Abstract: The invention makes it possible to measure binding of a biochemical substance with a high throughput and with high sensitivity using a small cell capable of being filled with a small amount of chemical solution. A space between a first substrate and a second substrate such that probes are immobilized on their mutually facing planes is used as a cell that houses a specimen solution. Light is irradiated from a first substrate side, and reflected light is subjected to spectroscopy. Binding of the target with the probe is detected by a wavelength shift in the refection spectrum.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method which can easily and selectively modify specific sites on indentations or protrusions of indentation/protrusion structures fabricated by nano-imprinting. Pressing a mold having indentation/protrusion structures onto a polymer substrate comprising at least two layers of different chemical composition exposes the second layer, which has been covered by the outermost layer, in pillars formed as a result of the pressing. Site-specific chemical modification of the pillars can be achieved by formulating a desired chemical composition for the second layer beforehand, or by chemical modification of the exposed second layer cross-sections in the pillars.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling morphological growth of neurons by specifically controlling the surface configuration of a substrate. There is also provided a neuron culture substrate necessary for application of the method and neurons controlled in morphological growth. The method for culturing neurons include, providing a culture medium and neurons on a cell culture substrate 1 and culturing the neurons in corresponding culture conditions, wherein the culture surface of the cell culture substrate 1 has a plurality of protrusions 4, and the shape, interval or both is controlled to control morphological growth of the neurons.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a cell culture vessel which has a simple and convenient structure, can prevent the injury on the cells at the time of peeling, and accelerates the transportation of nutrients and discharge of waste materials. In order to solve the problem mentioned above, the cell culture vessel of this invention has protrusions having a corresponding diameter not smaller than 10 nm and not greater than 10 ?m and a height not smaller than 10 nm and not greater than 1 mm on the surface of the cell culture vessel. The protrusions make the culture fluid permeate into the under part of the cells, accelerate the supply of nutrients and discharge of waste materials, and makes the contact between the cells and the vessel as a point-contact and thereby prevents the cells from the injury which the cells undergo at the time of peeling.

Abstract: A functioning substrate with a group of columnar micro pillars characterized in that a first matrix of organic polymer and a group of columnar micro pillars of organic polymer extending from this matrix are provided. This group of columnar micro pillars has an equivalent diameter of 10 nm through 500 ?m and a height of 50 nm through 5000 ?m; and the ratio (H/D) of the equivalent diameter (D) to the height (H) of the group of columnar micro pillars is 4 or more.

Abstract: A mold and a pattern transfer method using the same for a nanoprinting technology. The mold can be released from a substrate accurately and easily. The mold, which is used for forming a fine pattern on a substrate using a press machine, comprises a release mechanism.

Abstract: A stamper and a transfer apparatus that utilizes the stamper, which is capable of accurately transferring its own pattern onto an article, such as a substrate, without being affected by any distribution of convex portions on the stamper surface or any contour of the substrate. The stamper has a fine concave-convex pattern on a surface thereof for forming a fine structure on a substrate using a pressing machine. The stamper is flexible and includes a buffer formed on an opposite side to the side on which the concave-convex pattern is formed. The buffer has a longitudinal distribution of moduli of elasticity.

Abstract: A pillar with a high aspect ratio is transferred by a nanoprinting method. In order to form a fine structure on a substrate, a nanoprinting apparatus heats and presses the substrate and a mold with a fine concave-convex pattern formed thereon, the mold having a mechanism for transferring and applying a mold-releasing agent. A method for transferring a fine structure using the aforementioned nanoprinting apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a nanoprint apparatus in which a substrate and a mold formed on its surface with fine concavities and convexities are heated and pressed with each other through the intermediary of a buffer member interposed therebetwen, including a mechanism for successively replacing the buffer member with new one at each time which the mold and the substate are heated and pressed, thereby it is possible to form a fine structure on the substrate.

Abstract: A functioning substrate with a group of columnar micro pillars characterized in that a first matrix of organic polymer and a group of columnar micro pillars of organic polymer extending from this matrix are provided. This group of columnar micro pillars has an equivalent diameter of 10 nm through 500 &mgr;m and a height of 50 nm through 5000 &mgr;m; and the ratio (H/D) of the equivalent diameter (D) to the height (H) of the group of columnar micro pillars is 4 or more.