Linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus and method thereof

Abstract

An apparatus and related method to reliably prevent cross-contamination and to decrease working time or space involved with reaction treatment. The apparatus includes: a container group having one or more reaction containers and two or more liquid storage portions arranged in a linear shape; a dispensing head to which one or more dispensing tips insertable into the container group are detachably attached, the dispensing head being relatively movable with respect to the container group in a linear direction; a magnetic portion provided in the dispensing head and capable of: applying a magnetic field into each dispensing tip so that the magnetic particles are adsorbed to an inner wall of the dispensing tip, and removing the magnetic field so that the magnetic particles are resuspended in a solution; and an ultrasonic vibration device which applies ultrasonic vibration to a sample storage portion including at least one of the liquid storage portions.

Claims

1. A linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus comprising: a container group including first and second reaction containers and first, second, third, and fourth liquid storage portions having opening portions, the first reaction container and the first and second liquid storage portions being arranged in a first linear shape, and the second reaction container and the third and fourth liquid storage portions being arranged in a second linear shape, one of the first and second liquid storage portions arranged in the first linear shape receiving a first solution, and one of the third and fourth liquid storage portions arranged in the second linear shape receiving a second solution; a dispensing head to which first and second dispensing tips are detachably attachable, the first dispensing tip including a first front end insertable into the first reaction container and the first and second liquid storage portions arranged in the first linear shape to suction and eject liquids, and the second dispensing tip including a second front end insertable into the second reaction container and the third and fourth liquid storage portions arranged in the second linear shape to suction and eject liquids, wherein the dispensing head is relatively movable in a linear arrangement direction along the container group, wherein the first and second dispensing tips correspond to the first and second linear shapes, respectively, so that the first and second dispensing tips are capable of entering respective ones of the first and second linear shapes while not entering others of the first and second linear shapes; a magnetic portion provided in the dispensing head and capable of separating magnetic particles contained in first and second solutions inside each of the first and second dispensing tips, respectively, by applying a magnetic field to each of the first and second dispensing tips so that the magnetic particles are adsorbed to respective inner walls of the first and second dispensing tips, and separating the adsorbed magnetic particles by removing the magnetic field therefrom so that the magnetic particles are resuspended in the first and second solutions; an ultrasonic vibration device capable of applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the first and second liquid storage portions receiving the first solution and to one of the third and fourth liquid storage portion receiving the second solution, the ultrasonic vibration device comprising an ultrasonic vibration unit that includes an ultrasonic vibrator, a horn adapted to be resonated by the ultrasonic vibration, a forward/backward movement mechanism adapted to move the horn so as to press one of the first and second liquid storage portions receiving the first solution and one of the third and fourth liquid storage portion receiving the second solution, and a vibration unit movement mechanism adapted to move the ultrasonic vibration unit in a direction perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction so as to cross the first and second linear shapes; and a control unit configured to control at least the dispensing head and the ultrasonic vibration device, wherein the first solution comprises a first suspension of magnetic particles stored in the first linear shape, and the second solution comprises a second suspension of magnetic particles stored in the second linear shape; wherein, in the first linear shape, a first scattering prevention lid is attachable to the opening portion of one of the first and second liquid storage portions receiving the first solution and, in the second linear shape, a second scattering prevention lid is attachable to the opening portion of one of the third and fourth liquid storage portions receiving the second solution; wherein an upper portion of each of the first and second scattering prevention lids is formed so as to be detachably attachable to the dispensing head, wherein the opening portions are adapted to be closed with the respective first and second scattering prevention lids by using the dispensing head, the first and second scattering prevention lids being attachable to the opening portions and detachable from the dispensing head to close the opening portions; wherein the first and second scattering prevention lids are equipped with films that are punchable by downward movement of one or more punching tips, the one or more punching tips being detachably attachable to the dispensing head; wherein the control unit controls the dispensing head and the ultrasonic vibration device so that, after the opening portions are closed with the first and second scattering prevention lids and the first and second scattering prevention lids are detached from the dispensing head, the ultrasonic vibration device sequentially applies the ultrasonic vibration to one of the first and second liquid storage portions receiving the first solution and to one of the third and fourth liquid storage portions receiving the second solution using the ultrasonic vibration unit; and wherein the control unit controls the dispensing head and the ultrasonic vibration device so that, after the ultrasonic vibration is applied to one of the first and second liquid storage portions receiving the first solution and to one of the third and fourth liquid storage portions receiving the second solution, the films of the respective first and second scattering prevention lids are punched by the one or more punching tips attached to the dispensing head so that the first suspension of magnetic particles and the second suspension of magnetic particles may be removed from the first solution and the second solution.

2. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing head is equipped with a crossing head to which one or more other dispensing tips are detachably attachable, the crossing head being relatively movable with respect to the first and second linear shapes so as to cross the first and second linear shapes, and the one or more other dispensing tips each including a front end insertable into the first reaction container and the first and second liquid storage portions arranged in the first linear shape to suction and eject a liquid, or insertable into the second reaction container and the third and fourth liquid storage portion arranged in the second linear shape to suction and eject a liquid, and wherein the container group includes a common region which is provided outside the first and second linear shapes so that the one or more other dispensing tips attached to the crossing head are insertable therein, the common region including at least one solution storage portion into which each front end of the one or more other dispensing tips is insertable.

3. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a sample information item used to identify or manage a sample and an inspection information item used to represent an inspection content are visually displayed in each of the first and second linear shapes, and wherein the crossing head is equipped with a digital camera which obtains an image data by capturing a content displayed in each of the first and second linear shapes including the sample information item and the inspection information item.

4. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes the one or more punching tips that punch the films, the one or more punching tips storable in one or more tip storage portions and the one or more punching tips are attachable to the dispensing head.

5. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic vibration device includes a support base that supports the first, second, third and fourth liquid storage portions in a vibratile manner.

6. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing head includes: a light guiding trestle that includes first and second link portions which are directly or indirectly respectively linked to the first and second reaction containers and are each equipped with a flexible light guiding portions optically connected to the inside of the respectively linked first and second reaction containers, a connection end array body that includes an arrangement surface which supports and arranges, along a predetermined path, first and second connection ends each equipped with a rear end of the respective flexible light guiding portions along a predetermined path, wherein a front end of the respective flexible light guiding portions are provided to each of the first and second link portions, a measurement unit that includes a first measurement end and a second measurement end that are provided so as to be adjacent to or contact the arrangement surface, the first measurement end being optically connectable to the first connection end and the second measurement end being optically connectable to the second connection end along the predetermined path, and the measurement unit being able to receive light based on optical states inside the first and second reaction containers via the sequential optical connection of the first and second connection ends with the first measurement end and the second measurement end, and a light guiding-converting mechanism that relatively moves the connection end array body with respect to the measurement unit so as to sequentially, respectively and optically connect the first and second connection ends arranged in the connection end array body to at least the first measurement end and the second measurement end.

7. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the measurement unit is provided so that the inside of the measurement unit excluding the first and second measurement ends is not movable with respect to at least the first and second reaction containers and the light guiding trestle including the first and second link portions connected thereto when light is received by the measurement unit.

8. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a trestle movement mechanism that moves the light guiding trestle with respect to the container group so that the first and second link portions are simultaneously directly or indirectly linked to the first and second reaction containers.

9. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a measurement end array portion that arranges the first measurement end and the second measurement end so that the first measurement end and the second measurement end are sequentially and optically connectable to the first and second connection ends along the predetermined path; and wherein the measurement unit includes a plurality of specific wavelength measurement units receiving light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength band.

10. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a translucent hermetic lid is attached to the opening portion of at least one of the first and second reaction containers and seals the at least one of the first and second reaction containers, wherein an upper portion of the hermetic lid is formed so as to be detachably attachable to the dispensing head, and wherein the hermetic lid is attachable to the opening portion of the at least one of the first and second reaction containers by the detachment of the hermetic lid from the dispensing head.

11. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a heating unit capable of heating the hermetic lid.

12. The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a temperature controller that includes a temperature source provided so as to contact or be adjacent to a lower wall portion of at least one of the first and second reaction containers, the temperature source being operable to increase or decrease a temperature inside the at least one of the first and second reaction containers; and a heating unit that is provided so as to contact or be adjacent to an upper wall portion of the at least one of the first and second reaction containers located above the lower wall portion of the at least one of the first and second reaction containers, the heating unit including a heating source operable to heat the upper wall portion.

13. A linear movement type reaction treatment method comprising: arranging first and second reaction containers and first, second, third, and fourth liquid storage portions together as a container group, the first reaction container and the first and second liquid storage portions being arranged in a first linear shape, and the second reaction container and the third and fourth liquid storage portions being arranged in a second linear shape, one of the first and second liquid storage portions arranged in the first linear shape receiving a first sample suspension, and one of the third and fourth liquid storage portions arranged in the second linear shape receiving a second sample suspension; detachably attaching first and second dispensing tips to a dispensing head; moving the dispensing head in a linear arrangement direction with respect to the container group; storing the first sample suspension in one of the first or second liquid storage portions using the first or second dispensing tips, and storing the second sample suspension in one of the third or fourth liquid storage portions; applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the first and second liquid storage portions in which the first sample suspension is stored and applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the third and fourth liquid storage portions in which the second sample suspension is stored; transferring the first sample suspension in the linear arrangement direction to another one of the first and second liquid storage portions or the first reaction container arranged in the first linear shape using the first dispensing tip; and transferring the second sample suspension in the linear arrangement direction to another one of the third and fourth liquid storage portions or the second reaction container arranged in the second linear shape using the second dispensing tip; wherein the first linear shape corresponds to the first dispensing tip so that the first dispensing tip enters the first linear shape and does not enter the second linear shapes; wherein the second linear shape corresponds to the second dispensing tip so that the second dispensing tip enters the second linear shape and does not enter the first linear shape; wherein the first reaction container, the first and second liquid storage portions, and a first tip storage portion in which the first dispensing tip is storable in an attachable manner are arranged in the first linear shape; wherein the second reaction container, the third and fourth liquid storage portions, and a second tip storage portion in which the second dispensing tip is storable in an attachable manner are arranged in the second linear shape; wherein the step of moving the dispensing head comprises a step of relatively moving the dispensing head with respect to the container group in the linear arrangement direction and inside each of the first and second linear shapes simultaneously; wherein the step of applying ultrasonic vibration comprises: transferring first and second scattering prevention lids in the linear arrangement direction while the first and second scattering prevention lids are attached to the dispensing head; attaching the first scattering prevention lid to a first opening portion of one of the first and second liquid storage portions storing the first sample suspension and attaching the second scattering prevention lid to a second opening portion of one of the third and fourth liquid storage portions storing the second sample suspension so as to close the first and second opening portions by detaching the first and second scattering prevention lids from the dispensing head; sequentially applying ultrasonic vibration to the first and second sample suspensions with an ultrasonic vibration unit that includes an ultrasonic vibrator and a horn resonated by the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator after detaching the first and second scattering prevention lids from the dispensing head; and punching films of the first and second scattering prevention lids by downward movement of one or more punching tips that are detachably attached to the dispensing head after the ultrasonic vibration is sequentially applied to the respective first and second sample suspensions with the ultrasonic vibration unit so that the first and second sample suspensions can be taken out by the first and second dispensing tips attached to the dispensing head; and wherein the step of sequentially applying ultrasonic vibration comprises moving the ultrasonic vibration unit in a direction perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction so as to cross the first and second linear shapes, and moving the horn of the ultrasonic vibration unit so as to press the first or second liquid storage portion receiving the first sample suspension in the first linear shape and moving the horn of the ultrasonic vibration unit so as to press the third or fourth liquid storage portion receiving the second sample suspension in the second linear shape.

14. The linear movement type reaction treatment method according to claim 13, further comprising: providing a common region including at least one other liquid storage portion in the container group outside the first and second linear shapes; causing a crossing head to enter the first and second linear shapes and the common region, the crossing head being provided in the dispensing head and movable with respect to the at least one other liquid storage portion of the common region and the first and second reaction containers, or the first, second, third, and fourth liquid storage portions in the first and second linear shapes; and inserting a front end of one or more other dispensing tips into the first and/or second reaction containers, the first, second, third, and/or fourth liquid storage portions in the first and second linear shapes, or the at least one other liquid storage portion of the common region using the crossing head so as to suction or eject a solution through the front end.

15. The linear movement type reaction treatment method according to claim 13, further comprising: extracting target materials from the first and second sample suspensions to which the ultrasonic vibration is applied; moving the target materials in the linear arrangement direction and storing the target materials in the first and second reaction containers provided in the container group; moving a light guiding trestle relative to the first and second reaction containers, the light guiding trestle including first and second link portions each equipped with a flexible light guiding portions; simultaneously directly or indirectly, and respectively linking the first and second reaction containers to the first and second link portions so as to optically connect the inside of the respectively linked first and second reaction containers to the light guiding portions; performing temperature control inside the first and second reaction containers; and guiding light from the first and second reaction containers to a connection end array body including an arrangement surface supporting and arranging first and second connection ends along a predetermined path, the first and second connection ends each being equipped with a rear ends of the respective light guiding portion, wherein a front end of the respective light guiding portion is provided to each of the first and second link portions; and sequentially, respectively and optically connecting the first connection end to a first measurement end provided in a measurement unit so as to be adjacent to or contact the arrangement surface and the second connection end to a second measurement end provided in a measurement unit so as to be adjacent to or contact the arrangement surface along the predetermined path via relative movement between the connection end array body and the first and second measurement ends, so that light based on optical states inside the first and second reaction containers is received by the measurement unit.

16. The linear movement type reaction treatment method according to claim 15, wherein the first measurement end and the second measurement end, are arranged by a measurement end array portion so that the first measurement end and the second measurement end are sequentially and optically connectable to the first and second connection ends along the predetermined path, and wherein the measurement unit includes a plurality of specific wavelength measurement units, each of the specific wavelength measurement units receiving light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength band based on the optical states inside the first and second reaction containers.

17. A linear movement type reaction treatment method comprising: detachably attaching first and second dispensing tips to a dispensing head; moving the dispensing head in a linear arrangement direction with respect to a container group including first and second reaction containers and first and second liquid storage portions, the first reaction container and the first liquid storage portion being arranged in a first linear shape corresponding to the first dispensing tip so that the first dispensing tip is capable of entering the first linear shape while not entering a second linear shape, and the second reaction container and the second liquid storage portion being arranged in the second linear shape corresponding to the second dispensing tip so that the second dispensing tip is capable of entering the second linear shape while not entering the first linear shape, the first liquid storage portion arranged in the first linear shape receiving a first sample suspension, and the second liquid storage portion arranged in the second linear shape receiving a second sample suspension; applying ultrasonic vibration to the first and second sample suspensions; separating a first target material from the first sample suspension using a first magnetic particle suspension having magnetic particles suspended to capture the first target material; separating a second target material from the second sample suspension using a second magnetic particle suspension having magnetic particles suspended to capture the second target material; introducing the separated first target material and a first reaction solution used for a reaction into the first reaction container located in the first linear shape and introducing the separated second target material and a second reaction solution used for a reaction into the second reaction container located in the second linear shape; moving a light guiding trestle provided in the dispensing head with respect to the first and second reaction containers and along with the dispensing head, the light guiding trestle including first and second link portions each equipped with a light guiding portion; simultaneously directly or indirectly, and respectively linking the first and second reaction containers to the first and second link portions so as to optically connect the inside of the linked first and second reaction containers to the light guiding portions; performing temperature control inside the first and second reaction containers; and guiding light from the first and second reaction containers to a connection end array body supporting and arranging, along a predetermined path, first and second connection ends each equipped with a rear end of the respective guiding portions, wherein a front end of the respective light guiding portions are provided to each of the first and second link portions, and sequentially, respectively and optically connecting the first connection end to a first measurement end provided in a measurement unit so as to be adjacent to or contact the first connection end and the second connection end to a second measurement end provided in a measurement unit so as to be adjacent to or contact the second connection end along the predetermined path via relative movement between the connection end array body and the first and second measurement ends, so that light based on optical states inside the first and second reaction containers is received by the measurement unit, wherein the step of applying the ultrasonic vibration to the first and second sample suspensions comprises: attaching a first scattering prevention lid to the dispensing head so as to transfer the first scattering prevention lid in the linear arrangement direction while the first scattering prevention lid is attached to the dispensing head after storing the first sample suspension in the first liquid storage portion and attaching a second scattering prevention lid to the dispensing head so as to transfer the second scattering prevention lid in the linear arrangement direction while the second scattering prevention lid is attached to the dispensing head after storing the second sample suspension in the second liquid storage portion; attaching the first scattering prevention lid to a first opening portion of the first liquid storage portion receiving the first sample suspension so as to close the first opening portion by detaching the first scattering prevention lid from the dispensing head and attaching the second scattering prevention lid to a second opening portion of the second liquid storage portion receiving the second sample suspension so as to close the second opening portion by detaching the second scattering prevention lid from the dispensing head; sequentially applying ultrasonic vibration to the first and second sample suspensions with an ultrasonic vibration unit that includes an ultrasonic vibrator and a horn resonated by the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator after detaching the first and second scattering prevention lids from the dispensing head; and punching films of the first and second scattering prevention lids by downward movement of punching tips that are detachably attached to the dispensing head after the ultrasonic vibration is sequentially applied to the respective first and second sample suspensions with the ultrasonic vibration unit so that the first sample suspension can be taken out by the first dispensing tip attached to the dispensing head and the second sample suspension can be taken out by the second dispensing tip attached to the dispensing head, wherein the step of sequentially applying ultrasonic vibration comprises moving the ultrasonic vibration unit in a direction perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction so as to cross the first and second linear shapes, and moving the horn of the ultrasonic vibration unit so as to press the first liquid storage portion receiving the first sample suspension in the first linear shape and moving the horn of the ultrasonic vibration unit so as to press the second liquid storage portion receiving the second sample suspension in the second linear shape, and wherein at least part of a trestle movement mechanism is provided to the dispensing head so that at least part of the light guiding trestle moves together with the dispensing head in the linear arrangement direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an entire block diagram illustrating a linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is an entire perspective view illustrating an example of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment.

(3) FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2.

(4) FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a part of an ultrasonic vibration device illustrated in FIG. 2.

(5) FIGS. 5(a) to 5(f) are enlarged diagrams illustrating a sample storage portion illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4.

(6) FIGS. 6(a) to 6(f) are diagrams illustrating a sample storage portion according to another embodiment.

(7) FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are graphs illustrating a test result of ultrasonic vibration treatment that uses the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2.

(8) FIG. 8 is an entire block diagram illustrating a linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

(9) FIG. 9 is an entire perspective view illustrating an example of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment.

(10) FIG. 10 is an entire perspective view illustrating the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus of FIG. 9 when viewed from the rear side thereof.

(11) FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9.

(12) FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a measurement end of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9.

(13) FIG. 13 is an entire perspective view illustrating a linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention.

(14) FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a part of an ultrasonic vibration device illustrated in FIG. 13.

(15) FIG. 15 is an entire perspective view illustrating a linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(16) Next, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, it should not be understood that the embodiments limit the invention unless otherwise stated. Further, the same reference signs will be given to the same components of the embodiments, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(17) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

(18) The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 includes a container group 20 that includes a plurality of (in this example, twelve) exclusive regions 20.sub.i (i=1, . . . , 12, omitted below) and a common region 20.sub.0, a dispensing head 50 that includes a nozzle arrangement portion 70 in which a plurality of (in this example, twelve) nozzles 71.sub.i respectively and detachably equipped with dispensing tips 211.sub.i provided so that the front ends thereof are insertable into reaction containers respectively provided in the exclusive regions 20.sub.i and the liquid storage portions thereof and a crossing nozzle 71.sub.0 which is movable so as to cross the entire exclusive region 20.sub.i and is detachably equipped with a dispensing tip 211.sub.0 provided so that the front end thereof is insertable into the liquid storage portions provided in the exclusive regions 20.sub.i and the common region 20.sub.0, and a magnetic portion 57 that is provided in the dispensing head 50 and gives an influence of a magnetic field to the dispensing tip 211.sub.i attached to the nozzle arrangement portion 70. Here, the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0 corresponds to one example of the crossing head.

(19) The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 further includes a dispensing head movement mechanism 51 that serves as a linear movement mechanism which moves the dispensing head 50 in the Y-axis direction as a linear arrangement direction, a temperature controller 29 that controls the temperature of the reaction container group 23.sub.i in each exclusive region 20.sub.i, an ultrasonic vibration device 80 that controls an ultrasonic vibrator for applying an ultrasonic vibration to the sample storage portion 22.sub.i in each exclusive region 20.sub.i, a CPU+program 60 that is configured as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and various memories and realizing a communication function via a LAN or the like, and a program stored in the ROM and the like, and an operation panel 13 that is a liquid crystal display including a display unit or an operation unit such as an operation key or a touch key.

(20) The dispensing head 50 further includes a nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 that serves a vertical movement mechanism which moves the nozzle arrangement portion 70 in the Z axis with respect to the container group 20, a suction/ejection mechanism 53 that suctions and ejects a solution from and to a main dispensing tip 211.sub.i attached to the nozzle 71.sub.i by suctioning and ejecting a gas from and to the nozzle 71.sub.i, a tip attachment/detachment mechanism 59 that is separably equipped with the main dispensing tip 211.sub.i detachably attached to the nozzle 71.sub.i, a suction/ejection mechanism 53.sub.0 that suctions and ejects a solution from and to the main dispensing tip 211.sub.0 attached to the nozzle 71.sub.0 by suctioning and ejecting a gas from and to the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0, a crossing nozzle XZ-axis movement mechanism 75 that moves the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction (the Y-axis direction), and a digital camera 19 that is provided in the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0.

(21) The CPU+program 60 generates an instruction of a series of treatment for an extraction (including ultrasonic fragmentation), an amplification, and a sealing of an amplification solution for nucleic acid or a fragment thereof with respect to the temperature controller 29, the dispensing head movement mechanism 51, the tip attachment/detachment mechanism 59, the suction/ejection mechanism 53, the magnetic portion 57, the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75, the ultrasonic vibration device 80, the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0, the camera 19, the crossing nozzle XZ-axis movement mechanism 75.sub.0, and the suction/ejection mechanism 53.sub.0.

(22) The container group 20 includes the common region 20.sub.0 and the plurality of (in this example, twelve) exclusive regions 20.sub.i that respectively corresponds to the nozzles 70.sub.i so that one (in this example, one set corresponds to one) nozzle 70.sub.i enters and the other nozzles 70.sub.K (ki) do not enter. Each exclusive region 20.sub.i includes a liquid storage portion group 27.sub.i that includes a plurality of storage portions storing or capable of storing a reagent and a tip storage portion group 21.sub.i storing a plurality of dispensing tips 211.sub.i detachably attached to the nozzles 70.sub.i or tips storing a sample. The liquid storage portion group 27.sub.i includes one or two or more liquid storage portions that store at least a magnetic particle suspension and two or more liquid storage portions that store nucleic acid or a fragment thereof and a separation/extraction solution used for the extraction thereof. If necessary, the liquid storage portion group further includes two or more liquid storage portions that store an amplification solution used to amplify nucleic acid and a liquid storage portion that stores a sealing solution for sealing the inside of a PCR tube 231.sub.i as a reaction container. Further, each exclusive region 20.sub.i includes the sample storage portion 22.sub.i that serves as a liquid storage portion which directly or indirectly contacts the ultrasonic vibrator controlled by the ultrasonic vibration device 80 so that an ultrasonic vibration is applied thereto.

(23) Meanwhile, the common region 20.sub.0 is a region that is provided outside the exclusive region 20.sub.i and is provided so that the front end of the main dispensing tip 211.sub.0 detachably attached to the crossing nozzle 70.sub.0 as the crossing head passes, and includes a reagent storage portion group 27.sub.0 that is provided so that the front end is inserted thereinto and a tip storage portion group 21.sub.0 that stores the dispensing tip 211.sub.0 detachably attached to the crossing nozzle 70.sub.0. Then, a reagent stored in the reagent storage portion group 27.sub.0 may be transferred or supplied to each exclusive region 20.sub.i by using the crossing nozzle 70.sub.0. Alternatively, a product or a produced material stored in each exclusive region may be transferred or stored in the reagent storage portion group 27.sub.0. Further, a solution of DNA or the like stored in the exclusive region 20.sub.i may be dispensed or transferred to the other exclusive regions 20.sub.K (ki).

(24) Hereinafter, a more specific embodiment of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

(25) FIG. 2 is an entire perspective view illustrating the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the invention.

(26) For example, the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 has a size of about 600 mm in the length direction (the Y-axis direction), the width direction (the X-axis direction), and the height direction (the Z-axis direction). Here, the container group 20, the dispensing head 50 that is movable in the linear arrangement direction (the Y-axis direction) with respect to the container group 20, the dispensing head movement mechanism 51 that moves the dispensing head 50 in the Y-axis direction, the temperature controller 29, and the ultrasonic vibration device 80 are mainly provided on the stage. Furthermore, the operation panel 13 and the CPU+program 60 are provided in a casing (not illustrated) that stores the container group 20 and the dispensing head 50.

(27) The dispensing head 50 includes a base body 501 that is provided so as to be movable in the linear arrangement direction (the Y-axis direction), the nozzle arrangement portion 70 that is provided so that twelve nozzles 71.sub.i are arranged at a predetermined pitch (for example, 18 mm) in the X-axis direction so as to be movable in the up and down direction (the Z-axis direction) with respect to the base body 501, twelve dispensing tips 211.sub.i that are attached to the nozzles 71.sub.i, and the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0 that is equipped with one dispensing tip 211.sub.0 movable in the crossing direction (the X-axis direction).

(28) The dispensing head movement mechanism 51 includes a Y-axis movement motor 511 and a Y-axis movement frame 512 that is movable in the Y-axis direction by a ball screw or a timing belt driven by the Y-axis movement motor 511.

(29) The base body 501 of the dispensing head 50 supports the nozzle arrangement portion 70 so that the nozzle arrangement portion is movable in the Z-axis direction while being supported by the Y-axis movement frame 512, and is equipped with a Z-axis movement motor 751 that moves the nozzle arrangement portion 70 in the Z-axis direction.

(30) The nozzle arrangement portion 70 includes a cylinder driving plate that drives twelve plungers slidable inside the cylinder communicating with the nozzle and a suction/ejection driving motor 531 that drives the cylinder driving plate. Here, the cylinder driving plate is provided below the nozzle arrangement portion so as to support and arrange the cylinders and the nozzles communicating with the cylinders at the above-described pitch and to suction and eject a gas with respect to the nozzles.

(31) A tip attachment/detachment member is provided below the nozzle arrangement portion 70. Here, the tip attachment/detachment member is horizontally supported to the nozzle arrangement portion 70 by two shafts movable downward while the tip attachment/detachment member is biased upward. Then, the upper end of the shaft is located below the lower limit position of the upward/downward movement range for the normal suction/ejection of the cylinder driving plate although the upper end is located above the upper end of the cylinder. The tip attachment/detachment mechanism 59 is provided which is pressed downward to the vicinity of the upper end of the cylinder so as to move the tip attachment/detachment member downward when the cylinder driving plate moves downward to the vicinity of the upper end of the cylinder beyond the upward/downward movement range. The tip attachment/detachment member includes twelve holes which are provided at the above-described pitch so that the nozzles 71.sub.i pass therethrough, and the inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle and is smaller than the attachment portion as the maximum outer diameter of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i.

(32) The magnetic portion 57 is provided so as to move close to and away from a small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i, and twelve magnets 571 capable of applying or removing a magnetic field to the dispensing tip 211.sub.i are provided in a movable body 572 movable in the Y-axis direction.

(33) The crossing nozzle 71.sub.0 includes a crossing movement body 752 that is attached to the base body 501 or the Y-axis movement frame 512 of the dispensing head 50 and is movable in the X-axis direction by a side plate 754 provided in the X-axis direction, a crossing base body 710.sub.0 that supports the cylinder and the nozzle, the dispensing tip 211.sub.0 that is provided in the nozzle provided in the crossing base body 710.sub.0, a suction/ejection motor 531.sub.0 that suctions and ejects a gas by driving the plunger of the cylinder provided in the crossing base body 710.sub.0, a Z-axis driving motor 751.sub.0 that drives the crossing base body 710.sub.0 in the up and down direction (the Z-axis direction), and a X-axis driving motor 753.sub.0 that is provided in the side plate 754. Furthermore, Reference Sign 211.sub.ic indicates the front end of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i, and Reference Sign 211.sub.ib indicates a large-diameter portion.

(34) As illustrated in FIG. 2 or 3, the common region 20.sub.0 and the exclusive regions 20.sub.i as the container group 20, the ultrasonic vibration device 80, and the temperature controller 29 are provided on the stage other than the dispensing head 50.

(35) The common region 20.sub.0 includes the reagent storage portion group 27.sub.0 that is provided as a micro plate with a well 270.sub.0 of eight rows by twelve columns, a tip storage portion group 21.sub.0 that stores dispensing tips of four rows by six columns stored so as to be attachable to the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0, and a dispensing tip attachment/detachment portion 59.sub.0 that includes a plate provided with a notched portion 591.sub.0 for attaching or detaching the main dispensing tip 211.sub.0 attached to the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0 from the nozzle 71.sub.0.

(36) In each of twelve exclusive regions 20.sub.i, a cartridge container 24.sub.i in which fourteen reaction containers or various storage portions are arranged in a linear shape, a cartridge container 28.sub.i in which four storage portions are arranged in a linear shape, a parent specimen tube 26.sub.i, and a sample storage portion 221.sub.i capable of applying an ultrasonic vibration are arranged in the linear arrangement direction in parallel so that the same storage portions, the reaction containers, and the parent specimen tubes are arranged at the same position in the linear arrangement direction (the Y-axis direction).

(37) Here, the cartridge container 24.sub.i includes two reaction container 23.sub.i having different capacities, ten prepacked or empty liquid storage portion groups 27.sub.i, and a tip storage portion group 210.sub.i that stores two dispensing tips 211.sub.i and 212.sub.i.

(38) The cartridge container 28.sub.i includes a storage portion that stores two scattering prevention lids 221.sub.ia and a storage portion that stores punching tips 213.sub.i and 214.sub.i.

(39) FIG. 4 illustrates the ultrasonic vibration device 80 which applies an ultrasonic vibration to the sample storage portion 221.sub.i (i=1, 2, . . . , 12) of FIG. 2. The ultrasonic vibration device 80 includes a plurality of (in this example, twelve) horns 81.sub.i that is resonated by the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator and is pressed against the bottom portions of the sample storage portions 221.sub.i, a vibration source installation portion 81 that includes a plurality of (in this example, twelve) ultrasonic vibrators provided therein, and a sample storage portion support base 82 that includes a plurality of (in this example, twelve) holding holes for holding the sample storage portions 221.sub.i and does not directly contact the horns 81.sub.i or the ultrasonic vibrators. The vibration source installation portion 81 includes a spring that elastically biases the ultrasonic vibrator and the horn upward in order to press the horn 81.sub.i against the bottom portions of the sample storage portions 221.sub.i. Further, in the sample storage portion support base 82, the sample storage portion 221.sub.i is held by the flange 221d, and for example, a slidable pressing plate (not illustrated) which is detachably attached by the sliding in the horizontal direction is attached to the upper portion of the sample storage portion support base 82 so that the sample storage portion 221.sub.i does not protrude upward.

(40) FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), and 5(d) specifically illustrate the sample storage portion 221. The sample storage portion 221 includes a main body 221b of the storage portion, a slip prevention member 221c that is formed on the upper outer surface of the main body, an opening portion 221m, a scattering prevention lid 221a that includes a fitting portion 221h fitted to the edge of the opening portion 221m, a bottom portion 221f that contacts the horn 81.sub.i, the flange 221d that holds the sample storage portion 221 in a holding hole punched in the sample storage portion support base 83, and an outer peripheral protrusion 221l that is provided in the outer periphery of the vicinity of the opening portion 221m of the main body. Further, the scattering prevention lid 221a further includes a film 221g that is formed so as to define the upper portion of the fitting portion 221h and is formed so as to be punchable, an inner peripheral protrusion 221k that protrudes inward along the inner periphery of the inner edge of the lid 221a, a fitting portion 221h that is fittable to the nozzle 71 above the film 221g, and a plurality of (in this example, ten) blade-shaped protrusions 221e that is directed outward in the outer peripheral surface and extends in the axial direction, and is used for the detachment from the nozzle 71 by using the tip attachment/detachment mechanism.

(41) FIGS. 5(e) and 5(f) illustrate a sample storage portion 222 according to another embodiment. Here, the main portions respectively corresponding to the portions of the sample storage portion 221 are indicated by the same alphabets, and the description thereof will not be presented. The sample storage portion 222 and the sample storage portion 221 have a different configuration in that an o-ring 222j is provided in the scattering prevention lid 222a of the sample storage portion 222 so as to improve the sealing property.

(42) When the scattering prevention lids 221a and 222a are attached once, the outer peripheral protrusion 221l and the inner peripheral protrusion 221k engage with each other so as not to be separated.

(43) FIGS. 6(a) to 6(f) illustrate sample storage portions 223 and 224 according to another embodiment.

(44) The sample storage portions 223 and 224 are different from the sample storage portions 221 and 222 illustrated in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(f) in that the scattering prevention lids 223a and 224a are attached by threading instead of fitting. Furthermore, the portions respectively corresponding to the sample storage portions 221 and 222 of FIGS. 5(a) to 5(f) are indicated by the alphabets, and threading portions 223p and 224p provided with thread ridges 223n and 224n are provided instead of the fitting portions 221h and 222i provided with the inner peripheral protrusions 221k and 222k and the outer peripheral protrusions 221l and 222l.

(45) Next, the operation of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described below.

(46) In step S1, a separation/extraction treatment is started by the operation of a touch panel of the operation panel 13.

(47) Then, in step S2, an extraction control unit 61 that is provided in the CPU+program 60 of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 instructs the dispensing head movement mechanism 51 so that the dispensing head 50 and the crossing nozzle 71 provided in the dispensing head are moved in the X-axis direction (perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction within the horizontal plane) and are located above one dispensing tip 211.sub.0 of the tip storage portion 21.sub.0 of the common region 20.sub.0. Then, the nozzle 71.sub.0 is moved downward so that the dispensing tip 211.sub.0 is attached to the nozzle. Next, the attached dispensing tip 211.sub.0 is moved so as to be located on the micro plate of the reagent storage portion group 27.sub.0, the front end thereof is inserted into the well 270.sub.0 storing water, various cleaning solutions, and various reagents so as to suction the water, the cleaning solutions, and the reagents, and is moved upward so as to dispense the water, the cleaning solutions, and the reagents to the corresponding storage portions of the exclusive regions 20.sub.i. Accordingly, various cleaning solutions and various reagents are supplied to a part of the storage portions except for the liquid storage portion prepacked by the reagent. For example, a different amount of water is added to the parent specimen tubes 26.sub.i storing the sample suspension of the inspection target and not sufficiently set as a quantitatively equal amount so as to set a quantitatively equal amount.

(48) In step S3, the dispensing head 50 is moved in the Y-axis direction (the linear arrangement direction), is located above the punching tip 213.sub.i stored in the tip storage portion 21.sub.i of the cartridge container 28.sub.i, and is moved downward so as to attach the punching tip 213.sub.i thereto. Then, the punching tip 213.sub.i attached to the nozzle 71.sub.i is located above the original liquid storage portion of the liquid storage portion group 27.sub.i of the container group 20, and the nozzle 71.sub.i is moved downward by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 so as to punch the film coating the opening portion of the liquid storage portion. In the same way, the dispensing head 50 is moved in the Y-axis direction so as to sequentially punch the reaction container group 23.sub.i and the other liquid storage portions of the liquid storage portion group 27.sub.i.

(49) In step S4, the dispensing head is moved to the cartridge container 28.sub.i, and the punching tip 213.sub.i is detached inside the original storage portion. Each nozzle 71.sub.i is moved to the tip storage portion 210.sub.i of the cartridge container 24.sub.i in the Y-axis direction, and is moved downward by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 so as to attach the dispensing tip 211.sub.i thereto. Next, the nozzle is moved upward by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75. Then, the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is moved in the Y axis along with the dispensing head 50 by the dispensing head movement mechanism 51, and is moved toward the eighth liquid storage portion of the liquid storage portion group 27.sub.i so as to suction a predetermined amount of isopropanol from the liquid storage portion. Subsequently, the dispensing tip is moved again in the Y axis so as to dispense a predetermined amount of isopropanol to each of the solution components (solution of NaCl and SDS) stored in the third liquid storage portion and the fifth liquid storage portion and the distilled water stored in the sixth liquid storage portion. Accordingly, 500 L of a combination buffer solution (NaCl, SDS, and isopropanol), 700 L of a first cleaning solution (NaCl, SDS, and isopropanol), and 700 L of a second cleaning solution (water of 50% and isopropanol of 50%) are respectively prepared in the third, fifth, and sixth liquid storage portions as the separation/extraction solution.

(50) In step S5, the dispensing head is moved to the parent specimen tube 26.sub.i storing a parent specimen, and the front end of the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is moved downward by using the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 so as to be inserted thereinto. Then, the driving plate of the suction/ejection mechanism 53 is moved upward and downward so as to repeat the suction/ejection with respect to the sample suspension stored in the parent specimen tube 26.sub.i. In this way, the sample is suspended in the solution, and the sample suspension is suctioned into the dispensing tip 211.sub.i. Then, the dispensing tip having the sample suspension suctioned thereto moves in the Y axis by the dispensing head movement mechanism 51, and the front end thereof is inserted into the sample storage portion 221.sub.i so as to eject the sample suspension thereto. Subsequently, the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is detached in the tip storage portion 210.sub.i by the tip attachment/detachment portion. Then, the dispensing head moves to the cartridge container 28.sub.i storing the scattering prevention lid 221.sub.ia so as to attach the scattering prevention lid 221.sub.ia to the front end of the nozzle. Subsequently, the dispensing head moves to the upside of the sample storage portion 221.sub.i and moves downward so as to fit the scattering prevention lid 221.sub.ia to the opening portion of 221.sub.im of the sample storage portion 221.sub.i. Then, the scattering prevention lid 221.sub.ia is detached from the nozzle by using the tip attachment/detachment mechanism so as to seal the sample storage portion 221.sub.i, and the sample storage portion 221.sub.i is vibrated by the ultrasonic vibration device 80 so as to extract a sample, for example, a target material inside bacteria by crushing the bacteria in the solution.

(51) Next, the nozzle is moved to the cartridge container 28.sub.i again, is moved to the upside of the punching tip 213.sub.i, and is downward. Then, when the nozzle having the punching tip 213 attached thereto moves to the upside of the sample storage portion 221.sub.i, the nozzle moves downward so as to punch the scattering prevention lid 221.sub.ia. The punching tip is detached in the predetermined storage portion of the cartridge container 28, and the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is attached to the nozzle so as to suction the sample suspension. Then, the dispensing head is moved to the first liquid storage portion of the liquid storage portion group 27.sub.i storing Lysis1 (enzyme) as a separation/extraction solution, the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is inserted through the punched hole of the film. Then, the suction/ejection is repeated in order to mix the sample suspension and the Lysis1.

(52) In step S6, the total amount of the mixed solution is suctioned by the dispensing tip 211.sub.i, and is incubated while being stored in the reaction container 23.sub.i as the reaction tube held by the holding hole set to 55 C. by a constant temperature controller 290. Accordingly, the protein contained in the sample is broken into low molecules. After a predetermined time elapses, the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is moved to the second liquid storage portion of the liquid storage portion group 27.sub.i by the dispensing head movement mechanism 51 while the reaction solution is left in the reaction tube. Then, the total amount of the solution stored in the second liquid storage portion is suctioned by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 and the suction/ejection mechanism 53 and is transferred by using the dispensing tip 211.sub.i and the dispensing head movement mechanism 51. Subsequently, the small-diameter portion is inserted into the third liquid storage portion through the hole of the film so as to eject the reaction solution thereto.

(53) In step S7, the reaction solution is mixed with the combination buffer solution as the separation/extraction solution stored in the third liquid storage portion so that the solubilized protein is dewatered and nucleic acid or a fragment thereof is dispersed in the solution.

(54) In step S8, the small-diameter portion of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is inserted into the third liquid storage portion through the hole of the film so as to suction the total amount thereof. Then, the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is moved upward by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 so that the reaction solution is transferred to the fourth liquid storage portion and the reaction solution is mixed with the magnetic particle suspension stored in the fourth liquid storage portion. A cation structure is formed so that Na+ is combined with a hydroxyl group formed on the surfaces of the magnetic particles contained in the magnetic particle suspension. For that reason, DNA charged negatively is captured by the magnetic particles.

(55) In step S9, the magnet 571 of the magnetic portion 57 moves close to the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i so that the magnetic particles are adsorbed to the inner wall of the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i. In a state where the magnetic particles are adsorbed to the inner wall of the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i, the nozzle is moved upward by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75. Then, the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is moved from the fourth liquid storage portion to the fifth liquid storage portion by using the dispensing head movement mechanism 51, and is inserted into the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia through the hole of the film.

(56) In a state where the magnetic field inside the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia is removed when the magnet 571 of the magnetic portion 57 is separated from the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i, the first cleaning solution (NaCl, SDS, and isopropanol) stored in the fifth liquid storage portion is repeatedly suctioned and ejected so that the magnetic particles are separated from the inner wall and the protein is cleaned by the mixing in the first cleaning solution. Subsequently, in a state where the magnetic particles are adsorbed to the inner wall of the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia when the magnet 571 of the magnetic portion 57 is moved close to the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i again, the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is moved from the fifth liquid storage portion to the sixth liquid storage portion by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 and the dispensing head movement mechanism 51.

(57) In step S10, the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is inserted through the hole of the film by using the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75. In a state where the magnetic field inside the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia is removed when the magnet 571 of the magnetic portion 57 is separated from the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i, the second cleaning solution (isopropanol) stored in the sixth liquid storage portion is repeated suctioned and ejected, the magnetic particles are mixed in the solution, NaCl and SDS are removed, and the protein is cleaned. Subsequently, in a state where the magnetic particles are adsorbed to the inner wall of the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia when the magnet 571 of the magnetic portion 57 is moved close to the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i again, the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is moved upward by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75, and is moved from the sixth liquid storage portion to the seventh liquid storage portion storing the distilled water by the dispensing head movement mechanism 51.

(58) In step S11, the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is moved downward through the hole by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75, and the distilled water is repeatedly suctioned and ejected at a slow flow rate while the magnetic force is applied to the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i, so that the second cleaning solution (isopropanol) is removed while being replaced with water. Subsequently, in a state where the magnetic force is removed when the magnet 571 of the magnetic portion 57 is separated from the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i, the magnetic particles are mixed while being repeated suctioned and ejected in the distilled water as the dissociated solution, and nucleic acid held by the magnetic particles or a fragment thereof is dissociated (eluted) from the magnetic particles into the solution. Subsequently, the magnet 571 is moved close to the small-diameter portion 211.sub.ia of the dispensing tip 211.sub.i so as to apply a magnetic field into the small-diameter portion, so that the magnetic particles are adsorbed to the inner wall and a solution containing the extracted nucleic acid is left inside the eighth liquid storage portion. The dispensing tip 211.sub.i is moved to the storage portion that stores the dispensing tip 211.sub.i of the tip storage portion group 21.sub.i by the dispensing head movement mechanism 51, and the dispensing tip 211.sub.i is detached from the nozzle 71.sub.i along with the magnetic particles inside the storage portion while adsorbing the magnetic particles through a detachment member 591 of the tip attachment/detachment mechanism 59.

(59) In the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, a shell of bacteria as a sample in a sample suspension is extracted by applying an ultrasonic vibration thereto, a target material therein is extracted in the solution, and a protein is solubilized while being mixed with a separation/extraction solution. Accordingly, the nucleic acid as a target material may be separated and extracted certainly with high reliability and efficiency.

(60) FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are two graphs illustrating a test result for evaluating a correlation of a bacteria crushing state and a bacteria DNA collection amount by ultrasonic vibration treatment using an apparatus corresponding to the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to the embodiment.

(61) FIG. 7(a) is a graph illustrating a test result of an ultrasonic vibration treatment time and a crushing degree for a colon bacillus. In this test, 300 L of a colon bacillus nutrient medium (E. coli JM109, nutrient medium: LB medium) was dispensed to each of 1.5 mL of six sample storage portions and the sample storage portions were subjected to a centrifugal separation (in a condition of 1000 g, 5 minutes, and a room temperature). After the centrifugal separation, a supernatant was removed, and a pellet was suspended by 300 L of a normal saline solution. By using an ultrasonic vibration device, ultrasonic vibration treatment was performed at the output of 200 W. In a case of treatment of 30 seconds or more, a condition was set so that the output was continued for 30 seconds and was stopped for 30 seconds as a repeated cycle. Further, six sample storage portions were prepared in total by using 1.5 L of a dummy enclosed by 300 L of a normal saline solution. The treatment time (the total output time) was set to 10, 30, 60, 150, and 300 seconds. After the ultrasonic treatment, the turbidity (absorbance of a wavelength of 600 nm) for the solutions subjected and not subjected to the treatment was measured by NanoDrop.

(62) FIG. 7(b) is a graph illustrating the collection efficiency for a colon bacillus DNA using ultrasonic vibration treatment. Here, 200 L was sampled from the solutions (samples subjected to the treatment for 30 seconds, 150 seconds, and 300 seconds) subjected and not subjected to the vibration treatment, and a DNA purification operation was performed by using this apparatus. The obtained collection solution was measured by NanoDrop, and the absorbance of a wavelength of 260 nm as an index representing the absorbance originated from nucleic acid was measured.

(63) From the above-described result, as illustrated in FIG. 7(a), it was proved that the transparency was improved when the turbidity decreased in accordance with the length of the ultrasonic vibration treatment time based on the transparency of the actually obtained solution.

(64) In FIG. 7(b), the absorbance of a wavelength of 260 nm originated from DNA obtained from a sample not subjected to the ultrasonic treatment is 1.493 (a value which is converted into the length of 1 cm since NanoDrop has an optical path length of 1 mm) in terms of DNA purification treatment, and the absorbance ratio of the collection solutions is illustrated by setting the value as 1. The absorbance increased in response to the length of the ultrasonic vibration treatment time, and the absorbance values of 1.5 times and 2 times or more were obtained by the treatment time of 150 seconds and 300 seconds. From this result, the ultrasonic vibration treatment has an effect of crushing the cell membrane of the colon bacillus, and hence the DNA extraction efficiency is improved by extracting or releasing the DNA to the outside of the cell.

(65) FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment. Furthermore, since the same reference sign as the reference sign used in the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment indicates the same or similar component (only having a different size), the description will not be repeated.

(66) The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 100 includes a container group 120 that includes a common region 120.sub.0 and a plurality of (in this example, twelve) exclusive regions 120.sub.i (i=1, . . . , 12, omitted below), a dispensing head 150 that includes a nozzle arrangement portion 70 in which a plurality of (in this example, twelve) nozzles 71.sub.i respectively and detachably equipped with dispensing tips 211.sub.i provided so that the front ends thereof are insertable into reaction containers respectively provided in the exclusive regions 120.sub.i and the liquid storage portions thereof and a crossing nozzle 71.sub.0 which is movable so as to cross the entire exclusive region 120.sub.i and is detachably equipped with a dispensing tip 211.sub.0 provided so that the front end thereof is insertable into the liquid storage portions provided in the exclusive regions 120.sub.i and the common region 120.sub.0, and a magnetic portion 57 that is provided in the dispensing head 150 and gives an influence of a magnetic field to the dispensing tip 211.sub.i attached to the nozzle arrangement portion 70. The crossing nozzle 71 corresponds to the crossing head.

(67) The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 further includes a dispensing head movement mechanism 51 that serves as a linear movement mechanism which moves the dispensing head 150 in the Y-axis direction as the linear arrangement direction, a temperature controller 129 which controls the temperature of the reaction container group 123.sub.i in each exclusive region 120.sub.i, an ultrasonic vibration device 80 that controls an ultrasonic vibrator for applying an ultrasonic vibration to the sample storage portion 22 in each exclusive region 120.sub.i, a heater 37 that serves as a heating unit for heating the reaction container, a CPU+program 160 that is configured as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and various memories and realizing a communication function via a LAN or the like, and a program stored in the ROM and the like, and an operation panel 13 that is a liquid crystal display including a display unit or an operation unit such as an operation key or a touch key.

(68) In the embodiment, the dispensing head 150 further includes a light guiding trestle 32 that includes a plurality of (in this example, twelve) link portions 31.sub.i directly or indirectly linked to the opening portions of the reaction containers and provided with the front ends of two or more flexible light guiding portions optically connected to the inside of the linked reaction containers and a measurement unit 40 that is fixed to the dispensing head 150.

(69) The dispensing head 150 includes a trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35 that corresponds to the vertical movement mechanism of the light guiding trestle 32 and moves the light guiding trestle 32 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the container group 120 independently from the nozzle arrangement portion 70. The trestle movement mechanism corresponds to the dispensing head movement mechanism and the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35.

(70) The dispensing head 150 further includes a connection end array body 30 that integrally arranges and supports a plurality of (in this example, twelve) connection ends 34.sub.i provided to correspond to the link portions 31.sub.i and provided with the rear ends of the optical fibers (bundle) 33 serving as the light guiding portions and having the front ends provided in the link portions 31.sub.i at a gap narrower than the gap between the link portions 31.sub.i in a predetermined path (in this example, a linear path provided in the X-axis direction) provided on a vertical plane as an arrangement surface. Further, the connection end array body 30 is provided at a position distant from the light guiding trestle 32 or the reaction container group 23.sub.i.

(71) The measurement unit 40 includes six kinds of specific wavelength measurement units 40.sub.i (j=1, . . . , 6, omitted below) that respectively receive light of specific wavelengths or specific wavelength bands of six kinds of fluorescence and emit excitation light of six kinds of specific wavelengths or specific wavelength bands for the emission of light of fluorescence.

(72) Each specific wavelength measurement unit 40.sub.i includes a measurement end 44.sub.j that is provided so as to be adjacent to the arrangement surface or to contact the arrangement surface and sequentially connects each connection end 34.sub.i to the predetermined path (the linear path formed in the X-axis direction). In the embodiment of FIG. 10 to be described later, each connection end 34.sub.i includes a first connection end 341.sub.i (which guides the light received from the link portion to the light receiving portion) and a second connection end 342.sub.i (which guides the light from the light emitting source to the link portion), and each measurement end 44.sub.j includes a first measurement end 441.sub.j and a second measurement end 442.sub.j which are optically connected to the connection ends 341.sub.i and 342.sub.i while being arranged in the Y-axis direction (the linear arrangement direction). The first measurement end 441.sub.j is optically connected to a photoelectric element such as a photomultiplier tube as a light receiving portion provided in each specific wavelength measurement unit 40.sub.j and the second measurement end 442.sub.j is optically connected to the light emitting source provided in the specific wavelength measurement unit 40.sub.j.

(73) Further, the dispensing head 150 includes an array body X-axis movement mechanism 41 that serves as a light guiding-converting mechanism which moves the connection end array body 30 on the dispensing head 150 in the X-axis direction (the crossing direction) so as to sequentially connect each of the connection ends 34.sub.i arranged in the connection end array body 30 and each of the measurement ends 44.sub.j.

(74) The container group 120 includes a plurality of (in this example, twelve) exclusive regions 120.sub.i that respectively corresponds the nozzles so that one (in this example, one set corresponds to one) nozzle enters and the nozzles do not enter. Each exclusive region 120.sub.i includes a liquid storage portion group 127.sub.i that includes a plurality of storage portions storing or capable of storing a reagent solution, a hermetic lid storage portion 25.sub.i that stores or is capable of storing one or two or more translucent hermetic lids 251.sub.i detachably attached to the link portion 31.sub.i, and a tip storage portion group 121.sub.i that stores a sample or a plurality of dispensing tips 211.sub.i detachably attached to the nozzles. The liquid storage portion group 127.sub.i includes one or two or more liquid storage portions that store at least a magnetic particle suspension and two or more liquid storage portions that store a separation/extraction solution used to separate and extract nucleic acid and a fragment thereof. Further, the liquid storage portion group includes two or more liquid storage portions that store an amplification solution used to amplify nucleic acid and a liquid storage portion that stores a sealing solution for sealing the amplification solution stored in the PCR tube 231.sub.i as the reaction container in the PCR tube 231.sub.i. Here, these components are arranged in a linear shape in the Y-axis direction (the linear arrangement direction) as the length direction thereof.

(75) Furthermore, it is desirable to display barcodes as a sample information item and an inspection information item for identifying the exclusive regions 120.sub.i in the exclusive regions 120.sub.i. Further, the dispensing head 150 includes one crossing nozzle 71.sub.0 capable of transferring or dispensing a solution while crossing the exclusive region 120.sub.i (moving in the X-axis direction), and a suction/ejection is performed by a crossing nozzle suction/ejection mechanism 53.sub.0 different from the suction/ejection mechanism 53. Accordingly, a solution of DNA or the like stored in the exclusive region 120.sub.i may be dispensed or transferred to the other exclusive regions 120.sub.K (ki).

(76) The CPU+program 160 includes at least a nucleic acid treatment control unit 63 that generates an instruction of a series of treatment for an extraction, an amplification, and a sealing of an amplification solution for nucleic acid or a fragment thereof with respect to the temperature controller 129, the dispensing head movement mechanism 51, the tip attachment/detachment mechanism 59, the suction/ejection mechanisms 53 and 53.sub.0, the magnetic portion 57, the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75, the hermetic lid attachment/detachment mechanism 39, and the crossing nozzle XZ-axis movement mechanism 75.sub.0, and also includes a measurement control unit 62 that instructs a measurement using the measurement unit 40.sub.j by controlling the array body Y-axis movement mechanism 41 so that the optical fibers (bundle) 33.sub.i as the light guiding portions of the link portions 31, are optically connected to the first measurement end 441.sub.j and the second measurement end 442.sub.j of the measurement end 44.sub.j of the measurement unit 40.sub.j after the dispensing head movement mechanism 51 and the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35 are controlled so that the link portions 31, are indirectly or directly linked to the opening portions a plurality of (in this example, twelve) PCR tubes 231.sub.i.

(77) Further, the nucleic acid treatment control unit 63 includes an extraction control unit 65 and a hermetic lid control unit 67, and the extraction control unit 65 includes the extraction control unit 65 that generates an instruction of a series of treatment for an extraction of nucleic acid or a fragment thereof with respect to the tip attachment/detachment mechanism 59, the suction/ejection mechanism 53, the magnetic portion 57, the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75, the dispensing head movement mechanism 51, and the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35 and the hermetic lid control unit 67 that generates an instruction for a sealing treatment using the hermetic lid with respect to the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35 and the dispensing head movement mechanism 51. The reaction container 23.sub.i, the temperature controller 129, and the heater 37 correspond to a reaction container control system 90.

(78) FIGS. 9 to 12 illustrate a more specific embodiment of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

(79) FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the invention.

(80) The linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus according to the embodiment is mainly different from the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 in that a light guiding trestle 321 (32), the measurement unit 40, and the container group 120 provided in the dispensing head 150 are different.

(81) As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, the common region 120.sub.0, the exclusive regions 120.sub.i, the ultrasonic vibration device 80, and the temperature controller 129 are provided on the stage other than the dispensing head 150.

(82) The common region 120.sub.0 includes a reagent storage portion group 127.sub.0 that includes two micro plates 271.sub.0 and 272.sub.0 with a well 270.sub.0 of eight rows by twelve columns, a tip storage portion group 21.sub.0 that stores the dispensing tip 211.sub.0 of four rows by six columns attachable to the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0, and a dispensing tip attachment/detachment portion 59.sub.0 that includes a plate provided with a notched portion 591.sub.0 for detaching the main dispensing tip 211.sub.0 attached to the crossing nozzle 71.sub.0 from the nozzle 71.sub.0.

(83) Each of twelve exclusive regions 120.sub.i further includes a liquid storage portion 273.sub.i that stores a reagent used to amplify nucleic acid, a storage portion 231 that stores a PCR tube 231.sub.i as a reaction container, a storage portion 25.sub.i that seals the PCR reaction container by the hermetic lid 251.sub.i, and a PCR amplification cartridge container 124.sub.i that includes PCR dispensing tip storage portions 215 and 216 in addition to the storage portions of the exclusive region 20.sub.i described in the first embodiment. Here, these components are provided in the linear arrangement direction along with the nucleic acid extraction cartridge container 24.sub.i and the like.

(84) These storage portions are arranged in parallel to the Y-axis direction, for example, at the pitch of 18 mm. The PCR tubes 231.sub.i are detachably linked to twelve link portions 31.sub.i provided in the light guiding trestle 321 to be described later through one hermetic lid 251.sub.i which is more translucent. Further, the liquid storage portion 273.sub.i stores a buffer solution necessary for a PCR reaction. The PCR tip storage portions 215 and 216 store a punching tip 216.sub.i for punching a film coating the PCR tube 231.sub.i and the liquid storage portion 273 and a dispensing tip 215.sub.i, and are provided with barcodes for displaying the sample information item and the inspection information item on the amplification cartridge container 124.sub.i.

(85) Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the dispensing head 150 of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the dispensing head 50 illustrated in FIG. 2 except for the existence of the optical fiber (bundle) 33.

(86) However, in fact, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the dispensing head 150 independently includes the light guiding trestle 321, the array body X-axis movement mechanism 41, the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35, the measurement unit 40, the connection end array body 30, and the optical fiber (bundle) 33 in addition to the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75, the crossing nozzle suction/ejection mechanism 53, and the magnetic portion 57 described in FIG. 2.

(87) The light guiding trestle 32 includes twelve link portions 31, and the dispensing head 150 includes the optical fiber (bundle) 33 that serves as a flexible light guiding portion extending backward from the link portion 3, the connection end array body 30, the array body Y-axis movement mechanism 41, and the measurement unit 40 including the measurement end 44.

(88) The light guiding trestle 321 is formed in a block shape extending in the X-axis direction. Here, twelve columnar link portions 31 which are directly or indirectly linkable to the opening portions of the PCR tubes 231.sub.i and include the front ends of the optical fibers (bundle) 33 optically connected to the inside of the PCR tubes 231.sub.i are provided so as to protrude downward from the trestle 321, and are arranged in the X-axis direction. Since the trestle 321 is supported by the base body 501 of the dispensing head 150 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction by the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35, the trestle is movable in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35 includes a Z-axis driving motor 351 and a trestle Z-axis movement support body 352.

(89) The link portion 31 is provided with the front ends of the optical fibers (bundle) 33. Here, the connection end array body 30 is provided in which the connection end 34.sub.i branched into two ends of the first connection end 341.sub.i and the second connection end 342.sub.i and having the rear end corresponding to each link portion 31.sub.i while penetrating the light guiding trestle 321 is disposed in the arrangement surface at a gap narrower than the gap between the link portions 31.sub.i in a path along two lines of the X-axis direction as a predetermined path, and an optical system incorporated body 401 and a circuit board 402 are provided as a measurement unit. The measurement unit is provided so as to be adjacent to or contact the arrangement surface, and includes the measurement end 44.sub.j that is branched into two ends of the first measurement end 441.sub.j and the second measurement end 442.sub.j provided at six positions so as to be optically and serially connected along the two lines where the first connection end 341.sub.i and the second connection end 342.sub.i as the connection end 34.sub.i are arranged. Further, the measurement unit may receive the light of fluorescence as the optical state inside the PCR tube 231.sub.i and emit the excitation light by the optical connection of the first and second connection ends and the first and second measurement ends in this order.

(90) Here, the first connection end 341.sub.i is used to receive the fluorescence as the optical state inside the PCR tube 231.sub.i from the link portion 31.sub.i, and is connectable to the first measurement end 441.sub.j optically connected to the light receiving portion, and the second connection end 342.sub.i is used to emit excitation light into the PCR tube 231.sub.i through the link portion 31.sub.i and is connectable to the second measurement end 442.sub.j optically connected to the light emitting source irradiating the excitation light.

(91) Further, the light guiding trestle 321 is provided with a cylindrical body that protrudes upward from the horizontal plate 32a just above the link portion 31.sub.i and holds the optical fiber (bundle) 33.sub.i extending backward from the link portion 31.sub.i so as to cause the optical fiber to pass therethrough in order to prevent the bending thereof. Similarly, the connection end array body 30 is also provided with a cylindrical body which is provided near the connection end 34.sub.i and causes the optical fiber (bundle) 33.sub.i extending from the connection end 34.sub.i to pass therethrough in order to prevent the bending thereof.

(92) The measurement unit 40 corresponds to the measurement of fluorescence, and includes six kinds of specific wavelength measurement units 40.sub.j which are arranged along the line of the X-axis direction as the predetermined path so as to respectively measure six kinds of fluorescence. For example, the measurement unit is fixed to the base body 501, the Y-axis movement frame 512, or the support member of the dispensing head 150. Accordingly, the measurement unit 40 does not move by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75, the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35, or the array body Z-axis movement mechanism 41.

(93) In the optical system incorporated body 401, the measurement ends 44.sub.j of the plurality of kinds of (in this example, six kinds of) specific wavelength measurement units 40.sub.j (j=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are provided at the upper position. Inside the optical system incorporated body, the optical system portions of the specific wavelength measurement units 40.sub.j are arranged in a linear shape, and are fixed to the base body 501 of the dispensing head. Here, the first measurement end 441.sub.j and the second measurement end 442.sub.j which are branched as two measurement ends 44.sub.j of the specific wavelength measurement unit 40.sub.j are arranged along a linear path of the X-axis direction as a predetermined path so as to be sequentially and optically connected to the first connection end 341.sub.i and the second connection end 341.sub.i as two connection ends 34.sub.i.

(94) For example, when the pitch of the link portions 31.sub.i is set to 18 mm, the pitch between the connection ends 34.sub.i is 9 mm as a half of the pitch of the link portions. Then, the pitch between the measurement ends 44.sub.j is, for example, 9 mm or less.

(95) There is a case where the first measurement end 441.sub.j and the second measurement end 442.sub.j of the measurement end 40.sub.j connected to the specific wavelength measurement units 40.sub.j are laterally arranged along one line of the X-axis direction following the predetermined path or are arranged along two lines arranged in the length direction (the Y-axis direction).

(96) In the former case, the emission of the excitation light is not stopped, and the measurement units sequentially receive the light at the light receiving timing set based on the speed of the connection end array body, the pitch between the connection ends, the distance between the first measurement end and the second measurement end of the measurement end, and the pitch between the measurement ends.

(97) Meanwhile, in the latter case, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the first connection end 341.sub.i is connected to only the first measurement end 441.sub.j, the second measurement end 442.sub.j is connected to only the second connection end 342.sub.i, the predetermined path corresponds to two paths, and the optical fiber (bundle) 33.sub.i includes a light receiving optical fiber (bundle) 331.sub.i with a first connection end and an emission optical fiber (bundle) 332.sub.i with a second connection end. In this case, since the light emitting source and the light receiving portion are connected to the link portion by an exclusive optical fiber compared to the former case, the control is easily performed. Further, since the optical fibers are used so as to be respectively suitable for the light emitting operation and the light receiving portion, the reliability is high.

(98) The speed of the connection end array body 30 with respect to the measurement end 44.sub.j is set in consideration of the stable light receiving time, the lifetime of fluorescence for the emission of the excited light, the number of connection ends, and the pitch between the connection ends (the distance of the predetermined path). For example, in the case of the measurement of the real-time PCR, the speed is controlled at 100 to 500 mm/s. In the embodiment, since the arrangement surface needs to slide on the measurement end 44.sub.j it is possible to prevent unnecessary light from being incident to the measurement end 44.sub.j. Further, the connection end array body 30 moves continuously with respect to the measurement end or intermittently so as to be instantly stopped whenever the connection end array body moves between the connection ends or by one pitch between the measurement ends.

(99) FIG. 12 illustrates a state where a reaction container control system 90 is provided and the link portion 31.sub.i (here, for example i=1) protruding downward from the light guiding trestle 321 in the opening portion of the reaction container group provided with the PCR tube 231.sub.i as a plurality of (in this example, twelve) reaction containers as the reaction container control system 90 is indirectly linked to the PCR tube 231.sub.i through the translucent hermetic lid 251.sub.i attached to the opening portion of the PCR tube 231.sub.i in the exclusive region 120.sub.i. Here, the link portion 31.sub.i is linked to the PCR tube 231.sub.i while being fitted into the link recess 253.sub.i of the hermetic lid 251.sub.i.

(100) As illustrated in FIG. 12, the link portion 31.sub.1 is indirectly linked to the PCR tube 231.sub.i through the hermetic lid 251, and includes a link cylinder 31a.sub.i which substantially has a cylindrical shape and protrudes downward from the light guiding trestle 321. Here, a circular hole 31b.sub.i having an opening of a size corresponding to a liquid surface of a liquid stored in the narrow opening tube is punched in the center portion of the bottom plate of the link cylinder 31a.sub.i, and an annular edge 31d.sub.i which protruded downward is provided in the peripheral edge of the bottom plate. Accordingly, the close contact between the link portion and the hermetic lid is prevented. A spherical ball lens 381.sub.i which has a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the link cylinder is loosely inserted into the link cylinder 31a.sub.i and is placed on the circular hole 31b.sub.i. In an area of a predetermined distance above the ball lens 381.sub.i, an optical fiber 33.sub.i which is coated by a resinous ferrule 31c.sub.i and of which the front end reaches the outside while penetrating the light guiding trestle 321 is provided. The rear end of the optical fiber 33.sub.i is formed by a light receiving optical fiber 331.sub.i connected to the first connection end 341.sub.i and an emission optical fiber 332.sub.i connected to the second connection end 342.sub.i. The link cylinder 31a.sub.i, the circular hole 31b.sub.i, the ball lens 381.sub.i, and the bundle of the optical fiber 33.sub.i are coaxially disposed inside the link cylinder 31a.sub.i.

(101) As illustrated in FIG. 12, the reaction container control system 90 includes a PCR tube 231.sub.i that serves as a reaction container which performs an amplification reaction or the like while storing a target solution of DNA having a target base sequence, a heater 37, and a PCR temperature controller 291.sub.i. The heater 37 is formed by stacking a heating block 37c as an aluminum plate having high thermal conductivity, a sheet heater 37a, and a heat insulating material 37b. Twelve penetration holes 37d.sub.i which store and hold the plurality of (in this example, twelve) PCR tubes 231.sub.i are punched in the same heater 37, and the wide opening tube 235.sub.i is supported by the heating block 37c.

(102) The PCR temperature controller 291 includes a temperature control block 292.sub.i, a peltier device 293.sub.i, and a heat sink 294.sub.i which are stored in the narrow opening tube 233.sub.i of the PCR tube 231.sub.i as the reaction container.

(103) The narrow opening tube 233.sub.i of the PCR tube 231.sub.i includes a lower wall portion 233a.sub.i of a portion contacting the temperature control block 292.sub.i, and also includes an upper wall portion 235a.sub.i corresponding to the wall portion of the wide opening tube 235.sub.i contacting the heating block 137c of the heater while being provided above the lower wall portion 233a.sub.i with a gap therebetween.

(104) According to the embodiment, the hermetic lid control unit 67 (the CPU+program 160) first instructs the dispensing head movement mechanism 51 so that the link portion 31.sub.i of the light guiding trestle 321 moves to the hermetic lid storage portion 25.sub.i and instructs the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35 so that the hermetic lid 251.sub.i is attached to the link portion 31.sub.i by fitting. Next, the link portion 31.sub.i is linked to the PCR tube 231.sub.i at the same time when the opening portion of the predetermined PCR tube 231.sub.i is fitted by the hermetic lid 251.sub.i.

(105) Next, in the case of PCR, the heater 137 is controlled so that the upper wall portion 235a.sub.i is heated at a uniform temperature (for example, 100 C.) higher than the predetermined maximum temperature (for example, 94 C.) by some degrees, that is, 5 C. in response to the temperature control of the temperature controller 129 in accordance with the instruction of the measurement control unit 62. Accordingly, the hermetic lid 251.sub.i fitted to the wide opening tube 235.sub.i of the PCR tube 231.sub.i is heated, so that the condensation of the hermetic lid may be prevented. At that time, the upper wall portion 235a.sub.i is separated from the lower wall portion 233a.sub.i subjected to the temperature control by a predetermined gap, and is heated while a heating source contacts or is adjacent to the upper wall portion 235a.sub.i having a surface area smaller than the lower wall portion. Accordingly, the lower surface of the hermetic lid 251.sub.i provided at a position close to the upper wall portion 235a.sub.i is heated due to the heating of the upper wall portion 235a.sub.i, and hence the condensation thereof may be prevented.

(106) Meanwhile, since the link portion 31.sub.i merely contacts the upper portion of the hermetic lid 251.sub.i through the annular edge 31d.sub.i, there is no influence of the heating performed at a position facing the hermetic lid 251.sub.i. Similarly, the lower wall portion 233a.sub.i is controlled at a predetermined temperature by a peltier device having a heating/cooling function, and is measured at the same time. After the measurement ends, the hermetic lid is moved close to the link portion 31.sub.i by the detachment member 391 in accordance with the instruction of the hermetic lid control unit 67, and the light guiding trestle 321 is moved upward by the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35. Accordingly, the hermetic lid 251.sub.i is detached from the link portion, and the linking state is released by moving the link portion left in the PCR tube 231.sub.i.

(107) Subsequently, the operation of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below.

(108) Since step S1 for the process of separating and extracting nucleic acid as a target material from the sample to step S11 are substantially the same as the operation of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment except that control is performed by the extraction control unit 65 of the nucleic acid treatment control unit 63 of the CPU+program 160 of the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 100, the description thereof will not be repeated. Then, a description will be made from step S12 for the process of amplifying and measuring the nucleic acid to step S16.

(109) In step S12, a new dispensing tip 211.sub.i is attached to the nozzle 71.sub.i. Then, a solution containing nucleic acid stored in the eighth liquid storage portion is suctioned, is ejected while being transferred to the PCR tube 231.sub.i storing the amplification solution 234.sub.i in advance, and is introduced into the container. The dispensing head 50 is moved by the dispensing head movement mechanism 51 so that the nozzle 71.sub.i thereof is moved to a position above the hermetic lid storage portion 25.sub.i storing the hermetic lid 251.sub.i of the container group 120. The hermetic lid is moved downward by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 so that the link recess 253.sub.i above the hermetic lid 251 is attached to the lower end of the nozzle 71.sub.i by fitting.

(110) Then, the hermetic lid is moved upward by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 so that the hermetic lid 251 is located above the PCR tube 231.sub.i by the dispensing head movement mechanism 51. Subsequently, the hermetic lid 251.sub.i is moved downward by the nozzle Z-axis movement mechanism 75 so that the hermetic lid is fitted to the opening portion of the wide opening tube 235.sub.i of the PCR tube 231.sub.i in order to seal the inner space.

(111) In step S13, the measurement control unit 62 instructs the dispensing head movement mechanism 51 so that the dispensing head 50 is moved in the Y axis and the link portion 31.sub.i of the light guiding trestle 321 is located above the PCR tube 231.sub.i equipped with the hermetic lid 251.sub.i. Then, the light guiding trestle 32 is moved downward by the trestle Z-axis movement mechanism 35 so that the link portion 31.sub.i is inserted into the recess of the hermetic lid 251.sub.i and the lower end thereof contacts or closely contacts the bottom surface of the recess.

(112) In step S14, the nucleic acid treatment control unit 63 instructs that the temperature controller 129 repeats a cycle of temperature control using a real-time PCR, for example, a cycle of heating the PCR tube 231.sub.i at 96 C. for 5 seconds and heating the PCR tube at 60 C. for 15 seconds, for example, 49 times.

(113) In step S15, the measurement control unit 62 determines whether to start an elongation process in each cycle when the temperature control is started by the nucleic acid treatment control unit 63 in each cycle, and causes the connection end array body 30 to move continuously or intermittently with respect to each measurement end 44.sub.j of the measurement unit 40. The movement speed is set to a speed which is calculated based on the stable light receiving time, the fluorescence lifetime, and the number (in this example, twelve) of the exclusive regions 120.sub.i. Accordingly, the light is completely received from twelve PCR tubes 231.sub.i within the stable light receiving time.

(114) In step S16, the measurement control unit 62 instructs the light receiving operation in the measurement unit 40 by determining the moment of the optical connection of, for example, the optical fiber (bundle) 33.sub.i of the link portion 31.sub.i with respect to the first measurement end and the second measurement end of the measurement end 44.sub.j.

(115) The measurement is performed in an exponential amplification cycle, and an amplification curve may be obtained based on the measurement. Then, various kinds of analyses are performed based on the amplification curve. Furthermore, the measurement control unit 62 heats the heater 37 incorporated in the light guiding trestle 321 in order to prevent the condensation of the hermetic lid 251. Accordingly, the measurement may be performed clearly.

(116) Further, in the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, a target material is extracted by crushing a shell of bacteria as a sample in a sample suspension through an ultrasonic vibration and is mixed with a separation/extraction solution so as to solubilize protein. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably and efficiently separate and extract nucleic acid as a target material. Thus, the amplification of nucleic acid is drastically improved, and the optical measurement is performed with high precision.

(117) Furthermore, as one embodiment, a heater as a heating unit may be provided at the base of each link portion 31.sub.i of the light guiding trestle 32 so as to heat the hermetic lid 251.sub.i at, for example, 105 C. instead of the heating unit provided in the PCR tube 231.sub.i.

(118) FIG. 13 illustrates a linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 11 according to a third embodiment. Here, an ultrasonic vibration device 180 according to another embodiment is assembled to the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 instead of the ultrasonic vibration device 80.

(119) The ultrasonic vibration device 180 includes an ultrasonic vibration unit 183 that includes an ultrasonic vibrator and a horn resonated by the vibration and elastically biased, a vibration unit movement mechanism (186, 187, 188, 189) that moves the ultrasonic vibration unit 183 with respect to the sample storage portions 221.sub.1 to 221.sub.12, and a forward/backward movement motor 185 (corresponding to the forward/backward movement mechanism) that moves the horn and the ultrasonic vibrator in the up and down direction in a telescopic manner and moves the horn from the ultrasonic vibration unit close to the sample storage portions 221.sub.1 to 221.sub.12 so as to be pressed against the sample storage portions 221.sub.1 to 221.sub.12.

(120) The vibration unit movement mechanism (186, 187, 188, 189) includes a guide metal bar 188 that is disposed in the X axis on a plate 189, a carrier 187 that is equipped with a slider having a sliding surface guided by the guide metal bar 188, and a motor 186 that is provided in the plate 189 that drives a timing belt (not illustrated) suspended on rotors provided on a side surface of a rectangular columnar casing of the ultrasonic vibration unit 183. The carrier 187 is provided with the forward/backward movement motor 185 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 183.

(121) As specifically illustrated in FIG. 14, the ultrasonic vibration unit 183 is located at a lower position in the vicinity of the bottom portion 221.sub.1f of the sample storage portion 221.sub.1 as the vibration target by the movement in the X-axis direction of the carrier 187 of the vibration unit movement mechanism (186, 187, 188, 189) while a horn 181.sub.0 is moved backward and downward by the forward/backward movement motor 185. The horn 181.sub.0 (and the ultrasonic vibrator) is moved forward and upward by the forward/backward movement motor 185 provided in the carrier 187 so that the front end 184 of the horn 181.sub.0 is pressed against the center bottom portion 221.sub.1f. The center portion of the front end 184 is depressed, and is held while being guided to the bottom portion 221.sub.1f of the sample storage portion 221.sub.1. Since the sample storage portion 221.sub.1 is fixed to the sample storage portion support base 82 in the up and down direction, the sample storage portion 221.sub.1 does not protrude. Furthermore, the sample storage portion is provided with a certain allowance in the horizontal direction.

(122) According to the embodiment, since the ultrasonic vibration unit 183 is provided so as to be movable between the sample storage portions 211.sub.i, there is no need to provide the ultrasonic vibrator and the horn in each sample storage portion 211.sub.i. Since the ultrasonic vibration is applied while the sample storage portion is pressed against the horn by using one ultrasonic vibration unit 183, it is possible to simplify the structure of the apparatus and decrease the manufacturing cost without degrading the quality even when a plurality of sample storage portions is used.

(123) FIG. 15 illustrates a linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 101 according to a fourth embodiment. Here, an ultrasonic vibration device 180 according to another embodiment is assembled to the linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 instead of the ultrasonic vibration device 80.

(124) Since the same reference signs will be given to the same components, the description thereof will not be repeated.

(125) The above-described embodiments have been specifically described in order to help the comprehension of the invention, and do not limit the other embodiments. Accordingly, a modification may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the configuration, the shape, the material, the arrangement, the amount, and the number of the nozzle, the dispensing tip, the punching tip, the container group, the exclusive region, the common region, the storage portion, the measurement end, the measurement unit, the specific wavelength measurement unit, the suction/ejection mechanism, the movement mechanism, the tip attachment/detachment mechanism, the magnetic portion, the heating unit, the reaction container, the hermetic lid, the scattering prevention lid, the ultrasonic vibration device, the light guiding trestle, the link portion, the light guiding portion, the connection end, the connection end array body, the link portion array body, the dispensing head, the temperature controller, the hermetic lid attachment/detachment mechanism, the ultrasonic vibration unit, and the like and the reagent and the sample used therein are not limited to the embodiments. Further, the dispensing head is moved with respect to the container group, but the container group may be moved with respect to the dispensing head.

(126) Further, in the description above, the amplification solution is sealed by the hermetic lid in order to seal the PCR reaction container. However, the PCR reaction container may be sealed by using a sealing solution such as mineral oil instead of or together with the hermetic lid. Further, a punching pin which is driven by the suction/ejection mechanism may be used instead of performing the punching operation by attaching the punching tip to the nozzle. Further, in the description above, the real-time PCR measurement has been described, but the invention may be also applied to various kinds of measurement having temperature control instead of this measurement. Further, in the description above, a case has been described in which the measurement unit is provided in the dispensing device, but the invention is not limited thereto. The optical system using the optical fiber provided inside the measurement unit has been described, but an optical system using a lens system may be employed.

(127) Further, the apparatuses described in the embodiments of the invention and the components constituting these apparatuses or the parts constituting the components may be appropriately selected, modified, and combined. Furthermore, the spatial marks for the upside, the downside, the inside, the outside, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis in the specification are used to help the comprehension of the drawings. That is, the invention does not limit the specific spatial direction or arrangement of the structure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(128) The invention relates to, for example, a field for the treatment, the inspection, and the analysis of nucleic acid mainly containing DNA, RNA, mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA. Further, the invention relates to, for example, an industrial field, an agricultural field such as food processing, agricultural processing, and seafood processing, a chemicals field, a pharmaceutical field, a medical field such as sanitation, insurance, disease, and inheritance, and a science field such as biochemistry or biology. Particularly, the invention may be used to treat or analyze various kinds of nucleic acid such as PCR and real-time PCR.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

(129) 10, 11, 100, 101: linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus 20, 120: container group 20.sub.i, 120.sub.i (i=1, . . . , 12): exclusive region 20.sub.0, 120.sub.0: common region 211.sub.i, 212.sub.i (i=1, . . . , 12): dispensing tip 231.sub.i (i=1, . . . , 12): PCR tube (reaction container) 29, 129: temperature controller 30: connection end array body 31.sub.i (i=1, . . . , 12): link portion 32 (321): light guiding trestle 33.sub.i: optical fiber (light guiding portion) 40 (401, 402): measurement unit 40.sub.j (j=1, . . . , 6): specific wavelength measurement unit 44.sub.j: measurement end 50, 150: dispensing head 53: suction/ejection mechanism 59: tip attachment/detachment mechanism 60, 160: CPU program 61, 65: extraction control unit 70: nozzle arrangement portion 71.sub.i (i=1, . . . , 12): nozzle 71.sub.0: crossing nozzle 80, 180: ultrasonic vibration device 82: sample storage portion support base 183: ultrasonic vibration unit 185: forward/backward movement motor