Multiwell incubation apparatus and method of analysis using the same

Abstract

A continuous temperature-gradient incubation apparatus designed to solve the problem of moving of liquid vapor generated on the high-temperature side toward the low-temperature side to thereby cause condensation. There is provided a multiwell incubation apparatus having a well-housing vessel made of a heat conducting material and, detachably housed therein, liquid-storing wells, the wells being arranged in transverse rows and longitudinal rows, the multiwell incubation apparatus being also provided with a liquid or gas flow channel or bath for supply of a gas saturated with vapor of the liquid, the multiwell incubation apparatus being capable of maintaining incubation temperatures differing between individual transverse rows of wells with a predetermined temperature difference, so as to realize a temperature series which forms a predetermined temperature difference profile along the longitudinal rows, characterized in that the multiwell incubation apparatus includes a heat source for realizing a temperature which is the lowest in the given temperature series, the heat source being disposed outside the well rows and along the transversely lined up wells close to a first side of the housing vessel; another heat source for realizing a temperature which is the highest in the given temperature series, the heat source being disposed outside the well rows and along a side opposite to the first side; and a separator provided for each transverse row of a certain temperature.