Abstract: Arrangements are described for evaluating characteristics of target molecules. A biochip is received which includes a substrate to which charged probe molecules are attached. The probe molecules have a marker to allow generating signals indicative of the distance of a portion of the probe molecule from the substrate. The signals are detected and means for an external electric field is generated to which the probe molecules are exposed. A control means acts to: (A) apply an external electric field causing the portion of the probe molecule to approach the substrate, and (B) apply an external electric field causing the portion of the probe molecule to move away from the substrate. The signal is recorded as a function of time during step (A) and/or step (B). Steps (A) and (B) are repeated for a predetermined number of times and the recorded signals are combined.

Abstract: Arrangements are described for evaluating characteristics of target molecules. A biochip is received which includes a substrate to which charged probe molecules are attached. The probe molecules have a marker to allow generating signals indicative of the distance of a portion of the probe molecule from the substrate. The signals are detected and means for an external electric field is generated to which the probe molecules are exposed. A control means acts to: (A) apply an external electric field causing the portion of the probe molecule to approach the substrate, and (B) apply an external electric field causing the portion of the probe molecule to move away from the substrate. The signal is recorded as a function of time during step (A) and/or step (B). Steps (A) and (B) are repeated for a predetermined number of times and the recorded signals are combined.

Abstract: Arrangements are described for evaluating characteristics of target molecules. A biochip is received which includes a substrate to which charged probe molecules are attached. The probe molecules have a marker to allow generating signals indicative of the distance of a portion of the probe molecule from the substrate. The signals are detected and means for an external electric field is generated to which the probe molecules are exposed. A control means acts to: (A) apply an external electric field causing the portion of the probe molecule to approach the substrate, and (B) apply an external electric field causing the portion of the probe molecule to move away from the substrate. The signal is recorded as a function of time during step (A) and/or step (B). Steps (A) and (B) are repeated for a predetermined number of times and the recorded signals are combined.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can adjust a molecular density of the film of functional molecules (e.g. DNA molecules), which is utilized for biochips such as DNA chip, to a desired degree efficiently and easily. The method for producing a molecular film with an adjusted density according to the present invention includes forming a molecular film and adjusting a molecular density. In the forming a molecular film, a molecular film composed of molecules is formed on a conductive substrate, wherein the molecule includes a region capable of binding to the conductive substrate at least in a portion thereof. In the density adjusting, a molecular density of the molecular film is adjusted by desorbing a part of the molecules which make up the molecular film from the conductive substrate.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a target molecule bound to a probe molecule provided with a marker includes: applying AC voltage between a working electrode provided on a substrate and a counter electrode; and using a signal obtained from the marker on the probe molecule bound to the working electrode when a frequency of the AC voltage is varied, or an average value of the signal, to determine at least one of a Stokes radius or molecular weight of the target molecule, a binding rate between the probe molecule and the target molecule, a binding rate constant therebetween, a dissociation rate therebetween, and a dissociation rate constant therebetween.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a target molecule bound to a probe molecule provided with a marker includes: applying AC voltage between a working electrode provided on a substrate and a counter electrode; and using a signal obtained from the marker on the probe molecule bound to the working electrode when a frequency of the AC voltage is varied, or an average value of the signal, to determine at least one of a Stokes radius or molecular weight of the target molecule, a binding rate between the probe molecule and the target molecule, a binding rate constant therebetween, a dissociation rate therebetween, and a dissociation rate constant therebetween.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can adjust a molecular density of the film of functional molecules (e.g. DNA molecules), which is utilized for biochips such as DNA chip, to a desired degree efficiently and easily. The method for producing a molecular film with an adjusted density according to the present invention includes forming a molecular film and adjusting a molecular density. In the forming a molecular film, a molecular film composed of molecules is formed on a conductive substrate, wherein the molecule includes a region capable of binding to the conductive substrate at least in a portion thereof. In the density adjusting, a molecular density of the molecular film is adjusted by desorbing a part of the molecules which make up the molecular film from the conductive substrate.