Abstract: A fluid dispenser for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus includes a first pipette device on a first pipette head, and a second pipette device on a second pipette head. In a standby state, the first pipette head is set in an upper position, a coil spring and a stopper set the second pipette head together with the first pipette head, and locate the second pipette head in a high position. While the first and second pipette devices are in an aspirating position, a driving mechanism sets the first pipette head in a lower position. A blocking mechanism sets the second pipette head in a high position against the coil spring. First, third and fifth pipette tips is positioned lower than second, fourth and sixth pipette tips, to access a well. The first to sixth pipette tips, while in an assay position, are equally lowered.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus is provided, in which a flow channel, a sensing surface and an optical assay unit are used. The sensing surface is associated with the flow channel, and contacted by a sample in the flow channel. The optical assay unit applies illuminating light to the sensing surface in contact with the sample, and measures reaction of the sample according to the illuminating light being reflected. A fluid dispenser, after measuring the reaction of the binding, introduces washing fluid on the sensing surface to wash the sensing surface. A cleanliness evaluator, according to the assay signal in the washing, checks whether a regenerated state of the sensing surface is such that the sensing surface is regenerated to an initial state prior to the reaction of the binding. A controller ends up the washing if the sensing surface has been regenerated to the initial state.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus has an assay stage, which is loadable with a sensor unit. The sensor unit has a prism, thin film, flow cell and flow channel for flow of sample. A multiple pipette assembly accesses the flow channel in the assay stage, and introduces the sample into the flow channel. A light source applies illuminating light to the thin film to satisfy a total reflection condition. A photo detector receives the illuminating light reflected by the thin film to output a signal. A pressing mechanism presses the sensor unit on the assay stage for holding in a direction of the access of the pipette assembly. The pressing mechanism includes a movable pad for contacting the sensor unit. A slider moves the pad to press the sensor unit. A spring plunger adjusts pressure of the pad to the sensor unit.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis unit has a flow-through area in which plural spot areas are arranged, and probes are spotted onto the spot areas. The biochemical analysis unit is set into a chamber of a reaction vessel. A reaction solution containing a target is supplied through an inlet into the chamber. A flow rate is adjusted such that the pressure loss may be 80 kPa when the reaction solution flows through the flow-through area. When the pressure loss is increased, the reaction solution flows through the flow-through area after equivalently spreading into a lower side of the chamber. Thus the flowing speed is decreased.

Abstract: A sensor unit is for use in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus having an assay stage. A total reflection prism is supported on a stage surface of the assay stage, and has a sensing surface positioned on an upper surface thereof. The sensing surface receives illuminating light applied thereto to reflect the illuminating light. The assay apparatus receives the illuminating light reflected by the sensing surface, for measuring reaction of a sample. Two engageable ridges are disposed on first and second lateral faces of the prism which are so positioned that the sensing surface is disposed between, and keep the prism positioned on the stage surface by engagement with a retention mechanism of the assay apparatus. Furthermore, a grip portion is formed at a first end of the prism, and adapted to holding of the prism.

Abstract: Accurate positioning of a one dimensional measuring unit in a measuring apparatus that utilizes evanescent waves is enabled. The one dimensional measuring unit is constituted by: a transparent elongate dielectric block; a thin film layer, formed on a flat surface of the dielectric block; and a flow path forming member, which is in close contact with the thin film layer of the dielectric block, for forming a plurality of flow paths in the longitudinal direction of the dielectric block on the thin film layer, with intervals therebetween. A linear guide groove for conveyance is formed in the bottom surface of the dielectric block in the longitudinal direction thereof, and positioning abutment surfaces are formed on the side surfaces and a first end surface of the dielectric block, to accurately position the measuring unit in the X, Y, and Z directions.

Abstract: A sensor unit for assay in utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) includes a dielectric prism. Metal film has a light entrance surface fitted on the prism, and a sensing surface reverse to the light entrance surface. The sensing surface is adapted to causing interaction between ligand of ligand liquid and analyte liquid. An optical assay unit includes a light source, optical system and photo detector. A flow channel includes the sensing surface positioned inside. In an immobilizing stage, the ligand is immobilized on the sensing surface by introducing the ligand liquid to the flow channel. Evaporation retardant is introduced to the flow channel, and prevents drying of the ligand. The evaporation retardant is removed from the flow channel after transfer of the sensor unit from the immobilizing stage to an assay stage. The analyte liquid is introduced to the flow channel, to assay the interaction.

Abstract: An assay apparatus is loaded with a sensor unit as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor, which includes a transparent dielectric medium and thin film. A first surface of the thin film is a thin film/dielectric interface. Its sensing surface causes reaction of sample fluid. An optical assay unit assays reaction of the sample fluid by detecting illuminating light reflected by the interface. Measured data from the optical assay unit is compared with a reference parameter, to evaluate suitability of the measured data for analysis. If lack of the suitability is estimated in the evaluation, a succeeding density of the sample fluid to be used in a succeeding evaluating assay is determined according to the measured data with the estimated lack of the suitability. The sample fluid is prepared at the succeeding density by mixing with diluent fluid, and then is used for the succeeding evaluating assay.

Abstract: A sensor unit is for use in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus having an assay stage. A total reflection prism is supported on a stage surface of the assay stage, and has a sensing surface positioned on an upper surface thereof. The sensing surface receives illuminating light applied thereto to reflect the illuminating light. The assay apparatus receives the illuminating light reflected by the sensing surface, for measuring reaction of a sample. Two engageable ridges are disposed on first and second lateral faces of the prism which are so positioned that the sensing surface is disposed between, and keep the prism positioned on the stage surface by engagement with a retention mechanism of the assay apparatus. Furthermore, a grip portion is formed at a first end of the prism, and adapted to holding of the prism.

Abstract: Inside the upper housing 12 along the X direction of an upper corner part in the upper housing 12 of the measurement apparatus 10, a radiator 60 is provided. In the radiator 60, metal thin plates are stacked to form flow paths, and temperature control water is caused to flow in the flow paths to perform heat exchange between the temperature control wafer and air in the upper housing 12. On the opposite side of the radiator 60 to the upper housing 12, the radiator blowing fan 62 is provided. The air heat-exchanged by the radiator 60 is sent by the radiator blowing fan 62 inside the upper housing 12 in the Y direction. The measurement apparatus 10 may comprise a cold insulation unit 80. The cold insulation unit 80 includes a cold insulation vessel 82, a blowing fan 90, a radiator 92, and a heat-radiation fan 94.

Abstract: A sensor unit for assay in utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) includes a dielectric prism. Metal film has a light entrance surface fitted on the prism, and a sensing surface reverse to the light entrance surface. The sensing surface is adapted to causing interaction between ligand of ligand liquid and analyte liquid. An optical assay unit includes a light source, optical system and photo detector. A flow channel includes the sensing surface positioned inside. In an immobilizing stage, the ligand is immobilized on the sensing surface by introducing the ligand liquid to the flow channel. Evaporation retardant is introduced to the flow channel, and prevents drying of the ligand. The evaporation retardant is removed from the flow channel after transfer of the sensor unit from the immobilizing stage to an assay stage. The analyte liquid is introduced to the flow channel, to assay the interaction.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus is provided, in which a flow channel, a sensing surface and an optical assay unit are used. The sensing surface is associated with the flow channel, and contacted by a sample in the flow channel. The optical assay unit applies illuminating light to the sensing surface in contact with the sample, and measures reaction of the sample according to the illuminating light being reflected. A fluid dispenser, after measuring the reaction of the binding, introduces washing fluid on the sensing surface to wash the sensing surface. A cleanliness evaluator, according to the assay signal in the washing, checks whether a regenerated state of the sensing surface is such that the sensing surface is regenerated to an initial state prior to the reaction of the binding. A controller ends up the washing if the sensing surface has been regenerated to the initial state.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus includes a first pipette device on a first pipette head, and a second pipette device on a second pipette head. In a standby state, the first pipette head is set in an upper position, a coil spring and a stopper set the second pipette head together with the first pipette head, and locate the second pipette head in a high position. While the first and second pipette devices are in an aspirating position, a driving mechanism sets the first pipette head in a lower position. A blocking mechanism sets the second pipette head in a high position against the coil spring. First, third and fifth pipette tips is positioned lower than second, fourth and sixth pipette tips, to access a well. The first to sixth pipette tips, while in an assay position, are equally lowered.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay apparatus has an assay stage, which is loadable with a sensor unit. The sensor unit has a prism, thin film, flow cell and flow channel for flow of sample. A multiple pipette assembly accesses the flow channel in the assay stage, and introduces the sample into the flow channel. A light source applies illuminating light to the thin film to satisfy a total reflection condition. A photo detector receives the illuminating light reflected by the thin film to output a signal. A pressing mechanism presses the sensor unit on the assay stage for holding in a direction of the access of the pipette assembly. The pressing mechanism includes a movable pad for contacting the sensor unit. A slider moves the pad to press the sensor unit. A spring plunger adjusts pressure of the pad to the sensor unit.