Abstract: Transfer of fluid substances, and/or substances comprised in fluid substances, is controlled by introducing a separation medium, which prevents transfer of the fluid substances, and/or the substances comprised in the fluid substances, to an intermediate cavity connecting a first cavity and a second cavity; and introducing a connection medium to replace the separation medium and thereby start substance transfer to the second cavity. Substance transfer may be readily controlled without relying on mechanical means. Based on the present invention, two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis can be readily implemented on a chip.

Abstract: A method for analyzing proteins with the use of electrophoresis is provided, which makes it possible to rapidly and conveniently analyze a great variety of proteins with high sensitivity. The method for analyzing a protein in a sample comprises setting a sample in a carrier for electrophoresis, performing electrophoresis for the sample using a buffer for electrophoresis in which a labeling compound represented by formula I: wherein R1 is an aryl group or a heteroaryl group that may be substituted, R2 is a heterocyclic group that may be substituted, and n is an integer between 1 and 5, is dissolved, and then detecting a complex of the compound of formula I and the protein via spectrophotometrical measurement.

Abstract: The methods for producing microchannel chips of the present invention comprise the steps of shielding substrate surfaces on which groove-like channels have been formed, using a mask that exposes the channels, and then forming polymer membranes on the exposed surfaces of the substrates; and the step of laminating cover materials onto the side of the substrate surfaces on which the channels have been formed.

Abstract: The methods for producing microchannel chips of the present invention comprise the steps of shielding substrate surfaces on which groove-like channels have been formed, using a mask that exposes the channels, and then forming polymer membranes on the exposed surfaces of the substrates; and the step of laminating cover materials onto the side of the substrate surfaces on which the channels have been formed.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to inject smoothly a precursor to be a support and make an excellent support in which a boundary between a separation gel and a concentration gel after the injection is not ill-defined in the cassette which is made by combining two plates made of a synthetic resin, and in order to achieve the object, the present invention provides an electrophoresis cassette made by combining plates made of a synthetic resin which has a cavity for forming a support, wherein the surface of the plate which contacts with the support is covered with a SiOx film, and the SiOx film has a contact angle to water of 30° or less, and preferably 10° or less.

Abstract: A method of separating a protein by gel electrophoresis, which comprises a staining step for bringing a protein-containing sample into contact with a staining liquid containing a staining agent, a surfactant and a buffer solution, and an electrophoresis step for subjecting the protein-containing sample after the staining step to gel electrophoresis. According to the present invention, using a staining liquid containing a surfactant such as SDS and the like, a protein-containing sample can be stained in a short time, and can develop color with high sensitivity. In addition, since an excess staining agent migrates earlier than protein by electrophoresis, a washing operation is not necessary. Furthermore, by staining, after the first dimension electrophoresis, with a staining liquid containing a surfactant such as SDS and the like, the second dimension electrophoresis can be performed immediately.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomimetic odor sensor that utilizes neither an oxide semiconductor nor a quartz oscillator, is hardly affected by the atmospheric moisture, simple in structure, inexpensive in production cost, fast in reaction rate, of a wet type, and provided with the condition close to the condition of the nasal mucosa of the human olfactus organ. The sensor 10 according to the present invention includes a mixed material 12 in which ?-carotene and a reducing agent to prevent the oxidation of the ?-carotene are dispersed in a viscous liquid, and a cathode electrode 16 and an anode electrode 18 are disposed so as to be in contact with the mixed material 12.

Abstract: A method for detecting nucleic acids wherein the binding activity of a nucleic acid aptamer, which is formed by the hybridization of a target nucleotide sequence and a probe, is detected using the binding with a ligand as an index has been provided. Utilizing a structure such as the three-way junction, whose binding activity significantly changes depending on a mismatch of a single nucleotide, as the nucleic acid aptamer SNP can be detected.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a sample separation instrument used in a sample separation apparatus which includes: holding means for holding a first medium supporter which supports a first medium; and driving means for moving fixing means or the holding means in a direction parallel or perpendicular to a plane whose sides extend in the first direction and in the second directions. The sample separation instrument includes an insulator for storing a second medium which allows a sample separated in the first medium in the first direction to be further separated in the second direction different from the first direction, wherein: the insulator includes a first opening and a second opening each of which defines the second direction in which the second medium is electrified, and the second opening has a shape which allows the first medium containing the separated sample to be attached to the second medium along the first direction.

Abstract: A novel biosensor was accomplished using a plasma-polymerized membrane. The biosensor of the present invention is a high-performance biosensor produced by a simpler method and applicable to a wide range of fields.

Abstract: Transfer of fluid substances, and/or substances comprised in fluid substances, is controlled by introducing a separation medium, which prevents transfer of the fluid substances, and/or the substances comprised in the fluid substances, to an intermediate cavity connecting a first cavity and a second cavity; and introducing a connection medium to replace the separation medium and thereby start substance transfer to the second cavity. Substance transfer may be readily controlled without relying on mechanical means. Based on the present invention, two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis can be readily implemented on a chip.

Abstract: A miniature reference electrode with improved stability and durability formed of a miniature silver/silver chloride reference electrode with high stability and general applicability as a reference electrode. The miniature reference electrode includes, on electrode substrate, a thin-film backbone metal pattern and a thin-film silver pattern formed in electrical contact with a portion of the thin-film backbone metal pattern. A silver chloride layer is set on a portion of the thin-film silver pattern. The silver chloride layer is in contact with a portion of thin-film electrolyte layer via hydrophobic thin-film insulating layer. The thin-film electrolyte layer is impregnated with a saturated solution of potassium chloride for making contact to the outside via a thin-film liquid junction pattern. When in use, the thin-film liquid junction pattern (31) is impregnated with the electrolyte, while its end portion is recessed in an aqueous solution.