METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTION OF BIOMOLECULAR INTERACTION USING NEAR-FIELD LIGHT

摘要

[PROBLEMS] To provide a method and apparatus whereby any weak interaction between biomolecule and analyte can be detected. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] There is provided a method of detecting any interaction between a biomolecule immobilized on a substrate and a fluorescence-labeled analyte with the use of near-field light, comprising the step of bringing the biomolecule into contact with the analyte in a liquid; the step of irradiating the surface of the biomolecule with near-field light with the use of SNOM probe in the liquid; and the step of detecting fluorescence having been excited by the near-field light. Further, there is provided an apparatus for detection of any interaction between a biomolecule immobilized on a substrate and a fluorescence-labeled analyte with the use of near-field light, characterized in that the apparatus includes irradiation means for irradiating with near-field light the surface of the biomolecule having been brought into contact with the analyte in a liquid; and detection means for detecting fluorescence having been excited by the near-field light. Use can be made of a substrate having one or two or more biomolecules immobilized thereon.