JP6439693B2 - Cell detection method and cell detection apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cell detection method and a cell detection apparatus for performing the cell detection method.

  Circulating tumor cells (CTC), circulating vascular endothelial cells (CEC), circulating vascular endothelial progenitor cells (CEP), various stem cells (hereinafter also referred to as “rare cells”) are very rarely present in the blood depending on the pathological condition. . The detection of such rare cells is obviously difficult, but is extremely difficult. In recent years, various cell separation techniques have been applied to detect rare cells, and various detection devices have been commercialized. For example, when examining whether or not a target rare cell is present in a sample such as blood, it is proposed to analyze a whole cell after the cell suspension derived from the sample is developed on the device. ing.

  In general, rare cells are detected using a microscope. In this method, a cell suspension is developed in a flat shape, and then all cells are observed with a microscope to detect rare cells.

  As another method for detecting rare cells, a method using a microarray scanner is disclosed (see Non-Patent Document 1). In this method, a cell suspension is developed on a chip having a plurality of microchambers, cells are accommodated in the microchambers, and rare cells are labeled with a fluorescent substance. Then, using a microarray scanner, scan the irradiation spot of the same size as the cells, irradiate all the cells with excitation light, and detect the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent material labeled with the rare cells. Detect cells.

S. Yatsushiro et al., "Rapid and Highly Sensitive Detection of Malaria-Infected Erythrocytes Using a Cell Microarray Chip", PloS ONE, Vol. 5, e13179.

  In the method for detecting rare cells using a microscope, for example, when all cells are observed at a high magnification, the rare cells can be detected with high sensitivity, but the detection time becomes long because the field of view is narrow. On the other hand, when all cells are observed at a low magnification, the field of view is widened and the detection time can be shortened, but the detection sensitivity is lowered, and some rare cells may not be detected.

  Further, in the rare cell detection method described in Non-Patent Document 1, since the whole cell is analyzed by scanning an irradiation spot having the same size as the cell, the cell can be detected with high sensitivity. The time will be longer.

  As described above, the conventional method for detecting rare cells cannot achieve both high detection sensitivity and shortening of the detection time.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a cell detection method capable of detecting a target rare cell from a large number of cells with high sensitivity and in a short time using a chip having a plurality of microchambers. Another object of the present invention is to provide a cell detection apparatus for performing this cell detection method.

  The present inventors have found that the above problem can be solved by scanning an irradiation spot having a predetermined size and shape corresponding to the microchamber and irradiating the cells accommodated in the microchamber with excitation light. The present invention has been completed through examination.

  That is, the present invention relates to the following cell detection method.

[1] A plurality of microchamber rows in which a plurality of microchambers are arranged at predetermined intervals in the first direction are arranged, and one or more cells labeled with a fluorescent substance are accommodated in the microchamber. A first step of preparing a chip, and a second step of irradiating the chip with excitation light to detect fluorescence of a fluorescent substance in the detection region, wherein the second step includes the detection region. The scanning in the first direction and the movement in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction are repeated, and the length of the detection region in the first direction is the first direction. Is less than or equal to the distance between the two microchambers adjacent to each other in one direction, and the length of the detection region in the second direction is the length of the microchamber in the second direction. At least a cell detection method.
[2] In the chip, a plurality of chamber rows including the plurality of micro chambers arranged in the first direction are arranged in the second direction, and the two adjacent chamber rows are arranged in the second direction. Each of the included microchambers does not overlap in the first direction, and the length of the detection region in the first direction is the most in the first direction in the two chamber rows. The distance between the two adjacent micro chambers in the first direction is equal to or less than the distance between the two micro chambers, and the length of the detection region in the second direction is included in one chamber row of the two chamber rows. In the second direction and the second of the microchambers included in the other chamber row of the two chamber rows [1], which is equal to or greater than the sum of the length in the direction and the distance in the second direction between the microchamber included in the one chamber row and the microchamber included in the other chamber row. The cell detection method as described.
[3] In the chip, a plurality of chamber rows including a plurality of the micro chambers arranged in the first direction are arranged in the second direction, and two of the chamber rows adjacent to each other are arranged. Among these, the micro chamber included in one chamber row and the micro chamber included in the other chamber row and closest to the micro chamber included in the one chamber row are in the first direction. The length of the detection region in the second direction overlaps with the length of the microchamber included in the one chamber row in the second direction, and the length of the micro chamber included in the one chamber row. In the second direction between the chamber and the microchamber included in the other chamber row. Is less than the total of the intervals, the cell detection method according to [1].
[4] The second step further acquires position information of the detected fluorescence at the same time as detecting the fluorescence, and after the second step, based on the detection result of the fluorescence and the position information. The cell detection method according to any one of [1] to [3], further including a third step of imaging the cell accommodated in the microchamber in which the fluorescence is detected.
[5] The cell detection method according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the detection region matches an irradiation spot of the excitation light.
[6] The cell detection method according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the detection region is a part of an irradiation spot of the excitation light.
[7] The detection area is rectangular, the length of the detection area in the first direction is in the range of 10 to 25 μm, and the length of the detection area in the second direction is 50 The cell detection method according to any one of [1] to [6], which is in a range of ˜500 μm.
[8] The cell detection method according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the detection region is a circle having a diameter of 20 to 500 μm.

  The present invention also relates to the following cell detection apparatus.

[9] A plurality of microchamber rows in which a plurality of microchambers are arranged at predetermined intervals in the first direction are arranged, and one or more cells labeled with a fluorescent substance are accommodated in the microchamber. A holder for holding the chip, a light irradiation unit for irradiating the chip with excitation light, a light detection unit for detecting fluorescence of the fluorescent substance in the detection region by the excitation light irradiated from the light irradiation unit, A detection area defining section that is disposed between the light irradiation section and the holder or between the holder and the light detection section and defines the detection area, and for moving the position of the detection area on the chip And a moving part that relatively moves the light irradiating part, the detection region defining part, and the light detecting part, and the front in the first direction The length of the detection region is equal to or less than the interval between the two microchambers adjacent to each other in the first direction, and the length of the detection region in the second direction is the microchamber in the second direction. A cell detection device that is longer than the length of the cell.
[10] Based on a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the fluorescent substance detected by the light detection unit, a detection result of the fluorescence by the light detection unit, and the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit The cell detection device according to [9], further comprising: an imaging unit that images the cells labeled with the fluorescent substance housed in the microchamber.
[11] The detection region defining unit is a diaphragm that is disposed between the light irradiation unit and the holder, and that passes only light that irradiates the detection region among excitation light emitted from the light irradiation unit. The cell detection device according to [9] or [10].
[12] The detection region defining unit is arranged between the holder and the light detection unit, and allows only the fluorescence emitted from the detection region to pass through the fluorescence emitted from the irradiation spot. The cell detection device according to [9] or [10].
[13] The detection area is rectangular, the length of the detection area in the first direction is in the range of 10 to 25 μm, and the length of the detection area in the second direction is 50 The cell detection device according to any one of [9] to [12], which is in a range of ˜500 μm.
[14] The cell detection device according to any one of [9] to [12], wherein the detection region is a circle having a diameter of 20 to 500 μm.

  According to the present invention, rare cells can be detected from a large number of cells in a short time without leakage.

1A and 1B are diagrams showing the configuration of a cell deployment device. 2A to 2C are diagrams showing a configuration of a cell deployment device. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the chip. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of microchambers in the chip. 5A and 5B are schematic views showing other arrangements of the microchambers. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the cell detection device according to the first embodiment. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams for explaining the size of the detection region. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams for explaining the size of the detection region. 9A to 9C are schematic diagrams for explaining the relationship between the irradiation spot and the detection region. 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams for explaining the relationship between the irradiation spot and the detection region. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining scanning and movement of the irradiation spot. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining another scanning and movement of the irradiation spot. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the cell detection device according to the second embodiment. 14A to 14D show detection results of circulating tumor cells in Example 1. FIG. 15A and 15B are detection results of circulating tumor cells in Example 2. FIG. 16A to 16C are detection results of circulating tumor cells in Example 3. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
The cell detection apparatus in the first embodiment is used in a state in which a cell expansion device is mounted. For the convenience of explanation, in the following explanation, the cell detection device will be explained after explaining the cell deployment device (chip).

(Configuration of cell deployment device)
1 and 2 are diagrams showing the configuration of the cell deployment device 160. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the cell deployment device 160, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1A.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the cell deployment device 160 includes a chip 161, a frame body 162, and a top plate 163. 2A is a plan view of the chip 161, FIG. 2B is a plan view of the frame body 162, and FIG. 2C is a plan view of the top plate 163.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chip 161 has a plurality of microchambers 165 on one surface (see FIG. 1B). Thus, the chip 161 having the plurality of micro chambers 165 is also referred to as a micro chamber array (MCA). Here, the “microchamber” means a fine bottomed recess (microwell) for containing and holding one or more cells. Further, “holding cells” means that the cells accommodated in the microchamber 165 are difficult to get out of the microchamber 165 when a liquid flows in a flow path 164 described later. The surface of the chip 161 on which the microchamber 165 is formed is the bottom surface of the channel 164 of the cell deployment device 160. Each microchamber 165 is open to the flow path 164. The configuration of the chip 161 will be described in detail separately.

  The frame body 162 is a thin plate having a through-hole disposed between the chip 161 and the top plate 163 (see FIG. 2B). This through-hole becomes a flow path 164 for flowing a cell suspension derived from the specimen. The shape of the channel 164 (through hole) is not particularly limited as long as the cell suspension can flow over the microchamber 165, and can be appropriately selected depending on the application. In addition, the thickness of the frame body 162 is not particularly limited, and is appropriately set according to the desired height (depth) of the flow path. For example, the thickness of the frame body 162 is in the range of 50 to 500 μm, and the height of the flow path 164 is in the range of 50 to 500 μm. The material of the frame 162 is not particularly limited, and may be the same material as a known microplate. Examples of the material of the frame body 162 include resins such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethyl methacrylate, and cyclic olefin copolymer.

  The top plate 163 is a thin plate having two through holes disposed on the frame body 162 (see FIG. 2C). These through-holes are respectively an introduction port 166 for introducing a liquid (for example, a cell suspension, a washing solution, a staining solution, etc.) into the flow channel 164 and a discharge port for discharging the liquid from the flow channel 164. 167. Usually, the introduction port 166 communicates with one end of the flow channel 164, and the discharge port 167 communicates with the other end of the flow channel 164. The shapes of the inlet 166 and the outlet 167 are not particularly limited. Moreover, the thickness of the top plate 163 is not particularly limited as long as necessary strength can be secured. The material of the top plate 163 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a light-transmitting material from the viewpoint of transmitting excitation light irradiated by the cell detection device 100 described later. As the material of the top plate 163, the same resin as that of the frame body 162 can be used.

  The chip 161, the frame body 162, and the top plate 163 are stacked in this order and fixed to each other. The method for fixing them is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of observation and maintenance, it is preferable to fix them so as to be removable from each other. Examples of the fixing method include fixing by engagement, fixing using a screw, and fixing using an adhesive.

  As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2B, the flow path 164 formed in the cell deployment device 160 communicates with the outside via the introduction port 166 and the discharge port 167. By introducing a liquid (for example, a cell suspension) from the introduction port 166, the flow path 164 can be filled with the liquid. At this time, the liquid flows in the flow path 164 from the introduction port 166 toward the discharge port 167. When the channel 164 is filled with the cell suspension, the cells settle on the chip 161 and adhere to the bottom surface of the microchamber 165. That is, the cells are accommodated in the microchamber 165. Thereafter, washing and staining are performed, and various analyzes can be performed by observing cells housed in the microchamber 165 from the outside using the cell detection device 100 or the like.

(Chip configuration)
Next, the chip 161 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the chip 161. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, a plurality of microchambers 165 (bottomed recesses) are formed on one surface of the chip 161. The material of the chip 161 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the material has light transmittance like the top plate 163. As a material of the chip 161, the same resin as that of the frame body 162 and the top plate 163 can be used. The thickness of the chip 161 is not particularly limited as long as necessary strength can be ensured.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the plurality of microchambers 165 in the chip 161. In FIG. 4, 1 to n described on the left side indicate the numbers of the chamber rows. m is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ m <n, and indicates an arbitrary chamber row number.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of chamber rows including a plurality of micro chambers 165 arranged at a predetermined interval in the first direction D1 are arranged in the second direction D2 on the chip 161. The number of micro chambers 165 included in each chamber row is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, each chamber row has 200 micro chambers 165. Further, the number of chamber rows is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the chip 161 has 100 chamber rows. That is, the chip 161 has 20000 microchambers 165.

  The shape of the opening of the micro chamber 165 is not particularly limited. Examples of the shape of the opening of the microchamber 165 include a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon. In the present embodiment, the shape of the opening is circular. In addition, the size of the opening of the microchamber 165 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the type of cells to be accommodated, the number of cells to be accommodated in one microchamber 165, and the like. Usually, the size of the opening is preferably such that about 10 to 15 cells can adhere to the bottom surface of the microchamber 165. For example, the diameter of the opening is in the range of 20 to 500 μm, and the depth of the microchamber 165 is in the range of 20 to 100 μm. Note that the diameters of the openings may be the same in the plurality of microchambers 165, or may be different from each other. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the opening is the same in all the microchambers 165.

  The distance d1 between the micro chambers 165 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 is not particularly limited. The distance d1 may be the same or different. In the present embodiment, the interval d1 is constant. That is, in each chamber row, the plurality of micro chambers 165 are arranged at equal intervals. The interval d2 between the chamber rows in the second direction D2 is not particularly limited and is set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the interval d2 is constant. That is, the plurality of chamber rows are arranged at equal intervals.

  Each of the microchambers 165 included in the two chamber rows adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 does not overlap in the first direction D1. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the specific microchamber 165 included in the mth chamber row and the closest (m + 1) th chamber row to the specific microchamber 165 When the microchamber 165 to be viewed is viewed from the side surface of the chip 161, a gap d3 is provided between them. The length of the interval d3 is not particularly limited. The length of the interval d3 may be as long as the fluorescence signals do not overlap in the fluorescence detection described later. Thereby, for example, even if the irradiation spot straddling two chamber rows is scanned in the first direction D1, fluorescence can be detected for each microchamber 165.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of microchambers 165 are arranged in a regular triangular lattice (hexagonal lattice). That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a straight line L1 passing through the center of each of the plurality of microchambers 165 included in the chamber row and a straight line passing through the center of the microchamber 165 in each chamber row, On the other hand, a straight line L2 having the largest inclination angle is considered. In this case, of the angles formed by the straight line L1 and the straight line L2, the small angle θ1 is 60 °. The three microchambers 165 adjacent to each other are arranged so as to be located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle.

  In the present embodiment, the closed system cell deployment device 160 having the flow path 164 is used, but an open system cell deployment device having no flow path 164 may be used. That is, the chip 161 can also be used as a device for cell deployment.

  In the present embodiment, the cell deployment device 160 in which a plurality of microchambers 165 are arranged as shown in FIG. 4 is used, but the arrangement of the plurality of microchambers 165 is not limited to this. For example, the specific micro chamber 165 included in the m-th chamber row and the specific micro-chamber 165 included in the (m + 1) -th chamber row and the specific micro-chamber 165 included in the m-th chamber row most The adjacent microchamber 165 may partially overlap in the first direction (see FIG. 5A), or all may overlap (see FIG. 5B). In the latter case, the plurality of microchambers 165 are arranged in a rectangular lattice (square lattice).

(Configuration of cell detector)
Next, the cell detection apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention that is used with the above-described cell deployment device 160 will be described. The cell detection apparatus 100 irradiates all cells including rare cells labeled with a fluorescent substance, housed in the microchamber 165 of the cell deployment device 160, from the detection region in the excitation light irradiation spot. It is an apparatus for detecting rare cells contained in whole cells by detecting emitted fluorescence.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the cell detection device 100. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cell detection device 100 includes a holder 110, a light irradiation unit 120, a light detection unit 130, a detection region defining unit 140, a moving unit 150, and a control unit (not shown). A cell deployment device 160 including a chip 161 is attached to the cell detection apparatus 100.

  The holder 110 holds the cell deployment device 160 in a predetermined position. As will be described later, the holder 110 is moved in the horizontal direction by the moving unit 150 while holding the cell expansion device 160.

  The light irradiation unit 120 and the light detection unit 130 are disposed above the holder 110. The light irradiation unit 120 irradiates the cell deployment device 160 (chip 161) held by the holder 110 with excitation light. The light detection unit 130 detects fluorescence emitted from the cell deployment device 160 (chip 161).

  The type of the light source for irradiating the excitation light contained in the light irradiation unit 120 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected according to the type of the fluorescent material to be used. The light source is, for example, a laser diode. The wavelength of the excitation light is preferably a long wavelength from the viewpoint of eliminating the influence of autofluorescence of the cell deployment device 160. The wavelength of the excitation light is, for example, in the range of 600 to 780 nm.

  The type of the light detection unit 130 is not particularly limited as long as weak fluorescence can be detected. Examples of the light detection unit 130 include a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a photodiode, and the like. In the present embodiment, the light detection unit 130 is a photomultiplier tube.

  On the optical path of the excitation light from the light irradiation unit 120 to the cell deployment device 160, the first lens 121, the detection region defining unit 140, the second lens 122, the dichroic mirror 123, and the objective lens 124 are on the light irradiation unit 120 side. Are arranged in order. The excitation light emitted from the light irradiation unit 120 passes through the first lens 121, the detection region defining unit 140, and the second lens 122 and is then reflected by the dichroic mirror 123 toward the cell deployment device 160. The excitation light reflected by the dichroic mirror 123 is condensed near the bottom surface of the microchamber 165 of the cell deployment device 160 (chip 161) by the objective lens 124. The detection area defining unit 140 will be described separately.

  In addition, on the fluorescence optical path from the cell deployment device 160 to the light detection unit 130, the objective lens 124, the dichroic mirror 123, the filter 131, the pinhole 132, and the third lens 133 are sequentially arranged from the cell deployment device 160 side. Are arranged. The fluorescence emitted from the cell deployment device 160 passes through the objective lens 124, the dichroic mirror 123, the filter 131, and the pinhole 132, and then is imaged on the light receiving surface of the light detection unit 130 by the third lens 133. The filter 131 is, for example, an excitation light cut filter or a neutral density filter. The excitation light cut filter blocks excitation light and external light, and improves the S / N ratio. The neutral density filter adjusts the fluorescence intensity according to the light detection unit 130. The pinhole 132 blocks light other than fluorescence emitted from the focal point of the excitation light (near the bottom surface of the microchamber 165) and improves the S / N ratio. The shape of the pinhole 132 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a circle or a rectangle. The size of the pinhole 132 is appropriately set according to the shape of the excitation light irradiation spot and the optical element used.

  The detection region defining unit 140 is disposed between the light irradiation unit 120 and the cell deployment device 160 (holder 110), or between the cell deployment device 160 (holder 110) and the light detection unit 130, and is disposed on the chip 161. The detection area A is defined. Here, the “detection region” means a region where fluorescence is detected by the light detection unit 130. Normally, the fluorescence to be detected is not emitted from outside the excitation light irradiation spot S, and therefore the detection region A is set in the excitation light irradiation spot S on the chip 161. The detection area A may coincide with the irradiation spot S of the excitation light, or may be a part of the irradiation spot S.

  For example, the detection region defining unit 140 is disposed between the light irradiation unit 120 and the cell deployment device 160 (holder 110), and light that irradiates the detection region A out of the excitation light emitted from the light irradiation unit 120. A diaphragm (such as a slit or an aperture) that allows only the light to pass through may be used. In this case, the detection area A coincides with the irradiation spot S of the excitation light. The detection region defining unit 140 is disposed between the cell deployment device 160 (holder 110) and the light irradiation unit 120, and is emitted from the detection region A out of the fluorescence emitted from the irradiation spot S of the excitation light. A diaphragm (such as a slit or an aperture) that allows only fluorescent light to pass through may also be used. In this case, the detection area A is a part of the excitation light irradiation spot S. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the detection region defining unit 140 is disposed between the light irradiation unit 120 and the cell deployment device 160 (holder 110).

  The size of the excitation light irradiation spot S is not particularly limited as long as it is equal to or larger than the size of the detection region A. Further, the shape of the excitation light irradiation spot S is not particularly limited. Usually, the shape of the irradiation spot S is circular, but when the detection region defining unit 140 is disposed between the light irradiation unit 120 and the cell deployment device 160 (holder 110) as in the present embodiment. The shape of the irradiation spot S (detection region A) can take various shapes.

  On the other hand, the size and shape of the detection region A are limited according to the arrangement of the microchamber 165 in the cell deployment device 160, as will be described later. At least the length of the detection region A in the first direction of the chip 161 is equal to or less than the distance d1 (see FIG. 4) between the two microchambers 165 adjacent to each other in the first direction, and the detection in the second direction is performed. The length of the region A is not less than the length of the microchamber 165 in the second direction. Examples of the shape of the detection region A include a circle, an ellipse, and a rectangle. The shape of the detection region A is preferably elliptical or rectangular from the viewpoint of increasing detection sensitivity. In the present embodiment, the shape of the irradiation spot S is a rectangle having a width of 10 to 25 μm and a length of 50 to 500 μm.

  7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the size of the detection area A on the chip 161 in the present embodiment. In these drawings, it is assumed that the scanning of the irradiation spot S (detection region A) is performed for every two chamber rows (two-row irradiation). FIG. 7A and FIG. 8A show a more preferable example of the detection region A as compared with FIG. 7B and FIG. 8B.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the length of the detection region A in the first direction D1 is equal to two microchambers that are closest to each other in the first direction D1 in two adjacent chamber rows. 165 or less in the first direction D1 between 165. When the length of the detection region A in the first direction D1 is longer than the interval d4, as shown in FIG. 7B, the fluorescence emitted from the two microchambers 165 included in the different chamber rows is simultaneously detected. Will end up. On the other hand, the minimum value of the length of the detection region A in the first direction D1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about the same as the size of the detection target cell from the viewpoint of detection sensitivity.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the length of the detection region A in the second direction D2 is the length of the microchamber 165 included in one of the two chamber rows adjacent to each other. The length d5a in the second direction D2, the length d5b in the second direction of the microchamber 165 included in the other chamber row of the two chamber rows, the microchamber 165 included in one chamber row and the other The total is d5 or more with the distance d5c in the second direction between the micro chambers 165 included in the chamber row. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the length of the detection region A in the second direction D2 is the first d5 (d5a, d5b and d5c) described above and the second microchamber 165 similar to d5c. The total is d5 ′ or less with the distance d5d in the direction of 2. If the length of the detection region A in the second direction D2 is not less than d5 and not more than d5 ', the fluorescence emitted from the microchamber 165 included in any one of the chamber rows can be detected.

  Next, the relationship between the irradiation spot S and the detection area A will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the irradiation spot S and the detection area A. FIG. FIG. 9 shows the irradiation spot S and the detection region A when the detection region defining unit 140 is arranged on the light irradiation unit 120 side. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the optical path of the excitation light, FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram when the irradiation spot S and the detection region A are viewed from above, and FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram showing the optical path of fluorescence. is there. FIG. 10 shows the irradiation spot S and the detection region A when the detection region defining unit 140 is arranged on the light detection unit 130 side. 10A is a schematic diagram showing an optical path of excitation light, FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram when the irradiation spot S and the detection region A are viewed from above, and FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram showing an optical path of fluorescence. is there.

  First, with reference to FIG. 9, the case where the detection area prescription | regulation part 140 is arrange | positioned at the light irradiation part 120 side is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 9A, when the detection region defining unit 140 is arranged on the light irradiation unit 120 side, a part of the excitation light emitted from the light irradiation unit 120 is a through hole having the same shape as the detection region A. Only the excitation light that has been blocked by the detection region defining unit 140 having passed through the through hole of the detection region defining unit 140 is irradiated onto the chip 161. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9B, the shape of the excitation light irradiation spot S and the shape of the detection region A match. Then, when the chip 161 is irradiated with excitation light, fluorescence is emitted from the fluorescent substance in the detection region A. At this time, since the excitation light is applied only to the detection region A, fluorescence is emitted only from the detection region A (see FIG. 9C).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the case where the detection area prescription | regulation part 140 is arrange | positioned at the photon detection part 130 side is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the detection region defining unit 140 is arranged on the light detection unit 130 side, the excitation light emitted from the light irradiation unit 120 is irradiated to the chip 161 as it is. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, the size of the irradiation spot S is larger than that of the detection region A. Then, when the chip 161 is irradiated with excitation light, fluorescence is emitted from the fluorescent material in the irradiation spot S including the detection region A. As shown in FIG. 10C, among the fluorescence emitted from the irradiation spot S, the fluorescence emitted from the region other than the detection region A is blocked by the detection region defining unit 140 having a through-hole having the same shape as the detection region A. Is done. Accordingly, only the fluorescence emitted from the detection region A is detected by the light detection unit 130. As described above, the detection area A can be set, for example, by limiting the area where the excitation light is irradiated, limiting the area where fluorescence is detected, or a combination thereof. Further, from the viewpoint of fluorescence detection accuracy, fluorescence loss, and the like, the detection area A is preferably set as an excitation light irradiation area.

  Returning to the description of the cell detection apparatus 100. The moving part 150 moves the device 110 for cell expansion | deployment hold | maintained at the holder 110 to a horizontal direction (XY direction) by moving the holder 110 to a horizontal direction (XY direction). While the light irradiation unit 120 is irradiating the cell deployment device 160 with excitation light, the chip deployment 161 is scanned with the excitation light irradiation spot S by moving the cell deployment device 160 in the horizontal direction (XY direction). can do. For example, the moving unit 150 includes an X-axis moving mechanism 152 that moves the holder 110 in the X-axis direction (for example, the first direction D1), and a holder 110 that moves in the Y-axis direction (for example, the second direction orthogonal to the first direction). And a Y-axis moving mechanism 154 that moves to D2). The moving unit 150 drives the X-axis moving mechanism 152 and the Y-axis moving mechanism 154 to move the holder 110 in an arbitrary direction.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining scanning and movement of the irradiation spot S (detection region A). As shown in FIG. 11, the moving unit 150 is configured such that the irradiation spot S (detection region A) has one end of two chamber rows (the m-th row and the (m + 1) -th chamber row) adjacent to each other. The cell deployment device 160 is moved so as to move in the first direction D1 from the portion (movement start position) to the other end (movement end position) (see the solid line arrow in FIG. 11).

  Next, the irradiation spot S (detection area A) is moved in the second direction D2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the irradiation spot S (detection region A) that has reached the movement end position of the two chamber rows (the m-th row and the (m + 1) -th chamber row) is detected. Then, it is moved to the movement start position of the next two chamber rows (the (m + 2) -th row and the (m + 3) -th chamber row) (see the dotted arrows in FIG. 11). At this time, the light irradiation part 120 may continue irradiating excitation light, and does not need to irradiate. In this way, the irradiation spot S (detection region A) is moved so that the once-scanned chamber row is not scanned again and there is no chamber row that is not scanned. These steps are repeated until the last chamber row (the nth chamber row) has been scanned.

  The control unit (not shown) is connected to the light irradiation unit 120, the light detection unit 130, and the moving unit 150, and controls the cell detection device 100 in an integrated manner.

  As described above, the cell detection apparatus 100 continuously examines the cells contained in the plurality of microchambers 165 formed on the chip 161 by detecting the fluorescence while scanning the irradiation spot of the excitation light.

(Cell detection method)
Next, a method for detecting a target rare cell from a large number of cells using the cell detection device 100 will be described.

  First, a chip 161 (cell deployment device 160) in which cells are housed in a plurality of microchambers 165 is prepared (first step). For example, after filling the channel 164 with a cell suspension (for example, blood or a diluted solution thereof), the cell suspension is aspirated 20 times so that the cells in the cell suspension move slightly. Repeat (stop for 10 seconds after a single aspiration) to house cells in microchamber 165. And the chip | tip 161 (device 160 for cell expansion | deployment) in which the cell was accommodated is hold | maintained at the holder 110 so that the opening part of the micro chamber 165 may face the upper side.

  Next, the chip 161 is irradiated with excitation light, and fluorescence emitted from the detection region A in the excitation light irradiation spot is detected (second step). First, the moving unit 150 moves the cell deployment device 160 via the holder 110 so that the excitation light irradiation spot S is located at the movement start position. Then, the moving unit 150 moves the irradiation spot S (detection region A) from the movement start position to the movement end position of two adjacent chamber rows (the m-th row and the (m + 1) -th chamber row). As described above, the cell deployment device 160 is moved in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 by 180 °.

  At this time, the light irradiation unit 120 continues to emit excitation light having a predetermined wavelength while the moving unit 150 moves the holder 110 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 by 180 °. That is, the light irradiation unit 120 continuously irradiates the cells (fluorescent substances) accommodated in the plurality of micro chambers 165 included in the chamber row with excitation light. The fluorescent substance emits fluorescence simultaneously with the excitation light irradiation. The light detection unit 130 continuously detects the emitted fluorescence.

  Next, the moving unit 150 starts moving the excitation light irradiation spot S (detection region A) next to the two adjacent chamber rows (the (m + 2) th row and the (m + 3) th chamber row). The cell deployment device 160 is moved so as to move to the position.

  The scanning and movement of the irradiation spot S described above are repeated, and rare cells are detected by detecting fluorescence while irradiating the chip 161 with excitation light.

  By the above procedure, target rare cells can be detected from a large number of cells with high sensitivity and in a short time. In addition, the kind of rare cell used as a detection target is not specifically limited. Examples of cells to be detected include blood circulating cancer cells (CTC), circulating vascular endothelial cells (CEC), circulating vascular endothelial progenitor cells (CEP), circulating fetal cells, antigen-specific T cells, various stem cells, and the like. .

  In the present embodiment, the irradiation spot is scanned once for each chamber row. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the irradiation spot may be scanned twice for each chamber row. By doing in this way, a rare cell can be detected more reliably.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B, in the first direction D1, when at least a part of the micro chambers 165 adjacent to each other overlaps, the detection region A in the second direction D2 The length is a length that does not span two adjacent chamber rows in the second direction D2. Specifically, the length of the detection region A in the second direction D2 is equal to the length in the second direction D2 of the microchamber 165 included in one of the two chamber rows adjacent to each other, and the one chamber. It is less than or equal to the sum of the distances in the second direction between the microchambers 165 included in the row and the microchambers 165 included in the other chamber row. If the length of the detection region A in the second direction D2 is equal to or shorter than the above-described length, the fluorescence emitted from the two microchambers 165 included in the different chamber rows is not detected at the same time. The length of the detection region in the first direction D1 is as described above.

  Further, in the cell detection method using the cell detection apparatus 100 equipped with such a chip 161, it is preferable to detect rare cells for each chamber row. The moving unit 150 moves the cell deployment device 160 in the first direction so that the irradiation spot S (detection region A) of the excitation light moves from the movement start position to the movement end position of one m-th chamber row. Move in the direction 180 ° opposite to D1. Next, the moving unit 150 moves the cell deployment device 160 so that the irradiation spot S (detection region A) moves to the movement start position of the next chamber row (the (m + 1) th row). Thus, in the cell detection apparatus 100 of this Embodiment, you may scan the irradiation spot S (detection area A) for every chamber row | line | column (one row irradiation).

  Although not particularly illustrated, the movement start position and the movement end position may be set at opposite positions in the chamber rows adjacent to each other (the m-th row and the (m + 1) -th chamber row). . In this case, the moving unit 150 has the irradiation spot S (detection region A) in the first direction from one end (movement start position) to the other end (movement end position) of the m-th chamber row. The cell deployment device 160 is moved so as to move toward D1. Next, the irradiation spot S (detection region A) that has reached the movement end position of the other end of the m-th chamber row is moved to the movement start position of the (m + 1) -th chamber row. At this time, the movement start position of the (m + 1) -th chamber row is an end located adjacent to the movement end position of the m-th chamber row. Finally, the irradiation spot S (detection region A) that has reached the movement start position of the (m + 1) -th chamber row is moved to the movement end position located at the other end of the chamber row. At this time, the movement end position of the (m + 1) -th chamber row is an end located adjacent to the movement start position of the m-th chamber row. These steps are repeated until the last chamber row has been scanned.

[Embodiment 2]
(Cell detector)
The cell detection apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging unit 250 for imaging the microchamber 165 and is configured to be capable of irradiating excitation light with two types of wavelengths. Different from the cell detection device 100 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the difference from the cell detection device 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the cell detection device 200 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the cell detection device 200 includes a holder 110, two light irradiation units 120, two light detection units 130, a detection region defining unit 140, a moving unit 150, an imaging unit 250, and a control unit (not illustrated). ). Note that the same cell deployment device 160 as in the first embodiment can be used for the cell detection apparatus 200.

  The two light irradiation units 120 irradiate the chip 161 with excitation light having different wavelengths. The two light detection units 130 detect fluorescence having different wavelengths corresponding to the two types of excitation light.

  On the optical path of the excitation light from the two light irradiation units 120 to the cell deployment device 160, two first lenses 121, a first dichroic mirror 134, a detection region defining unit 140, a second lens 122, a second dichroic mirror 123 and the objective lens 124 are sequentially arranged from the light irradiation unit 120 side. Excitation light emitted from the two light irradiation units 120 passes through the first lens 122 and is coupled by the first dichroic mirror 134. The combined excitation light passes through the detection region defining unit 140 and the second lens 122 and is then reflected by the second dichroic mirror 123 toward the cell deployment device 160. The excitation light reflected by the dichroic mirror 123 is condensed near the bottom surface of the microchamber 165 of the cell deployment device 160 (chip 161) by the objective lens 124.

  An objective lens 124, a second dichroic mirror 123, and a third dichroic are disposed on the optical path of fluorescence from the cell deployment device 160 to one of the light detection units 130 (the light detection unit 130 illustrated on the lower side in FIG. 13). A mirror 139, a fourth lens 135, a pinhole 132, and a fifth lens 136 are disposed. Further, an objective lens 124, a second dichroic mirror 123, and a third optical path are arranged on the fluorescence optical path from the cell deployment device 160 to the other light detection unit 130 (the light detection unit 130 shown on the upper side in FIG. 13). A dichroic mirror 139, a filter 131, a half mirror 137, a fourth lens 135, a pinhole 132, and a fifth lens 136 are disposed. In addition, an objective lens 124, a second dichroic mirror 123, a third dichroic mirror 139, a filter 131, a half mirror 137, and a sixth lens 138 are disposed on the fluorescence optical path from the cell deployment device 160 to the imaging unit 250. ing.

  The fluorescence emitted from the cell deployment device 160 passes through the objective lens 124 and the second dichroic mirror 123. A part of the fluorescence that has passed through the second dichroic mirror 123 is reflected by the third dichroic mirror 139 toward the one light detection unit 130, and the remaining part of the fluorescence passes through the third dichroic mirror 139. Part of the fluorescence that has passed through the third dichroic mirror 139 passes through the filter 131 and is then reflected by the half mirror 137 toward the other light detection unit 130. The remaining part of the fluorescence that has passed through the third dichroic mirror 139 passes through the half mirror 137 and travels toward the imaging unit 250. The fluorescence reflected by the third dichroic mirror 139 or the half mirror 137 passes through the fourth lens 135, the pinhole 132, and the fifth lens 136, respectively, and reaches the light detection unit 130. The fluorescence that has passed through the half mirror 137 passes through the sixth lens 138 and reaches the imaging unit 250.

  The imaging unit 250 is disposed integrally with the light irradiation unit 120 and the light detection unit 130. The imaging unit 250 images the cells accommodated in the microchamber 165 in which the fluorescence is detected based on the fluorescence detection result by the light detection unit 120 and the position information acquired by the control unit (position information acquisition unit). The type of the imaging unit 250 is not particularly limited. The imaging unit 250 is, for example, a CCD camera.

  The control unit also functions as a position information acquisition unit that records position information transmitted from the moving unit 150. The control unit (position information acquisition unit) records the fluorescence intensity detected by the light detection unit 130 in association with the position information.

(Cell detection method)
The operation of the cell detection apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is the operation of the cell detection apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that the position information of fluorescence is acquired and the microchamber 165 containing rare cells is imaged. And different. Therefore, the difference from the operation of the cell detection device 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.

  The cell detection apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 2 irradiates excitation light of two types of wavelengths, detects fluorescence of two types of wavelengths, and acquires fluorescence position information. The position information of the fluorescence is acquired as, for example, the moving distance of the holder 110 (cell deployment device 160) with respect to the reference position.

  And after detecting the rare cell accommodated in the microchamber 165, the image accommodated in the microchamber 165 from which the fluorescence was detected is imaged by the imaging part 250. The moving unit 150 moves the cell deployment device 160 based on the positional information of the microchamber 165 where the fluorescence is detected so that the imaging unit 250 moves directly above the microchamber 165. The imaging unit 250 images the cells in the microchamber 165 after the target microchamber 165 moves immediately below.

  As described above, in addition to the effects of the cell detection device 100 according to the first embodiment, the cell detection device 200 according to the second embodiment can also acquire a rare cell image. Moreover, the cell detection apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 2 can also detect two wavelengths of fluorescence simultaneously by irradiating two wavelengths of excitation light.

  In addition, when observing a plurality of colors with the imaging unit 250, for example, the third dichroic mirror 139 can be removed and the color of the filter 131 can be exchanged according to the color to be observed. Further, for example, the imaging unit 250 may be arranged to be switchable at a portion where the light detection unit 130 is arranged, and light detection and imaging may be performed respectively.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although it demonstrates in detail with reference to the Example of this invention, this invention is not limited by these Examples.

[Example 1]
In Example 1, blood circulating cancer cells (CTC) contained in peripheral blood collected from cancer patients were detected using the cell detection device 200 according to Embodiment 2.

1. Preparation of Cell Suspension Peripheral blood collected from cancer patients was diluted with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to obtain a diluted blood solution. Next, paraformaldehyde (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was added to 1 mL of a diluted blood solution to a concentration of 4%, and then gently mixed and allowed to react for 15 minutes in the dark at room temperature. Further, after adding a sufficient amount of PBS and mixing, the suspension was centrifuged with a centrifuge. 1 mL of PBS containing 0.1% Tween in the precipitate after centrifugation, 10 μL of anti-CK antibody (Micromet) solution labeled with Alexa Fluor 647 for labeling blood circulating cancer cells (CTC), Alexa Fluor for labeling leukocytes 10 μL of anti-CD45 antibody labeled with 488 (Life Technologies Japan Inc.) was added. The mixed solution was allowed to react for 25 minutes in the dark at room temperature while gently mixing. Furthermore, 10 μL of DAPI solution (Dojindo Laboratories) was added for cell nucleus staining and allowed to react for 5 minutes in the dark at room temperature while gently mixing. Then, the antibody and fluorescent dye not bound to the cells were removed together with the supernatant after centrifugation. PBS was added to the precipitate and suspended again to obtain a cell suspension. The number of blood circulating cancer cells (CTC) contained in this cell suspension is specified by other detection methods.

2. Pretreatment of chamber and cell accommodation Depth: 50 μm, opening diameter: 100 μm A frame 162 and a top plate 163 are arranged on a chip 161 having a plurality of microchambers 165, width: 5 mm, height : A cell deployment device 160 having a channel 164 of 500 μm was produced. The plurality of microchambers 165 are arranged at intervals of 300 μm in the first direction, and are arranged at intervals of 150 μm in the second direction. A blocking solution (PBS containing 3% BSA) was fed into the flow path 164 at 16 mL / min. Thereafter, PBS was fed into the channel 164 to remove excess blocking solution from the channel 164. 10 μL of the above cell suspension was fed into the flow channel 164 from which the blocking solution had been removed at a flow rate of 16 mL / min, and rested for 10 seconds. All the cells were accommodated in the microchamber 165 by repeatedly feeding and resting the cell suspension.

3. Cell Detection Using the cell detection apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 2, blood circulation cancer cells (CTC) were detected. As the excitation light, He-Ne laser light (wavelength 633 nm) for exciting Alexa Fluor 647 labeled with CTC was used. By arranging a rectangular slit on the light irradiation unit 120 side as the detection region defining unit 140, the shape of the irradiation spot S was made a rectangle of 10 μm × 100 μm. In the present embodiment, the irradiation spot S and the detection area A coincide with each other. The irradiation spot S was scanned for each chamber row (one row irradiation). At this time, the time required for scanning of the irradiation spot S (irradiation of excitation light and detection of fluorescence) and movement of the scanning spot S between the chamber rows was about 2 minutes. Next, the cells housed in the microchamber 165 where fluorescence was detected were imaged by the imaging unit 250.

4). Results FIG. 14 shows CTC detection results. 14A and 14B are graphs showing the relationship between the scanning distance of the irradiation spot S and the fluorescence intensity. FIG. 14A shows a range including 13 microchambers 165. FIG. 14B shows an enlarged range including one microchamber 165. In addition, the curve C1 in the graph of FIG. 14A has shown fluorescence, and the curve C2 has shown the reflected light from the device 160 for cell expansion. The intensity of the reflected light changes periodically according to the microchamber 165. 14C is a photograph of the microchamber 165 in which fluorescence is detected, and FIG. 14D is a schematic view of the photograph shown in FIG. 14C. In FIG. 14D, cells that emit fluorescence (CTC) are shown in black, and cells that do not emit fluorescence are shown in white.

  As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14D, blood circulation cancer cells (CTC) could be detected in a short time (about 2 minutes) and with high sensitivity by the method of the present embodiment. Further, the number of detected CTCs completely coincided with the number of CTCs introduced into the cell deployment device 160 (100%).

[Example 2]
1. Cell Detection Also in Example 2, blood circulation cancer cells (CTC) were detected using the cell detection apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 2. In the present embodiment, the detection area defining unit 140 is arranged on the light detection unit 130 side, not on the light irradiation unit 120 side. A rectangular slit was used as the detection area defining unit 140. The shape of the irradiation spot S is an ellipse having a major axis of 300 μm and a minor axis of 50 μm, but the shape of the detection region A is a rectangle of 10 μm × 300 μm. The irradiation spot S was scanned every two chamber rows (see FIG. 11; two rows irradiation). At this time, the time required for scanning of the irradiation spot S (irradiation of excitation light and detection of fluorescence) and movement of the scanning spot S between the chamber rows was about 1 minute. Next, the cells housed in the microchamber 165 where fluorescence was detected were imaged. The same cell deployment device 160 as in Example 1 was used.

2. Results FIG. 15 shows CTC detection results. FIG. 15A is a graph showing the relationship between the scanning distance of the irradiation spot S and the fluorescence intensity in a range including 12 microchambers 165. A curve C1 in the graph indicates fluorescence, and a curve C2 indicates reflected light. FIG. 15B is a photograph of the cell deployment device 160 (microchamber 165) in the region corresponding to the graph of FIG. 15A. The black circle is the microchamber 165, and the white dots in the black circle are cells emitting fluorescence (CTC). As shown in FIG. 15, the fluorescence signals could be detected separately for each microchamber 165 without overlapping the fluorescence signals of the microchambers 165 of two adjacent chamber rows. Further, the number of detected CTCs completely coincided with the number of CTCs introduced into the cell deployment device 160 (100%).

[Example 3]
1. Cell Detection Also in Example 3, blood circulation cancer cells (CTC) were detected using the cell detection device 200 according to Embodiment 2. In the present embodiment, as the detection region defining unit 140, a circular slit is arranged on the light irradiation unit 120 side, so that the shape of the irradiation spot S is a circle having a diameter of 100 μm. In the present embodiment, the irradiation spot S and the detection area A coincide with each other. The irradiation spot was scanned for each chamber row (one row irradiation). At this time, the time required for scanning of the irradiation spot S (irradiation of excitation light and detection of fluorescence) and movement of the scanning spot S between the chamber rows was about 2 minutes.

2. Results FIG. 16 shows CTC detection results. FIG. 16A is a graph showing the relationship between the scanning position of the irradiation spot S and the fluorescence intensity, in which the range including the two microchambers 165 is enlarged. FIG. 16B is a photograph of these microchambers 165, and FIG. 16C is a schematic view of the photograph shown in FIG. 16B.

  Also in this example, as in the case of Example 1 and Example 2, CTC could be detected in a short time with high sensitivity. Further, the number of detected CTCs almost coincided with the number of CTCs introduced into the cell deployment device 160 (98%).

[Comparative example]
1. Cell Detection In the comparative example, circulating tumor cells (CTC) were detected using a microarray scanner. In the comparative example, instead of the cell deployment device 160, a cell suspension was developed on a flat substrate. The shape of the irradiation spot S is a circle having a diameter of 5 μm. The time required for detecting fluorescence on the entire surface of the substrate (25 mm × 75 mm) was about 15 minutes.

2. Results In the comparative example, CTC could be detected as in Examples 1 to 3. Further, the number of detected CTCs almost coincided with the number of CTCs introduced into the cell deployment device 160 (98%). However, because of the detection using a microarray scanner with an irradiation spot having a diameter of 5 μm, the detection time is as long as about 15 minutes.

  From the above results, the cell detection device according to the present invention and the cell detection method using this cell detection device have sensitivity equal to or higher than that of cell detection using a microarray scanner with an irradiation spot of about 5 μm in diameter, and in a short time. It can be seen that rare cells can be detected.

  The cell detection method and the cell detection apparatus of the present invention can detect rare cells with high sensitivity and in a short time, and are useful for, for example, examination of diseases.

  This application claims the priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-168778 of application on August 15, 2013. The contents described in the application specification and the drawings are all incorporated herein.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,200 Cell detection apparatus 110 Holder 120 Light irradiation part 121 1st lens 122 2nd lens 123 Dichroic mirror (2nd dichroic mirror)
124 objective lens 130 light detection unit 131 filter 132 pinhole 133 third lens 134 first dichroic mirror 135 fourth lens 136 fifth lens 137 half mirror 138 sixth lens 139 third dichroic mirror 140 detection region defining unit 150 moving unit 152 X-axis moving mechanism 154 Y-axis moving mechanism 160 Cell deployment device 161 Chip 162 Frame body 163 Top plate 164 Channel 165 Microchamber 166 Inlet 167 Outlet 250 Imaging unit A Detection area S Irradiation spot

Claims (12)

A plurality of microchamber rows in which a plurality of microchambers are arranged at a predetermined interval in the first direction are arranged in a plurality of rows and at equal intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the two adjacent to each other Each of the microchambers included in the chamber row does not overlap when viewed along the second direction, and contains one or more cells labeled with a fluorescent substance in the microchamber. A first step of preparing the chip being processed;
A second step of irradiating the chip with excitation light to detect fluorescence of the fluorescent substance in the detection region;
Have
The second step is performed by repeatedly scanning the detection area in the first direction and moving in the second direction,
The length of the detection region in the first direction is less than or equal to the interval in the first direction between the two microchambers that are closest in the first direction in the two chamber rows,
The length of the detection region in the second direction is
A first length in the second direction of the microchamber included in one chamber row of the two chamber rows;
A second length in the second direction of the microchamber included in the other chamber row of the two chamber rows;
A distance in the second direction between the microchambers included in the one chamber row and the microchambers included in the other chamber row ; and
A first length in the second direction of the microchamber included in one chamber row of the two chamber rows;
A second length in the second direction of the microchamber included in the other chamber row of the two chamber rows;
A total of a third length that is twice the distance in the second direction between the microchamber included in the one chamber row and the microchamber included in the other chamber row Is
Cell detection method. In the second step, the position information of the detected fluorescence is further acquired simultaneously with the detection of the fluorescence.
After the second step, the method further includes a third step of imaging the cells housed in the microchamber in which the fluorescence is detected based on the detection result of the fluorescence and the position information.
The cell detection method according to claim 1 . The cell detection method according to claim 1, wherein the detection region coincides with an irradiation spot of the excitation light. The cell detection method according to claim 1, wherein the detection region is a part of an irradiation spot of the excitation light. The detection area is rectangular;
The length of the detection region in the first direction is in the range of 10 to 25 μm,
The length of the detection region in the second direction is in the range of 50 to 500 μm.
The cell detection method as described in any one of Claims 1-4 . Wherein the detection region, diameter of circular 20 to 500 [mu] m, the cell detection method according to any one of claims 1-4. A plurality of microchamber rows in which a plurality of microchambers are arranged at a predetermined interval in the first direction are arranged in a plurality of rows and at equal intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the two adjacent to each other Each of the microchambers included in the chamber row does not overlap when viewed along the second direction, and contains one or more cells labeled with a fluorescent substance in the microchamber. A holder for holding the chip being
A light irradiation unit for irradiating the chip with excitation light;
A light detection unit that detects fluorescence of the fluorescent substance emitted from the detection region by the excitation light emitted from the light irradiation unit;
A detection region defining unit that is disposed between the light irradiation unit and the holder or between the holder and the light detection unit and defines the detection region;
In order to move the position of the detection region in the chip, a moving unit that relatively moves the holder, the light irradiation unit, the detection region defining unit, and the light detection unit,
Have
The detection area defining part is
The length of the detection region in the first direction is equal to or less than the interval in the first direction between the two microchambers closest in the first direction in the two chamber rows,
The length of the detection region in the second direction is
A first length in the second direction of the microchamber included in one chamber row of the two chamber rows;
A second length in the second direction of the microchamber included in the other chamber row of the two chamber rows;
A distance in the second direction between the microchambers included in the one chamber row and the microchambers included in the other chamber row ; and
A first length in the second direction of the microchamber included in one chamber row of the two chamber rows;
A second length in the second direction of the microchamber included in the other chamber row of the two chamber rows;
A total of a third length that is twice the distance in the second direction between the microchamber included in the one chamber row and the microchamber included in the other chamber row Below
Cell detection device. A position information acquisition unit for acquiring position information of the fluorescent substance detected by the light detection unit;
Based on the detection result of the fluorescence by the light detection unit and the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit, an imaging unit that images the cells labeled with the fluorescent substance housed in the microchamber,
The cell detection device according to claim 7 , further comprising: The detection region defining unit is a diaphragm that is disposed between the light irradiation unit and the holder and allows only light that irradiates the detection region among excitation light emitted from the light irradiation unit to pass. The cell detection device according to claim 7 or 8 . The detection region defining unit is disposed between the holder and the light detection unit, and allows only the fluorescence emitted from the detection region to pass among the fluorescence emitted from the irradiation spot of the excitation light. The cell detection device according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein The detection area is rectangular;
The length of the detection region in the first direction is in the range of 10 to 25 μm,
The length of the detection region in the second direction is in the range of 50 to 500 μm.
The cell detection device according to any one of claims 7 to 10 . The cell detection device according to any one of claims 7 to 10 , wherein the detection region is a circle having a diameter of 20 to 500 µm.