Patent Publication Number: US-11047776-B2

Title: Liquid sending method using sample processing chip and liquid sending device for sample processing chip

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-035552, filed on Feb. 27, 2017, entitled “LIQUID SENDING METHOD USING SAMPLE PROCESSING CHIP AND LIQUID SENDING DEVICE FOR SAMPLE PROCESSING CHIP”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a technique for sending various kinds of liquids to a sample processing chip in order to perform sample processing by using the cartridge-type sample processing chip (for example, see US Patent Publication No. 9126160). 
     BACKGROUND 
     In US Patent Publication No. 9126160, a technique for sending various kinds of liquids in order to perform sample processing by using a cartridge  900  that is a sample processing chip having a plurality of chambers  901  as shown in  FIG. 38 , is disclosed. To each of the plurality of chambers  901 , a plunger  902  that moves upward and downward in the chamber  901  to send liquid into the chamber  901  and send out liquid from the chamber  901 , and a capillary connector  904  for connecting a capillary  903  (regarded as a capillary using capillary phenomenon) that connects between an external device (not shown) and the chamber  901 , are attached. The chambers  901  are connected to each other through a fluid channel (not shown) formed in the cartridge  900 . 
     Into each chamber  901 , liquid can be manually injected by a user. Other than this, according to US Patent Publication No. 9126160, various kinds of liquids are moved from an external device into the chambers  901  through the capillaries  903  and the capillary connectors  904 . 
     In the technique described in US Patent Publication No. 9126160, it is difficult to increase a flow rate by sending liquid through the capillary  903  using capillary phenomenon, and therefore it takes time to send a desired amount of liquid. In a case where various kinds of liquids are injected in advance in all the chambers  901 , an operation of injecting the liquids into the chambers is bothersome. 
     An amount of liquid used in the sample processing chip also varies according to a kind of the liquid. Therefore, when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip, it is required that a desired amount of liquid can be sent expeditiously while the operation is inhibited from becoming bothersome. 
     The present invention is directed to sending a desired amount of liquid expeditiously while inhibiting an operation from becoming bothersome when the liquid is injected into a sample processing chip. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. 
     A liquid sending method using a sample processing chip according to a first aspect of the present invention is a liquid sending method using a sample processing chip ( 100 ) having a flow path ( 110 ) into which a plurality of liquids flow, and the method includes: sending, into the flow path ( 110 ), a first liquid ( 10 ) held in a liquid holding portion ( 120 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ); sending, into the flow path ( 110 ), a second liquid ( 20 ) in a storage portion ( 600 ) provided in a liquid sending device ( 500 ) connected to the sample processing chip ( 100 ), through an injection hole ( 130 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ), by applying pressure to the storage portion ( 600 ); and forming, in the flow path ( 110 ), a fluid containing the first liquid ( 10 ) having been sent from the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), and the second liquid ( 20 ) having been sent through the injection hole ( 130 ). 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, in the above-described structure, the second liquid ( 20 ) used for sample processing is stored in the storage portion ( 600 ) provided in the liquid sending device ( 500 ), and can be sent from the storage portion ( 600 ) through the injection hole ( 130 ) of the sample processing chip ( 100 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) by pressure being applied to the storage portion ( 600 ). Thus, the second liquid ( 20 ), among the first liquid ( 10 ) and the second liquid ( 20 ), need not be manually injected into the sample processing chip ( 100 ). Therefore, when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip ( 100 ), an operation can be inhibited from becoming bothersome. Unlike in the case of sending of liquid by using a capillary, the second liquid ( 20 ) is sent by pressure being applied to the storage portion ( 600 ) provided in the liquid sending device ( 500 ), and, therefore, liquid can be easily sent expeditiously even at a relatively high flow rate by using a pressure source such as a pump. Consequently, when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip ( 100 ), a desired amount of liquid can be sent expeditiously while an operation is inhibited from becoming bothersome. 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, the first liquid ( 10 ) preferably contains a sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism. In this configuration, the sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism can be sent directly into the flow path ( 110 ) from the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) without sending the sample ( 11 ) through, for example, a liquid sending tube of the liquid sending device ( 500 ). As a result, even when the liquid sending process using the same liquid sending device ( 500 ) is repeated for a plurality of different sample processing chips ( 100 ), contamination of the sample ( 11 ) can be prevented. 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, the first liquid ( 10 ) preferably contains a component ( 12 ) corresponding to a test item of sample testing using the sample processing chip ( 100 ). In this configuration, the component ( 12 ) corresponding to the test item of the sample testing can be sent directly into the flow path ( 110 ) from the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) without sending the component ( 12 ) through, for example, a liquid sending tube of the liquid sending device ( 500 ). As a result, even when the liquid sending process by the same liquid sending device ( 500 ) is repeated for a plurality of sample processing chips ( 100 ) for performing sample testing of different test items, contamination of the component ( 12 ) corresponding to the test item can be prevented. 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, a plurality of kinds of the first liquids ( 10 ) held in a plurality of the liquid holding portions ( 120 ) are preferably sent into the flow path ( 110 ) by applying pressure to the liquid holding portions ( 120 ), respectively. In this configuration, a plurality of kinds of the first liquids ( 10 ) can be sent in parallel. As a result, a desired amount of liquid can be sent expeditiously. 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, the first liquid ( 10 ) is preferably sent into the flow path ( 110 ) by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) into which the first liquid ( 10 ) is injected by an injector ( 700 ). In this configuration, as in a case where liquid is injected into a well plate or the like, an operator is allowed to easily inject the first liquid ( 10 ) into the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) by using the injector ( 700 ) such as a pipette. Therefore, convenience is enhanced for an operator. 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, a plurality of kinds of the second liquids ( 20 ) stored in a plurality of the storage portions ( 600 ), respectively, are preferably sent through the common injection hole ( 130 ) into the flow path ( 110 ). In this configuration, the sample processing chip ( 100 ) need not be provided with a plurality of injection holes ( 130 ) corresponding to the plurality of kinds of the second liquids ( 20 ), and the sample processing chip ( 100 ) can be made simple and compact. The liquid sending device ( 500 ) need not have multiple liquid sending tubes corresponding to the plurality of injection holes ( 130 ), and the structure of the liquid sending device ( 500 ) can be thus simplified. That is, even when a plurality of kinds of the second liquids ( 20 ) are used, a structure for sending liquid can be simplified. 
     In this case, the plurality of kinds of the second liquids ( 20 ) are preferably sent through the injection hole ( 130 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) by the liquid sending device ( 500 ) switching a valve ( 507 ) provided between the injection hole ( 130 ) and the plurality of the storage portions ( 600 ), respectively. In this configuration, the plurality of kinds of the second liquids ( 20 ) can be each sent easily into the flow path ( 110 ) by switching of the valve ( 507 ) without, for example, changing connection of a liquid sending tube in the liquid sending device ( 500 ) or moving the storage portion ( 600 ) in order to select the second liquid ( 20 ) to be sent. 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, a fluid, in an emulsion state, including the second liquid ( 20 ) as a dispersion medium and the first liquid ( 10 ) as a dispersoid is preferably formed in the flow path ( 110 ) by controlling pressure to be applied to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) that holds the first liquid ( 10 ), and pressure to be applied to the storage portion ( 600 ) that stores the second liquid ( 20 ). The emulsion represents a dispersive solution in which dispersoids are dispersed in a dispersion medium. The dispersive represents a state where dispersoids float or are suspended in a dispersion medium. The dispersoids are not mixed with the dispersion medium. That is, the dispersion medium and the dispersoids do not form a uniform phase by the mixture thereof. The dispersoids are separated from each other by the dispersion medium, and surrounded by the dispersion medium. Therefore, in the emulsion state, droplets of the dispersoids are formed in the dispersion medium. Forming of a fluid in the emulsion state is referred to as “emulsification”. In the above-described configuration, a fluid, in an emulsion state, in which the droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ) are dispersed in the second liquid ( 20 ) can be formed in the flow path ( 110 ). Thus, for example, a component in a sample is divided and contained in the droplet ( 50 ) in one unit portions, whereby sample processing for each one unit component can be performed in the sample processing chip ( 100 ). The second liquid ( 20 ) is preferably sent at a relatively high flow rate in order to form the droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ). Therefore, the present invention in which the second liquid ( 20 ) can be sent into the sample processing chip ( 100 ) from the storage portion ( 600 ) of the liquid sending device ( 500 ), is suitable to a case where a process of forming a fluid in the emulsion state is performed. A component for each unit portion represents, for example, one nucleic acid molecule that is set as a unit when a component in a sample is the nucleic acid. For example, in a case where nucleic acid amplification for each droplet ( 50 ) is performed as the sample processing, a nucleic acid amplification product derived from only one molecule can be produced in the droplet ( 50 ). 
     In this case, a fluid, in an emulsion state, including the second liquid ( 20 ) and the first liquid ( 10 ) is preferably formed in the flow path ( 110 ) that includes a first channel ( 111   a ) and a second channel ( 111   b ) that intersect each other, by sending the first liquid ( 10 ) and the second liquid ( 20 ) into the first channel ( 111   a ) and the second channel ( 111   b ), respectively. In this configuration, by applying a shearing force due to flow of the second liquid ( 20 ), to the first liquid ( 10 ), at the intersection portion at which the first channel ( 111   a ) and the second channel ( 111   b ) intersect each other, the multiple droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ) can be efficiently generated continuously in the second liquid ( 20 ), and an emulsion state can be efficiently formed. 
     In the structure in which the droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ) are formed in the second liquid ( 20 ) in the flow path ( 110 ), the first liquid ( 10 ) preferably contains a sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism, and the second liquid ( 20 ) is oil ( 21 ). In this configuration, the sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism generally forms an aqueous phase and is likely to form an interface between the oil ( 21 ) and the sample ( 11 ). Therefore, an emulsion state in which the droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ) are dispersed in the oil ( 21 ), can be easily formed. 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, preferably, the first liquid ( 10 ) that is a fluid in an emulsion state is sent into the flow path ( 110 ) by pressure being applied to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), the second liquid ( 20 ) for demulsifying the first liquid ( 10 ) is sent through the injection hole ( 130 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) by pressure being applied to the storage portion ( 600 ), and the first liquid ( 10 ) and the second liquid ( 20 ) are mixed in the flow path ( 110 ). The demulsifying (demulsification) means that an emulsion state in which dispersoids are in a dispersion medium, is broken (canceled) to perform phase separation. That is, demulsification represents forming of multiple separated phases from a state where dispersoids are dispersed in a dispersion medium. In this configuration, the droplets ( 50 ) contained in the first liquid ( 10 ) can be broken in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by the demulsification. The second liquid ( 20 ) is preferably sent at a relatively high flow rate as compared to the first liquid ( 10 ) to accelerate mixture with the first liquid ( 10 ) such that the multiple droplets ( 50 ) are efficiently broken. Therefore, the present invention in which the second liquid ( 20 ) can be sent into the sample processing chip ( 100 ) from the storage portion ( 600 ) of the liquid sending device ( 500 ), is suitable to a case where a process (that is, demulsification) of breaking the droplets ( 50 ) is performed. 
     In this case, the first liquid ( 10 ) is preferably a fluid, in an emulsion state, which contains, in the oil ( 21 ), a dispersoid including: a sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism; and a carrier ( 13 ) that binds to the sample ( 11 ). In this configuration, the sample processing is performed for each one unit component, and a component in the droplet ( 50 ) is taken out, by demulsification, from the first liquid ( 10 ) in which a component carried by the carrier ( 13 ) is in a state of the droplet ( 50 ), and processing can be collectively performed in the flow path ( 110 ). 
     In the configuration in which the second liquid ( 20 ) for the demulsification is sent into the flow path ( 110 ), preferably a third liquid ( 30 ) held in any of the plurality of the liquid holding portions ( 120 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) is sent into the flow path ( 110 ) by pressure being applied to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), and the first liquid ( 10 ) that is demulsified by mixture with the second liquid ( 20 ), and the third liquid ( 30 ) that contains a labelling substance ( 31 ) for detecting a sample ( 11 ) contained in the first liquid ( 10 ) are mixed in the flow path ( 110 ). In this configuration, a process of labeling, with the labelling substance ( 31 ), the component in the sample ( 11 ) that has been subjected to the sample processing for each one unit component can be performed in the flow path ( 110 ). The labelling substance ( 31 ) is different depending on a target component. Therefore, contamination of the labelling substance ( 31 ) in the case of liquid sending for a plurality of the sample processing chips ( 100 ) being performed by the same liquid sending device ( 500 ) can be prevented since not the storage portion ( 600 ) of the liquid sending device ( 500 ) but the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) of the sample processing chip ( 100 ) is caused to hold the third liquid ( 30 ). 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, the fluid in the flow path ( 110 ) is preferably collected through a discharge outlet ( 150 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ). In this configuration, a specimen can be easily collected after sample processing through the discharge outlet ( 150 ) from the sample processing chip ( 100 ). 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, preferably a fourth liquid ( 40 ) stored in the storage portion ( 600 ) is sent through the injection hole ( 130 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) by pressure being applied to the storage portion ( 600 ) so as to be disposed in the flow path ( 110 ), and, after the fourth liquid ( 40 ) has been disposed in the flow path ( 110 ) or in parallel with disposing of the fourth liquid ( 40 ) in the flow path ( 110 ), the first liquid ( 10 ) is put into a state where the first liquid ( 10 ) can be injected into the liquid holding portion ( 120 ). In this configuration, when the first liquid ( 10 ) is injected into the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), the fourth liquid ( 40 ) can inhibit the first liquid ( 10 ) from moving into the flow path ( 110 ). As a result, for example, also in a case where it takes time to send the first liquid ( 10 ) after the first liquid ( 10 ) has been held in the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) due to convenience of an operator who performs sample processing, the first liquid ( 10 ) can be held in the liquid holding portion ( 120 ). 
     In this case, the second liquid ( 20 ) stored in the storage portion ( 600 ) is preferably used as the fourth liquid ( 40 ). In this configuration, the second liquid ( 20 ) used for the sample processing can be used also as the fourth liquid ( 40 ), whereby the dedicated fourth liquid ( 40 ) need not be prepared separately from the second liquid ( 20 ). A structure of the liquid sending device ( 500 ) for sending the fourth liquid ( 40 ) and a structure for sending the second liquid ( 20 ) can be the same, whereby the structure for sending liquid can be simplified. 
     In the structure in which the fourth liquid ( 40 ) is disposed in the flow path ( 110 ), the flow path ( 110 ) is preferably filled with the fourth liquid ( 40 ) in a range, of the flow path ( 110 ), including at least a connection portion ( 140 ) for connection to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) that holds the first liquid ( 10 ). In this configuration, the fourth liquid ( 40 ) that is filled in the connection portion ( 140 ), in the flow path ( 110 ), for connection to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), can effectively inhibit the first liquid ( 10 ) from moving toward the flow path ( 110 ). 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, the second liquid ( 20 ) is preferably sent through the injection hole ( 130 ) from the storage portion ( 600 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) at a flow rate higher than a flow rate of the first liquid ( 10 ). In this configuration, the second liquid ( 20 ) can be sent, at a flow rate higher than that of the first liquid ( 10 ), from the liquid sending device ( 500 ). Limitation of an installation space or the like of the storage portion ( 600 ) provided in the liquid sending device ( 500 ) is less than limitation of an installation space or the like of the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) of the sample processing chip ( 100 ), and the size of the storage portion ( 600 ) can be easily increased. Therefore, an amount of the second liquid ( 20 ) to be sent is easily allowed to be sufficiently assured even when an amount of the second liquid ( 20 ) to be used is large. 
     In the liquid sending method using the sample processing chip according to the first aspect, the second liquid ( 20 ) in the storage portion ( 600 ) is preferably sent into a plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ) through a plurality of the injection holes ( 130 ) provided in the plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ), respectively, of the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by pressure being applied to the storage portion ( 600 ). In this configuration, unlike in the case of, for example, the second liquid ( 20 ) being injected into liquid holding portions, for the second liquid ( 20 ), provided in a plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ), respectively, the second liquid ( 20 ) can be collectively sent into the plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ) simply by the second liquid ( 20 ) being stored in the storage portion ( 600 ) of the liquid sending device ( 500 ), whereby an operation of storing the second liquid ( 20 ) can be simplified. The second liquid ( 20 ) can be sent into a plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ) from the storage portion ( 600 ) in parallel, whereby liquid can be sent expeditiously even in a case where the sample processing chip ( 100 ) includes a plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ). 
     A liquid sending device, for a sample processing chip, according to a second aspect of the present invention is a liquid sending device ( 500 ) that sends liquid into a sample processing chip ( 100 ) having a flow path ( 110 ) into which a plurality of liquids flow, and the liquid sending device ( 500 ) includes: a first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) configured to send, into the flow path ( 110 ) of the sample processing chip ( 100 ), a first liquid ( 10 ) held in a liquid holding portion ( 120 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ); and a second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) configured to send a second liquid ( 20 ) in a storage portion ( 600 ), into the flow path ( 110 ), through an injection hole ( 130 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by applying pressure to the storage portion ( 600 ) that stores the second liquid ( 20 ), and, in the liquid sending device ( 500 ), a fluid containing the first liquid ( 10 ) and the second liquid ( 20 ) is formed in the flow path ( 110 ) by liquid sending performed by the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) and the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ). 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, in the above-described structure, the second liquid ( 20 ) used for sample processing is stored in the storage portion ( 600 ), and can be sent from the storage portion ( 600 ) through the injection hole ( 130 ) of the sample processing chip ( 100 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) by pressure being applied to the storage portion ( 600 ) by the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ). Thus, the second liquid ( 20 ), among the first liquid ( 10 ) and the second liquid ( 20 ), need not be manually injected into the sample processing chip ( 100 ). Therefore, when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip ( 100 ), an operation can be inhibited from becoming bothersome. Unlike in the case of sending of liquid by using a capillary, the second liquid ( 20 ) is sent from the liquid sending device ( 500 ) by pressure being applied to the storage portion ( 600 ) by the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ), and, therefore, liquid can be easily sent expeditiously even at a relatively high flow rate by using a pressure source such as a pump. Consequently, when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip ( 100 ), a desired amount of liquid can be sent expeditiously while an operation is inhibited from becoming bothersome. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, preferably, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) includes a first pressure source ( 511 ) for applying pressure to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), and the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) includes a second pressure source ( 521 ) for applying pressure to the storage portion ( 600 ). In this configuration, sending of the first liquid ( 10 ) held in the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) and sending of the second liquid ( 20 ) stored in the storage portion ( 600 ) can be separately performed by the first pressure source ( 511 ) and the second pressure source ( 521 ), respectively. As a result, pressure for sending liquid or liquid sending start time can be freely controlled, whereby a degree of freedom for liquid sending process is enhanced. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, preferably, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) includes a pressure path ( 512 ) that connects between the first pressure source ( 511 ) and the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), and the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) includes a liquid sending tube ( 522 ) that connects between the storage portion ( 600 ) and the injection hole ( 130 ). In this configuration, the first liquid ( 10 ) and the second liquid ( 20 ) can be sent through separate paths, respectively. This also allows a degree of freedom for liquid sending process to be enhanced. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, preferably, the storage portion ( 600 ) includes a liquid container ( 610 ) in which the second liquid ( 20 ) is stored, and the liquid sending device ( 500 ) further includes a container setting portion ( 505 ) in which the liquid container ( 610 ) is set. In this configuration, the second liquid ( 20 ) can be directly sent from the liquid container ( 610 ) that is set in the container setting portion ( 505 ) of the liquid sending device ( 500 ). Therefore, for example, as compared to a case where the second liquid ( 20 ) is transferred into a storage portion such as a liquid chamber in the liquid sending device ( 500 ), the liquid container ( 610 ) can be used as the storage portion ( 600 ) as it is, and convenience is thus enhanced for an operator. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, preferably, the storage portion ( 600 ) includes a liquid container ( 610 ) in which the second liquid ( 20 ) is stored, and the liquid sending device ( 500 ) further includes an external connection portion ( 506 ) that connects between: an external liquid container ( 610 ) which is provided as the liquid container ( 610 ); and the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ). In this configuration, since the storage portion ( 600 ) for the second liquid ( 20 ) can be disposed outside the device, the liquid sending device ( 500 ) can be made compact as compared to a case where the storage portion ( 600 ) is disposed inside the device. For example, as compared to a case where the second liquid ( 20 ) is transferred into a storage portion such as a liquid chamber in the liquid sending device ( 500 ), the liquid container ( 610 ) can be used as the storage portion ( 600 ) as it is, and convenience is thus enhanced for an operator. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) preferably sends, into the flow path ( 110 ), the first liquid ( 10 ) containing a sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism by controlling pressure to be applied to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) that holds the first liquid ( 10 ) containing the sample ( 11 ) derived from the organism. In this configuration, the sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism can be sent directly into the flow path ( 110 ) from the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) without taking, into the device, the sample ( 11 ) derived from the organism. As a result, even when liquid sending process is repeated for a plurality of different sample processing chips ( 100 ), contamination of the sample ( 11 ) can be prevented. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) preferably sends, into the flow path ( 110 ), the first liquid ( 10 ) containing a component ( 12 ) corresponding to a test item of sample ( 11 ) testing using the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by controlling pressure to be applied to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) that holds the first liquid ( 10 ) containing the component ( 12 ) corresponding to the test item of sample ( 11 ) testing using the sample processing chip ( 100 ). In this configuration, the component ( 12 ) corresponding to the test item of the sample testing can be sent directly into the flow path ( 110 ) from the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) without taking the component ( 12 ) into the device. As a result, even when liquid sending process is repeated for a plurality of the sample processing chips ( 100 ) that perform sample testing of different test items, contamination of the component ( 12 ) corresponding to the test item can be prevented. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) preferably sends a plurality of kinds of the first liquids ( 10 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) by controlling pressure to be applied to the plurality of kinds of the first liquids ( 10 ) held in a plurality of the liquid holding portions ( 120 ), respectively. In this configuration, by different pressures being applied, a plurality of kinds of the first liquids ( 10 ) can be sent at different flow rates, respectively, or sending of a plurality of kinds of the first liquids ( 10 ) can be started at different times, respectively. As a result, the plurality of kinds of the first liquids ( 10 ) can be freely sent into the sample processing chip ( 100 ), whereby liquid sending can be performed so as to be appropriate to various sample processing assays. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) preferably sends the first liquid ( 10 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) into which the first liquid ( 10 ) is injected by an injector ( 700 ). In this configuration, similarly to injection of liquid to a well plate or the like, an operator is allowed to easily inject the first liquid ( 10 ) through the opening ( 121 ) of the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) by using the injector ( 700 ) such as a pipette, whereby convenience is enhanced for an operator. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) preferably sends a plurality of kinds of the second liquids ( 20 ) stored in a plurality of the storage portions ( 600 ), respectively, through the common injection hole ( 130 ), into the flow path ( 110 ). In this configuration, a plurality of liquid sending tubes need not be provided so as to correspond to a plurality of the injection holes ( 130 ), and the structure of the device can be thus simplified. That is, even when a plurality of kinds of the second liquids ( 20 ) are used, the structure for sending liquid can be simplified. 
     In this case, preferably, the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) includes a valve ( 507 ) that switches connection of the storage portions ( 600 ) to the common injection hole ( 130 ), and each of the plurality of kinds of the second liquids ( 20 ) is sent through the common injection hole ( 130 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) by switching the valve ( 507 ). In this configuration, each of the plurality of kinds of the second liquids ( 20 ) can be easily sent into the flow path ( 110 ) by switching between the valves ( 507 ) without, for example, changing connection of the liquid sending tube in the liquid sending device ( 500 ) or moving the storage portion ( 600 ) for selecting the second liquid ( 20 ) to be sent. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, preferably, pressure to be applied to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) that holds the first liquid ( 10 ) is controlled by the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ), and pressure to be applied to the storage portion ( 600 ) that stores the second liquid ( 20 ) is controlled by the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ), such that a fluid, in an emulsion state, including the second liquid ( 20 ) as a dispersion medium and the first liquid ( 10 ) as a dispersoid is formed in the flow path ( 110 ). In this configuration, for the sample processing chip ( 100 ) in which sample processing for each one unit component can be performed by a component in a sample being divided and contained in the minute droplet ( 50 ) in one unit portions, the fluid, in an emulsion state, in which the droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ) are dispersed in the second liquid ( 20 ), can be formed in the flow path ( 110 ). The second liquid ( 20 ) is preferably sent at a relatively high flow rate in order to form the droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ). Therefore, the present invention, in which the second liquid ( 20 ) can be sent from the storage portion ( 600 ) into the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ), is suitable to a case where a process of forming a fluid in an emulsion state is performed. 
     In this case, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) and the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) preferably send the first liquid ( 10 ) and the second liquid ( 20 ) into a first channel ( 111   a ) and a second channel ( 111   b ), respectively, which are provided in the flow path ( 110 ) and intersect each other, to form a fluid, in an emulsion state, which includes the second liquid ( 20 ) and the first liquid ( 10 ). In this configuration, by applying a shearing force due to flow of the second liquid ( 20 ), to the first liquid ( 10 ), at the intersection portion at which the first channel ( 111   a ) and the second channel ( 111   b ) intersect each other, the multiple droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ) can be efficiently generated continuously, and an emulsion state can be efficiently formed. 
     In the structure in which the droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ) are formed in the second liquid ( 20 ) in the flow path ( 110 ), preferably, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) sends, into the flow path ( 110 ), the first liquid ( 10 ) containing a sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism, by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), and the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) sends, into the flow path ( 110 ), the second liquid ( 20 ) that is oil, by applying pressure to the storage portion ( 600 ). In this configuration, the sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism generally forms an aqueous phase and is likely to form an interface between the oil and the sample. Therefore, an emulsion state in which the droplets ( 50 ) of the first liquid ( 10 ) are dispersed in the oil, can be easily formed. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, preferably, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) applies pressure to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) that holds the first liquid ( 10 ) that is a fluid in an emulsion state, to send the first liquid ( 10 ) into the flow path ( 110 ), the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) applies pressure to the storage portion ( 600 ) that stores the second liquid ( 20 ) for demulsifying the first liquid ( 10 ), to send the second liquid ( 20 ) through the injection hole ( 130 ) into the flow path ( 110 ), and a mixture of the first liquid ( 10 ) and the second liquid ( 20 ) is formed in the flow path ( 110 ) by liquid sending performed by the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) and the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ). In this configuration, the droplets ( 50 ) contained in the first liquid ( 10 ) can be broken in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by the demulsification. The second liquid ( 20 ) is preferably sent at a relatively high flow rate as compared to the first liquid ( 10 ) to accelerate mixture with the first liquid ( 10 ) such that the multiple droplets ( 50 ) are efficiently broken. Therefore, the present invention in which the second liquid ( 20 ) can be sent into the sample processing chip ( 100 ) from the storage portion ( 600 ) by the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ), is suitable to a case where a process (that is, demulsification) of breaking the droplets ( 50 ) is performed. 
     In this case, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) preferably sends, into the flow path ( 110 ), the first liquid ( 10 ) that is a fluid in an emulsion state, the fluid containing, in oil, a dispersoid including: a sample ( 11 ) derived from an organism; and a carrier ( 13 ) that binds to the sample ( 11 ). In this configuration, the sample processing is performed for each one unit component, and a component in the droplet ( 50 ) is taken out, by demulsification, from the first liquid ( 10 ) in which a component carried by the carrier ( 13 ) is in a state of the droplet ( 50 ), and processing can be collectively performed in the flow path ( 110 ). 
     In the structure in which the second liquid ( 20 ) for the demulsification is sent into the flow path ( 110 ), preferably, the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) sends, into the flow path ( 110 ), a third liquid ( 30 ) held in any of a plurality of the liquid holding portions ( 120 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), and the first liquid ( 10 ) having been demulsified by mixture with the second liquid ( 20 ) and the third liquid ( 30 ) that contains a labelling substance ( 31 ) for detecting a sample ( 11 ) contained in the first liquid ( 10 ) are mixed, in the flow path ( 110 ), by liquid sending performed by the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) and the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ). In this configuration, a process of labeling, with the labelling substance ( 31 ), a component in the sample ( 11 ) having been subjected to the sample processing for each one unit component can be performed in the flow path ( 110 ). The labelling substance ( 31 ) is different depending on a target component. Therefore, the third liquid ( 30 ) is sent into the flow path ( 110 ) from the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) of the sample processing chip ( 100 ) without taking the labelling substance ( 31 ) into the device, thereby preventing contamination of the labelling substance ( 31 ) in the case of liquid sending being performed for a plurality of the sample processing chips ( 100 ). 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, preferably, a third liquid sending mechanism ( 530 ) configured to collect the fluid formed in the flow path ( 110 ), through a discharge outlet ( 150 ) provided in the sample processing chip ( 100 ), is further provided. In this configuration, a specimen can be easily collected after sample processing through the discharge outlet ( 150 ) from the sample processing chip ( 100 ). 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, preferably, a fourth liquid sending mechanism ( 540 ) configured to send a fourth liquid ( 40 ) stored in the storage portion ( 600 ), through the injection hole ( 130 ), into the flow path ( 110 ) by applying pressure to the storage portion ( 600 ), is further provided, and the fourth liquid sending mechanism ( 540 ) allows the fourth liquid ( 40 ) to be disposed in the flow path ( 110 ) of the sample processing chip ( 100 ) in which the first liquid ( 10 ) is not held in the liquid holding portion ( 120 ). In this configuration, when the first liquid ( 10 ) is injected into the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), the fourth liquid ( 40 ) can inhibit the first liquid ( 10 ) from moving into the flow path ( 110 ). As a result, for example, also in a case where it takes time to send the first liquid ( 10 ) after the first liquid ( 10 ) has been held in the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) due to convenience of an operator who performs sample processing, the first liquid ( 10 ) can be held in the liquid holding portion ( 120 ). 
     In this case, preferably, the fourth liquid sending mechanism ( 540 ) is structured by the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ), and the second liquid ( 20 ) stored in the storage portion ( 600 ) is sent as the fourth liquid ( 40 ) into the flow path ( 110 ). In this configuration, the second liquid ( 20 ) used for the sample processing can be used also as the fourth liquid ( 40 ), whereby the dedicated fourth liquid ( 40 ) need not be prepared separately from the second liquid ( 20 ). A structure of the fourth liquid sending mechanism ( 540 ) for sending the fourth liquid ( 40 ) and a structure of the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) can be the same, whereby the structure of the device can be simplified. 
     In the structure in which the fourth liquid ( 40 ) is disposed in the flow path ( 110 ), the fourth liquid sending mechanism ( 540 ) preferably fills the flow path ( 110 ) with the fourth liquid ( 40 ) in a range, of the flow path ( 110 ), which includes at least a connection portion ( 140 ) for connection to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) that holds the first liquid ( 10 ). In this configuration, the fourth liquid ( 40 ) that is filled in the connection portion ( 140 ), in the flow path ( 110 ), for connection to the liquid holding portion ( 120 ), can effectively inhibit the first liquid ( 10 ) from moving toward the flow path ( 110 ). 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, preferably, a setting portion ( 550 ) in which the sample processing chip ( 100 ) is set; and a lid ( 580 ) provided so as to correspond to the setting portion ( 550 ), are further provided, and, in the liquid sending device ( 500 ), the lid ( 580 ) includes a connector ( 400 ) that fluidly connects between: the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ) and the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ); and the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) and the injection hole ( 130 ), respectively, of the sample processing chip ( 100 ). In this configuration, the sample processing chip ( 100 ) is set in the device, and the liquid sending device ( 500 ) and the sample processing chip ( 100 ) can be easily connected assuredly to each other by the connector ( 400 ) of the lid ( 580 ). When the sample processing chip ( 100 ) is set in the device, for example, the pressure path and the liquid sending tube for liquid sending can be inhibited from being unnecessarily long, and response in the liquid sending process is made fast, thereby enhancing controllability. 
     In this case, preferably, the lid ( 580 ) is structured to be openable and closable relative to the setting portion ( 550 ), and the connector ( 400 ) is connected to each of the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) and the injection hole ( 130 ) by the lid ( 580 ) being closed relative to the setting portion ( 550 ). In this configuration, simply by the sample processing chip ( 100 ) being set in the setting portion ( 550 ) and the lid ( 580 ) being closed, the liquid sending device ( 500 ) and the sample processing chip ( 100 ) can be easily connected to each other. Therefore, convenience is enhanced for an operator. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) preferably sends the second liquid ( 20 ) into the flow path ( 110 ) at a flow rate higher than a flow rate of the first liquid ( 10 ) sent by the first liquid sending mechanism ( 510 ). In this configuration, the second liquid ( 20 ) can be sent, at a flow rate higher than that of the first liquid ( 10 ), from the storage portion ( 600 ). Limitation of an installation space or the like of the storage portion ( 600 ) provided in the liquid sending device ( 500 ) is less than limitation of an installation space or the like of the liquid holding portion ( 120 ) of the sample processing chip ( 100 ), and the size of the storage portion ( 600 ) can be easily increased. Therefore, an amount of the second liquid ( 20 ) to be sent is easily allowed to be sufficiently assured even when an amount of the second liquid ( 20 ) to be used is large. 
     In the liquid sending device, for the sample processing chip, according to the second aspect, the second liquid sending mechanism ( 520 ) preferably sends the second liquid ( 20 ) in the storage portion ( 600 ), into a plurality of flow paths ( 110 ), through a plurality of the injection holes ( 130 ) provided in the plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ), respectively, of the sample processing chip ( 100 ) by applying pressure to the storage portion ( 600 ). In this configuration, unlike in the case of, for example, the second liquid ( 20 ) being injected into liquid holding portions, for the second liquid ( 20 ), provided in a plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ), respectively, the second liquid ( 20 ) can be collectively sent into the plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ) simply by the second liquid ( 20 ) being stored in the storage portion ( 600 ) of the liquid sending device ( 500 ), whereby an operation of storing the second liquid ( 20 ) can be simplified. The second liquid ( 20 ) can be sent into a plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ) from the storage portion ( 600 ) in parallel, whereby liquid can be sent expeditiously even in a case where the sample processing chip ( 100 ) includes a plurality of the flow paths ( 110 ). 
     A desired amount of liquid can be sent expeditiously while an operation is inhibited from becoming bothersome when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an outline of a liquid sending method; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example where a first liquid is injected into a liquid holding portion; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example where a second liquid is sent; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example where the second liquid to be sent is switched by opening and closing a valve; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example where a fourth liquid is disposed in a flow path; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary structure of a sample processing chip; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of an exemplary structure of a base plate of the sample processing chip; 
         FIG. 8  is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example where fluid modules are disposed in the base plate; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view illustrating a first exemplary disposition where flow paths are disposed in the sample processing chip; 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view illustrating a second exemplary disposition where flow paths are disposed in the sample processing chip; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an outline of a liquid sending device; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary structure of a second liquid sending mechanism; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary structure having a third liquid sending mechanism; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an exemplary structure having a fourth liquid sending mechanism; 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of the liquid sending device; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an exemplary structure of the liquid sending device; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an exemplary structure of a liquid sending device which sends liquid to a sample processing chip having a plurality of channels; 
         FIG. 18  is a vertical cross-sectional view of an exemplary structure for connecting the liquid sending device and the sample processing chip to each other; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an example of liquid sending for forming droplets by the sample processing chip; 
         FIG. 21  is a plan view of a first exemplary structure of a flow path in which droplets are formed; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an example of liquid sending for PCR by the sample processing chip; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates an example of liquid sending for breaking droplets by the sample processing chip; 
         FIG. 24  is a flow chart showing an example of an emulsion PCR assay; 
         FIGS. 25A through 25D  illustrate a progress of reaction in the emulsion PCR assay; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip used in the emulsion PCR assay; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path for performing Pre-PCR; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path for forming an emulsion; 
         FIG. 29  is a plan view of a second exemplary structure of a flow path in which droplets are formed; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path for performing PCR; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path for breaking an emulsion; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path for performing washing step (primary washing); 
         FIG. 33  illustrates an example of an operation of washing and concentrating magnetic particles in a flow path; 
         FIG. 34  illustrates an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip used for single cell analysis; 
         FIG. 35  illustrates an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip used for immunoassay; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a progress of reaction in immunoassay; 
         FIG. 37  illustrates an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip used for PCR assay; and 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a structure for sending liquid to a sample processing chip of conventional art. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     [Outline of Liquid Sending Method] 
     An outline of a liquid sending method using a sample processing chip according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     A liquid sending method according to the present embodiment is a liquid sending method using a sample processing chip  100  having a flow path  110  into which a plurality of liquids flow, and, in the liquid sending method, sample processing which includes one or more processing steps for a target component in a sample that is sent into the flow path  110 , is performed. Liquid is moved into the flow path  110  by supplying pressure to the liquid by a liquid sending device  500  provided separately from the sample processing chip  100 , thereby performing the liquid sending. 
     The sample processing chip  100  is a cartridge-type sample processing chip capable of receiving a sample containing a target component. The cartridge-type sample processing chip  100  can be set in, for example, a sample processing device having the liquid sending device  500  incorporated therein. The sample processing chip  100  is a microfluidic chip having a fluid module  200  (see  FIG. 6 ) which has a fine flow path for performing a desired processing step as described below. The flow path is a micro flow path having, for example, a cross-sectional dimension (width, height, and inner diameter) of 0.1 μm to 1000 μm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sample processing chip  100  includes the flow path  110 , a liquid holding portion  120 , and an injection hole  130 . 
     The flow path  110  is provided in the sample processing chip  100 , and is structured to form flow of liquid in a predetermined path. The flow path  110  may have any structure that allows liquid to flow. The flow path  110  has a shape based on a process performed in the flow path. The flow path  110  is formed so as to have a flow path width, a flow path height or flow path depth, a flow path length, and a volume based on a process performed in the flow path. The flow path  110  is formed by, for example, an elongated tubular path or channel. The channel may have a linear shape, a curved shape, a zigzag shape, or the like. The flow path  110  may have, for example, a shape in which a flow path dimension such as a flow path width or height varies, a shape in which a part or the entirety of the flow path expands in a planar manner, or a chamber shape capable of storing liquid that flows therein. 
     The liquid holding portion  120  is structured to have a predetermined volume for holding a first liquid  10 . The liquid holding portion  120  is connected to the flow path  110  in the sample processing chip  100 . The first liquid  10  can be moved into the flow path  110  through a connection portion  140  for connection between the flow path  110  and the liquid holding portion  120 . The liquid holding portion  120  may be provided on the surface of the sample processing chip  100  or may be embedded in the sample processing chip  100 . In a case where the first liquid  10  is supplied into the liquid holding portion  120  from the outside of the sample processing chip  100  when the sample processing chip  100  is used, the liquid holding portion  120  is formed so as to be exposed to the outside on the surface of the sample processing chip  100 , and is, for example, formed into a tubular shape having an opening  121  through which liquid is injected from the outside. Injection of the first liquid  10  into the liquid holding portion  120  is performed manually by an operator, or by using an automated injection device. In a case where the sample processing chip  100  is provided in a state where the first liquid  10  is held in the liquid holding portion  120  in advance, the liquid holding portion  120  may be embedded in the sample processing chip  100 . 
     In the liquid sending method according to the present embodiment, the first liquid  10  held in the liquid holding portion  120  is moved into the flow path  110  by pressure being applied to the liquid holding portion  120 . The pressure is supplied to the liquid holding portion  120  from the liquid sending device  500  outside the sample processing chip  100 . The pressure is supplied through a pressure path  512  that connects between the liquid sending device  500  and the liquid holding portion  120 . The pressure for moving the first liquid  10  may be liquid pressure, or gas pressure or air pressure. That is, the first liquid  10  may be moved by pressurizing and supplying gas into the liquid holding portion  120 , or the first liquid  10  may be moved by pressurizing and supplying liquid into the liquid holding portion  120 . The first liquid  10  is pushed out from the liquid holding portion  120  by pressure supplied into the liquid holding portion  120 , and is moved through the connection portion  140  into the flow path  110 . 
     The injection hole  130  is a port through which a second liquid  20  is injected into the sample processing chip  100  from the liquid sending device  500  side. The injection hole  130  is opened on the surface of the sample processing chip  100  and is connected to the flow path  110 . The second liquid  20  can be moved into the flow path  110  through the injection hole  130  from the liquid sending device  500  outside the sample processing chip  100 . The injection hole  130  may be formed, as an opening, directly in the surface of the sample processing chip  100 . The injection hole  130  may have, on the surface of the sample processing chip  100 , a tubular portion suitable for connection to the liquid sending device  500  provided in the outside, and may be opened at the end of the tubular portion, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The second liquid  20  is not held in the sample processing chip  100 , and stored in a storage portion  600  in the liquid sending device  500 . In the liquid sending method according to the present embodiment, the second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600  is moved toward the sample processing chip  100  by pressure being applied to the storage portion  600  provided in the liquid sending device  500 , to send the second liquid  20  through the injection hole  130  into the flow path  110 . The storage portion  600  may be provided inside the liquid sending device  500 , or may be provided outside the liquid sending device  500  and connected to the liquid sending device  500 . Pressure is supplied from the liquid sending device  500  into the storage portion  600 . Pressure for moving the second liquid  20  may be liquid pressure, or gas pressure or air pressure. The second liquid  20  is pushed out from the storage portion  600  by pressure, and is supplied through a liquid sending tube  522  that connects between the liquid sending device  500  and the injection hole  130 . 
     The first liquid  10  that is moved from the liquid holding portion  120  and the second liquid  20  that is moved through the injection hole  130  merge and flow in the same flow path  110 . As a result, a fluid that contains the first liquid  10  sent from the liquid holding portion  120  and the second liquid  20  sent through the injection hole  130  is formed in the flow path  110 . A part or the entirety of the sample processing is performed in the sample processing chip  100  according to the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  being sent. The sample processing includes, for example, a step of mixing, for example, a sample and a reagent, a step of causing the sample and the reagent to react with each other, a step of forming a fluid in an emulsion state, a step of demulsifying the emulsion, and a step of separating, from the sample, an unnecessary component contained in the sample and washing the sample. 
     As described above, the liquid sending method according to the present embodiment is implemented by performing at least (A) sending the first liquid  10  held in the liquid holding portion  120  provided in the sample processing chip  100 , into the flow path  110 , by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion  120 , (B) sending the second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600 , into the flow path  110 , through the injection hole  130  provided in the sample processing chip  100  by applying pressure to the storage portion  600  provided in the liquid sending device  500  that is connected to the sample processing chip  100 , and (C) forming, in the flow path  110 , a fluid that contains the first liquid  10  sent from the liquid holding portion  120  and the second liquid  20  sent through the injection hole  130 . 
     Thus, the second liquid  20  used in sample processing is stored in the storage portion  600  provided in the liquid sending device  500 , and can be sent into the flow path  110  through the injection hole  130  of the sample processing chip  100  from the storage portion  600  by applying pressure to the storage portion  600 . As a result, the second liquid  20 , among the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20 , need not be manually injected into the sample processing chip  100 , and therefore, when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip  100 , an operation can be inhibited from becoming bothersome. Unlike in the case of sending of liquid by using a capillary, the second liquid  20  is sent by pressure being applied to the storage portion  600  provided in the liquid sending device  500 , and, therefore, liquid can be easily sent expeditiously even at a relatively high flow rate by using a pressure source such as a pump. Consequently, when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip  100 , a desired amount of liquid can be sent expeditiously while an operation is inhibited from becoming bothersome. (A) sending of the first liquid  10  may be firstly performed, or (B) sending of the second liquid  20  may be firstly performed. 
     (First Liquid) 
     A liquid used as the first liquid  10  is not particularly limited when the liquid can be used in the sample processing in the sample processing chip  100 . In a case where an amount of a liquid to be supplied into the flow path  110  is less than an amount of the second liquid  20 , the liquid is preferably supplied from the liquid holding portion  120  as the first liquid  10  when, in the case of the liquid sending device  500  repeatedly performing a process of sending liquid into a plurality of the sample processing chips  100 , the liquid to be used is different for each sample processing chip  100 . 
     For example, in the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the first liquid  10  contains a sample  11  derived from an organism. The sample  11  derived from an organism can be sent directly into the flow path  110  from the liquid holding portion  120  provided in the sample processing chip  100  without sending the sample  11  through, for example, a liquid sending tube of the liquid sending device  500 . As a result, even when the liquid sending process by the same liquid sending device  500  is repeated for a plurality of different sample processing chips  100 , contamination of the sample  11  can be prevented. 
     The sample  11  derived from an organism is, for example, liquid such as body fluid or blood (whole blood, serum or plasma) collected from a patient, or liquid obtained by subjecting collected body fluid or blood to a predetermined pretreatment. The sample includes, for example, nucleic acid such as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a cell and an intracellular substance, an antigen or antibody, protein, or peptide, as a target component for sample processing. For example, in a case where the target component is nucleic acid, an extract obtained by nucleic acid being extracted from blood or the like by a predetermined pretreatment, is used as the sample  11  derived from an organism. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the first liquid  10  contains a component  12  corresponding to a test item of sample testing using the sample processing chip  100 . Thus, the component  12  corresponding to the test item of the sample testing can be sent directly into the flow path  110  from the liquid holding portion  120  provided in the sample processing chip  100  without sending the component  12  through, for example, a liquid sending tube of the liquid sending device  500 . As a result, even when the liquid sending process by the same liquid sending device  500  is repeated for a plurality of the sample processing chips  100  for performing sample testing of different test items, contamination of the component  12  corresponding to the test item can be prevented. 
     The component  12  corresponding to a test item of sample testing is determined according to a target component contained in the sample  11  or the contents of the sample processing. The component  12  corresponding to a test item of sample testing contains, for example, a component that reacts specifically with a target component contained in the sample  11 . For example, in a case where the target component contained in the sample  11  is DNA, the component  12  corresponding to the test item of the sample testing contains, for example, a polymerase or a primer for PCR amplification. In a case where the target component contained in the sample  11  is an antigen or antibody, the component  12  corresponding to the test item of the sample testing contains, for example, an antibody or antigen that specifically binds to the antigen or antibody that is the target component. The component  12  corresponding to the test item of the sample testing may contain, for example, a carrier that carries the target component contained in the sample  11 , or a substance that causes the carrier and the target component to bind to each other. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , pressure is applied to the liquid holding portion  120  into which the first liquid  10  is injected by an injector  700  (see  FIG. 2 ), whereby the first liquid  10  is sent into the flow path  110 . That is, as shown in  FIG. 2 , before liquid is sent, the first liquid  10  is injected by the injector  700  through the opening  121  into the tubular liquid holding portion  120  having the opening  121 . The injector  700  is, for example, a pipette, a syringe, or a dispenser device. Thus, as in a case where liquid is injected into a standard well plate or the like, an operator is allowed to easily inject the first liquid  10  into the liquid holding portion  120  by using the injector  700  such as a pipette. Therefore, convenience is enhanced for the operator. 
     In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 2 , the sample processing chip  100  includes a plurality of the liquid holding portions  120 , and the plurality of the liquid holding portions  120  hold different kinds of the first liquids  10 , respectively. The first liquids  10  are mixed in the flow path  110  by the liquid sending, and are subjected to predetermined sample processing. In  FIG. 2 , a specimen after sample processing is sent to a liquid holding portion  160  provided in the sample processing chip  100 . 
     In a case where the number of the liquid holding portions  120  provided is plural, a plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  held in the plurality of the liquid holding portions  120  are sent into the flow path  110  by applying pressure to the liquid holding portions  120 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Thus, a plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  can be sent in parallel. As a result, a desired amount of liquid can be sent expeditiously. The liquid sending device  500  allows a plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  to be sent at different flow rates by, for example, separately applying pressure to the liquid holding portions  120 , respectively. The liquid sending device  500  allows sending of a plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  to be started at different times by, for example, applying pressure to the liquid holding portions  120  at different times, respectively. Thus, a plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  can be freely sent into the sample processing chip  100 , whereby liquid can be sent so as to correspond to various sample processing assays. 
     The first liquids  10  in a plurality of the liquid holding portions  120  may be sent into the flow path  110  by pressure being supplied through a common pressure path  512 . The same kind of the first liquid  10  may be held in the plurality of the liquid holding portions  120 . 
     (Second Liquid) 
     A liquid used as the second liquid  20  is not particularly limited when the liquid can be used in the sample processing in the sample processing chip  100 . In a case where an amount of a liquid to be supplied into the flow path  110  is greater than an amount of the first liquid  10 , the liquid is preferably supplied from the storage portion  600  as the second liquid  20  when the liquid is used in common in the case of the liquid sending process being repeated for a plurality of the sample processing chips  100 . 
     For example, in the step of mixing a sample and a reagent, or a step of causing the sample and the reagent to react with each other, liquid containing the sample is used as the first liquid  10 , and the reagent that does not contain the sample is used as the second liquid  20 . In the step of forming a fluid in an emulsion state, a liquid medium for dispersing droplets is used as the second liquid  20 . In the step of demulsifying the emulsion, a reagent for demulsification is used as the second liquid  20 . In the step of separating, from the sample, an unnecessary component contained in the sample and washing the sample, washing liquid or the like is used as the second liquid  20 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the storage portion  600  has a volume greater than the liquid holding portion  120 . In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the second liquid  20  is sent into the flow path  110  through the injection hole  130  from the storage portion  600  at a flow rate higher than a flow rate of the first liquid  10 . Thus, the second liquid  20  can be sent at a flow rate higher than that of the first liquid  10  from the liquid sending device  500 . Limitation of an installation space or the like of the storage portion  600  provided in the liquid sending device  500  is less than limitation of an installation space of the liquid holding portion  120  of the sample processing chip  100 , and the storage portion  600  can be easily enlarged. Therefore, even when an amount of the second liquid  20  to be used is large, a sufficient amount of the second liquid  20  to be sent can be easily assured. For example, the flow rate of the second liquid  20  is set to be not less than twice the flow rate of the first liquid  10 . 
     A plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  may be supplied to the sample processing chip  100 . In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , a plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  stored in a plurality of the storage portions  600  are each sent through the common injection hole  130  into the flow path  110 . The plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  are stored in the different storage portions  600 , respectively, and, during the liquid sending, the second liquids  20  are sent through a common liquid sending tube  522  from the same injection hole  130  into the flow path  110 . Thus, the sample processing chip  100  need not be provided with a plurality of the injection holes  130  corresponding to the plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20 , and the sample processing chip  100  can be made simple and compact. The liquid sending device  500  need not have multiple liquid sending tubes corresponding to the plurality of the injection holes  130 , and the structure of the liquid sending device  500  can be thus simplified. That is, even when a plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  are used, a structure for sending liquid can be simplified. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , a fluid in the flow path  110  is collected through a discharge outlet  150  provided in the sample processing chip  100 . Thus, a specimen or waste liquid can be easily collected after sample processing through the discharge outlet  150  from the sample processing chip  100 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , switching among valves  507  disposed between the injection hole  130  and a plurality of the storage portions  600 , respectively, in the liquid sending device  500  is performed, whereby a plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  are each sent through the injection hole  130  into the flow path  110 . Thus, the plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  can be each sent easily into the flow path  110  by switching of the valve  507  without, for example, changing connection of a liquid sending tube in the liquid sending device  500  or moving the storage portion  600  in order to select the second liquid  20  to be sent. In  FIG. 4 , the valves  507  are provided so as to correspond to the plurality of the storage portions  600 , respectively. Furthermore, the liquid sending tube  522  is provided with the valve  507  for controlling starting or stopping of liquid sending. The valve  507  may be not only a simple two-way valve but also a multi-way valve that allows switching between multiple paths. For example, one four-way valve may be connected between the three storage portions  600  and a pressure source to enable switching. 
     A path may be switched in a manner other than a manner using the valve  507 . For example, the second liquid  20  to be supplied may be changed by moving an aspiration mechanism provided so as to be movable between the plurality of the storage portions  600 . The plurality of the storage portions  600  may be set so as to be movable and the storage portion  600  may be selectively positioned at a position at which the aspiration mechanism is disposed. In a case where a plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  are used, the second liquids  20  may be send into the different injection holes  130 , respectively. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example where a fourth liquid  40  is sent in advance in order to inhibit leakage of the first liquid  10  from the liquid holding portion  120 . The first liquid  10  is held in advance in the liquid holding portion  120  before sample processing using the sample processing chip  100  is started. Before liquid is sent into the flow path  110 , a hollow space is formed inside the flow path  110 . Therefore, in a case where, after the first liquid  10  is injected into the liquid holding portion  120 , the first liquid  10  is left as it is without starting sending of the first liquid  10 , the first liquid  10  may be moved naturally into the flow path  110  with elapse of time depending on the structure of the sample processing chip  100 . 
     Therefore, in the example shown in  FIG. 5 , by applying pressure to the storage portion  600 , the fourth liquid  40  stored in the storage portion  600  is sent through the injection hole  130  into the flow path  110  and disposed in the flow path  110 . After the fourth liquid  40  has been disposed in the flow path  110  or in parallel with disposing of the fourth liquid  40  in the flow path  110 , the first liquid  10  is put into a state where the first liquid  10  can be injected into the liquid holding portion  120 . For example, in  FIG. 5 , when the fourth liquid  40  is sent, the opening  121  of the liquid holding portion  120  is covered with a lid  580 . The lid  580  is fixed by a locking mechanism  585 . After the fourth liquid  40  has been disposed in the flow path  110 , or in parallel with disposing of the fourth liquid  40  in the flow path  110 , locking of the lid  580  by the locking mechanism  585  is cancelled. Therefore, the lid  580  is opened to expose the opening  121 , whereby the first liquid  10  can be injected into the liquid holding portion  120  by the injector  700  (see  FIG. 2 ). When injection of the first liquid  10  into the liquid holding portion  120  is completed, the fourth liquid  40  has been disposed in the flow path  110 . Therefore, the fourth liquid  40  in the flow path  110  inhibits the first liquid  10  from moving into the flow path  110 . 
     Thus, when the first liquid  10  is held in the liquid holding portion  120 , the fourth liquid  40  can inhibit the first liquid  10  from moving into the flow path  110 . As a result, for example, also in a case where it takes time to send the first liquid  10  after the first liquid  10  has been held in the liquid holding portion  120  due to convenience of an operator who performs sample processing, the first liquid  10  can be held in the liquid holding portion  120 . 
     The liquid sending process for disposing the fourth liquid  40  in the flow path  110  is preferably completed before injection of the first liquid  10  into the liquid holding portion  120 . However, a flow path resistance is relatively high in a micro flow path having a small flow path diameter, and the first liquid  10  does not immediately move toward the flow path  110  after injection of the first liquid  10 . Therefore, injection of the first liquid  10  into the liquid holding portion  120  may be started halfway through the liquid sending process for disposing the fourth liquid  40 . 
     Preferably, in a range, of the flow path  110 , which includes at least the connection portion  140  for connection to the liquid holding portion  120  in which the first liquid  10  is held, the flow path  110  is filled with the fourth liquid  40 . That is, in the connection portion  140  for connection to the liquid holding portion  120  in which the first liquid  10  is held, the fourth liquid  40  is filled. Thus, the fourth liquid  40  that is filled in the connection portion  140 , in the flow path  110 , for connection to the liquid holding portion  120 , can effectively inhibit the first liquid  10  from moving toward the flow path  110 . The entirety of the flow path  110  may be filled with the fourth liquid  40 . 
     As the fourth liquid  40 , a liquid dedicated to inhibition of moving of the first liquid  10  toward the flow path  110  may be used. In this case, similarly to the second liquid  20 , the storage portion  600  having the fourth liquid  40  stored therein is provided in the liquid sending device  500 , or is connected to the liquid sending device  500  from the outside. In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , as the fourth liquid  40 , the second liquid  20  stored in the storage portion  600  is used. Thus, the second liquid  20  used for the sample processing can be used also as the fourth liquid  40 , whereby the dedicated fourth liquid  40  need not be prepared separately from the second liquid  20 . A structure of the liquid sending device  500  for sending the fourth liquid  40  and a structure for sending the second liquid  20  can be the same, whereby the structure for sending liquid can be simplified. 
     [Example of Structure of Sample Processing Chip] 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip  100  according to the present embodiment. The sample processing chip  100  includes a plurality of fluid modules  200  and a base plate  300 . Each fluid module  200  has the flow path  110  formed therein. On the base plate  300 , one or more fluid modules  200  are disposed. In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , a sample containing a target component, a reagent, and the like flow sequentially through the fluid modules  200   a ,  200   b , and  200   c . Therefore, an assay is performed so as to correspond to a combination of a plurality of kinds of fluid modules. The fluid modules  200   a ,  200   b , and  200   c  are different kinds of fluid modules, respectively. That is, in the fluid modules  200   a ,  200   b , and  200   c , the different sample processing steps, respectively, are performed by liquid sending. By a combination of the fluid modules  200  disposed on the base plate  300  being changed, various assays can be performed according to the combination. There is no limitation on the number of the fluid modules  200  disposed on the base plate  300 . The shape of the fluid module  200  may be different for each kind. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary structure of the base plate  300 . The base plate  300  includes a plurality of base plate flow paths  310 . The base plate  300  is flat-plate-shaped, and has a first surface  301  that is the main surface, and a second surface  302  (see  FIG. 6 ). The second surface  302  is a surface opposite to the first surface  301 . In  FIG. 6 , the upper surface of the base plate  300  in  FIG. 6  is the first surface  301 . However, the first surface  301  may be the lower surface. The base plate  300  is formed from glass, resin, or the like. 
     A thickness d of the base plate  300  is, for example, not less than 1 mm and not greater than 5 mm. Thus, the base plate  300  can be formed so as to have a sufficient thickness as compared to a flow path height (on the order of about 10 μm to 500 μm) of the flow path  110  formed in the fluid module  200 . As a result, the base plate  300  is easily allowed to assuredly have a sufficient pressure-resisting ability. 
     The base plate flow paths  310  are, for example, disposed with a predetermined pitch. In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , the base plate flow paths  310  are aligned with a pitch V in the vertical direction and a pitch H in the lateral direction. In this case, the fluid modules  200  are disposed at any positions on the base plate  300  in units of pitches, and the flow path  110  can be connected to any base plate flow path  310 . Therefore, even in a case where a combination of the fluid modules  200  is changed, any combination and any alignment of the fluid modules  200  on the base plate  300  can be easily formed. 
     The base plate flow path  310  is, for example, a through hole that penetrates through the base plate  300  in the thickness direction. The base plate flow paths  310  are connected to the flow path  110  of the fluid module  200  and are further structured as the connection portion  140 , for connection to the liquid holding portion  120 , for supplying the first liquid  10  into the sample processing chip  100 , and as the connection portion  140 , for connection to the injection hole  130 , for supplying the second liquid  20  into the sample processing chip  100 . For example, the fluid module  200  having the flow path  110  is disposed on one of the first surface  301  and the second surface  302 , and the liquid holding portion  120  and the injection hole  130  are disposed in the other of the first surface  301  and the second surface  302 . The base plate flow path  310  is provided so as to connect between: the flow path  110  of the fluid module  200 ; and the liquid holding portion  120  and the injection hole  130 . 
     The fluid module  200  is formed from, for example, a resinous material. For example, each fluid module  200  is connected to the base plate  300  by solid-phase joining. As the solid-phase joining, a method of performing plasma processing on surfaces to be joined, to form OH radicals, thereby joining the surfaces by hydrogen bonds, or a method using vacuum pressure bonding or the like can be adopted, for example. The fluid module  200  may be connected to the base plate  300  by an adhesive or the like. 
     In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 8 , the sample processing chip  100  includes fluid modules  200   a ,  200   b , and  200   c  disposed on the first surface  301  of the base plate  300 , and fluid modules  200   d  and  200   e  disposed on the second surface  302 . The fluid modules  200  are connected to each other through the base plate flow paths  310  of the base plate  300 . Thus, the sample processing chip  100  may have the fluid module  200  on each of the first surface  301  and the second surface  302 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , in the sample processing chip  100 , unit flow path structures  101  each of which is a unit structure for performing a predetermined processing step may be arranged so as to be in parallel. The unit flow path structure  101  includes the flow path  110 , the liquid holding portion  120 , the injection hole  130 , the discharge outlet  150 , and the like. In  FIG. 9 , substantially the same type of unit flow path structures  101  are aligned in the sample processing chip  100 . The unit flow path structures  101  may be formed by the separate fluid modules  200 , respectively, or a plurality of the unit flow path structures  101  may be aligned on the common fluid module  200 . In the sample processing chip  100 , for example, the plurality of the unit flow path structures  101  may be linearly arranged at regular intervals, or may be aligned longitudinally and laterally so as to form an array as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , in a case where a plurality of the flow paths  110  are disposed in the sample processing chip  100 , the second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600  is sent into the plurality of the flow paths  110  through a plurality of the injection holes  130  provided in the plurality of the flow paths  110 , respectively, of the sample processing chip  100  by applying pressure to the storage portion  600 . Thus, for example, unlike in the case of the second liquid  20  being injected into liquid holding portions provided for the second liquid  20  in the plurality of the flow paths  110 , respectively, the second liquid  20  can be collectively sent into the plurality of the flow paths  110  by the second liquid  20  being merely stored in the storage portion  600  of the liquid sending device  500 . Therefore, an operation of storing the second liquid  20  can be simplified. Since the second liquid  20  can be sent into the plurality of the flow paths  110  from the storage portion  600  in parallel, expeditious liquid sending can be performed even when the sample processing chip  100  includes a plurality of the flow paths  110 . 
     [Outline of Liquid Sending Device] 
     Next, an outline of a liquid sending device for performing the liquid sending method according to the present embodiment will be described. 
     The liquid sending device  500  is a liquid sending device for sending liquid into the sample processing chip  100  having the flow path  110  into which a plurality of liquids flow. The contents of the sample processing depend on the structure of the sample processing chip  100 . Therefore, the liquid sending device  500  can send liquid for performing different kinds of sample processing according to a kind of the sample processing chip  100  to be used. 
     The liquid sending device  500  includes a first liquid sending mechanism  510  and a second liquid sending mechanism  520 . The first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520  are each structured so as to include a pump that serves as a pressure source, tubing for supplying pressure, a valve for controlling sending of liquid, and the like. 
     The first liquid sending mechanism  510  sends the first liquid  10  held in the liquid holding portion  120  provided in the sample processing chip  100 , into the flow path  110  of the sample processing chip  100 . The first liquid sending mechanism  510  sends the first liquid  10  held in the liquid holding portion  120 , into the flow path  110 , by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion  120 . In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 11 , a connector  400  is attached to the liquid holding portion  120 , to connect between the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the inside of the liquid holding portion  120 . The connector  400  seals the opening  121  of the liquid holding portion  120 . The first liquid sending mechanism  510  supplies pressure through the connector  400  from the opening  121  side of the liquid holding portion  120 , to push the first liquid  10  toward the flow path  110 . The first liquid  10  is moved into the flow path  110  through the connection portion  140  by pressure. 
     The second liquid sending mechanism  520  sends the second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600 , through the injection hole  130  provided in the sample processing chip  100 , into the flow path  110 . The second liquid sending mechanism  520  sends the second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600 , through the injection hole  130 , into the flow path  110  by applying pressure to the storage portion  600  having the second liquid  20  stored therein. In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 11 , the connector  400  is attached to the injection hole  130 , to connect between the second liquid sending mechanism  520  and the injection hole  130 . The connector  400  seals the injection hole  130 . The second liquid sending mechanism  520  is fluidly connected to the inside of the storage portion  600 . The second liquid sending mechanism  520  supplies pressure into the storage portion  600 , to move the second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600  into the injection hole  130 . The second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600  is moved into the flow path  110  through the injection hole  130  by pressure. 
     The liquid sending device  500  allows a fluid containing the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  to be formed in the flow path  110  through the liquid sending by the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . That is, the first liquid  10  moved from the liquid holding portion  120  and the second liquid  20  moved through the injection hole  130  merge and flow in the same flow path  110 . A part or the entirety of sample processing by the sample processing chip  100  is performed according to the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  being sent. 
     In the liquid sending device  500  for the sample processing chip  100  of the present embodiment, the storage portion  600  stores the second liquid  20  used for sample processing, and the second liquid sending mechanism  520  applies pressure to the storage portion  600  to send the second liquid  20  from the storage portion  600  through the injection hole  130  of the sample processing chip  100  into the flow path  110 , in the above-described structure. Thus, the second liquid  20 , among the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20 , need not be manually injected into the sample processing chip  100 . Therefore, when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip  100 , an operation can be inhibited from becoming bothersome. Unlike in the case of sending of liquid by using a capillary, the second liquid  20  is sent from the liquid sending device  500  by pressure being applied to the storage portion  600  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 , and, therefore, liquid can be easily sent expeditiously even at a relatively high flow rate by using a pressure source such as a pump. Consequently, when liquid is injected into the sample processing chip  100 , a desired amount of liquid can be sent expeditiously while an operation can be inhibited from becoming bothersome. 
     In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 11 , the first liquid sending mechanism  510  includes a first pressure source  511  for applying pressure to the liquid holding portion  120 . The second liquid sending mechanism  520  includes a second pressure source  521  for applying pressure to the storage portion  600 . The first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520  have separate pressure sources, respectively, and can independently apply pressure. Thus, sending of the first liquid  10  held in the liquid holding portion  120  and sending of the second liquid  20  stored in the storage portion  600  can be separately performed by the first pressure source  511  and the second pressure source  521 , respectively. As a result, pressure for sending liquid and liquid sending start time can be freely controlled, whereby a degree of freedom for liquid sending process is enhanced. 
     As the first pressure source  511  and the second pressure source  521 , for example, various kinds of pumps such as a pressure pump, a syringe pump, and a diaphragm pump can be used. As a pump used in the liquid sending device  500  for the sample processing chip  100 , for example, a syringe pump having a high metering performance or high controllability of a flow rate or pressure is preferably used. Other than this, the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520  may have a common pressure source. In this case, liquid to be sent can be switched by, for example, switching the pressure path  512 . 
     In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 11 , the first liquid sending mechanism  510  includes the pressure path  512  that connects between the first pressure source  511  and the liquid holding portion  120 . The second liquid sending mechanism  520  includes the liquid sending tube  522  that connects between the storage portion  600  and the injection hole  130 . The first liquid sending mechanism  510  supplies pressure from the first pressure source  511  through the pressure path  512  to the liquid holding portion  120 . The second liquid sending mechanism  520  moves the second liquid  20  from the storage portion  600  through the liquid sending tube  522  into the injection hole  130  by pressure from the second pressure source  521 . Thus, the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  can be sent through separate paths, respectively. Therefore, unlike in the case of sending of the first liquid  10  by the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and sending of the second liquid  20  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520  being performed by, for example, switching connection to a common path, a degree of freedom for liquid sending process is enhanced. 
     The pressure path  512  and the liquid sending tube  522  are each formed from a tubing member. Pressure can be transmitted through the pressure path  512  by using gas pressure, air pressure, or liquid pressure as a medium. For example, the first pressure source  511  sends inert gas, air, or the like into the pressure path  512 , and pressurizes and supplies it into the liquid holding portion  120 . The first pressure source  511  may pressurizes and supplies, into the liquid holding portion  120 , a liquid medium for pressurizing the first liquid  10 . The liquid sending tube  522  is formed from a tube member through which the second liquid  20  flows. Pressure to be supplied into the storage portion  600  by the second pressure source  521  may be a positive pressure or a negative pressure. For example, in  FIG. 11 , the second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600  is taken into a syringe by negative pressure from the second pressure source  521  such as a syringe pump, and the second liquid  20  is sent into the liquid sending tube  522  toward the injection hole  130  by positive pressure. In  FIG. 12 , the second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600  is pushed out by positive pressure from the second pressure source  521  such as a pressure pump, and the second liquid  20  is sent into the liquid sending tube  522  toward the injection hole  130 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , various structures can be adopted for the storage portion  600 . The storage portion  600  may be disposed inside the liquid sending device  500  or outside the liquid sending device  500 . For example, a storage portion  600   a  is a liquid container  610  in which the second liquid  20  is stored. The liquid sending device  500  includes a container setting portion  505  at which the liquid container  610  is set. That is, the liquid sending device  500  uses a bottle for the second liquid  20  as it is, to send the second liquid  20  into the sample processing chip  100 . Thus, the second liquid  20  can be directly sent from the liquid container  610  that is set at the container setting portion  505  of the liquid sending device  500 . An operator merely sets the liquid container  610  at the container setting portion  505 . Therefore, for example, as compared to a case where the second liquid  20  is transferred into a storage portion such as a liquid chamber in the liquid sending device  500 , the liquid container  610  can be used as the storage portion  600  as it is, and convenience is thus enhanced for an operator. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 11 , a storage portion  600   b  is the liquid container  610  in which the second liquid  20  is stored, and the liquid sending device  500  includes an external connection portion  506  for connecting between the external liquid container  610  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . The external connection portion  506  include tubing through which the second liquid  20  in the liquid container  610  is transferred into the second liquid sending mechanism  520  in the liquid sending device  500 . An operator merely sets the external connection portion  506  in the liquid container  610 , for connection to the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . Thus, since the storage portion  600  for the second liquid  20  can be disposed outside the device, the liquid sending device  500  can be made compact as compared to a case where the storage portion  600  is disposed inside the device. For example, as compared to a case where the second liquid  20  is transferred into a storage portion such as a liquid chamber in the liquid sending device  500 , the liquid container  610  can be used as the storage portion  600  as it is, and convenience is thus enhanced for an operator. 
     In  FIG. 11 , a storage portion  600   c  is a chamber provided in the liquid sending device  500 . The second liquid  20  is transferred into the chamber from the liquid container  610 , to be set in the liquid sending device  500 . The storage portion  600  may have such a structure. 
     The first liquid sending mechanism  510  sends the first liquid  10  into the flow path  110  by controlling pressure to be applied to the liquid holding portion  120  that holds the first liquid  10  containing the sample  11  derived from an organism. Thus, the sample  11  derived from an organism can be sent directly into the flow path  110  from the liquid holding portion  120  provided in the sample processing chip  100  without taking the sample  11  into the device. As a result, even when liquid sending process is repeated for a plurality of different sample processing chips  100 , contamination of the sample  11  can be prevented. 
     The first liquid sending mechanism  510  sends the first liquid  10  into the flow path  110  by controlling pressure to be applied to the liquid holding portion  120  that holds the first liquid  10  containing the component  12  corresponding to a test item of sample testing using the sample processing chip  100 . Thus, the component  12  corresponding to the test item of the sample testing can be sent directly into the flow path  110  from the liquid holding portion  120  provided in the sample processing chip  100  without taking the component  12  into the device. As a result, even when liquid sending process is repeated for a plurality of the sample processing chips  100  that perform sample testing of different test items, contamination of the component  12  corresponding to the test item can be prevented. 
     In  FIG. 11 , the first liquid sending mechanism  510  sends a plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  into the flow path  110  by controlling pressure to be applied to the plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  that are stored in a plurality of the liquid holding portions  120 , respectively. Thus, by different pressures being applied, a plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  can be sent at different flow rates, respectively, or sending of a plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  can be started at different times, respectively. As a result, the plurality of kinds of the first liquids  10  can be freely sent into the sample processing chip  100 , whereby liquid sending can be performed so as to be appropriate to various sample processing assays. 
     The first liquid  10  is injected into the liquid holding portion  120  by the injector  700  (see  FIG. 2 ). The first liquid sending mechanism  510  sends the first liquid  10  into the flow path  110  by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion  120  into which the first liquid  10  is injected by the injector  700 . Thus, similarly to injection of liquid to a well plate or the like, an operator is allowed to easily inject the first liquid  10  through the opening  121  of the liquid holding portion  120  by using the injector  700  such as a pipette, whereby convenience is enhanced for an operator. 
     In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 11 , the second liquid sending mechanism  520  sends the second liquid  20  into the flow path  110  at a flow rate higher than a flow rate of the first liquid  10  that is sent by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 . Thus, the second liquid  20  can be sent, at a flow rate higher than that of the first liquid  10 , from the storage portion  600 . Limitation of an installation space or the like of the storage portion  600  provided in the liquid sending device  500  is less than limitation of an installation space or the like of the liquid holding portion  120  of the sample processing chip  100 , and the size of the storage portion  600  can be easily increased. Therefore, an amount of the second liquid  20  to be sent is easily allowed to be sufficiently assured even when an amount of the second liquid  20  to be used is large. 
     In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 11 , the second liquid sending mechanism  520  sends a plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  stored in a plurality of the storage portions  600  through the common injection hole  130  into the flow path  110 . The number of the storage portions  600  to be provided can be the number corresponding to the kinds of the second liquids  20  to be supplied from the liquid sending device  500  into the sample processing chip  100 . Thus, a plurality of liquid sending tubes need not be provided so as to correspond to a plurality of the injection holes  130 , and the structure of the device can be thus simplified. That is, even when a plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  are used, the structure for sending liquid can be simplified. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the second liquid sending mechanism  520  includes the valves  507  for switching connection of the storage portions  600 , respectively, to the common injection hole  130 , and switching between the valves  507  is performed, whereby the plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  can be separately sent into the flow path  110  through the common injection hole  130 . 
     In  FIG. 12 , the second pressure source  521  of the second liquid sending mechanism  520  is connected to each of a plurality (three) of the storage portions  600 . The three storage portions  600  contain different kinds of the second liquids  20 , respectively. The three storage portions  600  are connected, through the valves  507 , respectively, to the common liquid sending tube  522  that branches at one end. The other end of the liquid sending tube  522  is connected to the injection hole  130  of the sample processing chip  100 . The three valves  507  that allow or prevent movement of liquids from the storage portions  600  into the liquid sending tube  522  are selectively opened, whereby the second liquid  20  to be sent into the injection hole  130  can be selected. 
     When the valves  507  for switching connection of the storage portions  600 , respectively, to the common injection hole  130  are provided, each of the plurality of kinds of the second liquids  20  can be easily sent into the flow path  110  by switching between the valves  507  without, for example, changing connection of the liquid sending tube in the liquid sending device  500  or moving the storage portion  600  for selecting the second liquid  20  to be sent. 
     In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 13 , the liquid sending device  500  includes a third liquid sending mechanism  530  for collecting fluid formed in the flow path  110 , through the discharge outlet  150  provided in the sample processing chip  100 . For example, oil used in the step of forming droplets  50 , washing liquid used in the step of washing a target component, or the like can be collected through the third liquid sending mechanism  530  into a collection container  611 . Thus, specimen can be easily collected after sample processing from the sample processing chip  100  through the discharge outlet  150 . 
     In  FIG. 13 , the third liquid sending mechanism  530  includes a valve  532  and a liquid sending tube  531  that connects between the discharge outlet  150  and the collection container  611 . The sample processing chip  100  includes the liquid holding portion  160  for holding specimen having been subjected to sample processing. The liquid holding portion  160  for holding specimen having been subjected to sample processing is switched between an opened state and a sealed state by a valve  508 . Fluid to be collected in the collection container  611  is sent from the flow path  110  through the discharge outlet  150  into the collection container  611  by opening the valve  532  and performing liquid sending in a state where the valve  508  is closed. The specimen having been subjected to the sample processing is sent into the liquid holding portion  160  by closing the valve  532  and opening the valve  508 , and performing liquid sending. The third liquid sending mechanism  530  may not necessarily include a pressure source. Fluid can be sent from the flow path  110  into the third liquid sending mechanism  530  by pressure from the first liquid sending mechanism  510  or the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an example of the liquid sending device  500  that allows the fourth liquid  40  to be disposed in the flow path  110 . In the example shown in  FIG. 14 , the liquid sending device  500  includes a fourth liquid sending mechanism  540  that sends the fourth liquid  40  stored in the storage portion  600 , through the injection hole  130 , into the flow path  110  by applying pressure to the storage portion  600 . 
     By the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540 , the fourth liquid  40  is disposed in the flow path  110  of the sample processing chip  100  in a state where the first liquid  10  is not held in the liquid holding portion  120 . For example, by the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540 , the fourth liquid  40  is disposed in the flow path  110  in advance before the first liquid  10  is injected into the liquid holding portion  120 . By the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540 , the fourth liquid  40  may be disposed in the flow path  110  in parallel with the first liquid  10  being injected into the liquid holding portion  120 . The fourth liquid  40  in the flow path  110  inhibits the first liquid  10  from moving into the flow path  110 . 
     Thus, when the first liquid  10  is held in the liquid holding portion  120 , the fourth liquid  40  can inhibit the first liquid  10  from moving into the flow path  110 . As a result, for example, also in a case where it takes time to send the first liquid  10  after the first liquid  10  has been held in the liquid holding portion  120 , due to convenience of an operator who performs sample processing, the first liquid  10  can be held in the liquid holding portion  120 . In  FIG. 14 , while the fourth liquid  40  is sent by the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540 , the liquid sending device  500  operates the locking mechanism  585  for the lid  580 , to prohibit the first liquid  10  from being injected into the liquid holding portion  120 . When the fourth liquid  40  is disposed in the flow path  110 , the liquid sending device  500  cancels locking by the locking mechanism  585 . As a result, the lid  580  is opened, and the first liquid  10  can be injected into the liquid holding portion  120 . 
     In  FIG. 14 , the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540  is structured by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 , and sends the second liquid  20  stored in the storage portion  600 , as the fourth liquid  40 , into the flow path  110 . In other words, the second liquid sending mechanism  520  also functions as the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540 . By the second liquid sending mechanism  520 , not only the second liquid  20  is sent into the flow path  110  of the sample processing chip  100  when the sample processing is performed, but also the second liquid  20  stored in the storage portion  600  is used as the fourth liquid and disposed in the flow path  110  before the sample processing when the first liquid  10  is injected into the liquid holding portion  120 . Thus, the second liquid  20  used in sample processing can be also used as the fourth liquid  40 , whereby the dedicated fourth liquid  40  need not be prepared separately from the second liquid  20 . The structure of the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540  for sending the fourth liquid  40  and the structure of the second liquid sending mechanism  520  can be the same. Therefore, the structure of the device can be simplified. The fourth liquid sending mechanism  540  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520  may be provided separately from each other. 
     In  FIG. 14 , by the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540 , the flow path  110  is filled with the fourth liquid  40  in a range, of the flow path  110 , including at least the connection portion  140  for connection to the liquid holding portion  120  in which the first liquid  10  is held. Thus, the fourth liquid  40  that is filled in the connection portion  140 , of the flow path  110 , for connection to the liquid holding portion  120 , can effectively inhibit the first liquid  10  from moving toward the flow path  110 .  FIG. 14  illustrates an example where, by the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540 , the entirety of the flow path  110  is filled with the fourth liquid  40 . 
     (Example of Structure of Liquid Sending Device) 
     Next, a specific example of a structure of the liquid sending device  500  will be described. In  FIG. 15 , the liquid sending device  500  includes: a setting portion  550  on which the sample processing chip  100  is set; a liquid sending portion  560 ; and a controller  570  for controlling the liquid sending portion  560 . 
     The setting portion  550  is formed into a shape corresponding to the sample processing chip  100 , and supports the sample processing chip  100 . The setting portion  550  is structured so as to open at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion of the sample processing chip  100  for connection of the sample processing chip  100  to the flow path or for setting a processing unit used in various processing steps in the sample processing chip  100 . The setting portion  550  can be, for example, structured so as to have a recessed shape or a frame shape by which the peripheral edge portion of the sample processing chip  100  is supported. 
     The liquid sending portion  560  has a function of supplying and transferring a sample containing a target component, to the sample processing chip  100 . That is, the liquid sending portion  560  includes a liquid sending mechanism that includes at least the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . The number of the first liquid sending mechanisms  510  to be provided and the number of the second liquid sending mechanisms  520  to be provided may be each plural. The liquid sending portion  560  may include the third liquid sending mechanism  530  and the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540 . 
     The controller  570  controls the liquid sending portion  560  such that various kinds of liquids such as a sample and a reagent are supplied into the sample processing chip  100  and sequentially transferred into the flow path  110  in order to perform one or more predetermined processing steps based on the structure of the sample processing chip  100 . The various kinds of liquids such as a sample and a reagent are sent as the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  into the flow path  110 . 
     The liquid sending portion  560  is controlled by, for example, controlling pressure to be supplied by the liquid sending portion  560  with the use of a flow rate sensor or a pressure sensor provided in a liquid supply path. In  FIG. 15 , the liquid sending portion  560  includes a flow rate sensor  561  that measures a flow rate of liquid to be sent. When a metering pump such as a syringe pump or a diaphragm pump is used for the liquid sending portion  560 , a flow rate sensor may not necessarily be provided. 
     In the structure shown in  FIG. 15 , the flow rate sensor  561  performs feedback to the liquid sending mechanism (the first liquid sending mechanism  510 , the second liquid sending mechanism  520 , or the like) that sends liquid. The liquid sending mechanism controls pressure according to the feedback from the flow rate sensor  561 . 
     The flow rate sensor  561  may perform feedback to the controller  570 . The controller  570  controls pressure, by the liquid sending portion  560 , for transferring liquid, according to a flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor  561 . Thus, pressure to be supplied when a sample containing a target component, and a reagent are supplied to the sample processing chip  100  can be accurately controlled. 
     In a case where processing units used for various processing steps are provided in the liquid sending device  500 , the controller  570  may control the processing units. Examples of the units used in the various processing steps include a heater unit or a cooling unit for controlling a temperature of liquid, a magnet unit that causes magnetic force to act on liquid, a camera unit for taking an image of liquid, and a detection unit for detecting a sample and a label in liquid. These processing units are structured to operate when the processing steps are performed in the flow path  110  of the sample processing chip  100 . 
     Other than the above-described units, the liquid sending device  500  may include a monitor  571 , an input unit  572 , a reading unit  573 , and the like. The controller  570  causes the monitor  571  to display a predetermined display screen corresponding to an operation of the liquid sending device  500 . When the liquid sending device  500  is connected to an external computer (not shown), a screen display on a monitor of the computer may be performed. The input unit  572  is implemented by, for example, a key board, and has a function of receiving information input. The reading unit  573  is implemented by, for example, a code reader for a bar code or a two-dimensional code, or a tag reader for an RFID tag or the like, and has a function of reading information in the sample processing chip  100 . The reading unit  573  is also capable of reading information about, for example, a sample container (not shown) in which a sample containing a target component is stored. 
     In such a structure of the device, the controller  570  controls the liquid sending portion  560  so as to send a sample containing a target component, and a reagent into the sample processing chip  100 . Thus, in the sample processing chip  100 , one or more processing steps based on the structure of the flow path of the sample processing chip  100  are performed. 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating an outer appearance of the liquid sending device  500 . In  FIG. 16 , the liquid sending device  500  includes the setting portion  550  on which the sample processing chip  100  is set, and the lid  580  corresponding to the setting portion  550 . The liquid sending device  500  includes a device body  501 , and the lid  580  connected to the device body  501 . The setting portion  550  is disposed on the upper surface of the box-shaped device body  501 . 
     The lid  580  includes the connector  400  which fluidly connects between: the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520 ; and the liquid holding portion  120  and the injection hole  130 , respectively, on the sample processing chip  100 . That is, the connector  400  includes a connection opening for connection to the liquid holding portion  120  of the sample processing chip  100 , and a connection opening for connection to the injection hole  130  thereof. The connector  400  is connected to each of the liquid holding portion  120  and the injection hole  130  of the sample processing chip  100  that is set on the setting portion  550 , whereby pressure can be supplied to the liquid holding portion  120  by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 , and the second liquid  20  can be sent into the injection hole  130  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . 
     Thus, the sample processing chip  100  is set in the device, and the liquid sending device  500  and the sample processing chip  100  can be easily connected assuredly to each other by the connector  400  of the lid  580 . When the sample processing chip  100  is set in the device, for example, the pressure path and the liquid sending tube for liquid sending can be inhibited from being unnecessarily long, and response in the liquid sending process is made fast, thereby enhancing controllability. The connector  400  may be detachably mounted to the lid  580 , or may be fixed to the lid  580 . A plurality of the connectors  400  may be provided so as to connect each connector  400  to one liquid holding portion  120  or injection hole  130 . 
     The sample processing chip  100  that includes a plurality of channels of the unit flow path structures  101  each of which includes the flow path  110 , the liquid holding portion  120 , and the injection hole  130  is set in the setting portion  550 , which is not specifically illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The connector  400  is provided on the lower surface of the lid  580 . The connector  400  is structured as a manifold that can be collectively connected to the liquid holding portions  120  and the injection holes  130  provided in the plurality of channels of the unit flow path structures  101 , respectively. That is, the connector  400  integrally includes the connection openings for connection to a plurality of the liquid holding portions  120  corresponding to the number of the channels of the sample processing chip  100  and the connection openings for connection to a plurality of the injection holes  130  corresponding to the number of the channels. By closing the lid  580 , the connector  400  is connected collectively to the liquid holding portions  120  and the injection holes  130  which are provided in the plurality of channels of the unit flow path structures  101 , respectively. 
     Thus, in the example shown in  FIG. 16 , the lid  580  is structured so as to be openable and closable relative to the setting portion  550 , and, when the lid  580  is closed relative to the setting portion  550 , the connector  400  is connected to each of the liquid holding portions  120  and the injection holes  130 . Thus, simply by the sample processing chip  100  being set in the setting portion  550  and the lid  580  being closed, the liquid sending device  500  and the sample processing chip  100  can be easily connected to each other. Therefore, convenience is enhanced for an operator. In the example shown in  FIG. 16 , the lid  580  is connected to the device body  501  by a hinge  581 , and pivots about the hinge  581 , whereby the lid  580  is opened or closed. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an exemplary structure of the liquid sending device  500  that sends liquid to the sample processing chip  100  which includes a plurality of channels of the unit flow path structures  101  each including the flow path  110 , the liquid holding portion  120 , and the injection hole  130 . In  FIG. 17 , the sample processing chips  100  is structured to have 12 channels and is provided with 12 unit flow path structures  101 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 17 , the first liquid sending mechanism  510  is structured so as to collectively apply pressure to the liquid holding portions  120  of each channel. The first liquid sending mechanism  510  includes the first pressure source  511  that includes a syringe pump having a series of multiple syringes  511   a , and a motor  511   b  that collectively drives the series of multiple syringes  511   a . The first liquid sending mechanism  510  includes a plurality (12) of pressure paths  512  that individually connect between the syringes  511   a  of the first pressure source  511 , and the liquid holding portions  120  of the channels, respectively. The unit flow path structure  101  of each channel includes a plurality of the liquid holding portions  120 , and each pressure path  512  is connected to the plurality of the liquid holding portions  120  provided for each channel, through a valve  507   a  implemented by a multi-way valve. The first liquid sending mechanism  510  collectively supplies pressure to each of the liquid holding portions  120  of the plurality of channels of the unit flow path structures  101  by switching of the valve  507   a  and driving of the first pressure source  511 . In  FIG. 17 , the syringe  511   a  of the first pressure source  511  is connected to an air path, and the first pressure source  511  supplies air pressure. 
     The second liquid sending mechanism  520  is structured so as to collectively send the second liquid  20  into the injection hole  130  of each channel. The second liquid sending mechanism  520  includes the second pressure source  521  that includes a syringe pump having a series of multiple syringes  521   a , and a motor  521   b  that collectively drives the series of multiple syringes. The second liquid sending mechanism  520  includes a plurality (12) of liquid sending tubes  522  that individually connect between the syringes  521   a  of the second pressure source  521  and the injection holes  130  of the channels, respectively.  FIG. 17  shows an example where three storage portions  600  that store different kinds of the second liquids  20 , respectively, are provided outside the device body  501 . The second liquid sending mechanism  520  is connected to the storage portions  600  through the external connection portion  506  that includes valves  507   b , respectively. The valve  507   b  is switched to change the second liquid  20  to be sent, the second pressure source  521  is driven, and the valve  507   c  is switched, whereby the second liquid sending mechanism  520  collectively sends the selected second liquid  20  to each of the injection holes  130  of the plurality of channels of the unit flow path structures  101 . In this structure, the second liquid sending mechanism  520  can also function as the fourth liquid sending mechanism  540 . 
     Thus, the second liquid sending mechanism  520  sends the second liquid  20  in the storage portion  600 , through a plurality of the injection holes  130  provided in a plurality of the flow paths  110  of the sample processing chip  100 , into the plurality of the flow paths  110 , respectively, by applying pressure to the storage portion  600 . Thus, unlike in the case of, for example, the second liquid  20  being injected into liquid holding portions provided for the second liquid  20  in a plurality of the flow paths  110 , respectively, the second liquid  20  can be collectively sent into the plurality of the flow paths  110  simply by the second liquid  20  being stored in the storage portion  600  of the liquid sending device  500 , whereby an operation of storing the second liquid  20  can be simplified. The second liquid  20  can be sent into a plurality of the flow paths  110  from the storage portion  600  in parallel, whereby liquid can be sent expeditiously even in a case where the sample processing chip  100  includes a plurality of the flow paths  110 . 
     As described above, the liquid sending device  500  shown in  FIG. 17  can cause the first liquid sending mechanism  510  to collectively apply pressure to the liquid holding portions  120  provided in the respective channels of the sample processing chip  100 . The liquid sending device  500  can cause the second liquid sending mechanism  520  to collectively send the second liquid  20  into the injection holes  130  provided in the respective channels.  FIG. 17  illustrates an example where the third liquid sending mechanism  530  capable of collectively sending fluid into the collection container  611  from the discharge outlets  150  of the respective channels, is provided. 
     (Structure of Connection to Sample Processing Chip) 
       FIG. 18  illustrates the sample processing chip  100  set in the setting portion  550 , and the connector  400  provided in the lid  580  corresponding to the setting portion  550 .  FIG. 18  illustrates, for example, one of 12 channels of the unit flow path structures  101  in the sample processing chip  100  shown in  FIG. 17 . A plurality of the liquid sending tubes  522  and a plurality of the pressure paths  512  are provided in the manifold-type connector  400 . In a state where the lid  580  is closed, the liquid sending tubes  522  and the pressure paths  512  are collectively connected to the injection holes  130  and the liquid holding portions  120  of the sample processing chip  100 , through the connector  400 . 
     The connector  400  may include the valve  507  or the flow rate sensor  561 . In the connector  400  shown in  FIG. 18 , the valves  507 ,  508 ,  532  and the flow rate sensors  561  are provided. 
     In  FIG. 18 , the position, in the height from the base plate  300 , of the upper surface (position at which the opening  121  is formed) of the liquid holding portion  120  of the sample processing chip  100 , is almost the same as the position, in the height from the base plate  300 , of the upper surface of a tube portion  131  in which the injection hole  130  is formed. Thus, since connection positions to the sample processing chip  100  are almost flush with each other, the surface, of the connector  400 , on the sample processing chip  100  side is formed so as to be almost a flat plane. A portion between the connector  400  and the upper surface of the liquid holding portion  120 , and a portion between the connector  400  and the upper surface of the tube portion  131  are each sealed by a sealing member  401  such as an O-ring or a gasket. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the connector  400  may be provided with a processing unit  590  used for sample processing. The setting portion  550  on which the sample processing chip  100  is set may also be provided with a processing unit  590 . The processing unit is provided according to the contents of sample processing performed in the flow path  110 . The connector  400  and the setting portion  550  may not be provided with the processing unit  590 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip  100  that is one of the plurality of channels of the unit flow path structures  101 . In the exemplary structure shown in  FIG. 19 , two liquid holding portions  120 , one liquid holding portion  160 , one tube portion  131  having the injection hole  130  formed therein, and one tube portion  131  having the discharge outlet  150  formed therein, are provided. The liquid holding portions  120  and  160 , and the tube portions  131  each extend upward relative to the surface of the base plate  300  of the sample processing chip  100 , and each have a tubular shape. The three liquid holding portions  120  store the first liquids  10 , and a specimen after sample processing. The liquid holding portion  120  has an inner diameter d 1  so as to have a predetermined volume corresponding to an amount of liquid to be stored. The liquid holding portion  120  has the opening  121  at its upper end portion, and has, at its lower end portion, the connection portion  140  for connection to the flow path  110   
     In the tube portion  131 , a liquid passage having an inner diameter d 2  that is less than the inner diameter d 1  of the liquid holding portion  120  is provided. The injection hole  130  or the discharge outlet  150  is provided at the upper end portion of the tube portion  131 , and the lower end portion of the tube portion  131  is connected to the flow path  110 . In the example shown in  FIG. 19 , the outer diameter of the tube portion  131  is almost equal to the outer diameter of the liquid holding portion  120 . The injection hole  130  or the discharge outlet  150  at the upper end portion of the tube portion  131  has an increased inner diameter such that an inner diameter d 3  of the upper end portion is greater than the inner diameter d 2 . The inner diameter d 3  is almost equal to the inner diameter d 1  of the opening  121  of the liquid holding portion  120 . Therefore, in the sample processing chip  100 , the inner diameter of the connection portion between the liquid holding portion  120  and the connector  400 , and the inner diameter of the connection portion between the injection hole  130  and the connector  400 , are almost equal to each other. Thus, the shapes of the connection portions of the connector  400  and the shapes of the sealing members  401  can be the same. 
     (Example of Liquid Sending) 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an example of liquid sending for performing a step of forming a fluid in an emulsion state. That is, a fluid, in an emulsion state, in which the second liquid  20  is a dispersion medium and the first liquid  10  is a dispersoid, is formed in the flow path  110  by liquid sending.  FIG. 20  illustrates the sample processing chip  100  used for forming an emulsion. 
     The first liquid  10  is held in the liquid holding portion  120 . The injection hole  130  is connected to the storage portion  600  of the liquid sending device  500 . The second liquid  20  is stored in the storage portion  600 . In  FIG. 20 , the droplets  50  (see  FIG. 21 ) of the first liquid  10  are formed in the second liquid  20  in the flow path  110  by controlling pressure to be applied to the liquid holding portion  120  for holding the first liquid  10  and pressure to be applied to the storage portion  600  for storing the second liquid  20 . By liquid sending, the first liquid  10  is dispersed into the second liquid  20  in the flow path  110  to form the droplets  50 . That is, an emulsion in which the second liquid  20  is a dispersion medium, and the first liquid  10  as the droplets  50  in the second liquid  20  is a dispersoid, is formed. 
     Thus, a fluid, in an emulsion state, in which the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  are dispersed in the second liquid  20  can be formed in the flow path  110 . As a result, for example, a component in a sample is divided and contained in the droplet  50  in one unit portions, whereby sample processing for each one unit component can be performed in the sample processing chip  100 . The second liquid  20  is preferably sent at a relatively high flow rate in order to form the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10 . Therefore, the liquid sending method of the present embodiment, in which the second liquid  20  is sent into the sample processing chip  100  from the storage portion  600  of the liquid sending device  500 , is suitable to a case where a process of forming a fluid in the emulsion state is performed. That a component is divided and contained in the droplet  50  in one unit portions means that, for example, when a component in a sample is nucleic acid, limiting dilution (such a dilution that 1 or 0 target component is contained in each droplet) in which one nucleic acid molecule is contained in each droplet  50  is performed. For example, in a case where nucleic acid amplification for each droplet  50  is performed as the sample processing, a nucleic acid amplification product derived from only one molecule can be produced in the droplet  50 . 
     The liquid sending device  500  controls each of pressure to be applied to the liquid holding portion  120  for holding the first liquid  10  by the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and pressure to be applied to the storage portion  600  for storing the second liquid  20  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520  such that a fluid, in an emulsion state, in which the second liquid  20  is a dispersion medium and the first liquid  10  is a dispersoid, is formed in the flow path  110 . Thus, for the sample processing chip  100  in which sample processing for each one unit component can be performed by a component in a sample being divided and contained in the minute droplet  50  in one unit portions, the fluid, in an emulsion state, in which the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  are dispersed in the second liquid  20 , can be formed in the flow path  110 . The second liquid  20  is preferably sent at a relatively high flow rate in order to form the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10 . Therefore, the liquid sending device  500  of the present embodiment, in which the second liquid  20  can be sent from the storage portion  600  into the sample processing chip  100  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 , is suitable to a case where a process of forming a fluid in an emulsion state is performed. 
     In the examples shown in  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21 , the first liquid  10  contains the sample  11  derived from an organism, and the second liquid  20  is oil  21 . The first liquid sending mechanism  510  sends the first liquid  10  containing the sample  11  derived from an organism, into the flow path  110 , by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion  120 , and the second liquid sending mechanism  520  sends the second liquid  20  that is the oil  21 , into the flow path  110 , by applying pressure to the storage portion  600 . The sample  11  derived from an organism generally forms an aqueous phase and is likely to form an interface between the oil  21  and the sample  11 . Therefore, an emulsion state in which the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  are dispersed in the oil  21 , can be easily formed. That is, an emulsion of the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  can be easily formed. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an example of sending of liquid into the flow path  110  for forming the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  in the second liquid  20 . In  FIG. 21 , the flow path  110  includes a first channel  111   a  and a second channel  111   b  that intersect each other. In  FIG. 21 , the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  are formed in the second liquid  20  by the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  being sent in the first channel  111   a  and the second channel  111   b , respectively. That is, a fluid, in an emulsion state, which contains the second liquid  20  and the first liquid  10 , is formed. In an intersection portion  112  at which the first channel  111   a  and the second channel  111   b  intersect each other, the second liquid  20  flows in a direction that intersects the flow of the first liquid  10 . The first liquid  10  is separated into droplets by a shearing force generated by the flow of the second liquid  20  at the intersection portion  112 . As a result, the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  are formed in the second liquid  20 . Thus, the multiple droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  are efficiently generated continuously by applying a shearing force due to flow of the second liquid  20 , to the first liquid  10 , at the intersection portion  112  at which the first channel  111   a  and the second channel  111   b  intersect each other, thereby efficiently forming the emulsion state. A flow rate of the first liquid  10  and a flow rate of the second liquid  20  are appropriately controlled, whereby the multiple droplets  50  having a uniform diameter can be continuously formed. 
     In the liquid sending device  500 , the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520  send the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  into the first channel  111   a  and the second channel  111   b , respectively, which are provided in the flow path  110  so as to intersect each other, thereby forming the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  in the second liquid  20 . Thus, by applying a shearing force due to flow of the second liquid  20 , to the first liquid  10 , at the intersection portion at which the first channel  111   a  and the second channel  111   b  intersect each other, the multiple droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  can be efficiently generated continuously. 
     In  FIG. 21 , the first channel  111   a  and the second channel  111   b  are orthogonal to each other. A pair of the second channels  111   b  are provided on both sides of the first channel  111   a . The second liquid  20  in the pair of the second channels  111   b  flows into the intersection portion  112  so as to sandwich the flow of the first liquid  10 , whereby a shearing force for forming the droplets  50  efficiently acts. A mixture of the second liquid  20  and the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  flows from the intersection portion  112  toward a third channel  111   c  that extends on the side opposite to the first channel  111   a  side. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates an example of the sample processing chip  100  for performing sample processing on the droplets  50  of the first liquid  10  that contains a sample. In  FIG. 22 , the droplets  50  supplied as the first liquid  10  contain DNA as a target component in the sample, and a reagent includes a reagent for amplifying the DNA by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). The reagent for amplification contains, for example, a polymerase and a primer according to the DNA. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 22 , the first liquid  10  that is a fluid in an emulsion state in which the droplets  50  are in liquid, is sent into the flow path  110  by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion  120 . The second liquid  20  for transporting the first liquid  10  that is an emulsion in the flow path  110  is sent through the injection hole  130  into the flow path  110  by pressure being applied to the storage portion  600 . In the flow path  110 , the first liquid  10  is transported by the second liquid  20 . 
     In the case shown in  FIG. 22 , a heater  591  for amplifying DNA by PCR in the flow path  110  is used as the processing unit  590  shown in  FIG. 18 . The heater  591  heats the sample processing chip  100 . The flow path  110  is structured so as to pass through a plurality of temperature zones TZ 1  to TZ 3  formed by the heater  591  multiple times. The number of the temperature zones TZ may be a number other than three. The number of times the channel  111  passes through each of the temperature zones TZ 1  to TZ 3  corresponds to the number of thermal cycles. 
     The first liquid  10  introduced from the liquid holding portion  120  into the flow path  110  is pushed by the second liquid  20  sent through the injection hole  130 , and moves in the flow path  110  at a predetermined speed. DNA in the droplets  50  dispersed in the first liquid  10  is amplified while flowing in the flow path  110 . The droplets containing the amplified DNA are collected into the liquid holding portion  120  for collection. Unlike in the case of PCR process being performed collectively on multiple DNA molecules, DNA can be individually amplified in units of one molecules by amplification being performed in the droplet  50 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an example of liquid sending for performing a step of demulsifying the first liquid  10  in an emulsion state. For example, the formed droplets  50  in the emulsion are broken after the emulsion forming process. By breaking of the droplets  50 , the first liquid  10  is demulsified.  FIG. 23  illustrates the sample processing chip  100  used for the demulsification. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 23 , the first liquid  10  that is s fluid in an emulsion state is sent into the flow path  110  by pressure being applied to the liquid holding portion  120 , and the second liquid  20  for demulsifying the first liquid  10  is sent through the injection hole  130  into the flow path  110  by pressure being applied to the storage portion  600 , and the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  are mixed in the flow path  110 . In a case where the first liquid  10  is an emulsion in which the droplets  50  in an aqueous phase are in oil, one or more kinds of emulsion breaking reagents which contain alcohol, a surfactant, or the like is used as the second liquid  20  for demulsification. The first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  are agitated while passing through the meandering channel  111   a , and sufficiently mixed. 
     Thus, a process for demulsifying the first liquid  10  can be performed in the sample processing chip  100 . The second liquid  20  is preferably sent at a relatively high flow rate as compared to the first liquid  10  to accelerate mixture with the first liquid  10  such that the multiple droplets  50  are efficiently broken. Therefore, the liquid sending method of the present embodiment, in which the second liquid  20  can be sent into the sample processing chip  100  from the storage portion  600  of the liquid sending device  500 , is suitable to a case where a process of demulsifying fluid in an emulsion state is performed. The interface of the droplet  50  is broken by mixture of the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20 , and a component contained in the droplet  50  is taken out into the flow path  110 . 
     In the liquid sending device  500 , the first liquid sending mechanism  510  sends the first liquid  10  into the flow path  110  by applying pressure to the liquid holding portion  120  that holds the first liquid  10  that is a fluid in an emulsion state, and the second liquid sending mechanism  520  sends the second liquid  20  into the flow path  110  through the injection hole  130  by applying pressure to the storage portion  600  that stores the second liquid  20  for demulsifying the first liquid  10 , and a mixture of the first liquid  10  and the second liquid  20  is formed in the flow path  110  by liquid sending performed by the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . Thus, a process of demulsifying the first liquid  10  can be performed in the sample processing chip  100 . The second liquid  20  is preferably sent at a relatively high flow rate as compared to the first liquid  10  to accelerate mixture with the first liquid  10  in order to efficiently break the multiple droplets  50 . Therefore, the liquid sending device  500  of the present embodiment which allows the second liquid sending mechanism  520  to send the second liquid  20  from the storage portion  600  into the sample processing chip  100  is suitable to a case where a process of demulsifying a fluid in an emulsion state is performed. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 23 , the first liquid  10  is a fluid in an emulsion state in which a dispersoid that contains the sample  11  derived from an organism, and a carrier  13  (see  FIGS. 25A through 25D ) that binds to the sample  11  is in the oil  21 . The first liquid sending mechanism  510  sends, into the flow path  110 , the first liquid  10  that is a fluid in an emulsion state in which a dispersoid that contains the sample  11  derived from an organism and the carrier  13  that binds to the sample  11  is in the oil  21 . Thus, the sample processing is performed for each one unit component, and a component in the droplet  50  is taken out, by demulsification, from the first liquid  10  in which the component carried by the carrier  13  is in a state of the droplet  50 , and processing can be collectively performed in the flow path  110 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 23 , a step of causing the demulsified first liquid  10  and a labelling substance  31  to react with each other, is performed. In the example shown in  FIG. 23 , a third liquid  30  held in any of a plurality of the liquid holding portions  120  provided in the sample processing chip  100  is sent into the flow path  110  by pressure being applied to the liquid holding portion  120 , and the first liquid  10  demulsified by mixture with the second liquid  20  is mixed, in the flow path  110 , with the third liquid  30  that contains the labelling substance  31  for detecting the sample  11  contained in the first liquid  10 . The target component contained in the sample  11  and the labelling substance  31  bind to each other by the mixture, and detection based on the labelling substance  31  can be performed. 
     The labelling substance  31  specifically binds to the target component in the sample  11 , and can be measured by a detector. Examples of the label include an enzyme, a fluorescent substance, and a radioisotope. The labelling substance  31  is, for example, formed by a fluorescent substance being bound to a probe of DNA complementary to DNA that is the target component. 
     Thus, a process of labeling, with the labelling substance  31 , the component in the sample  11  that has been subjected to the sample processing for each one unit component in the droplet  50  can be performed in the flow path  110 . The labelling substance  31  is different depending on a target component. Therefore, contamination of the labelling substance  31  in the case of liquid sending for a plurality of the sample processing chips  100  being performed by the same liquid sending device  500  can be prevented since not the storage portion  600  of the liquid sending device  500  but the liquid holding portion  120  of the sample processing chip  100  is caused to hold the third liquid  30 . 
     In the liquid sending device  500 , by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 , the third liquid  30  held in any of the plurality of the liquid holding portions  120  provided in the sample processing chip  100  is sent into the flow path  110  by pressure being applied to the liquid holding portion  120 . In the liquid sending device  500 , the first liquid  10  that has been demulsified by mixture with the second liquid  20 , and the third liquid  30  that contains the labelling substance  31  for detecting the sample  11  contained in the first liquid  10  are mixed in the flow path  110  by liquid sending performed by the first liquid sending mechanism  510  and the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . Thus, a process of labeling, with the labelling substance  31 , a component in the sample  11  having been subjected to the sample processing for each one unit component can be performed in the flow path  110 . The labelling substance  31  is different depending on a target component. Therefore, the third liquid  30  is sent into the flow path  110  from the liquid holding portion  120  of the sample processing chip  100  without taking the labelling substance  31  into the device, thereby preventing contamination of the labelling substance  31  in the case of liquid sending being performed for a plurality of the sample processing chips  100 . 
     In  FIG. 23 , the first liquid  10  and the third liquid  30  are sent into the flow path  110  through the connection portion  140   a  and the connection portion  140   b , respectively, and mixed in a channel  111   b , having a wide width, for labeling process. Heat or electric field, magnetic field, or the like may be caused to act from the outside of the flow path  110  in order to accelerate binding of a target component and the labelling substance. The first liquid  10  and the third liquid  30  are mixed in the channel  111   b . The emulsion breaking reagent is sent through the connection portion  140   c.    
     [Example of Assay Using Sample Processing Chip] 
     Next, a specific example of an assay using the sample processing chip  100  will be described. 
     (Emulsion PCR Assay) 
     An example where emulsion PCR assay is performed by using the liquid sending device  500  and the sample processing chip  100  described above will be described. 
       FIG. 24  shows an example of a flow of the emulsion PCR assay.  FIG. 24  illustrates a progress of reaction in the emulsion PCR assay. 
     In step S 1 , DNA is extracted from a specimen such as blood by pretreatment (see  FIG. 25A ). The pretreatment may be performed by using a dedicated nucleic acid extracting device, or the liquid sending device  500  may have a pretreatment mechanism. 
     In step S 2 , the extracted DNA is amplified by Pre-PCR processing (see  FIG. 25A ). The Pre-PCR processing is processing for preliminarily amplifying the DNA contained in the extract obtained after the pretreatment, to such a degree as to enable the subsequent emulsion forming process. In the Pre-PCR processing, the extracted DNA, and a reagent, for PCR amplification, which contains a polymerase and a primer are mixed, and the DNA in the mixture is amplified by temperature control by a thermal cycler. The thermal cycler performs a thermal cycle process of repeating, multiple times, one cycle of changing the temperature of the mixture to a plurality of different temperatures. 
     Step S 3  is an emulsion forming step. In the emulsion forming step, a droplet, which contains a mixture of nucleic acid (DNA) that is a target component, a reagent for amplification reaction of the nucleic acid, and a carrier for the nucleic acid, is formed as a dispersoid in a dispersion medium. The reagent for amplification reaction of the nucleic acid contains a substance, necessary for PCR, such as DNA polymerase. In step S 3 , an emulsion that includes a magnetic particle, the reagent containing the polymerase and the like, and the DNA is formed (see  FIG. 25B ). In step S 3 , a droplet that includes thereinside the mixture of the magnetic particle, the reagent that contains the polymerase and the like, and the DNA is formed, and a dispersoid including the multiple droplets is dispersed in the dispersion medium. To the surface of the magnetic particle enclosed in the droplet, a primer for amplifying the nucleic acid is applied. The droplet is formed so as to include about one magnetic particle and one target DNA molecule in the droplet. The dispersion medium is immiscible with the mixture. In this example, the mixture is water-based, and the dispersion medium is oil-based. The dispersion medium is, for example, oil. 
     Step S 4  is an emulsion PCR step of amplifying the nucleic acid (DNA) in the droplet formed in the emulsion forming step. In step S 4 , by temperature control by the thermal cycler, in each droplet in the emulsion, the DNA binds to the primer on the magnetic particle, and is amplified (emulsion PCR) (see  FIG. 25C ). Thus, a target DNA molecule is amplified in each droplet. That is, an amplification product of the nucleic acid is produced in each droplet. The amplified nucleic acid binds to the carrier via the primer in the droplet. 
     Step S 5  is an emulsion breaking step of breaking the droplet that contains the carrier (magnetic particle) which carries the amplification product of the nucleic acid (DNA) produced in the emulsion PCR step. In other words, step S 5  is a step of demulsifying a fluid in an emulsion state after the emulsion PCR step. After the DNA is amplified on the magnetic particle in step S 4 , the emulsion is broken in step S 5 , and the magnetic particle that contains the amplified DNA is taken out from the droplet (emulsion breaking). One or more kinds of emulsion breaking reagents that include alcohol, a surfactant, or the like are used for breaking the emulsion. 
     Step S 6  is a washing step of collecting carriers (magnetic particles) taken out from the droplets by the breaking in the emulsion breaking step. In step S 6 , the magnetic particles taken out from the droplets are washed in the BF separation step (primary washing). The BF separation step is a processing step in which the magnetic particles containing the amplified DNA are caused to pass through the washing liquid in a state where the magnetic particles are attracted by magnetic force, to remove unnecessary substances adhered to the magnetic particles. In the primary washing step, for example, washing liquid containing alcohol is used. The alcohol removes an oil film on the magnetic particle, and denatures the amplified double-stranded DNA into single strands. 
     Step S 7  is a hybridization step of causing the amplification product on the carrier (magnetic particle) collected in the washing step to react with a labelling substance. After the washing, in step S 7 , the DNA having been denatured into the single strands on the magnetic particle is hybridized to the labelling substance for detection (hybridization) (see  FIG. 25D ). The labelling substance includes, for example, a substance that emits fluorescence. The labelling substance is designed to specifically bind to the DNA to be detected. 
     In step S 8 , the magnetic particle bound to the labelling substance is washed in another BF separation step (secondary washing). The secondary BF separation step is performed in the same manner as in the primary BF separation step. In the secondary washing step, for example, PBS (phosphate buffered saline) is used as the washing liquid. PBS removes an unreacted labelling substance (including a labelling substance that is non-specifically adsorbed to the magnetic particle) which does not bind to the DNA. 
     In step S 9 , the DNA is detected through the labelling substance hybridized thereto. The DNA is detected by, for example, a flow cytometer. In the flow cytometer, the magnetic particle that includes the DNA bound to the labelling substance flows through a flow cell, and laser light is applied to the magnetic particle. Fluorescence, of the labelling substance, emitted due to the applied laser light is detected. 
     The DNA may be detected by image processing. For example, the magnetic particles that include DNA bound to the labelling substance are dispersed on a flat slide, and an image of the dispersed magnetic particles is taken by a camera unit. The number of magnetic particles that emit fluorescence is counted on the basis of the taken image. 
     Hereinafter, an example of the structure of the flow path  110  and an example of the liquid sending method for performing emulsion PCR assay will be described. The flow paths  110  described below may be formed in the single sample processing chip  100  as shown in  FIG. 26 , or may be formed in the separate sample processing chips  100  as shown in  FIG. 20 ,  FIG. 22 ,  FIG. 23 , and the like. In a case where the flow paths  110  for performing different processing steps are formed in the single sample processing chip  100 , the liquid sending device  500  can collectively perform a plurality of processing steps in the single sample processing chip  100 . In a case where a plurality of the sample processing chips  100  having the flow paths  110  formed for performing different processing steps, are used, sending of liquid into the first sample processing chip  100  is performed in the order for the processing steps, the processed specimen is injected into the liquid holding portion  120  of the second sample processing chip  100 , and sending of liquid into the second sample processing chip  100  is performed. Processing is performed for the third and the subsequent sample processing chips in the same manner. Thus, by the sample processing chips  100  being sequentially changed, separate sample processing steps are performed, whereby a series of emulsion PCR assay can be performed. 
     &lt;Pre-PCR&gt; 
       FIG. 27  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path in which the Pre-PCR process is performed. A flow path  110 A includes a channel  111 , and connection portions  140   a  and  140   b  in which a reagent and a sample are injected, and a connection portion  140   c  through which liquid is discharged. The channel  111  is formed into, for example, a rhombic shape for controlling a flow rate of liquid. 
     The flow path  110 A is formed from, for example, a highly heat-resistant material such as a polycarbonate. The channel  111  is formed so as to have the height of, for example, 50 μm to 500 μm. 
     For example, by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 , DNA extracted in the pretreatment is injected as the first liquid  10  through the connection portion  140   a  connected to the first liquid holding portion  120 , and a reagent for PCR amplification is injected as the first liquid  10  through the connection portion  140   b  connected to the second liquid holding portion  120 . The temperature of the mixture of the DNA and the reagent is controlled by the heater  591  while the mixture flows through the channel  111 . By controlling the temperature, the DNA and the reagent react with each other, to amplify the DNA. Liquid containing the amplified DNA is transferred into the adjacent flow path  110  or the liquid holding portion  160  for specimen collection through the connection portion  140   c.    
     &lt;Forming of Emulsion&gt; 
       FIG. 28  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path  110 B in which an emulsion forming process is performed. The flow path  110 B includes: a channel  111 ; connection portions  140   a ,  140   b , and  140   c  through which liquids such as a sample and a reagent are injected; and a connection portion  140   d  through which liquid is discharged. The channel  111  has an intersection portion  112  at which at least two channels intersect each other. The width of each of the channels that form the intersection portion  112  is several tens of μm. In the present embodiment, the width of the channel is 20 μm. The flow path  110 B may be provided with only the connection portion  140   b  or provided with only the connection portion  140   c.    
     The channel  111  of the flow path  110 B has the height of, for example, 10 μm to 20 μm. The wall surface of the channel  111  is, for example, treated with a hydrophobic material or fluorine in order to improve wettability with respect to oil. The material of the flow path  110 B is, for example, PDMS, PMMA, or the like. 
     For example, the first liquid  10  that contains the DNA having been amplified by the Pre-PCR is sent from the first liquid holding portion  120  to the connection portion  140   b  by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 . The first liquid  10  that contains magnetic particles and a reagent for PCR amplification is sent from the second liquid holding portion  120  to the connection portion  140   c  by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 . The liquids injected through the connection portions  140   b  and  140   c , respectively, are mixed in the channel  111 , and flow into the intersection portion  112 . The particle size of the magnetic particle is, for example, 0.5 μm to 3 μm. The first pressure source  511  of the first liquid sending mechanism  510  applies a pressure P (1000 mbar≤P≤10000 mbar) in order to send liquid to the connection portions  140   b  and  140   c.    
     For example, by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 , the second liquid  20  that is oil for forming an emulsion is sent to the connection portion  140   a  that connects to the injection hole  130 . The injected oil is sent separately into a plurality of branching paths in the channel  111 , and flows into the intersection portion  112  through the plurality of the branching paths. The second pressure source  521  of the second liquid sending mechanism  520  applies a pressure P (1000 mbar≤P≤10000 mbar) in order to send the oil to the connection portion  140   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 21 , the mixture of the first liquid  10  is separated into droplets by a shearing force generated due to the first liquid  10  being sandwiched between the oil at the intersection portion  112 . The droplets obtained by the separation are enclosed by the oil that flows into the intersection portion  112 , thereby forming an emulsion. The flow of the specimen in the form of the emulsion is transferred into the adjacent flow path  110  or the liquid holding portion  160  for specimen collection through the connection portion  140   d.    
     For example, the mixture of the DNA and the reagent flows into the intersection portion  112  at a flow rate of 0.4 μL/min to 7 μL/min, and the oil flows into the intersection portion  112  at a flow rate of 1 μL/min to 50 μL/min. The flow rate is controlled by pressure applied by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . For example, when the mixture of the DNA and the reagent flows into the intersection portion  112  at the flow rate of 2 μL/min (about 5200 mbar), and the oil flows into the intersection portion  112  at the flow rate of 14 μL/min (about 8200 mbar), droplets are formed at about 10,000,000 droplets/min. Droplets are formed at a rate of, for example, about 600,000 droplets/min to about 18,000,000 droplets/min (about 10000 droplets/sec to about 300000 droplets/sec). 
     The intersection portion  112  may be formed by the three channels  111  so as to be T-shaped as shown in  FIG. 29 . In the case shown in  FIG. 29 , the mixture flows from the channel  111   a  and the oil flows from the channel  111   b . By a shearing force of the flow of the oil, the mixture is formed into droplets in the oil to form an emulsion. 
     &lt;PCR&gt; 
       FIG. 30  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path  110 C in which emulsion PCR process is performed. The flow path  110 C includes: a channel  111 ; connection portions  140   a  and  140   b  into which liquid flows; and a connection portion  140   c  through which liquid is discharged. 
     The flow path  110 C is formed from, for example, a highly heat-resistant material such as a polycarbonate. The channel  111  is formed so as to have a height of, for example, 50 μm to 500 μm. 
     The channel  111  is structured so as to pass through a plurality of temperature zones TZ 1  to TZ 3  formed by the heater  591  multiple times. The number of times the channel  111  passes through each of the temperature zones TZ 1  to TZ 3  corresponds to the number of thermal cycles. The number of thermal cycles for emulsion PCR is set to be, for example, about 40 cycles. Therefore, the channel  111  is formed so as to cycle or meander the number of times corresponding to the number of cycles such that the channel  111  intersects each of the temperature zones TZ 1  to TZ 3  about 40 times, which is illustrated in a simplified manner in  FIG. 30 . 
     For example, the first liquid  10 , which is an emulsion of oil and the droplets  50  that contain magnetic particles and the reagent for PCR amplification, is sent from the liquid holding portion  120  to the connection portion  140   a  by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 . The second liquid  20  for transporting the first liquid  10  is sent to the connection portion  140   b  through the injection hole  130  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . The DNA in each droplet  50  in the first liquid  10  is amplified while flowing in the channel  111 . That is, as shown in  FIG. 25C , the DNA is amplified in each droplet  50 , and an amplification product of the DNA binds to the magnetic particle via a primer. The fluid containing the droplets  50  that contain the amplified DNA is transferred into the adjacent flow path  110  or the liquid holding portion  160  for specimen collection through the connection portion  140   c.    
     &lt;Emulsion Breaking&gt; 
       FIG. 31  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path  110 D in which emulsion breaking is performed. The flow path  110 D has a function of mixing a plurality of liquids. The flow path  110 D includes: a channel  111 ; connection portions  140   a ,  140   b , and  140   c , to which the emulsion and a reagent for demulsification in emulsion breaking, flow; and a connection portion  140   d  through which liquid is discharged. 
     The flow path  110 D is formed from a material, such as a polycarbonate or polystyrene, having a high chemical resistance. The channel  111  is formed so as to have a height of, for example, 50 μm to 500 μm. 
     For example, the first liquid  10  formed from the emulsion having been subjected to the emulsion PCR step is sent to the connection portion  140   b  from the liquid holding portion  120  that holds the first liquid  10 , by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 . The second liquid  20  that contains a reagent for emulsion breaking is sent through the injection holes  130  to the connection portions  140   a  and  140   c  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . For example, the first liquid  10  that is formed from the emulsion is sent into the flow path  110 D at the flow rate of about 2 μL/min, and the reagent for emulsion breaking is sent into the flow path  110 D at the flow rate of about 30 μL/min. The emulsion and the reagent for emulsion breaking are mixed while flowing in the channel  111 , and droplets in the emulsion are broken. The channel  111  has such a shape as to accelerate mixture of liquids. For example, the channel  111  is formed such that liquid reciprocates in the width direction of the sample processing chip  100  multiple times. The magnetic particles taken out from the droplets are transferred into the adjacent flow path  110  or the liquid holding portion  160  for specimen collection through the connection portion  140   d.    
     &lt;Washing (Primary Washing)&gt; 
       FIG. 32  illustrates an exemplary structure of a flow path  110 E used in washing step (primary washing). The flow path  110 E includes: connection portions  140   a  and  140   b  into which liquid flows; connection portions  140   c  and  140   d  through which liquid is discharged; and a channel  111 . 
     The channel  111  is shaped so as to linearly extend in a predetermined direction, for example, the channel  111  has a substantially rectangular shape, or the like. The channel  111  has an increased width such that magnetic particles can be magnetically attracted and dispersed sufficiently. The connection portions  140   a  and  140   b  on the flow-in side are disposed on one end side of the channel  111  and the connection portions  140   c  and  140   d  on the discharge side are disposed on the other end side of the channel  111 . 
     The flow path  110 E is formed from a material, such as a polycarbonate or polystyrene, having a high chemical resistance. The channel  111  is formed so as to have a height of, for example, 50 μm to 500 μm. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates an example of an operation in which magnetic particles that carry DNA are washed and concentrated in the flow path  110 E. The liquid containing the magnetic particles flows from the connection portion  140   a  toward the connection portion  140   c . For example, the first liquid  10  that is formed from the emulsion having been subjected to the emulsion PCR step is sent to the connection portion  140   a  from the liquid holding portion  120  that holds the first liquid  10 , by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 . In the case shown in  FIG. 33 , a magnet unit  592  that causes a magnetic force to act on the flow path  110  is used as the processing unit  590  shown in  FIG. 18 . The magnet unit  592  magnetically attracts the magnetic particles in the flow path  110  by using a magnet  640 . The magnetic particles in the liquid are concentrated by the magnetic force of the magnet  640 . The magnet  640  can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction of the channel  111 . The magnetic particles follow the reciprocating of the magnet  640  and are concentrated while reciprocating in the channel  111 . 
     The second liquid  20  that is formed from a washing liquid such as alcohol is sent through the injection hole  130  to the connection portion  140   b  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . The washing liquid is continuously sent from the connection portion  140   b  toward the connection portion  140   d  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . The connection portion  140   d  is connected to the discharge outlet  150 , and functions as a drain for discharging the washing liquid. The magnetic particles follow the operation of the magnet  640  in the flow of the washing liquid and reciprocate in the channel  111 , whereby washing process is performed. The magnetic particles follow the operation of the magnet  640  and reciprocate in the channel  111 , whereby the magnetic particles are inhibited from sticking to each other in a lump. 
     In the primary washing step, washing liquid containing alcohol is used as the second liquid  20 . In the primary washing using the washing liquid, the oil film on the magnetic particle is removed, and the amplified double-stranded DNA is denatured into single strands. 
     &lt;Hybridization&gt; 
     The third liquid  30  that is formed from a reagent containing the labelling substance is sent to the connection portion  140   a  from the liquid holding portion  120  that holds the third liquid  30 , by the first liquid sending mechanism  510 . As the processing unit  590  shown in  FIG. 18 , the heater  591  for amplifying DNA by PCR in the flow path  110  is used. The heater  591  heats the sample processing chip  100 . The magnetic particles after the primary washing step are mixed with the reagent containing the labelling substance, in the channel  111 , and are subjected to thermal cycle. By thermal cycle, the DNA on the magnetic particle and the labelling substance bind to each other. 
     &lt;Washing (Secondary Washing)&gt; 
     A secondary washing step after hybridization (binding) to the labelling substance is performed in the channel  111 . In the secondary washing step, PBS is used as washing liquid. The second liquid  20  that is formed from PBS is sent through the injection hole  130  to the connection portion  140   b  by the second liquid sending mechanism  520 . The washing liquid flows in the channel  111  in a state where the magnetic particles are magnetically attracted in the channel  111  by the magnet  640  (see  FIG. 33 ). By the secondary washing using the washing liquid, an unreacted labelling substance (including a labelling substance that is non-specifically adsorbed to the magnetic particles) that does not bind to the DNA, is removed. The magnetic particles that contain the labelling substance after the secondary washing are transferred through the connection portion  140   c  into the liquid holding portion  160  for specimen collection. 
     &lt;Detection&gt; 
     The magnetic particles that contain the labelling substance after the secondary washing are detected by, for example, a flow cytometer or image analysis. For detection by a flow cytometer, the magnetic particles containing the labelling substance are, for example, collected from the liquid holding portion  160 , for specimen collection, of the sample processing chip  100 , and transferred into the flow cytometer that is separately provided. The liquid sending device  500  may include, as the processing unit  590  shown in  FIG. 18 , a detector that detects, for example, fluorescence based on labelling of the magnetic particles that contain the labelling substance in the flow path  110 . The liquid sending device  500  includes, as the processing unit  590 , a camera unit that takes an image of the magnetic particles that contain the labelling substance. The taken image is analyzed by the liquid sending device  500  or a computer connected to the liquid sending device  500 . 
     (Single Cell Analysis) 
     An example of single cell analysis using the sample processing chip  100  described above will be described. This analysis is a method for analyzing an individual cell, to be analyzed, contained in a specimen such as blood, for each cell.  FIG. 34  illustrates an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip  100  used in the single cell analysis. 
     The sample processing chip  100  is, for example, formed by combination of the flow path  110 D for mixing liquids, the flow path  110 B for forming an emulsion, and the flow path  110 C for PCR amplification. 
     The single cell analysis includes a step (first step) of mixing a cell that is a target component, with a reagent for amplification reaction of nucleic acid in the cell, a step (second step) of forming, in a dispersion medium, a droplet that contain a mixture of the liquid obtained by mixture in the first step and a reagent for lysing the cell, and a step (third step) of amplifying, in the droplet, nucleic acid that is eluted from the cell in the droplet in the second step. 
     The structure (for example, material and channel height) of the flow path  110 D is the same as the structure illustrated in  FIG. 31 , and the detailed description thereof is not given. 
     A sample such as blood is injected through the connection portion  140   b  of the flow path  110 D, and the reagent for PCR amplification is injected through the connection portions  140   a  and  140   c . The cell contained in the sample and the reagent for PCR amplification are mixed while flowing in the channel  111 . The liquid obtained by the mixture is transferred through the connection portion  140   d  into the adjacent flow path  110 B. 
     The structure (for example, material and channel height) of the flow path  110 B is the same as the structure illustrated in  FIG. 28 , and the detailed description thereof is not given. 
     A mixture of the cell, the reagent for PCR amplification, and a fluorescent dye is injected through the connection portion  140   b  of the flow path  110 B. The reagent for lysing the cell is injected through the connection portion  140   c . Oil for forming an emulsion is injected through the connection portion  140   a . The mixture of the cell, the reagent for PCR amplification, and the reagent for lysing the cell is formed into the droplet  50  that is enclosed in the oil, in the intersection portion  112 , to form an emulsion. The droplet  50  that encloses the mixture is transferred through the connection portion  140   d  into the adjacent flow path  110 C. The cell in the droplet is lysed by the reagent for lysing the cell while the emulsion is transferred into the flow path  110 C. DNA in the cell is eluted from the lysed cell in the droplet containing the reagent for PCR amplification. 
     The structure (for example, material and the channel height) of the flow path  110 C is the same as the structure illustrated in  FIG. 30 , and the detailed description thereof is not given. 
     The emulsion having been transferred into the flow path  110 C is subjected to thermal cycle while flowing in the channel  111  of the flow path  110 C. The DNA eluted from the cell in the droplet is amplified by thermal cycle. Protein eluted from the cell in the droplet may be detected through enzyme-substrate reaction or the like. 
     (Immunoassay &lt;Digital ELISA&gt;) 
     An example of immunoassay performed by using the sample processing chip  100  described above will be described. In the immunoassay, protein such as an antigen or antibody contained in blood or the like is a target component.  FIG. 35  illustrates an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip  100  used in Digital ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay). 
     The sample processing chip  100  is formed by combination of the flow path  110 A for temperature control, the flow path  110 E for BF separation, the flow path  110 B for forming an emulsion, and the flow path  110 A for temperature control. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates an outline of the Digital ELISA. ELISA is a method in which an immune complex is formed by causing a magnetic particle to carry: an antigen (or antibody) that is a target component; and a labelling substance, and the target component is detected on the basis of the label in the immune complex. 
     ELISA is a method in which a sample diluted to limiting dilution (such a dilution that causes 1 or 0 target component to be contained in each micro partition) is dispersed in the micro partitions, and the number of the micro partitions in which signals based on the label are positive is directly counted, to absolutely measure the concentration of the target component in the sample. In the case shown in  FIG. 36 , each droplet in the emulsion serves as the micro partition. The assay illustrated in  FIG. 36  is performed by the sample processing chip  100 . 
     More specifically, the Digital ELISA includes a step (first step) of forming an immune complex by a target component (antigen or antibody) and a carrier being bound to each other by an antigen-antibody reaction, a step (second step) of causing the immune complex formed in the first step and the labelling substance to react with each other, a step (third step) of forming, in a dispersion medium, a droplet containing: the immune complex to which the labelling substance is bound in the second step; and a substrate for detecting the labelling substance, and a step (fourth step) of causing the substrate to react with the labelling substance in the droplet formed in the third step. 
     The structure (for example, material and channel height) of the flow path  110 A is the same as the structure illustrated in  FIG. 27 , and the detailed description thereof is not given. 
     A sample containing an antigen is injected through the connection portion  140   a  of the flow path  110 A, and a reagent containing a primary antibody and magnetic particles is injected through the connection portion  140   b . The sample and the reagent are mixed in the channel  111 . The temperature of the mixture is controlled in the channel  111 , and an immune complex that contains the antigen, the primary antibody, and the magnetic particles is generated. The temperature is controlled to be about 40° C. to about 50° C., and more preferably about 42° C. The liquid containing the generated complex is transferred through the connection portion  140   c  into the adjacent flow path  110 E. 
     The structure (for example, material and channel height) of the flow path  110 E is the same as the structure illustrated in  FIG. 33 , and the detailed description thereof is not given. 
     The complex containing the magnetic particles is magnetically attracted by the magnet  640  and washed in the channel  111  of the flow path  110 E (primary BF separation). After the primary BF separation, influence of the magnetic force of the magnet  640  is removed, to disperse the immune complex. The dispersed immune complex is caused to react with an enzyme-labeled antibody. After the reaction, the immune complex is magnetically attracted again by the magnet  640  and washed (secondary BF separation). After the washing, the immune complex is transferred into the adjacent flow path  110 B. 
     The structure (for example, material and channel height) of the flow path  110 B is the same as the structure illustrated in  FIG. 28 , and the detailed description thereof is not given. 
     The complex is injected through the connection portion  140   b  of the flow path  110 B, and a reagent that contains a fluorescent/luminescent substrate is injected through the connection portion  140   c . Oil for forming an emulsion is injected through the connection portion  140   a . The liquid containing the immune complex and the reagent containing the fluorescent/luminescent substrate are enclosed in the oil into droplets in the intersection portion  112 , to form an emulsion. The emulsion is transferred through the connection portion  140   d  into the adjacent flow path  110 A. 
     The emulsion having been transferred into the flow path  110 A is heated in the channel  111 , and the substrate and the immune complex react with each other in each droplet to generate fluorescence. A detector as the processing unit  590  of the liquid sending device  500  detects the fluorescence. As a result, the target component enclosed in the individual droplet can be detected for each molecule. 
     (PCR Assay) 
     An example of PCR assay using the sample processing chip  100  described above will be described.  FIG. 37  illustrates an exemplary structure of the sample processing chip  100  used in the PCR assay. 
     In the flow path  110 D, nucleic acid that is a target component and a reagent for gene amplification are mixed. For example, in amplification of a mutant gene by a clamp PCR method, the target component is mixed with the reagent, for gene amplification, which contains a probe that selectively binds to a mutant gene. The mixed specimen is transferred through the connection portion  140   d  into the adjacent flow path  110 C. In the flow path  110 C, PCR is performed through temperature control by the heater  591  in a continuous fluid. In the example shown in  FIG. 37 , simple real-time PCR using a small sample processing chip  100  can be performed. Therefore, a small chip for a point of care (POC) for testing and diagnosis at a place where the patient is treated, can be implemented. 
     The assay using the sample processing chip  100  is not limited to the above-described exemplary ones, and the sample processing chip  100  may be structured for any assay by combination of the flow paths  110 . 
     The embodiment disclosed herein is merely illustrative in all aspects and should not be considered as being restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the description of the above embodiment but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all changes (modifications) within the scope.