A new DNA combing method for biochemical analysis.

A simple molecular combing method for analysis of biochemical reactions, called the moving droplet method, has been developed. In this method, small droplets containing DNA molecules run down a sloped glass substrate, and this creates a moving interface among the air, droplet, and substrate that stretches the DNA molecules. This method requires a much smaller volume of sample solution than other established combing methods, allowing wider application in various fields. Using this method, lambdaDNA molecules were stretched and absorbed to a glass substrate, and single-molecule analysis of DNA synthesis by DNA polymerases was performed.