according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 9, the present embodiment has a water repellent region 3 around each supply port 6 on the surface forming the supply port surface as shown in the first embodiment, and the probe solution A hydrophilic region 4 is provided between the water repellent region 3 around the supply port 6 to be filled and the water repellent region 3 around the adjacent supply port 6.
[0061]
Thereby, even when the probe solution flows from the supply port 6 to the supply port formation surface when the liquid ejection apparatus moves, the probe solution that has flowed out is supplied to the supply port 6 adjacent to the water-repellent region 3 around the supply port 6. Since it enters the hydrophilic region 4 provided between the water-repellent region 3 and the surrounding water-repellent region 3, mixing of the probe solution can be prevented more reliably.
[0062]
The hydrophilic region 4 may be provided not between all adjacent supply ports 6 but only between adjacent supply ports 6 filled with different types of probe solutions. The widths of the water repellent region 3 and the hydrophilic region 4 can be changed according to the type of droplet, the supply port diameter, and the like.
[0063]
Further, the supply port 6 is not limited to a quadrangle, and may be another polygonal shape or a circular shape.
[0064]
Further, the description has been given with respect to the case where the two-dimensionally arranged nozzles are arranged orthogonally, but the nozzle arrangement is the same as that described so far even in other forms, for example, when the nozzles are arranged offset. By adopting a simple configuration, the same effect can be expected.
[0065]
For example, even when the nozzles are arranged in 5 rows in the horizontal direction in FIG. 9 and offset by 100 dpi (dot spacing of 100 dots per inch), the hydrophilic regions 4 are arranged in parallel with the offset nozzle rows. By doing so, the same effect can be obtained.
[0066]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a liquid ejection apparatus for manufacturing a probe array according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0067]
In the probe array manufacturing liquid discharge apparatus including the semiconductor chips of the above-described forms, when the amount of the probe solution discharged from the nozzle at a time is relatively large and the number of probe arrays that need to be manufactured is large. Preferably, a solution reservoir 8 which is a liquid storage portion for increasing the amount made of alumina, resin or the like is provided on the back surface which is a supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip in which a plurality of supply ports 6 are integrally formed.
[0068]
In the case of such an apparatus configuration, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, around the supply port 10 of the solution reservoir 8 for increase corresponding to each supply port 6 of the semiconductor chip constituting the liquid ejection apparatus 1. A water repellent region 3 was provided. In addition, the supply ports 6 and 10 are not limited to the shape in a figure, and can select suitably circular, a polygon, etc.
[0069]
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to obtain an effect of preventing a mixed solution of different kinds of probe solutions as in the case where the water repellent region 3 is provided on the back surface of the semiconductor chip shown in the first embodiment. Note that the configuration shown in the first embodiment is not limited to the supply port forming surface of the solution reservoir 8, and the configuration of each embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 is similarly applied. The effect is obtained.
[0070]
Note that each component of the liquid ejection apparatus and the probe carrier manufacturing apparatus using the liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention is used in an inkjet recording system for printing, or a head or recording apparatus that employs the inkjet recording system. Those appropriately selected according to the object of the invention or those having a structure changed according to the object of the present invention can be selected and used. As an example of such an ink jet recording method, a means (for example, an electrothermal converter, a laser beam, or the like) that generates thermal energy as energy used for performing ink discharge is provided, particularly among ink jet recording methods. There can be mentioned a recording head and a recording apparatus of a type in which a change in the state of ink is caused by the thermal energy, and an excellent effect is brought about by utilizing the configuration used in these. This is because such a system can achieve high recording density and high definition.
[0071]
As for the typical configuration and principle, for example, those performed using the basic principle disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796 are preferable. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path holding the liquid (ink). By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer, the thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the recording head This is effective because film boiling occurs on the heat acting surface of the liquid and, as a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to the drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed. By the growth and contraction of the bubbles, liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable that the drive signal has a pulse shape, since the bubble growth and contraction is performed immediately and appropriately, and thus it is possible to achieve discharge of a liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness. As this pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further excellent recording can be performed by employing the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface.
[0072]
As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination configuration (straight liquid channel or right-angle liquid channel) of the discharge port, the liquid channel, and the electrothermal transducer as disclosed in each of the above-mentioned specifications, the heat acting part The configurations using US Pat. No. 4,558,333 and US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose the configuration in which the lens is disposed in the bending region, are also included in the present invention. In addition, for a plurality of electrothermal transducers, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 59-123670 that discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal transducer or an aperture that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy is provided. The effect of the present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461 which discloses a configuration corresponding to the discharge unit. That is, whatever the form of the recording head is, according to the present invention, recording can be performed reliably and efficiently.
[0073]
Furthermore, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus. As such a recording head, either a configuration satisfying the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally may be used.
[0074]
In addition, even a serial type can be replaced with a recording head that is fixed to the main body of the apparatus, or can be electrically connected to the main body of the apparatus and supplied with ink from the main body of the apparatus. The present invention is also effective when a chip type recording head or a cartridge type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself is used.
[0075]
In addition, it is preferable to add a recording head ejection recovery means, a preliminary auxiliary means, and the like as the configuration of the recording apparatus, since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, heating is performed using a capping unit, a cleaning unit, a pressurizing or suction unit, an electrothermal transducer, a heating element different from this, or a combination thereof. Examples thereof include a preliminary heating unit for performing the discharge and a preliminary discharge unit for performing discharge different from the recording.
[0076]
The most effective one for each of the inks described above is to execute the film boiling method described above.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, as a means for manufacturing a probe array, a liquid discharge including a plurality of discharge ports arranged in an array and a supply port for supplying a probe solution discharged from the discharge port In the case of using the apparatus, a water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on the surface forming the supply port. As a result, even when the arrangement density of the supply ports filled with multiple types of liquids is arranged at a high density, the probe solution overflows from the supply port when the liquid ejection device moves when the probe array is manufactured. It is possible to prevent liquid mixture due to flowing into the supply port filled with different probe solutions through the surface.
[0078]
Further, even if a hydrophilic region is provided around each of the supply ports on the surface on which the supply port is formed, and a water repellent region is formed between the hydrophilic regions around the adjacent supply ports, the same effect as described above can be obtained. .
[0079]
In addition, the same effect as described above can be obtained by providing a water-repellent region around each of the supply ports on the surface on which the supply ports are formed and forming a hydrophilic region between the water-repellent regions around the adjacent supply ports. It is done.
[0080]
Further, in the liquid ejection apparatus further including the second liquid storage unit for increasing the amount connected to the liquid storage unit formed integrally, the water repellent region as in the present invention is provided in the second liquid storage unit. By adopting a hydrophilic region configuration, mixed liquid can be prevented even between the supply ports of the second liquid storage unit.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus using a liquid ejection device for manufacturing a probe carrier of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a structural example of a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus using the probe carrier manufacturing liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting the probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a view showing a modified example of the supply port shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one of a plurality of nozzles for discharging a liquid of the semiconductor chip constituting the probe array manufacturing liquid discharge apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the water repellent treatment around the supply port according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting a probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view showing a modification of the arrangement of supply ports shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a probe solution supply port forming surface of a semiconductor chip constituting a probe array manufacturing liquid ejection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a liquid ejection apparatus for manufacturing a probe array according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Liquid ejection device
2 nozzles
3 Water repellent area
4 Hydrophilic region
5 Discharge heater
6, 10 Supply port
7 Channel
8 Increased solution reservoir
9 Probe solution
11 Shaft
12 stages
13 Glass substrate
21 Probe array manufacturing equipment
22 Carrier support
23 Liquid ejection device support
24 Probe solution supply unit
25 Dripping needle
26 Probe solution tank

Claims (11)

A liquid ejection device used for manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes that can specifically bind to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier,
A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
A liquid ejection apparatus for producing a probe carrier, characterized in that a water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on a surface forming the supply port.   2. The liquid ejection apparatus for producing a probe carrier according to claim 1, wherein the water repellent region is provided in a part of the supply port. A liquid ejection device used for manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes that can specifically bind to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier,
A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
The surface forming the supply port has a hydrophilic region around each of the supply ports, and a hydrophilic region around the supply port that is filled with a different probe solution and a hydrophilic region around the supply port that is filled with the probe solution. A liquid ejecting apparatus for producing a probe carrier, characterized in that a water-repellent region is provided between the two.   4. The liquid ejection apparatus for producing a probe carrier according to claim 3, wherein the water-repellent region is provided between hydrophilic regions around all adjacent supply ports on a surface forming the supply port. A liquid ejection device used for manufacturing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes that can specifically bind to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier,
A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
The surface that forms the supply port has a water-repellent region around each of the supply ports, and a water-repellent region around the supply port that is filled with the probe solution and a periphery of the supply port that is filled with a different probe solution. A liquid ejection device for producing a probe carrier, wherein a hydrophilic region is provided between the water repellent region.   6. The liquid ejection apparatus for producing a probe carrier according to claim 5, wherein the hydrophilic region is provided between water-repellent regions around all adjacent supply ports on a surface forming the supply port.   The second liquid storage section for increasing the volume connected to the liquid storage section formed integrally is further provided, and the water repellent area is provided in the second liquid storage section. Item 7. A liquid ejection apparatus for producing a probe carrier according to any one of Items 1 to 6.   8. The heater element according to claim 1, wherein the discharge energy generating means is a heater element that generates thermal energy, heats the probe solution to boil the film, and discharges liquid from the discharge port with the pressure. Liquid ejection device for probe carrier production. A probe carrier manufacturing apparatus comprising: a liquid ejection device that ejects a probe solution; and a carrier holding means for holding the carrier and moving the carrier relative to the liquid ejection device,
The liquid ejection device includes:
A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
A probe carrier manufacturing apparatus, wherein a water-repellent region is provided around each supply port on a surface forming the supply port surface. A method for producing a probe carrier in which a plurality of types of probes that can specifically bind to a target substance are arranged in an array on a carrier by ejecting a probe solution containing the probe from the liquid ejection device onto the carrier. ,
While moving the liquid ejecting device relative to the carrier, each of the plural types of probes is ejected as a solution from the liquid ejecting device based on the information on the arrangement position, and supplied to the carrier and fixed. Having a process,
The liquid ejection device includes:
A liquid storage unit for storing a probe solution including the probe, an ejection port arranged in an array for discharging the probe solution supplied from a supply port of the liquid storage unit, and the liquid storage unit A number of liquid discharge portions corresponding to the plurality of types of probes, each having a liquid path that communicates with the discharge ports, and discharge energy generating means that enables discharge of the probe solution through the discharge ports;
The surface forming the supply port and the surface forming the discharge port are opposed to each other,
In the surface forming the supply port, the plurality of supply ports are opened in an array,
The surface forming the supply port is exposed,
A probe carrier manufacturing method using a water repellent region around each supply port on a surface forming the supply port surface.   The probe carrier manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a unit that moves the liquid ejection device.

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