Automatic response/light measurement device and method therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic response/light measurement device and a method therefor, and the purpose is to effectively and quickly perform an optical measurement relating to a reaction with high reliability without increasing a device size. The device is configured to have: a container group in which a plurality of reaction containers are arranged; a measurement mount provided with a plurality of coupling ends that are joinable with apertures of the reaction containers, and have light guide portions that optically connect with the interior of the joined reaction containers; a mount transfer mechanism; a measuring device having a measuring end having at least one light guide portion that is optically connectable to the light guide portions of the coupling ends, that is able to receive light based on an optical state within the reaction containers; an on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism; and a measurement control portion.

Claims

1. An automatic response/light measurement device comprising: a container group in which two or more reaction containers are arranged; a head having an X axis head transfer mechanism and a Z axis transfer mechanism, the head including a measurement mount, the measurement mount having two or more downwardly extending coupling ends each having a light guide portion; wherein the measurement mount: defines a Y axis movement path along which the coupling ends are arranged, and is movable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction relative to the container group to simultaneously directly or indirectly join the coupling ends with respective apertures of the reaction containers so that the light guide portions of the couplings ends are optically connected with respective interiors of the reactions containers; a plurality of specific wavelength measuring devices wherein each of the specific wavelength measuring devices: includes a measuring end having a light guide portion that is sequentially optically connectable with the respective interiors of the reaction containers, and is able to receive light of specific wavelengths or wavelength bands via the corresponding measuring end based on optical states within the respective reaction containers; wherein the measuring ends are bundled together; and wherein, when the coupling ends are simultaneously directly or indirectly joined with the respective apertures of the reaction containers, the bundled measuring ends are together movable along the Y axis movement path and relative to the measurement mount to sequentially optically connect the light guide portions of the bundled measuring ends with the respective light guide portions of the coupling ends so that the respective specific wavelength measuring devices each receive light sequentially from within each of the respective reaction containers; wherein an on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism moves the bundled measuring ends along the Y axis movement path and relative to the measurement mount.

2. The automatic response/light measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the on-mount transfer mechanism includes a timing belt, sprockets, a guide rail, and a joined portion that is joined with the timing belt and is also joined with the measuring end of the measuring devices.

3. The automatic response/light measurement device according to claim 1, wherein each of the specific wavelength measuring devices includes an irradiation portion and a light receiving portion; and wherein, when the light guide portions of the bundled measuring ends are sequentially optically connected with the respective light guide portions of the coupling ends so that the respective specific wavelength measuring devices each receive light sequentially from within each of the respective reaction containers: the irradiation portions each sequentially irradiate the respective reaction containers with excitation light; and the light receiving portions each sequentially receive the light from within each of the respective reaction containers.

4. The automatic response/light measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a shaft that penetrates holes formed in the respective specific wavelength measuring devices to bundle the measuring ends.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an overall block-diagram showing an automatic response/light measurement device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first exemplary embodiment of the automatic response/light measurement device shown in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a plan view showing enlarged, a container group of the automatic response/light measurement device shown in FIG. 2.

(4) FIG. 4 is a drawing showing enlarged, a whole nozzle head of the automatic response/light measurement device shown in FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a case where dispensing tips are mounted on nozzles of the device shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4.

(6) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view showing a state in which a coupling end is joined to a reaction container shown in FIG. 3.

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a second exemplary embodiment of the automatic response/light measurement device shown in FIG. 1.

(8) FIG. 8 is a plan view showing enlarged, a container group of the automatic response/light measurement device shown in FIG. 7.

(9) FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a measuring device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a measuring device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a measuring device according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 12 is an overall block-diagram showing an automatic response/light measurement device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 13 is a side view showing enlarged, the whole nozzle head of the automatic response/light measurement device shown in FIG. 12.

(14) FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction container control system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the second embodiment.

(15) FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction container control system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the second embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(16) Next, an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is not to be interpreted as limiting the present invention unless particularly specified. Furthermore, in the embodiments, the same objects are denoted by the same reference symbols, and the descriptions are omitted.

(17) FIG. 1 shows a block-diagram of an automatic response/light measurement device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

(18) The automatic response/light measurement device 10 broadly has: a plurality (twelve in this example) of container groups 20 in which reaction container groups 23.sub.1-23.sub.12 are arranged; a nozzle head 50 that has a nozzle arrangement portion 70 in which a plurality (twelve in this example) of nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 that detachably mount dispensing tips are arranged, and a measurement mount 30; a measuring device 40 provided on the mount 30; a nozzle head transfer mechanism 51 that makes the nozzle head 50 movable in the X axis direction for example; a temperature controller 29 that performs predetermined temperature control with respect to the reaction container groups 23.sub.1-23.sub.12 of the container group; a CPU+program 60 composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, various types of external memory, communication functions such as a LAN, and a program stored in the ROM, and the like; and a control panel 13 having a display portion such as a liquid crystal display, and an operation portion, such as operation keys or a touch panel.

(19) The nozzle head 50 has: a mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35 that makes the mount 30 movable in the Z axis direction with respect to the container group 20 independent of the nozzle arrangement portion 70; a nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75 that makes the nozzle arrangement portion 70 movable in the Z axis direction with respect to the container group 20 independent of the mount 30; a magnetic force part 57 that, by means of a magnet 571 provided on narrow diameter portions 211.sub.1a of dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 detachably mounted on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 such that they can approach and separate, is able to apply and remove a magnetic field with respect to the interior; a suction-discharge mechanism 53 that makes the suction and the discharge of liquids with respect to the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 mounted on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 possible by performing the suction and the discharge of gases with respect to the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 and a punching mechanism 55 which is driven by the suction-discharge mechanism 53, for punching a film that covers the apertures of the liquid housing parts of the container group 20 to house various liquids in advance.

(20) The mount 30 further has: an on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism 41, 411 that moves a measuring end 44, and therefore the measuring device 40, along the Y axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the mount 30; a plurality (twelve in this example) of coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 that can be simultaneously directly or indirectly joined with the apertures of the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 having light guide portions 33.sub.1-33.sub.12 that optically connect with the interior of the joined reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12; and a heater 37 as a heating portion that heats the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 for preventing condensation at the ends of the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 or on a mounted sealing lid 251 which has transparency. Furthermore, the measuring device 40 has the measuring end 44 to which is provided a light guide portion 43 optically connectable to the light guide portions 33.sub.1-33.sub.12 which guide the movement of the measuring device 40 on the mount 30 along the Y axis direction and are provided on the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 in the interior.

(21) The container group 20 comprises a plurality (twelve in this example) of exclusive regions 20.sub.1-20.sub.12 that correspond to the respective nozzles, in which a single (a single group corresponds to a single nozzle in this example) nozzle enters and the other nozzles do not enter. The exclusive regions 20.sub.1-20.sub.12 have a liquid housing part groups 27.sub.1-27.sub.12 which comprise a plurality of storage parts in which reagent solutions, and the like, are housed or are able to be housed, a sealing lid storage part 25.sub.1-25.sub.12 in which one or two or more sealing lids 251 which have transparency, and that are detachably mounted on the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 provided on the mount 30, are housed or are able to be housed, and housing parts for tips and the like 21.sub.1-21.sub.12 that house a plurality of dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 that are detachably mounted on the nozzle, samples, and the like. The liquid housing part group 27.sub.1-27.sub.12 at the very least has one or two or more liquid housing parts that house a magnetic particle suspension, and two or more liquid housing parts that house a solution for separating and extracting used for the separation and the extraction of nucleic acids and the fragments thereof. Furthermore, if necessary, it additionally has two or more liquid housing parts that house an amplification solution used for the amplification of nucleic acids, and a liquid housing part that houses a sealing liquid for sealing the amplification solution housed in the reaction container 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 within the reaction container 231.sub.1-231.sub.12.

(22) It is preferable for the exclusive regions 20.sub.1-20.sub.12 to display identification data that identifies the respective exclusive regions 20.sub.1-20.sub.12.

(23) The CPU+program 60 at the very least has a nucleic acid processing controller 63 that performs instructions for a series of processes such as: the extraction and the amplification of nucleic acids and the fragments thereof, the sealing of the amplification solution, and the like, with respect to the temperature controller 29, the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, the tip holding-detaching mechanism 59, the suction-discharge mechanism 53, the magnetic force part 57, and the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75; and a measurement control portion 61 that, following control of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51 and the mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35 such that the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 are simultaneously directly or indirectly joined with the apertures of the plurality (twelve in this example) of reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12, performs instructions for a measurement by the measuring device 40 by controlling the on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism 41, 411 such that the light guide portions 33.sub.1-33.sub.12 of the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 and the light guide portion 43 of the measuring end 44 are optically connected.

(24) Furthermore, the nucleic acid processing controller 63 has an extraction control part 65 and a sealing lid control part 67. The nucleic acid processing controller 63 has the extraction control part 65 that performs instructions for a series of processes for the extraction of nucleic acids and the fragments thereof with respect to the tip holding-detaching mechanism 59, the suction-discharge mechanism 53, the magnetic force part 57, the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75, the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and the mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35, and the sealing lid control part 67 that performs instructions for the sealing process by the sealing lid with respect to the mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35 and the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51.

(25) Herein, a variety of more specific exemplary embodiments of the automatic response/light measurement device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention mentioned above are described with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 11. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(26) FIG. 2A is a drawing showing an external view of the automatic response/light measurement device 10, which has: an enclosure 11 with a size of 350 mm in depth (Y axis direction), 600 mm in width (X axis direction) and 600 mm in height (Z axis direction), in which the container group 20, the temperature controller 29, the nozzle head 50, the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and the CPU+program 60 are built into the interior; a control panel 13 provided on the enclosure 11 having a liquid crystal display portion and operation keys; and a handle 15 that, in addition to being used for opening and closing of the door 17, forms a support member that horizontally supports the door 17 in a case where it is opened.

(27) FIG. 2B is a drawing showing the door 17 opened, a guide rail 19 provided on the rear side of the door 17, and a stage 22 that, in a case where the door 17 is opened and is horizontally placed, is guided by the guide rail 19 and is able to be pulled out onto the rear surface of the door 17.

(28) FIG. 2C is a drawing showing the stage 22 pulled out onto the door 17, and the container group 20 is integrated into the stage 22. The nozzle head 50 is provided on the interior of the enclosure 11. The housing parts for tips and the like 21 are integrated into the stage 22.

(29) FIG. 3 is a plan view showing enlarged, the container group 20 shown in FIG. 2, which is integrated into the stage 22. The container group 20 is one in which twelve exclusive regions 20.sub.1-20.sub.12, wherein the longitudinal direction thereof is along the X axis direction and storage parts are arranged in a single row form, are arranged in parallel along the Y axis direction at a pitch of 18 mm for example. The exclusive regions 20.sub.1-20.sub.12 have: a sealing lid storage part 25.sub.1-25.sub.12 which houses a single sealing lid 251.sub.1-251.sub.12 which has transparency, that is detachably mounted on the twelve coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 provided on the measurement mount 30; a reaction container 231.sub.1-231.sub.12; a reaction tube storage cavity 241.sub.1-241.sub.12; a reaction container 242.sub.1-242.sub.12; 10 liquid housing part groups 27.sub.1-27.sub.12; and housing parts for tips and the like 21.sub.1-21.sub.12 that house a sample and one or two or more dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12.

(30) The capacity of the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 is of the order of approximately 200 L, and the capacity of the other reaction containers, the liquid housing parts, and the tubes is of the order of approximately 2 mL.

(31) The reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 are used for the amplification of nucleic acids and the fragments thereof, and temperature control is performed by means of the temperature controller 29 based on a predetermined amplification method, such as a thermal cycle (4 C. to 95 C.) for example. The reaction container 231.sub.1 is formed with two levels as shown in FIG. 6A for example, and has a narrow-mouthed piping part 233.sub.1 provided on the lower side in which the amplification solution 234.sub.1 is housed, and a wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.1 provided on the upper side, to which the sealing lid 251i is fittable. The inner diameter of the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.1 is 8 mm for example. The inner diameter of aperture of the narrow-mouthed piping part 233.sub.1 is approximately 5 mm for example. The reaction tube housed in the reaction tube storage cavities 241.sub.1-241.sub.12, and the reaction containers 242.sub.1-242.sub.12 are temperature controlled for incubation in a constant temperature state of 55 C. for example.

(32) The solution for separating and extracting is housed in the liquid housing part group 27.sub.1-27.sub.12 as follows. There are 10 liquid housing parts in total in which are respectively stored; 40 L of Lysis 1 in a first liquid housing part, 200 L of Lysis 2 in a second liquid housing part, 500 L of a binding buffer solution in a third liquid housing part, a magnetic particle suspension in a fourth liquid housing part, 700 L of a washing liquid 1 in a fifth liquid housing part, 700 L of a washing liquid 2 in a sixth liquid housing part, a dissociation liquid in a seventh liquid housing part, an eighth and a ninth liquid housing part that are empty, and 1.2 mL of distilled water in a tenth liquid housing part, and the reagents, and the like, are prepacked by the apertures thereof being covered by a punchable film.

(33) It is assumed that the housing parts for tips and the like 21.sub.1-21.sub.12 retains three dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, a tube housing 200 L of a sample, such as a suspension of bacteria, cells, and the like, or whole blood, and a tube housing 1300 L of isopropyl alcohol (i-Propanol) as a portion of the solution for separating and extracting proteins used for the removal, and the like, of proteins.

(34) FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the nozzle head 50 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(35) The nozzle head 50 has: a nozzle arrangement portion 70; a tip holding-detaching mechanism 59; a suction-discharge mechanism 53; a punching mechanism 55; a magnetic force part 57; a nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75; a measurement mount 30; a measuring device 40 provided on the mount 30 having a measuring end 44; an on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism 411 that moves the measuring end 44 on the mount 30; and a mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35.

(36) The nozzle arrangement portion 70 is provided with a cylinder support member 73 that supports twelve cylinders 531 such that they are arranged along the Y axis direction at a predetermined pitch of 18 mm for example. Furthermore, the downward ends of the cylinders 531 are provided with the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 such that they are communicated with the cylinders 531.

(37) The tip holding-detaching mechanism 59 has: a tip retaining member 591 in which is provided twelve semicircular notch portions 592 for retaining on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 the total of twelve dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 mounted on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12, that extends in the Y axis direction and is formed in a comb shape such that it is axially supported on the cylinder support member 73 via arms 596; and a tip detaching member 598 which is provided with shafts for detaching 599 on both sides, that detaches the twelve dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 from the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12.

(38) The suction-discharge mechanism 53 has: the cylinder 531 for performing suction and discharge of gases with respect to the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 which are communicated with the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 and mounted on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12, and a piston rod 532 that slides within the cylinder 531; a drive plate 536 that drives the piston rod 532; a ball screw 533 that threads with the drive plate 536; a nozzle Z axis movable body 535 that, in addition to axially supporting the ball screw 533, is integrally formed with the cylinder support member 73; and a motor 534 mounted on the nozzle Z axis movable body 535 that rotatingly drives the ball screw 533.

(39) The punching mechanism 55 is provided with punching pins 551 at positions corresponding to the arrangement of the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12, along the lower edge of a square shaped support frame 552 along a vertical surface on a side opposing the side on which the cylinder 531 of the drive plate 536 is provided. The ends of the pins 551 are positioned above the lower ends of the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 at the time of suction and discharge, and are not lowered past the lower ends of the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12. On the other hand, at the time of punching, although the ends of the punching pins 551 are lowered past the lower ends of the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 due to the drive plate 536 being lowered past the lower limit of the suction and discharge range, the upper edge of the cylinder 531 is not reached. As a result of this lowering, the punching pins 551 are able to punch the film covering the apertures of the twelve liquid housing part groups 27.sub.1-27.sub.12 of the container group 20, which are arranged in a single row form.

(40) The magnetic force part 57 has a magnet 571 that is provided such that it can approach and separate with respect to the narrow diameter portions 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 detachably mounted on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12, and is able to apply and remove a magnetic field in the interior of the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12.

(41) The nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75 has: a ball screw 752 that threads with the Z axis movable body 535 and vertically moves the Z axis movable body 535 along the Z direction; a nozzle head substrate 753 that axially supports the ball screw 752, and in addition to axially supporting the magnet 57 on the lower side thereof such that it is movable in the X axis direction, is itself movable in the X axis direction by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51 mentioned below; and a motor 751 provided on the upper side of the nozzle head substrate 753 that rotatingly drives the ball screw 752.

(42) The measurement mount 30 comprises a horizontal plate 30a and a vertical plate 30b, which are letter-L shaped plates in cross-section, and is provided with twelve coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 having light guide portions 33.sub.1-33.sub.12, which are directly or indirectly joinable with the apertures of the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 and are optically connected with the interior of the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12, protruding in the downward direction from the horizontal plate 30a. Furthermore, the bases of the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 are provided with a heater 37 that heats the sealing lids 251.sub.1-251.sub.12 mounted on the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 and prevents condensation. The temperature of the heater 37 is set to approximately 105 C. for example. Since the mount 30 is supported by the nozzle head substrate 753 via the nozzle head mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35 such that it is movable in the Z axis direction, it is movable in the nozzle X axis direction and Z axis direction.

(43) The mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35 has: a side plate 355 provided on the nozzle head substrate 753; a mount driving band-shaped member 354 that is supported by a timing belt 352 spanning between two sprockets 353 arranged in the vertical direction axially supported by the side plate 355, and vertically moves in the Z axis direction; and a motor 351 attached to the rear side of the side plate 355 that rotatingly drives the sprockets 353.

(44) A transfer groove 32 is etchingly provided on the horizontal plate 30a of the mount 30 along the Y axis direction such that the upper ends of the light guide portions 33.sub.1-33.sub.12 provided on the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 are arranged at the bottom thereof. Furthermore, the measuring device 40 is movably provided along the Y axis direction by means of the measuring end 44 of the measuring device 40 being inserted within the groove 32 and sliding. The measuring device 40 is one that supports fluorescence measurements, and has: a light receiving portion 47 that receives the fluorescent light generated in the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12; an irradiation portion 46 that irradiates the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 with an excitation light; and the measuring end 44. Moreover, the measuring end 44 is provided with a light guide portion 43 that is optically connectable to the light guide portions of the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12.

(45) The vertical plate 30b of the mount 30 is provided with the on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism 41, 411. The on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism 41, 411 has: two sprockets 353 on the surface of the vertical plate 30b that are arranged along the Y axis direction; a timing belt 412 spanning between the sprockets 413; a joined portion 415 that is joined with the timing belt 412 and is also joined with the measuring end 44 of the measuring device 40; a guide rail 414 that guides the Y axis direction movement of the joined portion 415; and a motor that rotatingly drives the sprockets 413.

(46) FIG. 5 is a drawing showing, at the time the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 are mounted on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12, the dispensing tips 211i and the operation and the state in which the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 are retained on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 using the tip holding-detaching mechanism 59. The dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 comprise a narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a, a thick diameter portion that has a thicker diameter than the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a, a mounting portion 211.sub.1c that as a whole has the largest outer diameter, a mouth portion 211.sub.1d at the end in which the inflow and the outflow of liquids is performed, and a mounting aperture 211.sub.1e into which the nozzle 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 is inserted.

(47) The tip retaining member 591 is provided with twelve semicircular notch portions 592 with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the mounting portions 211.sub.1c of the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 mentioned below, but larger than the outer diameter of the thick diameter portions 211.sub.1b. The arm 596 is rotatingly driven by a rotating shaft 597 that rotates via a belt 601 by means of a roller 602 that is rotatingly driven by a motor 595.

(48) The tip detaching member 598 is interlocked with the lowering of two tip detaching shafts 599 and detaches the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 from the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12. The tip detaching shaft 599 is elastically supported by the cylinder support member 73 by means of a spring 600 wrapped around the outer periphery such that it is biased in the upward direction, and the upper end thereof is positioned above the upper end of the cylinder 531 but below the lower limit position of the vertical movement range of the normal suction and discharge of a cylinder drive plate 536 mentioned below. The two tip detaching shafts 599 are pushed in the downward direction by means of the cylinder drive plate 536 exceeding the vertical movement range and being lowered near the upper end of the cylinder 531, thus lowering the tip detaching member 598. The tip detaching member 598 has twelve holes having an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 but smaller than the mounting portions 211.sub.1c, which represents the largest outer diameter of the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, arranged at the pitch mentioned above such that the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 pass therethrough.

(49) In a case where the retention of the tips is performed by the tip holding-detaching mechanism 59, following movement of the nozzle head 50, namely of the tip retaining member 591 of the tip holding-detaching mechanism 59 to a position in which it is separated from the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12, and of the arm 596 to the section in which the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 are housed in a state in which it is rotatingly driven, the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 are lowered by means of the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75 and mounted by being inserted into the apertures 211.sub.1e. Thereafter, tip retention is performed by rotating the tip retaining member 591 of the tip holding-detaching mechanism 59, and the notch portions 592 making contact with, or approaching, the thick diameter portions 211.sub.1b on the lower side of the mounting portions 211.sub.1c of the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12. At that time, by means of a support shaft 593, which protrudes on both sides of the tip retaining member 591 and is inserted into long holes 594 piercingly provided such that the longitudinal direction thereof is somewhat inclined with respect to the radius of rotation direction of the arm 596, moving within the long holes 594 in the rotation axis direction, the notch portions 592 become positioned at positions directly below the mounting portions 211.sub.1c.

(50) On the other hand, to detach the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 mounted on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12, after rotating the tip retaining member 591 and separating it from the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, a detaching member 598 is lowered as a result of moving the detaching shaft 599 in the downward direction by lowering the drive plate 536 below the normal suction and discharge position, and the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 become detached from the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12.

(51) FIG. 6A is a drawing showing an example wherein a coupling end 31.sub.1 provided on the mount 30, being a coupling end 31.sub.1 in which a sealing lid 251.sub.1 which has transparency is mounted on the coupling end 31.sub.1, is mounted on the aperture of the reaction container 231.sub.1 of the exclusive region 20.sub.1. The reaction container 231.sub.1 comprises a wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.1, and a narrow-mouthed piping part 233.sub.1 communicated with the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.1, that is formed narrower than the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.1. The narrow-mouthed piping part 233.sub.1 is dried beforehand, or houses a liquid form amplification solution 234.sub.1. The wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.1 and the narrow-mouthed piping part 233.sub.1 are integrally joined with the base portion 230 of the container. Here, for the reagent for real-time amplification, 70 L of a master mix (SYBR (registered trademark) Green Mix) consisting of enzymes, buffers, primers, and the like, is housed beforehand.

(52) The aperture of the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.1 has a size into which the end of the sealing lid 251.sub.1 which has transparency, is fittable. Further, the coupling end 31.sub.1 has a size in which it is fittable within the sealing lid 251.sub.1. At the time of fitting, it is preferable for the diameter of the light guide portion 33.sub.1, which passes the interior of the coupling end 31.sub.1, to be the same as the size of the diameter of the aperture of the narrow-mouthed piping part 233.sub.1 or larger. Consequently, it becomes possible to receive the light from the reaction container 231.sub.1 with certainty. The narrow-mouthed piping part 233.sub.1 is housed within a temperature control block 291.sub.1 that is heated or cooled by a temperature controller 29.

(53) FIG. 6B is a drawing showing a state in which the coupling end 31.sub.12, which protrudes from the horizontal plate 30a of the mount 30 to the lower side, is joined with the reaction container 231.sub.12 in a state in which it is fitted to the sealing lid 251.sub.12. FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D are drawings showing an operation in which the measuring device 40 moves on the mount 30. This operation is one in which, while moving along the groove 32 by means of the on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism 41, 411 in a state in which the measuring end 44 is inserted into the groove 32, the light guide portions 33.sub.1-33.sub.12 of the twelve coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 arranged in the groove 32 and the light guide portion 43 of the measuring end 44 are successively optically connected. The speed of the measuring end 44, and therefore the measuring device 40, on the measurement mount 30 is determined by considering the stable light receivable time, the number of reaction containers, the pitch, and the like, and is controlled such that it becomes 100 mm to 500 mm per second in the case of a real-time PCR measurement for example. In the present exemplary embodiment, since the measuring end 44 moves by sliding within the groove 32, optical noise incident to the lower end surface of the measuring end 44 can be prevented.

(54) FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an automatic response/light measurement device 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment.

(55) The device 100 comprises a section corresponding to the automatic response/light measurement device 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment, which has the nozzle head 50, the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and the container group 20 built into the stage 22, and a feeding device for samples and the like 80.

(56) Here, the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51 is a mechanism that has a timing belt 511 and a joined portion 512 that joins to it, and makes the nozzle head 50 movable in the X axis direction, and is the same as in the automatic response/light measurement device 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

(57) On the other hand, the feeding device for samples and the like 80 is a device for supplying parent samples, and the like, with respect to the container group 20 by dispensing, and the stage 22, to which the container group 20 supplied with the parent samples and the like, is built-in, becomes automatically moved to the automatic response/light measurement device. It has: a parent container group 81 which houses the parent samples and the like; a nozzle head 89 having a tip detaching mechanism, a suction-discharge mechanism, and a single nozzle 85 that, in addition to the suction and discharge of gases being performed by means of the mechanisms, has a dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 detachably mounted, that has a mechanism that moves along the Z axis direction with respect to the parent container group 81 and the housing parts for tips and the like 21 of the container group 20; an X axis movable body 87 having a Y axis transfer mechanism that moves the nozzle head 89 in the Y axis direction with respect to the parent container group 81 and the like; an X axis transfer mechanism 86 that moves the X axis movable body 87 along the X axis direction with respect to the parent container group 81 and the like; and the parent container group 81. The parent container group 81 has: a parent sample storage part group 82 arranged in a 12 row8 column matrix form that houses the parent samples to be supplied to the housing parts for tips and the like 21 of the container group 20; a distilled water/washing liquid group 83; and a reagent bottle group 84. Reference symbol 88 represents a seat portion of the device 100.

(58) The feeding device for samples and the like 80 moves the nozzle head 89 to a storage part of the container group 20 housing a dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, then by lowering mounts the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 on the nozzle 85 thereof, and by using the Z axis transfer function of the nozzle head 89, the X axis transfer mechanism 86, and the Y axis transfer function of the X axis movable body 87, moves to the corresponding parent sample storage part of the parent sample storage part group 82, aspirates the sample, and transfers it to the corresponding storage part of the housing parts for tips and the like 21.sub.1-21.sub.12 of the container group 20. The dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, in which the transfer is completed, is detached into the storage part by the tip detaching portion. The necessary washing liquids, reagents, and the like, become supplied to the housing parts for tips and the like 21.sub.1-21.sub.12 by the same method using other dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12.

(59) FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the interior of the seat portion 88, in which a plurality of stages 22 are layered on the lower side of the feeding device for samples and the like 80. Furthermore, when the sample feeding process is completed with respect to the stage 22 of the uppermost level, and the stage 22 moves along the Y axis direction and is positioned on the lower side of the automatic response/light measurement device 10, since the stages 22 on the lower side are biased by an elastic force and the like, they successively become moved to the upper level side. Consequently, rapid and efficient processing can be performed.

(60) FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a measuring device 401 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(61) The measuring device 401 is one in which a plurality (six in this example) of specific wavelength measuring devices 401.sub.1-401.sub.6 are, including the measuring ends 441, integrally joined in parallel and in a single row form. Reference symbol 45 represents a shaft that serves as a measuring end bundling portion for integrally bundling together the specific wavelength measuring devices 401.sub.1-401.sub.6. This shaft is one that penetrates the holes piercingly provided in the specific wavelength measuring devices 401.sub.1-401.sub.6, which have an inner diameter that is somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the shaft, and joins these by tightening screw type end portions having a sufficiently larger outer diameter than the holes.

(62) The pitch of the specific wavelength measuring devices 401.sub.1-401.sub.6 in the movement direction, assuming a pitch between the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 of the container group 20 or the end portions of the light guide portions 33.sub.1-33.sub.12 of the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 on the mount 30 of 18 mm, is 9 mm, which is half thereof. Therefore, the on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism 41, 411 moves the measuring ends 441.sub.1-441.sub.6 of the specific wavelength measuring devices 401.sub.1-401.sub.6 intermittently such that they momentarily stop at each pitch advance, or continuously.

(63) FIG. 9C is a drawing showing the interior of the specific wavelength measuring device 401j. The measuring device 401.sub.1-401.sub.6 has: a measuring end 441 in which a lens 444, wherein excitation light exits to the reaction container 231.sub.1-231.sub.6 and fluorescent light from the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.6 is incident, and a dichroic mirror 445 are provided to a light guide portion; an irradiation portion 461 having a filter 466, a lens 465, and an LED 464 for irradiating excitation light; and a light receiving portion 471 having a filter 476, a lens 475 and a photodiode 474.

(64) According to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light from the LED 464 is such that the excitation light of a specific wavelength band that passes the filter 466 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 445 and is irradiated through the lens 444 of the measuring end 441 and into the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12, and the fluorescent light excited by the excitation light passes the lens 444 of the measuring end 441, is transmitted through the dichroic mirror 445, and the fluorescent light of a predetermined specific wavelength selected by the filter 476 passes the lens 475, and is incident to the photodiode 474 and is received. The fluorescent light of other wavelengths is also successively received using the six specific wavelength measuring devices 403.sub.1-403.sub.6.

(65) FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a measuring device 402 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(66) The measuring device 402 is one in which a plurality (six in this example) of specific wavelength measuring devices 402.sub.1-402.sub.6 are, including the measuring ends 442, integrally joined in parallel and in a single row form. The specific wavelength measuring devices 402.sub.1-402.sub.6 differ from the specific wavelength measuring devices 401.sub.1-401.sub.6 according to the third exemplary embodiment mentioned above with regard to the interior thereof, as shown in FIG. 10C.

(67) The specific wavelength measuring device 402.sub.1-402.sub.6 according to the present exemplary embodiment has: a measuring end 442 that, in addition to having an optical fiber 469 for the excitation light to exit to the reaction container 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 and an optical fiber 479 for the light from the reaction container 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 to be incident, is provided with an irradiation end 446 of the optical fiber 469 and a light receiving end 447 of the optical fiber 479 on the lower end; an LED 467 that irradiates excitation light through the optical fiber 469; an irradiation portion 462 having a filter 468; and a light receiving portion 472 having the optical fiber 479, a drum lens 478, a filter 477 and a photodiode 474.

(68) FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a measuring device 403 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(69) The measuring device 403 is one in which each of the exclusive regions 20.sub.1-20.sub.12 has four reaction containers 235.sub.1-235.sub.6, 236.sub.1-236.sub.6, 237.sub.1-237.sub.6, and 238.sub.1-238.sub.6, and the reaction container groups 23.sub.1-23.sub.12 comprise in the X axis direction with respect to the movement direction (Y axis direction) of the measuring device 403, two rows comprising the reaction container row 235.sub.1-235.sub.6, 237.sub.1-237.sub.6 and the reaction container row 236.sub.1-236.sub.6, 238.sub.1-238.sub.6 at a spacing of 9 mm pitch for example.

(70) The measuring device 403 is one in which a plurality (six in this example) of specific wavelength measuring devices 403.sub.1-403.sub.6 are, including the measuring ends 443, integrally joined in parallel and in a single row form. The specific wavelength measuring devices 403.sub.1-403.sub.6 differ from the measuring devices 401.sub.1-401.sub.6 and 402.sub.1-402.sub.6 mentioned above with regard to the interior thereof, as shown in FIG. 11C.

(71) FIG. 11C is a drawing showing the interior of the measuring device 403j according to the present exemplary embodiment. The measuring device 403.sub.1-403.sub.6 has: a measuring end 443.sub.1-443.sub.6 having a lens 444, wherein excitation light exits to the reaction container 235.sub.1-235.sub.6 or the reaction container 237.sub.1-237.sub.6 and fluorescent light from the reaction container 235.sub.1-235.sub.6 or the reaction container 237.sub.1-237.sub.6 is incident, and a lens 448, wherein excitation light exits to the reaction container 236.sub.1-236.sub.6 or the reaction container 238.sub.1-238.sub.6 and fluorescent light from the reaction container 236.sub.1-236.sub.6 or the reaction container 238.sub.1-238.sub.6 is incident, a dichroic mirror 445, and a rotatable rhombic prism 449 for switching to either a light guide portion that connects the dichroic mirror 445 and the lens 444 or a light guide portion that connects the lens 448 and the dichroic mirror 445; an irradiation portion 463 having a filter 466, a lens 465, and an LED 464 for irradiating excitation light; and a light receiving portion 473 having a filter 476, a lens 475, and a photodiode 474.

(72) The position of the rhombic prism 449 in FIG. 11C represents a case where the incidence and exiting of the light is performed with respect to the reaction containers 235.sub.1-235.sub.6 or 237.sub.1-237.sub.6 via the lens 444. Furthermore, the position of the rhombic prism 449 in FIG. 11D represents a case where the incidence and exiting of the light is performed with respect to the reaction container 236.sub.1-236.sub.6 or the reaction container 238.sub.1-238.sub.6 via the lens 448.

(73) The speed of the measuring ends 441, 442, and 443, and therefore the measuring devices 401, 402, and 403 with respect to the container group 20 or the measurement mount 30 is approximately 100 mm to 500 mm for example.

(74) Next, a series of processing operations that perform real-time PCR of the nucleic acids of a sample containing bacteria using the automatic response/light measurement device 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment is described. Step S1 to step S13 below correspond to separation and extraction processing.

(75) In step S1, the door 17 of the automatic response/light measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 2 is opened, the stage 22 is pulled out, and by utilizing the feeding device for samples and the like 80 for example, which is separately provided from the container group 20 and on the stage 22, the samples, which are subject to testing, various washing liquids, and various reagents, are supplied beforehand, and furthermore, a liquid housing part in which the reagents and the like are prepacked is mounted.

(76) In step S2, following returning of the stage 22 and closing of the door 17, the start of the separation and extraction and amplification processing is instructed by means of the operation of the touch panel of the control panel 13 for example.

(77) In step S3, the extraction control part 65 provided to the nucleic acid processing controller 63 of the CPU+program 60 of the automatic response/light measurement device 10 instructs the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51 and moves the nozzle head 50 in the X axis direction, positions the punching pin 551 above the first liquid housing part of the liquid housing part group 27.sub.1-27.sub.12 of the container group, and punches the film covering the aperture of the liquid housing part by lowering the drive plate 536 of the suction-discharge mechanism 53 past the lower limit of the suction and discharge range, and in the same manner, the other liquid housing parts of the liquid housing part group 27.sub.2-27.sub.12 and the reaction container group 23.sub.1-23.sub.12 are successively punched by moving the nozzle head 50 in the X axis direction and using the suction-discharge mechanism 53.

(78) In step S4, the nozzle head 50 is again moved in the X axis direction and moved to the housing parts for tips and the like 21.sub.1-21.sub.12, and the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 are lowered by means of the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75, and the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 are mounted. Next, by bringing the tip retaining member 591 of the tip holding-detaching mechanism 59 with the thick diameter portions 211.sub.1b-211.sub.12b of the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, the dispensing tips 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 are retained on the nozzles 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 and detachment is prevented. Following raising by the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75, the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is moved along the X axis by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and after it reaches the tenth liquid housing part of the liquid housing part group 27.sub.1-27.sub.12, it is loweringly inserted into the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a-211.sub.12a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 by the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75. Then, 50 L of distilled water is aspirated by means of the suction-discharge mechanism 53, and following raising of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 above the liquid housing part again, the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is moved by the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and the distilled water is discharged within the eighth liquid housing part and housed as a dissociation liquid. In the same manner, 350 L of distilled water is housed in the sixth liquid housing part.

(79) In step S5, furthermore to the solution components (NaCl, SDS solutions) housed beforehand in the third liquid housing part and the fifth liquid housing part, and to the distilled water housed in the sixth liquid housing part, as mentioned above, a predetermined amount of isopropyl alcohol (i-Propanol) is aspirated from the tube, and predetermined amounts are respectively dispensed to the third liquid housing part, the fifth liquid housing part, and the sixth liquid housing part. By so doing, 500 L of a binding buffer solution (NaCl, SDS, i-Propanol), 700 L of a washing liquid 1 (NaCl, SDS, i-Propanol), and 700 L of a washing liquid 2 (water 50%, i-Propanol 50%) are respectively prepared as solutions for separating and extracting within the third, the fifth, and the sixth liquid housing parts.

(80) In step S6, following movement to, among the housing parts for tips and the like 21.sub.1-21.sub.12, the sample tube in which the sample is housed, the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is loweringly inserted using the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75, and, with respect to the suspension of the sample housed in the sample tube, following suspension of the sample within the liquid by repeating the suction and the discharge by raising and lowering the drive plate 536 of the suction-discharge mechanism 53, the sample suspension is aspirated within the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12. The sample suspension is moved along the X axis by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51 to the first liquid housing part of the liquid housing part group 27.sub.1-27.sub.12 housing the Lysis 1 (enzyme) representing the solution for separating and extracting, and the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is inserted through the hole in the punched film, and the suction and the discharge is repeated in order to stir the sample suspension and the Lysis 1.

(81) In step S7, the entire amount of the stirred liquid is aspirated by the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, and incubation is performed by housing it in the reaction tube retained in the storage cavity 241.sub.1-241.sub.12 that is set to 55 C. by means of the constant temperature controller. Consequently, the protein contained in the sample is broken down and made a low molecular weight. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the reaction mixture is left in the reaction tube, the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is moved to the second liquid housing part of the liquid housing part group 27.sub.1-27.sub.12 by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and the entire amount of the liquid housed within the second liquid housing part is aspirated by using the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75 and the suction-discharge mechanism 53, and it is transferred using the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and the reaction solution is discharged within the third liquid housing part by penetrating the hole in the film and inserting the narrow diameter portion.

(82) In step S8, the binding buffer solution housed within the third liquid housing part, which represents a separation and extraction solution, and the reaction solution are stirred, the solubilized protein is further dehydrated, and the nucleic acids or the fragments thereof are dispersed within the solution.

(83) In step S9, using the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, the narrow diameter portion thereof is inserted into the third liquid housing part by passing through the hole in the film, the entire amount is aspirated and the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is raised by means of the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75, and the reaction solution is transferred to the fourth liquid housing part, and the magnetic particle suspension housed within the fourth liquid housing part is stirred with the reaction solution. A cation structure in which Na+ ions bind to the hydroxyl groups formed on the surface of the magnetic particles contained within the magnetic particle suspension is formed. Consequently, the negatively charged DNA is captured by the magnetic particles.

(84) In step S10, the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner wall of the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 by approaching the magnet 571 of the magnetic force part 57 to the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12. In a state in which the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner wall of the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is raised by means of the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75 and moved from the fourth liquid housing part to the fifth liquid housing part using the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a is inserted by passing through the hole in the film.

(85) In a state in which the magnetic force within the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a is removed by separating the magnet 571 of the magnetic force part 57 from the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, as a result of repeating the suction and the discharge of the washing liquid 1 (NaCl, SDS, i-Propanol) housed in the fifth liquid housing part, the magnetic particles are released from the inner wall, and the protein is washed by stirring within the washing liquid 1. Thereafter, in a state in which the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner wall of the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a as a result of approaching the magnet 571 of the magnetic force part 57 to the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a again, the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is, by means of the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75, moved from the fifth liquid housing part to the sixth liquid housing part by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51.

(86) In step S11, the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is inserted by passing through the hole in the film using the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75. By repeating the suction and the discharge of the washing liquid 2 (i-Propanol) housed in the sixth liquid housing part in a state in which the magnetic force within the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a is removed by separating the magnet 571 of the magnetic force part 57 from the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, the magnetic particles are stirred within the liquid, the NaCl and the SDS is removed, and the protein is washed. Thereafter, in a state in which the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner wall of the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a by approaching the magnet 571 of the magnetic force part 57 to the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 again, the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is, following raising by means of the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75, moved from the sixth liquid housing part to the ninth liquid housing part, in which the distilled water is housed, by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51.

(87) In step S12, by means of the nozzle Z axis transfer mechanism 75, the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is lowered through the hole, and by repeating the suction and the discharge of the water at a slow flow rate in a state in which the magnetic force is applied within the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, the i-Propanol is substituted by water and is removed.

(88) In step S13, by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is moved along the X axis direction and the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a is inserted into the eighth liquid housing part through the hole in the film. By stirring the magnetic particles by repeating the suction and the discharge within the distilled water, which represents the dissociation liquid, in a state in which the magnet 571 of the magnetic force part 57 is separated from the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 and the magnetic force is removed, the nucleic acids or the fragments thereof retained by the magnetic particles are dissociated (eluted) from the magnetic particles into the liquid. Thereafter, a magnetic field is applied within the narrow diameter portion and the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the inner wall by approaching the magnet 571 to the narrow diameter portion 211.sub.1a of the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, and the solution containing the extracted nucleic acids, and the like, is made to remain in the eighth liquid housing part. The dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 is moved to the storage part of the housing parts for tips and the like 21.sub.1-21.sub.12 in which the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 was housed, by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and following separation of the tip retaining member 591 of the tip holding-detaching mechanism 59 from the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12, the dispensing tip 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 to which magnetic particles are adsorbed, is detached from the nozzle 181 together with the magnetic particles and dropped into the storage part, using the detaching member 598.

(89) The following step S14 to step S17 corresponds to nucleic acid amplification and measurement processing.

(90) In step S14, the nozzle head 50 is moved by means of the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and the coupling end 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 of the measurement mount 30 is moved above the sealing lid storage part 25i housing the sealing lids 251 of the container group 20. The sealing lid 251 is mounted by fitting to the lower end of the coupling end 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 by being lowered using the mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35. After being raised by the mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35, the coupling end 21.sub.1-21.sub.12 mounted with the sealing lid 251 is positioned on the reaction container 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 using the nozzle head transfer mechanism 51, and by lowering the coupling end 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 mounted with the sealing lid 251 by means of the mount Z axis transfer mechanism 35, the sealing lid 251 and also the aperture of the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.1-232.sub.12 of the reaction container 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 are joined.

(91) In step S15, due to an instruction by the nucleic acid processing controller 63, the temperature controller 29 instructs a temperature control cycle by real-time PCR, such as a cycle in which the reaction container 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 is heated for five seconds at 96 C. and heated for 15 seconds at 60 C., to be repeated forty nine times for example.

(92) In step S16, when temperature control at each cycle is started by the nucleic acid processing controller 63, the measurement control portion 61 determines the start of elongation reaction processing at each cycle, and instructs the continuous or intermittent movement of the measuring end 44, and therefore the measuring device 40. For the movement speed thereof, it is moved at a speed that is calculated based on the stable light receivable time and the number (twelve in this example) of exclusive regions 20.sub.1-20.sub.12. Consequently, the receiving of light from all twelve reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 within the stable light receivable time becomes completed.

(93) In step S17, the measurement control portion 61 determines the moment of each optical connection between the light guide portions 33.sub.1-33.sub.12 of the coupling ends 31.sub.1-31.sub.12 and the light guide portion 43 of the measuring end 44, and instructs the irradiation and the receiving of excitation light to the measuring device 40.

(94) This measurement is executed with respect to cycles in which exponential amplification is performed, and an amplification curve is obtained based on the measurement, and various analyses are performed based on the amplification curve. At the time of the measurement, the measurement control portion 61 heats the heater 37 and prevents the condensation on the sealing lid 251, and a clear measurement can be performed. In a case where measurements are performed with respect to a plurality of types of target nucleic acids by real-time PCR, the measurement can be performed by executing using the measuring devices 401, 402, and 403 described in the third, the fourth, and the fifth exemplary embodiments in place of the measuring device 40.

(95) FIG. 12 is a block-diagram showing an automatic response/light measurement device 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

(96) Elements that are the same as the automatic response/light measurement device 10 of the first embodiment are represented by the same reference symbols, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

(97) The automatic response/light measurement device 110 according to the second embodiment differs from the automatic response/light measurement device 10 of the first embodiment in the respect that the nozzle head 150 thereof has a measurement mount 130 that is different from the measurement mount 30. Although the measurement mount 130 has a plurality (twelve in this example) of coupling ends 131.sub.1-131.sub.12 having light guide portions 33.sub.1-33.sub.12, which are simultaneously directly or indirectly joinable to the apertures of the reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 and optically connect with the interior of the joined reaction containers 231.sub.1-231.sub.12, it differs from the measurement mount 30 in the respect that the heat source of the heater 137, which represents a heating portion for heating the coupling ends 131.sub.1-131.sub.12, is not provided to the coupling ends 131.sub.1-131.sub.12 provided to the measurement mount 130, or in the vicinity thereof.

(98) The heat source of the heater 137 is provided to the container group 120 or the stage. The container group 120 is one in which twelve exclusive regions 120.sub.1-120.sub.12, wherein the longitudinal direction thereof is along the X axis direction and storage parts are arranged in a single row form, are arranged in the Y axis direction for example. Each exclusive region 120.sub.1-120.sub.12 has: a reaction container group 123.sub.1-123.sub.12; a liquid housing part group 27.sub.1-27.sub.12; a sealing lid storage part 25.sub.1-25.sub.12 that houses a single sealing lid 251.sub.1-251.sub.12 which has transparency, that is detachably mounted on the twelve coupling ends 131.sub.1-131.sub.12 provided to the measurement mount 130; and housing parts for tips and the like 21.sub.1-21.sub.12.

(99) The reaction containers 123.sub.1-123.sub.12, the temperature controller 29, and the heater 137 are included in a reaction container control system 90.

(100) FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a side view of the nozzle head 150. The nozzle head 150 is different from the nozzle head 50 according to the first embodiment in that the heater 137 is not provided to the measurement mount 130, and a heat source of the heater 137 is not provided to the coupling ends 131.sub.12.

(101) FIG. 14A is a drawing showing a reaction container control system 901 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the second embodiment, and a state in which the coupling end 131.sub.12 of the measurement mount 130 is mounted on an aperture of the reaction container group which is provided with the plurality (twelve in this example) of reaction containers 231.sub.12 of the reaction container control system 901, and optical fibers 469 and 479 of a specific wavelength measuring device 404j for measuring light of a predetermined wavelength or wavelength band, which moves on a horizontal plate 130a of the measurement mount 130 while being supported by a vertical plate 130b, are connected to the coupling end 131.sub.12.

(102) As shown in FIG. 14A, the reaction container control system 901 has: a reaction container 231.sub.12 that houses target solutions of DNA possessing a target base sequence and the like, and in which reactions such as amplification are performed; a temperature control block 294i of the temperature controller 29, which corresponds to the heat source and the temperature source of the heater 137i; and a heat insulating plate 295i provided between a container base plate, which has a heat insulating property, mounted with the plurality (twelve in this example) of reaction containers 231.sub.12, and the temperature control block 294i representing the heat source and the temperature source of the heater 137i.

(103) The reaction container 231.sub.12 comprises a wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.12 and a narrow-mouthed piping part 233.sub.12 provided on the lower side of the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.12 that is communicated with the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.12 and formed narrower than the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.12, wherein the sealing lid 252.sub.12 which has transparency, is fitted and mounted on the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.12, and the coupling end 131.sub.12 representing the member for light measurement is mounted on the sealing lid 252i.

(104) The narrow-mouthed piping part 233.sub.12 has: a lower side wall section 233a.sub.12 provided such that the temperature control block 294 is making contact; and a band-shaped upper side wall section 233b.sub.12 positioned on the upper side leaving a spacing and, with the lower side wall section 233a.sub.12, sandwiching the heat insulating plate 295.sub.12, that is adjacently provided with the heat source of the heater 137.sub.12.

(105) According to the present exemplary embodiment, by means of the instructions of the measurement control portion 161 (CPU+program 160), by controlling the heater 137.sub.12 according to the temperature control by the temperature controller 29 such that, in the case of PCR, the upper side wall section 233b.sub.12 is heated at a fixed temperature (100 C. for example) that is several degrees, or preferably approximately 5 C., higher than the maximum predetermined temperature (94 C. for example), the sealing lid 252.sub.12 fitted to the wide-mouthed piping part 232.sub.12 of the reaction container 231.sub.12 is heated and condensation on the sealing lid can be prevented. At that time, the upper side wall section 233b.sub.12 is separated by a predetermined spacing from the lower side wall section 233a.sub.12, in which the temperature control is performed, and the heat source is made to make contact with, or approach, and heat the upper side wall section 233b.sub.12, which has a smaller surface area than the lower side wall section. Therefore, the effect of heating on the upper side wall section 233b.sub.12 is that the sealing lid 252.sub.12 provided at a position in the vicinity of the upper side wall section 233b.sub.12 is heated, and the lower end surface of the sealing lid 252.sub.12 is heated, and condensation can be prevented.

(106) On the other hand, since the coupling end 131.sub.12 is on the upper side of the sealing lid 252.sub.12, there is not nearly the effect of heating as for the sealing lid 252.sub.12. In the same manner, the lower side wall section 233a.sub.12 becomes temperature controlled at the predetermined temperature using a Peltier element having a cooling function.

(107) FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction container control system 902 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the automatic response/light measurement device 110 according to the second embodiment.

(108) The reaction container control system 902 is one in which a rod lens 430 is provided to the light guide portion 33.sub.1-33.sub.12 of the coupling end 132.sub.12 as an example of an optical system element. Consequently, the optical state from the reaction container 231.sub.12 is captured with certainty, and excitation light can be uniformly irradiated into the reaction container.

(109) Since the present exemplary embodiment is one in which the heater 137.sub.12 does not directly heat the coupling end 132.sub.12 and heats the sealing lid 252.sub.12 by heating the upper side wall section of the reaction container 231.sub.12, the effect of heating does not readily reach the coupling end 132.sub.12, and even if optical elements such as the rod lens 430 is built into the interior, the degradation or change in properties thereof, for example, is prevented, and measurements with a high reliability can be performed.

(110) The foregoing embodiments have been specifically described in order to better understand the present invention, and they are in no way limiting of other embodiments. Therefore, modifications are possible within a scope that does not depart from the gist of the invention. The configurations, shapes, materials, arrangements, and amounts of the nozzles, the dispensing tips, the punching pin, the container group, the exclusive regions thereof, the storage parts, the measuring end, the measuring devices, the specific wavelength measuring devices, the suction-discharge mechanism, the transfer mechanism, the magnetic force part, the heating portion, the reaction container, the sealing lid, the measurement mount, the coupling end, the light guide portion, the nozzle head, the temperature controller, the heater, and the like, and the utilized reagents and samples are also in no way limited by the examples illustrated in the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, although the nozzles were made to move with respect to the stage, it is possible to also move the stage with respect to the nozzles.

(111) Furthermore, in the foregoing descriptions, although the amplification solution was sealed using a sealing lid for the sealing of the reaction container for PCR, it may be made such that, in its place or in combination, it is sealed using a sealing liquid, such as mineral oil. Moreover, in place of the punching pin, it is possible to perform punching by mounting a tip for punching on the nozzle. Although the plurality of specific wavelength measuring devices were joined by screw fastening both ends of a shaft that penetrates them, it is in no way limited to this, and they may also be joined by storing the plurality of specific wavelength measuring devices within a frame for example. Furthermore, the joining is in no way limited to an integrated case, and it is possible for the plurality of specific wavelength measuring devices or the measuring ends to be joined using a chain or in a chain form. Moreover, in the foregoing descriptions, although a real-time PCR measurement was described, it is in no way limited to this measurement, and it may also be applied to a variety of other measurements in which temperature control is performed. In the foregoing descriptions, although a case where the measuring device is provided to a dispensing device was described, it is not necessarily limited to this. Although a case where a measurement mount is used was described, it is also possible to not use a measurement mount and to directly and successively optically connect the reaction container and the light guide portions of the measuring ends of the plurality of specific wavelength measuring devices.

(112) Furthermore, the devices described in the respective exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the components that form these devices, or the components that form these components, can be appropriately selected, and can be mutually combined by applying appropriate modifications. The spatial representations within the present application, such as above, below, upper side, lower side, interior, exterior, X axis, Y axis, and Z axis are for illustration only, and are in no way limiting of the specific spatial directions or arrangements of the construction.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(113) The present invention is related to fields in which the processing, testing, and analysis of nucleic acids, which primarily includes DNA, RNA, mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA for example, is required, and is related to industrial fields, agricultural fields such as food, agricultural products, and fishery processing, chemical fields, pharmaceutical fields, health care fields such as hygiene, insurance, diseases, and genetics, and scientific fields such as biochemistry or biology for example. The present invention is, in particular, able to be used in processing and analysis that handles various nucleic acids, and the like, such as PCR and real-time PCR.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS

(114) 10, 100, 110 Automatic response/light measurement device 20, 120 Container group 20.sub.1-20.sub.12, 120.sub.1-120.sub.12 Exclusive regions 211.sub.1-211.sub.12 Dispensing tips 231.sub.1-231.sub.12 Reaction containers 30, 130 Measurement mount 31.sub.1-31.sub.12, 131.sub.1-131.sub.12, 132.sub.1-132.sub.12 Coupling ends 37, 137 Heater (heating portion) 40, 401.sub.1-401.sub.6, 402.sub.1-402.sub.6, 403.sub.1-403.sub.6, 404.sub.1-404.sub.6 (Specific wavelength) Measuring devices 44, 441, 442, 443 Measuring end 50, 150 Nozzle head 53 Suction-discharge mechanism 59 Tip holding-detaching mechanism 61, 161 Measurement control portion 70 Nozzle arrangement portion 71.sub.1-71.sub.12 Nozzles