JP4226342B2 - Light switch - Google Patents

Description

【００４６】
前記α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチドの合成は、上記方法に限られず、遺伝子工学的方法により行うこともでき、例えば、前記目的とするポリペプチドをコードするＤＮＡを組み込んだ発現ベクターにより宿主細胞を形質転換し、この形質転換体を培養すること等により行うことができる。
前記発現ベクターとしては、例えば、プラスミドベクター、ファージベクター、プラスミドとファージとのキメラベクター、などが挙げられる。
前記宿主細胞としては、大腸菌、枯草菌等の原核微生物、酵母菌等の真核微生物、動物細胞などが挙げられる。
【００４７】
また、前記α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチドは、α−ケラチン、ミオシン、エピダーミン、フィブリノゲン、トロポマイシン、絹フィブロイン等の天然の繊維状蛋白からそのα−ヘリックス構造部分を切り出すことにより調製してもよい。
【００４８】
−−−ＤＮＡ−−−
前記ＤＮＡは、１本鎖ＤＮＡであってもよいが、安定に棒状を維持することができる等の点で２本鎖ＤＮＡであるのが好ましい。
前記２本鎖ＤＮＡは、一つの中心軸の回りに、右巻きらせん状の２本のポリヌクレオチド鎖が互いに逆方向に延びた状態で位置して形成された２重らせん構造を有する。
前記ポリヌクレオチド鎖は、アデニン（Ａ）、チミン（Ｔ）、グアニン（Ｇ）及びシトシン（Ｃ）の４種類の核酸塩基で形成されており、前記ポリヌクレオチド鎖において前記核酸塩基は、中心軸に対して垂直な平面内で互いに内側に突出した形で存在して、いわゆるワトソン−クリック型塩基対を形成し、アデニンに対してはチミンが、グアニンに対してはシトシンが、それぞれ特異的に水素結合している。その結果、前記２本鎖ＤＮＡにおいては、２本のポリペプチド鎖が互いに相補的に結合している。
【００４９】
前記ＤＮＡは、公知のＰＣＲ（Ｐｏｌｙｍｅｒａｓｅ Ｃｈａｉｎ Ｒｅａｃｔｉｏｎ）法、ＬＣＲ（Ｌｉｇａｓｅ ｃｈａｉｎ Ｒｅａｃｔｉｏｎ）法、３ＳＲ（Ｓｅｌｆ−ｓｕｓｔａｉｎｅｄ Ｓｅｑｕｅｎｃｅ Ｒｅｐｌｉｃａｔｉｏｎ）法、ＳＤＡ（Ｓｔｒａｎｄ Ｄｉｓｐｌａｃｅｍｅｎｔ Ａｍｐｌｉｆｉｃａｔｉｏｎ）法等により調製することができるが、これらの中でもＰＣＲ法が好適である。
【００５０】
また、前記ＤＮＡは、天然の遺伝子から制限酵素により酵素的に直接切り出して調製してもよいし、遺伝子クローニング法により調製してもよいし、化学合成法により調製してもよい。
【００５１】
前記遺伝子クローニング法の場合、例えば、正常核酸を増幅したものをプラスミドベクター、ファージベクター、プラスミドとファージとのキメラベクター等から選択されるベクターに組み込み、大腸菌、枯草菌等の原核微生物、酵母等の真核微生物、動物細胞などから選択される増殖可能な任意の宿主に導入することにより前記ＤＮＡを大量に調製することができる。
前記化学合成法としては、例えば、トリエステル法、亜リン酸法などのような、液相法又は不溶性の担体を使った固相合成法などが挙げられる。前記化学合成法の場合、公知の自動合成機等を用い、１本鎖のＤＮＡを大量に調製した後、アニーリングを行うことにより、２本鎖ＤＮＡを調製することができる。
【００５２】
−−−アミロース−−−
前記アミロースは、高等植物の貯蔵のためのホモ多糖類であるデンプンを構成するＤ−グルコースがα−１，４結合で直鎖状につながったらせん構造を有する多糖類である。
前記アミロースの分子量としては、数平均分子量で、数千〜１５万程度が好ましい。
前記アミロースは、市販のものであってもよいし、公知の方法に従って適宜調製したものであってもよい。
なお、前記アミロースは、その一部にアミロペクチンが含まれていてもよい。
【００５３】
前記棒状有機分子の長さとしては、特に制限はなく目的に応じて適宜選択することができる。
前記棒状有機分子の直径としては、特に制限はないが、前記α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチドの場合には０．８〜２．０ｎｍ程度である。
【００５４】
前記棒状有機分子は、その全部が親油性（疎水性）又は親水性であってもよく、また、その一部が親油性（疎水性）又は親水性であり、他の部分が該一部と逆の親性を示す両親媒性であってもよい。
【００５５】
なお、前記光干渉手段による前記干渉光の波長は、可視光域にあってもよいし、なくてもよいが、前者の場合には目視にて該干渉光を検出することができる点で好ましく、波長変化後における前記干渉光の波長が可視光域にあるのがより好ましい。この場合、該干渉光を干渉色として視認可能であるが、この干渉色が視認される原理は、いわゆる構造性発色とよばれる原理に基づく。
【００５６】
−−構造性発色−
前記構造性発色は、モルフォ蝶翅の鱗粉の発色基本原理である多層薄膜干渉理論に基づき、構造発色体（膜、層）に電場、磁場、温度、光（例えば自然光、赤外線光、紫外線光）などの外部刺激を与えたときに、該構造発色体（膜、層）の厚みとその屈折率に応じて特定波長の光が反射する結果、該構造発色体の表面で生ずる発色である。前記構造性発色では、染料や顔料は不要である。
【００５７】
ここで、前記構造性発色の原理について下記に示す。
図１及び図２に示すように、前記膜状物（又は、棒状材１０で形成された膜状物及び基材５０における酸化物層）に前記光照射手段より光が照射された際に該膜状物（又は、棒状材１０で形成された膜状物及び基材５０における酸化物層）による干渉光の波長（λ）は、下記（１）に示す条件で強められ、下記（２）に示す条件で弱められる。
【００５８】
【数１】

【００５９】
【数２】

【００６０】
前記式（１）及び前記式（２）において、λは、干渉光の波長（ｎｍ）を意味し、αは、前記膜状物（又は、棒状有機分子１０で形成された膜状物及び基材５０における酸化物層）への光の入射角（度）を意味し、ｔは、前記膜状物（又は、該膜状物及び前記基材における酸化物層）の厚み（ｎｍ）を意味し、ｌは、前記膜状物（又は、該膜状物及び前記基材における酸化物層）の数を意味し、ｎは、前記膜状物（又は、棒状有機分子１０で形成された膜状物及び基材５０における酸化物層）の屈折率を意味し、ｍは、１以上の整数を意味する。
【００６１】
前記膜状物（又は棒状有機分子１０で形成された膜状物及び基材５０における酸化物層）の厚みとしては、８１０ｎｍ以下であるのが好ましく、１０ｎｍ〜８１０ｎｍであるのがより好ましい。
前記厚みを適宜変更することにより、前記構造性発色の色（波長）を変化させることができる。
【００６２】
前記膜状物は、前記棒状材の単分子膜であってもよいし、該単分子膜の積層膜であってもよい。
前記単分子膜又はそれによる前記積層膜は、例えば、公知の塗布法によって、あるいは、ラングミュア−ブロジェット法（ＬＢ法）に従って形成することができる。
前者の場合、即ち公知の塗布法の中でも、操作が簡便である点でスピンコート法が好ましく、更に、前記膜状物が棒状材で形成する場合には、該棒状材の液晶性に基づく自己組織化により、あるいは該棒状材の末端の官能基と前記基材との相互作用に基づく自己組織化により、前記膜状物を効率よく形成することができる点で有利である。
後者の場合、公知のＬＢ膜形成装置（例えば、日本レーザー＆エレクトロニクス・ラボラトリーズ社製のＮＬ−ＬＢ４００ＮＫ−ＭＷＣなどが好適に挙げられる）を使用することができる。
【００６３】
前記単分子膜の形成は、例えば、親油性（疎水性）若しくは両親媒性の前記棒状有機分子を水面上（水相上）に浮かした状態で、又は、親水性若しくは両親媒性の前記棒状有機分子を油面上（油相上）に浮かした状態で、即ち図３に示すように、棒状有機分子１０を配向させた状態で押出部材６０を用いて基材５０上に形成することができる。この操作を繰り返すことにより、基材５０上に該単分子膜を任意の数だけ積層した前記積層膜を形成することができる。
【００６４】
このとき、基材５０の表面は、適宜、棒状有機分子１０が付着乃至結合し易くする目的で予め表面処理、例えば親水性化処理、親油性化処理などを行っておくのが好ましく、例えば、棒状有機分子１０（例えばα−ヘリックス・ポリペプチド）が親水性である場合には、オクタデシル・トリメチルシロキサンなどを用いた親水化処理等の表面処理を予め行っておくのが好ましい。基材５０の表面が前記親水性化処理されている場合には棒状有機分子１０を基材５０上に立設配置させることができ、前記基材の表面が前記疎水性化処理されている場合には棒状有機分子１０を基材５０上に並列配置させることができる。なお、前記親水性化処理及び親油性化処理は、例えば、カップリング剤等を用いて好適に行うことができる。
【００６５】
なお、両親媒性の棒状有機分子１０の単分子膜を形成する際に、棒状有機分子１０を油相又は水相上に浮かべた状態としては、図４に示す通り、前記水相又は油相上で、棒状有機分子１０の親油性部（疎水性部）１０ａ同士が互いに隣接して配向し、親水性部１０ｂ同士が互いに隣接して配向している。
【００６６】
以上は前記棒状有機分子が単分子膜の平面方向に配向（横に寝た状態）した単分子膜又はそれによる積層膜の例であるが、該棒状有機分子が単分子膜の厚み方向に配向（立設した状態）した単分子膜は、例えば、以下のようにして形成することができる。即ち、図５に示すように、まず、両親媒性の棒状有機分子１０（α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチド）を水面上（水相上）に浮かした状態（横に寝た状態）で、該水（水相）のｐＨを１２程度のアルカリ性にする。すると、棒状有機分子１０（α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチド）における親水性部１０ｂが、そのα−ヘリックス構造が解けてランダムな構造をとる。このとき、棒状有機分子１０（α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチド）における親油性部（疎水性部）１０ａはα−ヘリックス構造を維持したままである。次に、該水（水相）のｐＨを５程度の酸性にする。すると、棒状有機分子１０（α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチド）における親水性部１０ｂが、再びα−ヘリックス構造をとるようになる。このとき、棒状有機分子１０（α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチド）に対し、該棒状有機分子１０（α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチド）に当接させた押圧部材をその側面からエアーの圧力で押すと、該棒状有機分子１０は該水（水相）に対し立設した状態のままその親水性部１０ｂが水相中でその水面と略直交する方向に向かってα−ヘリックス構造をとるようになる。そして、図３を用いて上述したように、棒状有機分子１０（α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチド）を配向させた状態で押出部材６０を用いて基材５０上に押し出すことにより基材５０上に単分子膜を形成することができる。この操作を繰り返すことにより、基材５０上に該単分子膜を任意の数だけ積層した前記積層膜を形成することができる。
【００６７】
−−シグナル相互作用部−−
本発明においては、前記棒状材が、前記スイッチングシグナルと相互作用可能なシグナル相互作用部を有しているのが好ましい。この場合、前記棒状材における該シグナル相互作用部が前記スイッチングシグナルと相互作用することにより、前記光干渉手段による干渉光に波長変化が生じ、この波長変化を前記波長変化検出部が検出することにより、試料中に存在する前記スイッチングシグナルを検出することができる。
前記シグナル相互作用部としては、前記スイッチングシグナルと相互作用可能である限り、特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができるが、物理吸着及び化学吸着の少なくともいずれかにより前記スイッチングシグナルと相互作用可能であるのが好ましい。
【００６８】
前記シグナル相互作用部としては、特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができるが、前記スイッチングシグナルを捕捉可能なシグナル捕捉体、などが好ましい。この場合、前記シグナル捕捉体が直接、前記基材に結合等されて配置されるのではなく、該シグナル捕捉体が前記棒状体に結合等された上で該棒状体が前記基材に結合等されて配置されるので、例えば、該シグナル捕捉体が有機物である場合には、無機物である前記基材等に直接、結合等させて配置させるよりも、同じ有機物である前記棒状体との結合等を介して前記基材上等に配置させる方が容易であり、該シグナル捕捉体も安定である。また、該シグナル捕捉体は、前記基材の表面が平滑でなくても、平滑性良く配置されので、前記光照射手段より照射される光の受光面を平滑化することができ、該受光面が平滑でないことに起因する、前記干渉光の波長変化の測定誤差を小さくすることができる。
【００６９】
前記シグナル捕捉体としては、前記標的を捕捉することができれば特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができる。
【００７０】
前記捕捉の態様としては、特に制限はないが、物理吸着、化学吸着などが挙げられる。これらは、例えば、水素結合、分子間力（ファン・デル・ワールス力）、配位結合、イオン結合、共有結合などにより形成され得る。
【００７１】
前記シグナル捕捉体の具体例としては、酵素、補酵素、酵素基質、酵素阻害剤、包接化合物（以下「ホスト化合物」又は「ホスト」と称することがある）、金属、抗体、抗原、タンパク、微生物、ウイルス、細胞破砕物、代謝産物、核酸、ホルモン、ホルモンレセプター、レクチン、糖、生理活性物質、生理活性物質受容体などが好適に挙げられる。
【００７２】
前記スイッチングシグナルとしては、前記シグナル捕捉体がそれぞれ、前記酵素である場合には例えば該酵素の補酵素であり、記補酵素である場合には例えば該補酵素を補酵素とする酵素であり、前記包接化合物である場合には例えば該包接化合物のゲスト化合物（包接される成分）であり、前記抗体である場合には例えば該抗体の抗原としてのタンパクであり、前記タンパクである場合には例えば該タンパクを抗原とする抗体であり、前記核酸である場合には例えば該核酸と相補的な核酸、チューブリン、キチン等であり、前記ホルモンレセプターである場合には例えば該ホルモンレセプターに受容されるホルモンであり、前記レクチンである場合には例えば該レクチンに受容させる糖であり、前記生理活性物質受容体である場合には例えば該生理活性物質受容体に受容される生理活性物質である。
【００７３】
なお、前記スイッチングシグナルを含む試料としては、特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができるが、例えば、細菌、ウイルス等の病原体、生体から分離された血液、唾液、組織病片等、糞尿等の排泄物、などが挙げられる。更に、出生前診断を行う場合は、羊水中に存在する胎児の細胞や、試験管内での分裂卵細胞の一部を試料とすることもできる。また、これらの試料は、直接、又は必要に応じて遠心分離操作等により沈渣として濃縮した後、例えば、酵素処理、熱処理、界面活性剤処理、超音波処理、これらの組合せ等による細胞破壊処理を予め施したものを使用してもよい。
【００７４】
前記包接化合物としては、分子認識能（ホスト−ゲスト結合能）を有する限り特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができ、例えば、筒状（一次元）の空洞を有するもの、層状（二次元）の空洞を有するもの、かご状（三次元）の空洞を有するもの、などが好適に挙げられる。
【００７５】
前記筒状（一次元）の空洞を有する包接化合物としては、例えば、尿素、チオ尿素、デオキシコール酸、ジニトロジフェニル、ジオキシトリフェニルメタン、トリフェニルメタン、メチルナフタリン、スピロクロマン、ＰＨＴＰ（ペルヒドロトリフェニレン）、セルロース、アミロース、シクロデキストリン（但し、溶液中では前記空洞がかご状）などが挙げられる。
【００７６】
前記尿素が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、ｎ−パラフィン誘導体などが挙げられる。
前記チオ尿素が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、分岐状又は環状の炭化水素などが挙げられる。
前記デオキシコール酸が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、パラフィン類、脂肪酸、芳香族化合物などが挙げられる。
前記ジニトロジフェニルが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、ジフェニル誘導体などが挙げられる。
【００７７】
前記ジオキシトリフェニルメタンが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、パラフィン類、ｎ−アルケン類、スクアレンなどが挙げられる。
前記トリフェニルメタンが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、パラフィン類などが挙げられる。
前記メチルナフタリンが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、Ｃ_１６までのｎ−パラフィン類、分岐状パラフィン類などが挙げられる。
前記スピロクロマンが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、パラフィン類などが挙げられる。
前記ＰＨＴＰ（ペルヒドロトリフェニレン）が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、クロロホルム、ベンゼン、各種高分子物質などが挙げられる。
前記セルロースが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、Ｈ_２Ｏ、パラフィン類、ＣＣｌ_４、色素、ヨウ素などが挙げられる。
前記アミロースが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、脂肪酸、ヨウ素などが挙げられる。
【００７８】
前記シクロデキストリンは、デンプンのアミラーゼによる分解で生成する環状のデキストリンであり、α−シクロデキストリン、β−シクロデキストリン、γ−シクロデキストリンの３種が知られている。本発明においては、前記シクロデキストリンとして、これらの水酸基の一部を他の官能基、例えば、アルキル基、アリル基、アルコキシ基、アミド基、スルホン酸基などに変えたシクロデキストリン誘導体も含まれる。
【００７９】
前記シクロデキストリンが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、チモール、オイゲノール、レゾルシン、エチレングリコールモノフェニルエーテル、２−ヒドロキシ−４−メトキシ−ベンゾフェノン等のフェノール誘導体、サリチル酸、パラオキシ安息香酸メチル、パラオキシ安息香酸エチル等の安息香酸誘導体及びそのエステル、コレステロール等のステロイド、アスコルビン酸、レチノール、トコフェロール等のビタミン、リモネン等の炭化水素類、イソチオシアン酸アリル、ソルビン酸、ヨウ素分子、メチルオレンジ、コンゴーレッド、２−ｐ−トルイジニルナフタレン−６−スルホン酸カリウム塩（ＴＮＳ）などが挙げられる。
【００８０】
前記層状（二次元）の包接化合物としては、例えば、粘土鉱物、グラファイト、スメクタイト、モンモリロナイト、ゼオライトなどが挙げられる。
【００８１】
前記粘土鉱物が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、親水性物質、極性化合物などが挙げられる。
前記グラファイトが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、Ｏ、ＨＳＯ_４ ⁻、ハロゲン、ハロゲン化物、アルカリ金属などが挙げられる。
前記モンモリロナイトが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、ブルシン、コデイン、ｏ−フェニレンジアミン、ベンジジン、ピペリジン、アデニン、グイアニン及びこれらのリポシドなどが挙げられる。
前記ゼオライトが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、Ｈ_２Ｏなどが挙げられる。
【００８２】
前記かご状（三次元）の包接化合物としては、例えば、ヒドロキノン、気体水化物、トリ−ｏ−チモチド、オキシフラバン、ジシアノアンミンニッケル、クリプタンド、カリックスアレン、クラウン化合物などが挙げられる。
【００８３】
前記ヒドロキノンが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、ＨＣｌ、ＳＯ_２、アセチレン、希ガス元素などが挙げられる。
前記気体水化物が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、ハロゲン、希ガス元素、低級炭化水素などが挙げられる。
前記トリ−ｏ−チモチドが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、シクロヘキサン、ベンゼン、クロロホルムなどが挙げられる。
前記オキシフラバンが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、有機塩基などが挙げられる。
前記ジシアノアンミンニッケルが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、ベンゼン、フェノールなどが挙げられる。
前記クリプタンドが捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、ＮＨ^４＋、各種金属イオンなどが挙げられる。
【００８４】
前記カリックスアレンは、フェノールとホルムアルデヒドとから適当な条件で合成されるフェノール単位をメチレン基で結合した環状オリゴマーであり、４〜８核体が知られている。これらの内、ｐ−ｔ−ブチルカリックスアレン（ｎ＝４）が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、クロロホルム、ベンゼン、トルエンなどが挙げられる。ｐ−ｔ−ブチルカリックスアレン（ｎ＝５）が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、イソプロピルアルコール、アセトンなどが挙げられる。ｐ−ｔ−ブチルカリックスアレン（ｎ＝６）が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、クロロホルム、メタノールなどが挙げられる。ｐ−ｔ−ブチルカリックスアレン（ｎ＝７）が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、クロロホルムなどが挙げられる。
【００８５】
前記クラウン化合物としては、電子供与性のドナー原子として酸素を持つクラウンエーテルのみではなく、そのアナログとして窒素、硫黄などのドナー原子を環構造構成原子として持つ大環状化合物を含み、また、クリプタンドを代表する２個以上の環よりなる複環式クラウン化合物も含まれ、例えば、シクロヘキシル−１２−クラウン−４、ジベンゾ−１４−クラウン−４、ｔ−ブチルベンゾ−１５−クラウン−５、ジベンゾ−１８−クラウン−６、ジシクロヘキシル−１８−クラウン−６、１８−クラウン−６、トリベンゾ−１８−クラウン−６、テトラベンゾ−２４−クラウン−８、ジベンゾ−２６−クラウン−６などが挙げられる。
【００８６】
前記クラウン化合物が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、例えば、Ｌｉ，Ｎａ、Ｋ等のアルカリ金属、Ｍｇ、Ｃａ等のアルカリ土類金属などの各種金属イオン、ＮＨ^４＋、アルキルアンモニウムイオン、グアニジウムイオン、芳香族ジアゾニウムイオンなどが挙げられ、該クラウン化合物はこれらと錯体を形成する。また、該クラウン化合物が捕捉可能なスイッチングシグナルとしては、これら以外にも、酸性度が比較的大きいＣ−Ｈ（アセトニトリル、マロンニトリル、アジポニトリルなど）、Ｎ−Ｈ（アニリン、アミノ安息香酸、アミド、スルファミド誘導体など）、Ｏ−Ｈ（フェノール、酢酸誘導体など）ユニットを有する極性有機化合物などが挙げられ、該クラウン化合物はこれらと錯体を形成する。
【００８７】
前記包接化合物の空洞の大きさ（径）としては、特に制限はなく目的に応じて適宜選定することができるが、安定した分子認識能（ホスト−ゲスト結合能）を発揮し得る観点からは０．１ｎｍ〜２．０ｎｍであるのが好ましい。
【００８８】
なお、前記包接化合物は、例えば、単分子系ホスト化合物、多分子系ホスト化合物、高分子系ホスト化合物、無機系ホスト化合物などに分類することもできる。
前記単分子系ホスト化合物としては、例えば、シクロデキストリン、クラウン化合物、シクロファン、アザシクロファン、カリックスアレン、シクロトリペラトリレン、スフェランド、キャビタンド、環状オリゴペプチド、などが挙げられる。
前記多分子系ホスト化合物としては、例えば、尿素、チオ尿素、デオキシコール酸、ペルヒドロトリフェニレン、トリ−ｏ−チモチド、などが挙げられる。
前記高分子系ホスト化合物としては、例えば、セルロース、デンプン、キチン、キトサン、ポリビニルアルコール、などが挙げられる。
前記無機系ホスト化合物としては、例えば、層間化合物、ゼオライト及びＨｏｆｍａｎｎ型錯体、などが挙げられる。
【００８９】
前記抗体としては、抗原と特異的に抗原抗体反応を生じるものであれば特に制限されず、多クローン性抗体であっても、単クローン性抗体であってもよく、更にはＩｇＧ、ＩｇＭ、ＩｇＥ、ＩｇＧのＦａｂ’、Ｆａｂ、Ｆ（ａｂ’）_２、アビジンなども含まれる。
【００９０】
前記抗原としては、特に制限はなく、前記抗体の種類に応じて適宜選択することができ、例えば、血漿蛋白、腫瘍マーカー、アポ蛋白、ウイルス抗原、自己抗体、凝固・線溶因子、ホルモン、血中薬物、ＨＬＡ抗原、ビオチンなどが挙げられる。
【００９１】
前記血漿蛋白としては、例えば、免疫グロブリン（ＩｇＧ，ＩｇＡ，ＩｇＭ，ＩｇＤ，ＩｇＥ）、補体成分（Ｃ３，Ｃ４，Ｃ５，Ｃ１ｑ）、ＣＲＰ、α_１−アンチトリプシン、α_１−マイクログロブリン、β_２−マイクログロブリン、ハプトグロビン、トランスフェリン、セルロプラスミン、フェリチンなどが挙げられる。
【００９２】
前記腫瘍マーカーとしては、例えば、α−フェトプロテイン（ＡＦＰ）、癌胎児性抗原（ＣＥＡ）、ＣＡ１９−９、ＣＡ１２５、ＣＡ１５−３、ＳＣＣ抗原、前立腺酸性ホスファターゼ（ＰＡＰ）、ＰＩＶＫＡ−ＩＩ、γ−セミノプロテイン、ＴＰＡ、エラスターゼＩ、神経特異エノラーゼ（ＮＳＥ）、免疫抑制酸性蛋白（ＩＡＰ）などが挙げられる。
【００９３】
前記アポ蛋白としては、例えば、アポＡ−Ｉ、アポＡ−ＩＩ、アポＢ、アポＣ−ＩＩ、アポＣ−ＩＩＩ、アポＥなどが挙げられる。
【００９４】
前記ウイルス抗原としては、例えば、Ｂ型肝炎ウイルス（ＨＢＶ）関連抗原、Ｃ型肝炎ウイルス（ＨＶＣ）関連抗原、ＨＴＬＶ−Ｉ、ＨＩＶ、狂犬病ウイルス、インフルエンザウイルス、風疹ウイルスなどが挙げられる。
前記ＨＣＶ関連抗原としては、例えば、ＨＣＶｃ１００−３リコビナント抗原、ｐＨＣＶ−３１リコビナント抗原、ｐＨＣＶ−３４リコビナント抗原などが挙げられ、それらの混合物が好ましく使用できる。前記ＨＩＶ関連抗原としては、ウイルス表面抗原などが挙げられ、例えば、ＨＩＶ−Ｉ ｅｎｖ．ｇｐ４１リコビナント抗原、ＨＩＶ−Ｉ ｅｎｖ．ｇｐ１２０リコビナント抗原、ＨＩＶ−Ｉ ｇａｇ．ｐ２４リコビナント抗原、ＨＩＶ−ＩＩ ｅｎｖ．ｐ３６リコビナント抗原などが挙げられる。
また、ウイルス以外の感染症としては、ＭＲＳＡ、ＡＳＯ、トキソプラズマ、マイコプラズマ、ＳＴＤなどが挙げられる。
【００９５】
前記自己抗体としては、例えば、抗マイクロゾーム抗体、抗サイログロブリン抗体、抗核抗体、リュウマチ因子、抗ミトコンドリア抗体、ミエリン抗体などが挙げられる。
【００９６】
前記凝固・線溶因子としては、例えば、フィブリノゲン、フィブリン分解産物（ＦＤＰ）、プラスミノゲン、α_２−プラスミンインヒビター、アンチトロンビンＩＩＩ、β−トロンボグロブリン、第ＶＩＩＩ因子、プロテインＣ、プロテインＳなどが挙げられる。
【００９７】
前記ホルモンとしては、例えば、下垂体ホルモン（ＬＨ、ＦＳＨ、ＧＨ、ＡＣＴＨ、ＴＳＨ、プロラクチン）、甲状腺ホルモン（Ｔ_３、Ｔ_４、サイログロブリン）、カルシトニン、副甲状腺ホルモン（ＰＴＨ）、副腎皮質ホルモン（アルドステロン、コルチゾール）、性腺ホルモン（ｈＣＧ、エストロゲン、テストステロン、ｈＰＬ）、膵・消化管ホルモン（インスリン、Ｃ−ペプチド、グルカゴン、ガストリン）、その他（レニン、アンジオテンシンＩ，ＩＩ、エンケファリン、エリスロポエチン）などが挙げられる。
【００９８】
前記血中薬物としては、例えば、カルバマゼピン、プリミドン、バルプロ酸等の抗てんかん薬、ジゴキシン、キニジン、ジギトキシン、テオフィリン等の循環器疾患薬、ゲンタマイシン、カナマイシン、ストレプトマイシン等の抗生物質などが挙げられる。
【００９９】
前記タンパクとしては、多くの重金属、特に亜鉛、カドミウム、銅、水銀などに高い親和性を示す低分子量（約６０００〜１３０００）のもの、などが好適に挙げられる。これらのタンパクは、動物の肝臓、腎臓、その他の組織中に存在し、最近では微生物体内にも存在することが見出されている。また、これらのタンパクは、システイン含有量が多く、芳香族の残基を殆ど含まないアミノ酸分布を呈しており、生体内においてカドミウム、水銀などの解毒化機能を有する物質であるとともに、亜鉛，銅など生体に必須の微量金属の貯蔵と、生体内における分布にも関与している重要な物質である。
【０１００】
前記重金属としては、例えば、アルキル水銀化合物（Ｒ−Ｈｇ）、水銀又はその化合物（Ｈｇ）、カドミウム又はその化合物（Ｃｄ）、鉛又はその化合物（Ｐｂ）、六価クロム（Ｃｒ^６＋）、銅又はその化合物（Ｃｕ）、亜鉛又はその化合物（Ｚｎ）、シアン、六価クロム、砒素、セレン、マンガン、ニッケル、鉄、亜鉛、セレン、スズなどが挙げられる。
【０１０１】
前記シグナル捕捉体を前記棒状有機分子（棒状体）に結合させる方法としては、特に制限はなく、前記シグナル捕捉体、前記棒状有機分子の種類等に応じて適宜選択することができ、例えば、エステル結合やアミド結合等の共有結合を利用する方法、タンパク質をアビジン標識し、ビオチン化した捕捉構造体と結合させる方法、タンパク質をストレプトアビジン標識し、ビオチン化した捕捉構造体と結合させる方法等の公知の方法が挙げられる。
本発明の光スイッチにおいては、これらの方法により、各種所望の前記シグナル捕捉体を前記棒状有機分子に容易に結合させることができるので、該シグナル捕捉体を前記基材に直接結合させる場合と異なり、該シグナル捕捉体又は前記スイッチングシグナルを広い範囲から自由に選択することができ、該検出装置は、検出目的、スイッチングシグナルの種類等の如何に拘らず、広く適用可能であり、また、該シグナル捕捉体の表面の平滑性を維持することができるので、前記干渉光の波長変化ムラや測定誤差が小さく、高感度に検出を行うことができる。
【０１０２】
前記共有結合を利用する方法としては、例えば、ペプチド法、ジアゾ法、アルキル化法、臭化シアン活性化法、架橋試薬による結合法、ユギ（Ｕｇｉ）反応を利用した固定化法、チオール・ジスルフィド交換反応を利用した固定化法、シッフ塩基形成法、キレート結合法、トシルクロリド法、生化学的特異結合法などが挙げられるが、共有結合などのより安定した結合には、チオール基とマレイミド基の反応、ピリジルジスルフィド基とチオール基の反応、アミノ基とアルデヒド基の反応などを利用して方法が好ましく、化学的結合剤・架橋剤などを使用する方法がより好ましい。
【０１０３】
このような化学的結合剤・架橋剤としては、例えば、カルボジイミド、イソシアネート、ジアゾ化合物、ベンゾキノン、アルデヒド、過ヨウ素酸、マレイミド化合物、ピリジルジスルフィド化合物などが挙げられる。これらの中でも、グルタルアルデヒド、ヘキサメチレンジイソシアネート、ヘキサメチレンジイソチオシアネート、Ｎ，Ｎ’−ポリメチレンビスヨードアセトアミド、Ｎ，Ｎ’−エチレンビスマレイミド、エチレングリコールビススクシニミジルスクシネート、ビスジアゾベンジジン、１−エチル−３−（３−ジメチルアミノプロピル）カルボジイミド、スクシンイミジル ３−（２−ピリジルジチオ）プロピオネート（ＳＰＤＰ）、Ｎ−スクシンイミジル ４−（Ｎ−マレイミドメチル）シクロヘキサン−１−カルボキシレート（ＳＭＣＣ）、Ｎ−スルホスクシンイミジル ４−（Ｎ−マレイミドメチル）シクロヘキサン−１−カルボキシレート、Ｎ−スクシンイミジル （４−ヨードアセチル）アミノベンゾエート、Ｎ−スクシンイミジル ４−（１−マレイミドフェニル）ブチレート、イミノチオラン、Ｓ−アセチルメルカプトコハク酸無水物、メチル−３−（４’−ジチオピリジル）プロピオンイミデート、メチル−４−メルカプトブチリルイミデート、メチル−３−メルカプトプロピオンイミデート、Ｎ−スクシンイミジル−Ｓ−アセチルメルカプトアセテートなどが挙げられる。
【０１０４】
本発明において、前記光干渉手段は、前記干渉光を透過光として放射すいてもよいし、前記干渉光を反射光として放射してもよい。前者の場合、前記光スイッチを反射型タイプの装置にすることができ、後者の場合、前記光スイッチを透過型タイプの装置にすることができる。
【０１０５】
＜スイッチング手段＞
前記スイッチング手段としては、前記干渉光の進路に設けられ、前記光干渉手段により放射される前記干渉光の波長変化を検出し、回路の作動及び停止のいずれかを行う機能を有している限り特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができるが、例えば、前記干渉光の進路に設けられ、前記光干渉手段により放射される前記干渉光の波長変化を検出する波長変化検出部と、該波長変化検出部が前記干渉光の波長変化を検出した際に回路の作動及び停止のいずれかを行う回路動作制御部とを有するものなどが好適に挙げられる。
【０１０６】
−波長変化検出部−
前記波長変化検出部は、前記干渉光の進路に設けられ、前記光干渉手段により放射される前記干渉光の波長変化を検出する機能を有する限り特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができ、例えば、（１）特定波長の光のみを透過可能であり、該特定波長の光が透過したことを検知可能であるもの、（２）干渉光の波長変化前におけるスペクトルと、干渉光の波長変化後におけるスペクトルとを測定し、その差スペクトルを測定可能であるもの、などが好適に挙げられる。
【０１０７】
これらの中でも、前記（１）のものの場合には、前記波長変化検出部を、前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用する前においては、前記干渉光を透過不可能とし、かつ前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用した後においては、波長変化した特定波長の前記干渉光を透過可能とすることにより、あるいは、前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用する前においては、特定波長の前記干渉光を透過可能とし、かつ前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用した後においては、波長変化した前記干渉光を透過不可能とすることにより、通常のスペクトル曲線を測定しただけではその僅かな変化を検出するのが極めて困難である場合、即ち極僅かな波長変化（波長シフト）しかない場合であっても、それを簡便かつ確実に検出可能であり、前記波長変化検出部が前記干渉光の透過を検出したことをもって、前記干渉光の波長変化を検出することができ、前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用したこと、即ち試料等中における該スイッチングシグナルの存在を簡便にかつ迅速にしかも高感度に検出することができ、スイッチング性能に優れる。
【０１０８】
また、前記（２）のものの場合には、該波長変化検出部が、干渉光の波長の変化前後におけるスペクトル差、即ち差スペクトルを測定するので、通常のスペクトル曲線を測定しただけではその僅かな変化を検出するのが極めて困難である場合、即ち極僅かな波長変化（波長シフト）しかない場合であっても、それを簡便かつ確実に検出可能であり、該波長変化をスペクトル強度に変換することができ、任意にその増幅が可能である。その結果、極僅かな波長変化であっても増幅したスペクトル強度として検出することができ、高感度であり、簡便にかつ迅速にしかも高感度な検出を行うことができるので、回路動作のスイッチング性能に優れる。
【０１０９】
前記（１）のものの具体例としては、干渉フィルタと、該干渉フィルタを透過した透過光を検知可能な光検知センサーとの組合せ、などが好適に挙げられる。この場合、該干渉フィルタを、前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用する前は前記干渉光を透過不可能でかつ前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用した後の特定波長の前記干渉光を透過可能とすることにより、あるいは、前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用する前は、特定波長の前記干渉光を透過可能でかつ前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用した後は、波長変化した前記干渉光を透過不可能とすることにより、通常のスペクトル曲線を測定しただけではその僅かな変化を検出するのが極めて困難である場合、即ち極僅かな波長変化（波長シフト）しかない場合であっても、それを簡便かつ確実に検出可能であり、前記光検知センサーが前記干渉フィルタを透過した前記干渉光を検出したことをもって、前記干渉光の波長変化が検出され、前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用したこと、即ち試料等中における該スイッチングシグナルの存在が検出される。その結果、極僅かな波長変化が生じた場合であっても前記干渉光の透過光を前記光検知センサーが検出することができ、高感度であるので、回路動作のスイッチング性能に優れる。
【０１１０】
前記干渉フィルタとしては、特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができ、市販品を使用してもよい。
前記干渉フィルタは、特定の波長の入射光のみを干渉する、該特定の波長以外の波長の入射光は透過可能である。
前記光検知センサーとしては、特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができ、例えば、ＣｄＳセル、フォトダイオード、光電管、焦電センサ、ＣＣＤセンサー、ＰＳＤセンサーなどが挙げられる。
前記（２）のものの具体例としては、公知の分光光度計などが好適に挙げられる。
【０１１１】
本発明の光スイッチにおいては、前記光照射手段が光を照射する。前記光干渉手段が、前記光照射手段から照射された光を干渉して干渉光として放射する。前記光干渉手段は、前記スイッチングシグナルと相互作用可能であり、該スイッチングシグナルと相互作用した後で前記干渉光の波長を変化させる。前記波長変化検出部が、前記光干渉手段により放射される前記干渉光の波長変化を検出する。このため、該波長変化検出部が検出した前記干渉光の波長変化により、前記スイッチングシグナルが前記光干渉手段と相互作用したこと、即ち、試料等中における該スイッチングシグナルの存在が検出される。
【０１１２】
−回路動作制御部−
前記回路動作制御部としては、該波長変化検出部が前記干渉光の波長変化を検出した際に回路の作動及び停止のいずれかを行う機能を有する限り特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができるが、例えば、コンピュータ、などが好適に挙げられる。
【０１１３】
前記回路としては、特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選択することができるが、例えば、電気回路などが好適に挙げられ、これらを含む各種装置、例えば安全装置などが好適に挙げられる。
【０１１４】
本発明の光スイッチは、各種分野において使用することができ、病原物質、生体物質、有毒物質等の各種スイッチングシグナルを効率よくしかも確実にかつ簡便に検出し、その際に安全装置等を動作可能なスイッチとして好適に使用することができる。
【０１１５】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例を説明するが、本発明はこれらの実施例に何ら限定されるものではない。
【０１１６】
（実施例１）
まず、前記棒状有機分子としてのα−ヘリックス・ポリペプチドの単分子膜を前記基材上に形成し、更に該単分子膜上に同じ単分子膜を積層して積層膜（前記膜状物）を形成し、その積層数と前記構造性発色との関係を調べた。
前記α−ヘリックス・ポリペプチドとして、グルタミン酸のカルボキシル基の水素原子をｎ−ヘキシル基で置換したものをモノマーユニットとするポリ（ｎ−ヘキシル Ｌ−グルタメート（以下「ＰＨｅＬＧ」と表記することがある）を使用した。該ＰＨｅＬＧは、ベンジルアミンを重合開始剤として用いたＬ−グルタミン酸・γ−メチルエステルの重合反応により得られ、その重合度は、^１Ｈ−ＮＭＲ測定によると１１４であった。前記基材は、オクタデシル・トリメトキシシラン（東京化成工業社製）により表面処理したシリコン基材（信越化学工業社製）を使用した。前記単分子膜は、Ｌ−Ｂ膜形成装置（日本レーザー＆エレクトロニクス・ラボラトリー社製、ＮＬ−ＬＢ４００ＮＫ−ＭＷＣ）を使用して形成した。なお。前記ＰＨｅＬＧにおいて、α−ヘリックスの螺旋のピッチは０．１５（ｎｍ／アミノ酸残基）であり、α−ヘリックスの直径は１．５（ｎｍ）であった。
【０１１７】
この単分子膜を１２０積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）について、ＦＴ−ＩＲスペクトルを測定したところ、４つのピークが得られた。１つは、側鎖のＣ＝Ｏ基に基づく１７３８ｃｍ^−１のピークである。もう１つは、α−ヘリックス構造中のアミド基Ｉに基づく１６５６ｃｍ^−１の強いピークである。もう１つは、β−構造中のアミド基Ｉに基づく１６２６ｃｍ^−１の小さく弱いピークである。最後の１つは、α−ヘリックス構造中のアミド基IIに基づく１５５１ｃｍ^−１のピークである。このＦＴ−ＩＲスペクトルの測定結果から、前記ＰＨｅＬＧ分子は単分子膜中でα−ヘリックス構造を維持していることが確認された。
【０１１８】
前記ＰＨｅＬＧによる単分子膜は、該ＰＨｅＬＧによる単分子膜２０層を積層した時の厚みが３２ｍｍであったので、１層当たりの厚みを算出すると１．６ｎｍであった。
【０１１９】
次に、この単分子膜による積層膜（前記膜状物）における積層数と前記構造性発色との関係を調べたところ、該単分子膜が６０層、７０層及び８０層積層された各積層膜（前記膜状物）は、図６に示すような可視光反射スペクトルを示した。また、該単分子膜が４０〜５０層積層された積層膜（前記膜状物）は、茶色の構造性発色を示し、該単分子膜が６０〜７０層積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）は、暗青色（ダークブルー、濃青色）を示し、該単分子膜を８０〜１００層積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）は、明青色（ライトブルー、薄青色）を示し、該単分子膜を１２０層付近まで積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）は、黄色を示し、該単分子膜を１６０層まで積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）は、赤紫色を示すことが確認された。
【０１２０】
具体的には、前記単分子層を４０層積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）と、８０層積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）を１２０層積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）とに関する可視光反射スペクトルは、図７に示すように、８０層積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）は、４１８ｎｍに反射率（％）が最大ピークを示し青色を呈していた。一方、４０層積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）は、４５６ｎｍに反射率（％）が最小を示し、前記青色の補色である茶色（暗橙色）を呈していた。他方、１２０層積層した積層膜（前記膜状物）は、６１９ｎｍに反射率（％）が最大ピークを示し４０９ｎｍに反射率（％）が最小を示し、弱められた４０９ｎｍの波長の光により強められた６１９ｎｍの光に基づく黄色を呈していた。
【０１２１】
前記可視光反射スペクトルの波長（λ）は、前記単分子膜による積層膜（前記膜状物）への光の入射角（α）により影響され、該波長（λ）が強められる条件は下記（１）に示した通りであり、該波長（λ）が弱められる条件は下記（２）に示した通りである。
【０１２２】
【数３】

【０１２３】
前記式（１）及び前記式（２）において、λは、干渉光の波長（ｎｍ）を意味し、αは、前記単分子膜又は前記積層膜への光の入射角（度）を意味し、ｔは、単分子膜の厚み（ｎｍ）を意味し、ｌは、単分子膜の数を意味し、ｎは、単分子膜の屈折率を意味し、ｍは、１以上の整数を意味する。
【０１２４】
そして、前記可視光反射スペクトルの波長（λ）と、前記単分子膜による積層膜（前記膜状物）への光の入射角（α）との関係を調べたところ、図８に示す通りであり、５つの入射角（α）に対する５つの反射スペクトルの波長（λ）の実測値と、上記式（１）及び（２）で算出した波長（λｓ）とは、ほぼ一致していた。
なお、図８において、「◆」は、４０層積層した積層膜の最小スペクトルを意味し、「□」は、８０層積層した積層膜の最大スペクトルを意味し、「○」は、１２０層積層した積層膜の最大スペクトルを意味し、「●」は、１２０層積層した積層膜の最小スペクトルを意味する。そして、ラインＩは、上記式（１）により、ｌ＝１２０及びｍ＝１の条件にて、ラインIIは、上記式（Ｉ）によりｌ＝８０及びｍ＝１の条件にて、あるいは、上記式（２）によりｌ＝４０及びｍ＝１の条件にて、あるいは、上記式（２）によりｌ＝１２０及びｍ＝２の条件にて、それぞれｔ＝１．７（ｎｍ）及びｎ＝１．６の条件にて算出されたものである（これら３種の算出結果のラインは互いにほぼオーバーラップしている）。
【０１２５】
以上のようにして、前記基材上に設けた特定の厚みを有する前記膜状物に光を照射した場合における、該膜状物による干渉光が可視光域の波長を有し、干渉色として視認可能であることを確認した。
【０１２６】
−光干渉手段の作製−
次に、前記膜状物を配置させる前記基材として、酸化膜を有する前記プレカラード基材を以下のようにして作製した。即ち、シリコン基材（信越化学工業社製）を訳１０００℃で３時間加熱処理することにより、該シリコン基材の表面に酸化膜（ＳｉＯ_２層）５０ａを形成した。このプレカラード基材は、その干渉色（ピークトップが約５０８ｎｍ（図１８の細線））が緑色であり、緑色を呈していた。なお、該シリコン基板の表面積は、３×１０^１４ｎｍ^２（１５ｍｍ×２０ｍｍ）である。
【０１２７】
一方、下記合成スキームに従い、前記棒状有機分子であるα−ヘリックス・ポリペプチドとして、末端にビオチンを有するポリベンジル−Ｌ−グルタメート（ＰＢＬＧ_２１−ｂｉｏ）を合成した。即ち、下記化３に示すビオチン誘導体を重合開始剤として用い、下記化２に示す合成スキームで合成されたベンジル−Ｌ−グルタメート誘導体（ＢＬＧ−ＮＣＡ）の重合を行うことにより、重合度が２１のポリベンジル−Ｌ−グルタメート（ＰＢＬＧ_２１−ｂｉｏ）を合成した。
【０１２８】
【化２】

【０１２９】
【化３】

【０１３０】
なお、該ポリベンジル−Ｌ−グルタメート（ＰＢＬＧ_２１−ｂｉｏ）の屈折率をアッベの屈折率計（アタゴ社製）を用いて測定したところ、約１．５であった。
【０１３１】
そして、この合成したポリベンジル−Ｌ−グルタメート（ＰＢＬＧ_２１−ｂｉｏ）をＬＢ法により基材５０上に累積圧９．５ｍＮ／ｍ（図９参照、図９において、縦軸の累積圧が９．５ｍＮ／ｍの条件にて累積させた）で１０層累積させた。即ち該ポリベンジル−Ｌ−グルタメート（ＰＢＬＧ_２１−ｂｉｏ）を棒状有機分子１０とした単分子膜（膜厚が約１．３３ｎｍ）を１０層積層してなる積層膜２０（膜厚が約１３．２５ｎｍ）を形成した（図１０参照、なお、図１０においては前記積層膜の数は図示の都合上、１０層とはなっていない）。こうして得られた前記光干渉手段は、その干渉光の色（干渉色、ピークトップが約５４５ｎｍ（図１８の点線））がやや黄色であり、やや黄色を呈していた。なお、該干渉光が強められ、弱められる条件は、図１１に示した通りである。図１２において、前記プレカラード基材（前記膜状物が設けられていないもの）における前記干渉光（干渉色）の測定（図１２（Ａ））及び前記光干渉手段における前記干渉光（干渉色）の測定（図１２（Ｂ））を示した。
【０１３２】
−光干渉手段とスイッチングシグナルとの相互作用−
前記光干渉手段、即ち前記プレカラード基材上に前記積層膜が形成されたものを、前記スイッチングシグナルとしてのアビジンの水溶液（１．１×１０^−７Ｍ）に３時間浸漬させて、該光干渉手段における前記シグナル捕捉体としてのビオチンと、前記スイッチングシグナルであるアビジンとを相互作用（吸着反応）させた。なお、アビジンの断面積は、約３０ｎｍ^２弱（３ｎｍ×３ｎｍ×３．１４）程度である。図１３は、本実施例における前記ビオチンと前記アビジンとの相互作用（吸着反応）の概念図であり、図１４は、前記光干渉手段を前記アビジンの水溶液中に浸漬させた状体を示す概念図であり、図１５は、該アビジンの水溶液中で前記光検出手段における前記ビオチンと前記アビジンとが相互作用（吸着反応）を生じた概念図である。その後、該光干渉手段を純水にて洗浄した。
【０１３３】
−波長変化検出−
前記光照射手段として、分光光度計（日本分光社製、Ｖ５６０）における光源を用いた。該光照射手段より前記光干渉手段への入射角が１０度となるようにして、光（キセノンランプ光）を照射した。なお、入射角を１０度としたのは、図１６及び１７の干渉光の入射角依存性の測定データから入射角を選択したものである。
そして、該光照射手段より照射された光の前記光干渉手段による反射光（干渉光）の進路に、分光光度計（日本分光社製、Ｖ５６０）における受光部を配置して、該反射光（干渉光）のスペクトル波長を測定したところ、そのピークトップは５６５ｎｍ（図１８の太線）であり、前記光干渉手段と前記スイッチングシグナルとの相互作用前に比べて約２０ｎｍのピークシフトが観察された。この２０ｎｍは、屈折率１．５で計算した場合、約７．１６ｎｍの膜厚変化に相当するものであり、これは、直径約６ｎｍのアビジンが前記光干渉手段の表面に吸着したことに基づくものであることが確認された。以上のスペクトル測定のデータを図１８に示した。
【０１３４】
＜アビジン吸着量の計算＞
基板上のアビジンの吸着数は、基板の表面積／アビジン１分子の断面積、により算出することができ、計算すると、３×１０^１４／３×１０^１＝１×１０^１３個であった。次に、該基板上のアビジンの吸着モル数は、該吸着数／アボガドロ数、により算出することができ、計算すると、１×１０^１３／６×１０^２３＝１７×１０^−１２Ｍ＝１７ｐＭであった。
したがって、ここでは、干渉光の波長シフトが２０ｎｍの時のアビジン吸着量は１７ｐＭであることが判った。
なお、ここで、上記基材の表面積を５ｍｍ角程度とした場合には、１．４ｐＭのアビジン吸着量で前記干渉光の波長シフト（ピークトップのシフト）が２０ｎｍ程度となる。これをアビジンの重量換算してみると、アビジンの分子量が約６８０００として計算すると、１．４×１０^−１２Ｍ×６８０００＝９．５×１０^−８ｇ（９５ｎｇ）となり、ピークシフト（波長シフト）１ｎｍ当たり４．８ｎｇの吸着量に相当した（４．８ｎｇ／ｎｍ）。
【０１３５】
＜差スペクトル測定による波長変化の検出及び電気回路の作動＞
前記光干渉手段（前記標的検出用基材）による干渉光のスペクトル（図１９の太線）と、前記スイッチングシグナル（アビジン）が捕捉された際における干渉光のスペクトル（図１９の細線）とを測定した。その結果を図１９に示した。図１９のスペクトルデータからも明らかな通り、２つのスペクトル曲線は互いに殆ど一致してしまっており、このスペクトル曲線のデータから前記干渉光の波長シフトを検出するのは困難である。しかし、前記分光光度計により、この２つのスペクトルデータの差スペクトルをとると、図２０のようになり、図１９では極めて検出が困難であった前記２つのスペクトルの波長差が、大きな波長差として現れる。このため、差スペクトルを検出することにより、測定誤差がなく、簡便にかつ迅速にしかも高感度に前記干渉光の波長差を検出することができる。この差スペクトルは、スペクトル強度として得られるので、これを前記分光光度計により任意に増幅可能である。つまり、極めて小さなスペクトル強度であってもそれを増幅することにより高感度に検出ことができる。
また、前記分光光度計が前記差スペクトルを検出した際に、前記回路動作制御手段としてのコンピュータを駆動させて電気回路のスイッチがＯＮとなり、ランプが点灯するようにしておいたところ、前記分光光度計が前記差スペクトルを検出すると共に該ランプが点灯し、前記回路が作動したことが確認された。
【０１３６】
次に、前記光干渉手段において、前記シリコン基板を干渉フィルタに代え、前記膜状物を前記棒状有機分子１０を８８層積層したものに代えた以外は、上述の通りとした。
ここで、該干渉フィルタ自体による前記干渉光のスペクトル（図２１の太線）と、前記膜状物が設けられた前記干渉フィルタによる前記干渉光のスペクトル（図２１の細線）とを測定した。その結果を図２１に示した。図２１のスペクトルデータからも明らかな通り、２つのスペクトル曲線は互いに近似しており、このスペクトル曲線のデータから前記干渉光の波長シフト（ピークシフト）を検出するのは困難である。しかし、前記分光光度計により、この２つのスペクトルデータの差スペクトルをとると、図２２のようになり、図２１では極めて検出が困難であった前記２つのスペクトルの波長差が、大きな波長差として現れる。このため、差スペクトルを検出することにより、測定誤差がなく、簡便にかつ迅速にしかも高感度に前記干渉光の波長差を検出することができる。この差スペクトルは、スペクトル強度として得られるので、これを前記分光光度計により任意に増幅可能である。つまり、極めて小さなスペクトル強度であってもそれを増幅することにより高感度に検出ことができる。したがって、前記シリコン基板を前記干渉基板に代えた場合であっても、前記シリコン基板を用いた場合と同様にして、前記差スペクトルを測定することにより、前記スイッチングシグナルの高感度検出が可能であり、回路のスイッチング可能であることが判る。
【０１３７】
【発明の効果】
本発明によると、病原物質、生体物質、有毒物質等の各種物質をスイッチングシグナルとして、その存在を検出することにより回路の動作を制御可能であり、各種安全装置等に応用可能な光スイッチを提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１は、基材上に設けられた棒状有機分子（棒状材）による単分子膜（膜状物）による構造性発色（干渉色の発生）を説明するための概略図である。
【図２】図２は、構造性発色の原理を説明するための概略図である。
【図３】図３は、棒状有機分子による単分子膜（膜状物）の一形成例（ＬＢ法）を示す概略説明図である。
【図４】図４は、両親媒性の棒状有機分子が水（水相）上で配向している状態の一例を示す概略説明図である。
【図５】図５は、両親媒性の棒状有機分子を水（水相）上で立設させる方法の一例を示す概略説明図である。
【図６】図６は、棒状有機分子の単分子膜を積層した積層膜（６０層、７０層、８０層）による構造性発色の波長と該積層膜の厚みとの関係を示すグラフである。
【図７】図７は、棒状有機分子の単分子膜を積層した積層膜（４０層、８０層、１２０層）による構造性発色の波長と該積層膜の厚みとの関係を示すグラフである。
【図８】図８は、棒状有機分子の単分子膜を積層した積層膜（４０層、８０層、１２０層）への光の入射角（度）と、反射波長λ（ｎｍ）との関係を示すグラフである。
【図９】図９は、棒状有機分子１０を基材５０上にＬＢ法により累積した場合の累積圧を示すグラフである。
【図１０】図１０は、光干渉手段の一実施形態を示す概略説明図である。
【図１１】図１１は、光干渉手段における光の干渉原理を説明するための概念図である。
【図１２】図１２（Ａ）は、膜状物２０が設けられていない場合の基材５０の光の干渉及び干渉色を説明するための概念図であり、図１２（Ｂ）は、基材５０上に膜状物２０が形成されてなる光干渉手段における光の干渉及び干渉色を説明するための概念図である。
【図１３】図１３は、棒状有機分子に設けられたシグナル捕捉体によるスイッチングシグナルの捕捉の一態様を説明するための概略説明図である。
【図１４】図１４は、光検出手段とスイッチングシグナルを含有する試料とを接触させた状体の一例を示す概略説明図である。
【図１５】図１５は、光検出手段におけるシグナル捕捉体により、スイッチングシグナルが捕捉された状体の一例を示す概略説明図である。
【図１６】図１６は、光干渉手段による干渉光の強度の入射角依存性を示すスペクトルのグラフである。
【図１７】図１７は、光干渉手段による干渉光の強度の入射角と増加膜厚との関係を示すグラフである。
【図１８】図１８は、基材自体による干渉光のスペクトルと、光干渉手段自体による干渉光のスペクトルと、該光干渉手段がスイッチングシグナルを捕捉した際における干渉光のスペクトルとを示すグラフである。
【図１９】図１９は、光干渉手段による干渉光のスペクトルと、スイッチングシグナル（アビジン）が捕捉された際における干渉光のスペクトルとを示すグラフである。
【図２０】図２０は、図１９における２つのスペクトルデータの差スペクトルをとった場合の差スペクトルを示すグラフである。
【図２１】図２１は、干渉フィルタによる干渉光のスペクトルと、該干渉フィルタを基材として用い、その表面に、棒状有機分子による層を８８層積層してなる膜状物を形成してなる光干渉手段による干渉光のスペクトルとを示すグラフである。
【図２２】図２２は、図２１における２つのスペクトルの差をとった場合の差スペクトルを示すグラフである。
【符号の説明】
１ スイッチングシグナル（アビジン）
２ 非スイッチングシグナル
１０ 棒状有機分子
１０ａ 親油性部（疎水性部）
１０ｂ 親水性部
１０ｃ シグナル捕捉体（ビオチン）
２０ 膜状物
５０ 基材
５０ａ 酸化膜（ＳｉＯ_２層）
６０ 押出部材
１００ 光干渉手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical switch that can control the operation of a circuit by detecting the presence of various substances such as pathogenic substances, biological substances, and toxic substances as switching signals, and can be applied to various safety devices.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various types of optical switching circuits have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, these use semiconductors, use mirrors, etc., and those using detection of changes in the wavelength of light are not known. In addition, with regard to those utilizing the change in wavelength of light, the operation of the circuit can be controlled by detecting the presence of various substances such as pathogenic substances, biological substances, and toxic substances as switching signals, and various safety devices, etc. An optical switch that can be applied to is not yet provided.
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-208720 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-350748 A
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
This invention makes it a subject to achieve the following objectives. That is, the present invention is capable of controlling the operation of a circuit by detecting the presence of various substances such as pathogenic substances, biological substances, and toxic substances as switching signals, and an optical switch applicable to various safety devices. The purpose is to provide.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Means for solving the above problems are as follows. That is,
  <1> The light irradiation means for irradiating light can interact with the switching signal. The light emitted from the light irradiation means interferes and radiates as interference light, and after interacting with the switching signal, An optical interference unit capable of changing the wavelength of the interference light, and a wavelength change of the interference light radiated by the optical interference unit, which is provided in a path of the interference light, is detected and the circuit is operated or stopped. With switching meansThe optical interference means includes at least a film-like material, the film-like material is provided on a base material, and the base material is an interference filter.This is an optical switch. In the optical switch according to <1>, the light irradiation unit emits light. The light interference means interferes light emitted from the light irradiation means and radiates it as interference light. The optical interference means can interact with the switching signal, and changes the wavelength of the interference light after interacting with the switching signal. The switching means detects a change in wavelength of the interference light emitted by the optical interference means. The switching means activates or stops the circuit. As a result, the operation of the circuit is controlled by the optical switch.Further, in the film-like object in the light interference means, light emitted from the light irradiation means is emitted as interference light. In addition, since the film-like material is provided on the substrate, the film-like material is excellent in structural stability, surface smoothness, and the like. Moreover, since the base material is an interference filter, it is possible to emit interference light having a sharp spectrum curve, and it is simple and reliable even when there is only a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift) of the interference light. Moreover, it can be detected quickly and with high sensitivity, and the switching performance of the circuit operation is extremely excellent. Further, the thickness of the film-like material provided on the surface can be reduced, the optical interference means can be easily manufactured, and it can be designed as a transmission type optical switch.
  <2> A wavelength change detection unit that is provided in a path of the interference light and detects a wavelength change of the interference light emitted by the optical interference unit, and the wavelength change detection unit has a wavelength of the interference light. The optical switch according to <1>, further including a circuit operation control unit that operates or stops the circuit when a change is detected. In the optical switch according to <2>, the wavelength change detection unit in the switching unit detects a wavelength change of the interference light emitted by the optical interference unit. And the circuit operation control part in the said switching means operates or stops a circuit.
[0005]
<3> The optical switch according to any one of <1> to <2>, wherein the wavelength change detection unit can transmit only light of a specific wavelength and can detect that light of the specific wavelength has been transmitted. It is. In the optical switch according to <3>, the wavelength change detection unit can transmit only light of a specific wavelength. Therefore, before the switching signal interacts with the optical interference unit, the wavelength change detection unit is made impermeable to the interference light and after the switching signal interacts with the optical interference unit. In the above, by allowing the interference light having a specific wavelength changed in wavelength to be transmitted, or before the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means, the interference light having a specific wavelength can be transmitted, and After the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means, it is impossible to transmit the interference light whose wavelength has changed, so that a slight change can be detected only by measuring a normal spectrum curve. Even when it is extremely difficult, that is, when there is only a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift), it is easy and reliable. When the wavelength change detecting unit detects the transmission of the interference light, the wavelength change of the interference light is detected, and the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means, that is, in a sample or the like. Since the presence of the switching signal is easily and easily detected with high sensitivity, the switching performance of the circuit operation is excellent.
[0006]
<4> The optical switch according to <3>, wherein the wavelength change detection unit is an interference filter and a light detection sensor capable of detecting the transmitted light transmitted through the interference filter. In the optical switch according to <4>, the interference filter cannot transmit the interference light before the switching signal interacts with the optical interference unit, and the switching signal is not transmitted to the optical switch. After interacting with the interference means, the interference light of the specific wavelength can be transmitted, or before the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means, the interference of the specific wavelength. After allowing the light to pass through and the switching signal interacting with the optical interference means, the interference light cannot be transmitted. Even if it is extremely difficult to detect, that is, if there is only a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift) It can be detected easily and reliably, and when the light detection sensor detects the interference light transmitted through the interference filter, it detects a wavelength change of the interference light, and the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means. That is, the presence of the switching signal in a sample or the like is easily and easily detected with high sensitivity. As a result, even if a very slight wavelength change occurs, the light detection sensor can detect the change as transmitted light of the interference light, and therefore the switching performance of the circuit operation is extremely excellent.
[0007]
<5> Any one of <1> to <2>, wherein the wavelength change detection unit is capable of measuring a spectrum of the interference light before the wavelength change and a spectrum of the interference light after the wavelength change and measuring the difference spectrum. An optical switch according to claim 1. In the optical switch described in <5>, when it is extremely difficult to detect a slight change only by measuring a normal spectrum curve, that is, when there is only a very small wavelength change (wavelength shift). Even if it is, it can be detected easily and reliably, and the wavelength change detection unit measures the spectral difference before and after the wavelength change of the interference light, that is, the difference spectrum. An extremely sharp spectral curve is obtained and amplification is possible. Then, the wavelength change of the interference light can be converted into the spectral intensity, and can be arbitrarily amplified. As a result, even if there is a slight change in wavelength, it can be amplified and detected as a spectral intensity, so that the switching performance of the circuit operation is extremely excellent.
[0008]
<6> The optical switch according to <5>, wherein the wavelength change detection unit can convert the difference spectrum into a spectrum intensity and amplify the spectrum intensity. In the optical switch described in <6>, when it is extremely difficult to detect a slight change by measuring a normal spectral curve, that is, when there is only a very slight wavelength change (wavelength shift). Even if it exists, it can be detected easily and reliably, and the wavelength change detection unit can not only simply measure a broad spectrum curve, but also obtain an extremely sharp spectrum curve, and Since the change in wavelength of light can be converted into spectral intensity, it can be amplified arbitrarily. As a result, even if there is a slight change in wavelength, it can be amplified and detected as a spectral intensity simply and quickly, and because it is highly sensitive, it is extremely effective in switching performance of circuit operation. Excellent.
[0009]
<7> The optical switch according to any one of <5> to <6>, wherein the wavelength change detection unit is a spectrophotometer.
<8> The optical switch according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the circuit operation control unit is a computer.
<9> The optical switch according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the optical interference unit emits the interference light as at least one of reflected light and transmitted light. In the optical switch according to <9>, an optical interference unit is provided in a path of the interference light emitted as at least one of reflected light and transmitted light, and the optical switch is of a reflective type or a transmissive type. Designed as a device.
[0010]
  <10>  <<1> To <9The optical switch according to any one of the above.
  <11> The film-like material formed by the coating method <1> To <10The optical switch according to any one of the above.
  <12> The substrate is formed of at least one selected from semiconductors, ceramics, metals, glasses, and plastics.1> To <11The optical switch according to any one of the above.
[0011]
  <13The base material has the same refractive index film having a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the film-like material on the surface.1> To <12The optical switch according to any one of the above. The <13In the optical switch according to <1>, since the base material has the same refractive index film having a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the rod-shaped material on the surface, the thickness of the film-like material provided on the surface is further increased. Can be made thinner. In this case, the optical interference means can be easily manufactured at low cost.
  <14> The base material has a different refractive index film having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the film-like material on the surface.1> To <12The optical switch according to any one of the above. The <14In the optical switch according to <1>, since the base material has a different refractive index film having a refractive index different from that of the film-like material on the surface, it emits interference light having a sharp spectral curve. Therefore, even if there is only a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift) of the interference light, it can be detected easily, reliably, quickly and with high sensitivity, so that the switching performance of the circuit operation is extremely excellent.
[0012]
  <15> The refractive index film has a refractive index different from the refractive index of the substrate.14> Is an optical switch. The <15In the optical switch described above, since the different refractive index film further has a refractive index different from the refractive index of the base material, interference light having a sharp spectrum curve can be emitted, and the pole of the interference light can be emitted. Even when there is only a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift), it can be detected easily, reliably, quickly, and with high sensitivity, so that the switching performance of the circuit operation is extremely excellent.
  <16> There are two or more different refractive index films, and the two or more different refractive index films have different refractive indexes.14> To <15The optical switch according to any one of the above. The <16In the optical switch described in>, since the refractive indexes of the two or more different refractive index films are different from each other, the interference light having a sharp spectrum curve can be emitted. Even if there is only a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift) of the interference light, it can be detected easily and reliably, quickly and with high sensitivity, and therefore the switching performance of the circuit operation is extremely excellent.
[0013]
  <17> The refractive index film is a dielectric film <14> To <16The optical switch according to any one ofIt is.
[0014]
  <18The above-mentioned <wherein at least one film is further provided on the surface of the film-like material>1> To <17The optical switch according to any one of the above.
  <19> The film has a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the substrate surface in contact with the film-like material <18> Is an optical switch.
  <20> The thickness of the film-like material is 50 nm to 1 μm <1> To <19The optical switch according to any one of the above.
  <21> The film-like material is either a monomolecular film of a rod-shaped material or a laminated film of the monomolecular film <1> To <20The optical switch according to any one of the above.
[0015]
  <22> The rod-shaped material is a rod-shaped organic molecule <10> To <21The optical switch according to any one of the above. The <22In the optical switch described above, since the rod-shaped material is a rod-shaped organic molecule, it is easy to form the film-like material, and the opposite surface even when the surface property of the back surface of the film-like material is not smooth. It is easy to maintain smoothness on the surface.
  <23> The rod-shaped organic molecule is a helical molecule <22> Is an optical switch.
  <24> Wherein the helical molecule is an α-helix polypeptide23> Is an optical switch. The <24In the optical switch described above, since the helical molecule is an α-helix polypeptide, even when the surface property of the back surface of the film-like material is not smooth, the smoothness of the surface on the opposite surface can be maintained. Since it is easy and the detection error of the wavelength change that occurs when the surface is not smooth can be reduced, the switching performance of the circuit operation is extremely excellent.
[0016]
  <25The rod-shaped member has a signal interaction part capable of interacting with a switching signal.10> To <24The optical switch according to any one of the above. The <25In the optical switch described in the above, the signal interaction portion in the rod-shaped member interacts with the switching signal, so that a wavelength change occurs in the interference light by the optical interference means, and this wavelength change is detected by the wavelength change detection. By detecting the part, the switching signal in the sample or the like is detected.
  <26> The signal interaction part can interact with a switching signal by at least one of physical adsorption and chemical adsorption.25> Is an optical switch.
  <27> The signal interaction part is a signal capturing body capable of capturing a switching signal <23> To <24The optical switch according to any one of the above. The <27In the optical switch according to <2>, the signal capturing body is not directly coupled to the base material or the like, but is arranged after the signal capturing body is coupled to the rod-shaped body. Since, for example, when the signal capturing body is an organic substance, it is difficult to directly bind to the inorganic substance or the like and stably arrange it. However, the signal capturing body is stable because it is disposed on the base material or the like through bonding with the rod-shaped body which is the same organic substance. In addition, the signal capturing body can be easily arranged. Furthermore, the signal capturing body is arranged with good smoothness even if the surface of the substrate or the like on which the signal capturing body is arranged is not smooth. As a result, the light receiving surface of the light irradiated from the light irradiating means is smooth, and the measurement error of the wavelength change of the interference light caused by the non-smooth light receiving surface can be reduced. Excellent switching performance.
[0017]
  <28> Signal capture body is enzyme, coenzyme, enzyme substrate, enzyme inhibitor, inclusion compound, metal, antibody, antigen, protein, microorganism, virus, cell debris, metabolite, nucleic acid, hormone, hormone receptor, lectin, The above <1 which is at least one selected from sugar, physiologically active substance and physiologically active substance receptor27> Is an optical switch. The <28When the signal capturing body is the enzyme, the switching signal is, for example, a coenzyme, an enzyme substrate or an enzyme inhibitor of the enzyme, and the signal capturing body is the coenzyme, In the case of an enzyme substrate or enzyme inhibitor, the switching signal is, for example, an enzyme using the coenzyme as a coenzyme, enzyme substrate or enzyme inhibitor, and when the signal capturing body is the inclusion compound. The switching signal is, for example, a guest compound of the inclusion compound, and when the signal capturing body is the metal, the switching signal is, for example, the inclusion compound, and the signal capturing body is the antibody. In some cases, the switching signal is, for example, an antigen, virus, cell lysate, or protein as a metabolite of the antibody. When the signal capturing body is the protein, the switching signal is, for example, an antibody having the protein as an antigen. When the signal capturing body is the nucleic acid, the switching signal is, for example, the nucleic acid and the nucleic acid. In the case of a complementary nucleic acid and the signal capturing body is the hormone receptor, the switching signal is, for example, a hormone received by the hormone receptor, and when the signal capturing body is the lectin, The switching signal is, for example, a sugar that is accepted by the lectin, and when the signal capturing body is the physiologically active substance receptor, the switching signal is, for example, a physiologically active substance that is received by the physiologically active substance receptor. is there.
[0018]
  <29> The inclusion compound is selected from a monomolecular host compound, a multimolecular host compound, a polymer host compound and an inorganic host compound;
  The monomolecular host compound is selected from cyclodextrin, crown compound, cyclophane, azacyclophane, calixarene, cyclotriperatrilene, spherand, cavitand, and cyclic oligopeptide;
  The multimolecular host compound is selected from urea, thiourea, deoxycholic acid, perhydrotriphenylene, tri-o-thymotide,
  The polymeric host compound is selected from cellulose, starch, chitin, chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol;
  The inorganic host compound is selected from the group consisting of intercalation compounds, zeolites, and Hofmann type complexes.28> Is an optical switch.
  <30> The switching signal is avidin and the signal capturer is biotin.27> Is an optical switch.
[0019]
  <31> From <1> to <1>, wherein the light irradiation means can irradiate a linear light beam.30The optical switch according to any one of the above. The <31In the optical switch described above, it is easy to control the incident angle of the light irradiated from the light irradiation unit to the light interference unit, and the light irradiation unit emits light from the light irradiation unit. The area of the light receiving surface of the light can be designed to be small, and the area of the light receiving surface in the wavelength change detecting unit for detecting the wavelength change of the interference light by the optical interference means can be designed to be small, and the measurement noise can be reduced. Since the measurement error can be reduced and the switching error of the circuit operation can be greatly reduced.Excellent.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The optical switch of the present invention includes light irradiation means, light interference means, and switching means, and further includes other means appropriately selected as necessary.
[0021]
<Light irradiation means>
  The light irradiation means is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of irradiating light, and can be appropriately selected from known ones according to the purpose. For example, a halogen lamp (for example, a xenon lamp) or the like can be used.Light source, etc.Is mentioned.
  Among these, those that can irradiate linear light fluxpreferable.In this case, it is easy to control the incident angle of the light irradiated from the light irradiation means to the light interference means, and the area of the light receiving surface in the light interference means of the light irradiated from the light irradiation means is reduced. Further, the area of the light receiving surface in the wavelength change detecting unit for detecting the wavelength change of the interference light by the optical interference means can be designed to be small, measurement noise can be suppressed, and a switch error can be suppressed. This is advantageous in that operation can be effectively prevented.
  In the present invention, when a spectrophotometer is used as the wavelength change detection unit, a light source built in the spectrophotometer can be used as the light irradiation means.
[0022]
<Optical interference means>
The light interference means interferes with the light emitted from the light irradiation means and can interact with the switching signal, interferes with the light emitted from the light irradiation means and emits as interference light, and It has a function of changing the wavelength of the interference light after interaction. The radiation may be reflected light or transmitted light.
[0023]
The light interference means is not particularly limited as long as it has the above function, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.For example, the light interference means includes at least a film-like material in which rod-like materials are arranged. Can be mentioned.
Among these, those having a film-like material in which rod-like materials are arranged on the substrate are preferable. In this case, since the film-like material is provided on the base material, it is excellent in structural stability and surface smoothness of the film-like material, detection errors can be reduced, and switch malfunction can be prevented.
[0024]
-Base material-
The substrate is not particularly limited as long as the film-like material can be disposed on the surface, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, from the viewpoint of reducing detection error, surface smoothness Preferred examples include those formed of at least one selected from semiconductors, ceramics, metals, glasses and plastics, and preferred examples include interference filters and dye filters. . In addition, as said semiconductor, it can select suitably from well-known things, For example, a silicon etc. are mentioned suitably.
[0025]
Among the base materials, those having the same refractive index film having a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the rod-shaped material constituting the film-like material on the surface are preferable. In this case, the thickness of the film-like material further provided on the substrate can be reduced, and as a result, the optical interference means can be easily manufactured at low cost, and the wavelength of the interference light can be reduced. It can be easily adjusted to the visible light range. Depending on the thickness and material of the oxide film, the interference light from the base material may show an interference color. In this case, it can also be used as a “pre-colored base material”.
[0026]
The thickness of the refractive index film varies depending on the refractive index of the rod-like material and cannot be specified unconditionally, but is about 50 nm to 1 μm.
The refractive index film can be formed according to a known method, for example, a vacuum film forming method such as a CVD method or a PVD method, a heating oxidation method, or the like. As an example, the base material is a silicon base material or the like. In some cases, the silicon substrate can be formed as an oxide film or the like by heating at 900 to 1000 ° C.
[0027]
Among the substrates, those having a surface with a different refractive index film having a refractive index different from that of the film-like material are also preferable. In this case, since the base material has a different refractive index film having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the film-like material on the surface, the interference light having a sharp spectrum curve can be emitted. Even a very slight change in wavelength (wavelength shift) can be detected simply, reliably, quickly and with high sensitivity, which is advantageous in terms of excellent switching performance of circuit operation.
The different refractive index film may have a refractive index different from the refractive index of the substrate, and the number thereof may be two or more, and in the case of two or more, each of the different refractive index films. May have different refractive indexes.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said different refractive index film | membrane, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, a dielectric film etc. are mentioned.
[0028]
As said interference filter, it can select suitably from well-known things, A commercial item etc. are mentioned suitably. In this case, interference light having a sharp spectral curve can be emitted, and even a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift) of the interference light can be detected simply, reliably, quickly, and with high sensitivity. Further, the thickness of the film-like material further provided on the substrate can be reduced, and as a result, the optical interference means can be easily manufactured. It can also be designed as a transmission type device.
[0029]
The interference filter may be a monochromatic filter with a narrow wavelength range (about 50 nm or less), a relatively wide band filter, a dielectric multilayer film type, an MDM type (for example, , Metal / dielectric / metal), DMD type (for example, dielectric multilayer / metal / dielectric multilayer), and the like. In these cases, the dielectric may be formed of an inorganic material or an organic material.
[0030]
In the present invention, as the interference filter, a filter having a different refractive index film having a refractive index different from that of the film-like material on the surface of the substrate can be used.
[0031]
-Membrane-
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said film-form thing, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, what was formed with the said rod-shaped material etc. are mentioned suitably.
The thickness of the film-like material can be appropriately selected according to the wavelength of the interference light before and after the wavelength change, the refractive index of the substrate, and is preferably 50 nm to 1 μm, for example.
[0032]
In the present invention, at least one film may be provided on the surface of the film-like material. There is no restriction | limiting in particular as this film | membrane, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, The film | membrane which has a refractive index substantially equivalent to the refractive index in the base-material surface which contacts the said film-like thing is preferable. In this case, interference light having a sharp spectral curve can be emitted, and even a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift) of the interference light can be detected simply, reliably, quickly, and with high sensitivity. Therefore, it is advantageous in that the switching performance of the circuit operation is excellent.
The dielectric film can be formed on the surface of the film-like material by, for example, a known method. Specifically, gold, silver, platinum, platinum palladium, or the like can be selected as the dielectric material, and these materials can be formed into a thin layer on the surface of the film-like material using an ion coater or the like. The material of the dielectric is not limited to the above, but may be an oxide such as silicon oxide.
[0033]
--- Bar material--
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said rod-shaped material, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a rod-shaped inorganic molecule, a rod-shaped organic molecule, etc. are mentioned.
These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, it is easy to interact with the switching signal, molecular processing is easy, formation of the film-like material is easy, and even when the surface property of the back surface of the film-like material is not smooth, A rod-like organic molecule is preferable in that smoothness on a certain surface is easy to maintain.
[0034]
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said rod-shaped organic molecule, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, biopolymer, polysaccharide, etc. are mentioned.
Preferred examples of the biopolymer include fibrous protein, α-helix polypeptide, nucleic acid (DNA, RNA) and the like. Examples of the fibrous protein include those having an α-helix structure such as α-keratin, myosin, epidermin, fibrinogen, tropomycin, silk fibroin and the like.
As said polysaccharide, amylose etc. are mentioned suitably, for example.
[0035]
Among the rod-like organic molecules, a helical molecule having a helical structure is preferable because the rod-like shape can be stably maintained. In this case, even if the surface property (for example, the surface property of the base material) on the back surface of the film-like material is not smooth, the opposite surface (front surface) (light incident surface by the light irradiation means) It is easy to maintain the smoothness in the above, and the measurement error of the wavelength change that occurs when the surface is not smooth can be reduced, so that the switching performance of the circuit operation is excellent.
[0036]
Preferred examples of the helical molecule include α-helix polypeptide, DNA, amylose and the like.
[0037]
--- α-helix polypeptide ---
The α-helix polypeptide is one of the secondary structures of the polypeptide, and rotates once for every 3.6 amino acid residues (forms one helix), and the imide group (—NH) of every fourth amino acid. A hydrogen bond substantially parallel to the helical axis is formed between-) and a carbonyl group (-CO-), and the structure is energetically stable by repeating 7 amino acids as one unit.
The helical direction of the α-helix polypeptide is not particularly limited, and may be right-handed or left-handed. Naturally, only the right-handed spiral direction exists from the viewpoint of stability.
[0038]
The amino acid forming the α-helix polypeptide is not particularly limited as long as it can form an α-helix structure, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but it is easy to form the α-helix structure. Examples of such amino acids include aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), arginine (Arg), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), asparagine (Asn), glutamine (Gln), and serine. (Ser), Threonine (Thr), Alanine (Ala), Valine (Val), Leucine (Leu), Isoleucine (Ile), Cysteine (Cys), Methionine (Met), Tyrosine (Tyr), Phenylalanine (Phe), Tryptophan (Trp) and the like are preferable. These may be used individually by 1 type and 2 or more types may be used together.
[0039]
The α-helix polypeptide can be designed to be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or amphiphilic by appropriately selecting the amino acid, but in the case of the hydrophilicity, as the amino acid, , Serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), arginine (Arg), lysine (Lys), asparagine (Asn), glutamine (Gln), and the like. In the case of sex, the amino acids include phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), isoleucine (Ile), tyrosine (Tyr), methionine (Met), leucine (Leu), valine (Val) and the like. .
The amino acid constituting the α-helix polypeptide is not particularly limited, and may be any of L-amino acids, D-amino acids, derivatives in which side chain portions thereof are modified, and the like.
[0040]
In the α-helix polypeptide, a carboxyl group that does not constitute a peptide bond in the amino acid forming the α-helix can be rendered hydrophobic by esterification, whereas the esterification Hydrolysis can be achieved by hydrolyzing the carboxyl group formed.
[0041]
The number of amino acid bonds (degree of polymerization) in the α-helix polypeptide is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, but is preferably 10 to 5000.
If the number of bonds (degree of polymerization) is less than 10, the polyamino acid may not be able to form a stable α-helix, and if it exceeds 5000, it may be difficult to perform vertical alignment.
[0042]
Specific examples of the α-helix polypeptide include poly (γ-methyl-L-glutamate), poly (γ-ethyl-L-glutamate), poly (γ-benzyl-L-glutamate), poly (L- Glutamic acid-γ-benzyl), polyglutamic acid derivatives such as poly (n-hexyl-L-glutamate), polyaspartic acid derivatives such as poly (β-benzyl-L-aspartate), poly (L-leucine), poly ( L-alanine), poly (L-methionine), poly (L-phenylalanine), poly (L-lysine) -poly (γ-methyl-L-glutamate), and the like are preferable.
[0043]
The α-helix polypeptide may be appropriately synthesized or prepared according to methods described in known literatures, or a commercially available product may be used.
[0044]
As one synthesis example of the α-helix polypeptide, a block copolypeptide [poly (L-lysine)₂₅-Poly (γ-methyl-L-glutamate)₆₀] PLLZ₂₅-PMLG₆₀An example of the synthesis is as follows. That is, a block copolypeptide [poly (L-lysine)₂₅-Poly (γ-methyl-L-glutamate)₆₀] PLLZ₂₅-PMLG₆₀As shown by the following formula, N-hexylamine is used as an initiator, and N^ε-Carbobenzoxy L-lysine N^α-Carboxylic acid anhydride (LLZ-NCA) is polymerized, and then γ-methyl L-glutamate N-carboxylic acid anhydride (MLG-NCA) is polymerized.
[0045]
[Chemical 1]

[0046]
The synthesis of the α-helix polypeptide is not limited to the above method, and can be performed by a genetic engineering method. For example, a host cell is transformed with an expression vector incorporating a DNA encoding the target polypeptide. The transformant can be cultured for example.
Examples of the expression vector include a plasmid vector, a phage vector, and a chimeric vector of a plasmid and a phage.
Examples of the host cell include prokaryotic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, eukaryotic microorganisms such as yeast, and animal cells.
[0047]
The α-helix polypeptide may be prepared by cutting out the α-helix structure portion from a natural fibrous protein such as α-keratin, myosin, epidermin, fibrinogen, tropomycin, silk fibroin and the like.
[0048]
--- DNA ---
The DNA may be single-stranded DNA, but is preferably double-stranded DNA in that it can maintain a rod shape stably.
The double-stranded DNA has a double helical structure formed by positioning two right-handed helical polynucleotide strands extending in opposite directions around one central axis.
The polynucleotide chain is formed of four types of nucleobases, adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). In the polynucleotide chain, the nucleobase has a central axis. In a plane perpendicular to each other, they exist inwardly to form so-called Watson-Crick base pairs, specifically thymine for adenine and cytosine for guanine. Are connected. As a result, in the double-stranded DNA, two polypeptide chains are complementarily bound to each other.
[0049]
The DNA can be prepared by a known PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method, LCR (Ligase chain Reaction) method, 3SR (Self-stained Sequence Replication) method, SDA (Strand Displacement Amplification) method, etc. Of these, the PCR method is preferred.
[0050]
Further, the DNA may be prepared by directly excising from a natural gene with a restriction enzyme, or may be prepared by a gene cloning method, or may be prepared by a chemical synthesis method.
[0051]
In the case of the gene cloning method, for example, a normal nucleic acid amplified product is incorporated into a vector selected from a plasmid vector, a phage vector, a plasmid-phage chimeric vector, etc., and prokaryotic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, yeasts, etc. The DNA can be prepared in large quantities by introducing it into any proliferative host selected from eukaryotic microorganisms, animal cells and the like.
Examples of the chemical synthesis method include a liquid phase method such as triester method and phosphorous acid method, or a solid phase synthesis method using an insoluble carrier. In the case of the chemical synthesis method, a double-stranded DNA can be prepared by preparing a large amount of single-stranded DNA using a known automatic synthesizer or the like and then performing annealing.
[0052]
--- Amylose ---
The amylose is a polysaccharide having a helical structure in which D-glucose constituting starch, which is a homopolysaccharide for storage of higher plants, is connected in a straight chain with α-1,4 bonds.
The molecular weight of the amylose is preferably a number average molecular weight of about several thousand to 150,000.
The amylose may be commercially available or appropriately prepared according to a known method.
The amylose may partially contain amylopectin.
[0053]
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as length of the said rod-shaped organic molecule, According to the objective, it can select suitably.
Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular as a diameter of the said rod-shaped organic molecule, In the case of the said (alpha) -helix polypeptide, it is about 0.8-2.0 nm.
[0054]
The rod-like organic molecule may be entirely lipophilic (hydrophobic) or hydrophilic, a part thereof is lipophilic (hydrophobic) or hydrophilic, and the other part is the same as the part. It may be amphiphilic, which shows the opposite affinity.
[0055]
Note that the wavelength of the interference light by the optical interference means may or may not be in the visible light range, but the former case is preferable in that the interference light can be detected visually. The wavelength of the interference light after the wavelength change is more preferably in the visible light range. In this case, the interference light can be visually recognized as an interference color. The principle of the interference color being visually recognized is based on a so-called structural color development.
[0056]
--Structural color development-
The structural color development is based on the multilayer thin film interference theory, which is the basic principle of color development of morpho butterfly scales, and the electric field, magnetic field, temperature, light (for example, natural light, infrared light, ultraviolet light) is applied to the structural color body (film, layer). When an external stimulus such as the above is applied, light of a specific wavelength is reflected according to the thickness of the structural color body (film, layer) and its refractive index, resulting in the color generated on the surface of the structural color body. In the structural color development, no dye or pigment is required.
[0057]
Here, the principle of the structural color development will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when the film-like material (or the film-like material formed of the rod-shaped material 10 and the oxide layer in the base material 50) is irradiated with light from the light irradiation means, The wavelength (λ) of interference light by the film-like material (or the film-like material formed of the rod-like material 10 and the oxide layer in the base material 50) is enhanced under the conditions shown in the following (1), and the following (2) It is weakened under the conditions shown in
[0058]
[Expression 1]

[0059]
[Expression 2]

[0060]
In the formula (1) and the formula (2), λ means the wavelength (nm) of the interference light, and α is the film-like material (or the film-like material and group formed by the rod-like organic molecules 10). Means the incident angle (degree) of light on the oxide layer in the material 50, and t means the thickness (nm) of the film-like material (or the oxide layer in the film-like material and the base material). L represents the number of the film-like material (or the film-like material and the oxide layer in the substrate), and n represents the film-like material (or the film formed of the rod-like organic molecules 10). The refractive index of the oxide and the oxide layer in the substrate 50 and m represents an integer of 1 or more.
[0061]
The thickness of the film-like material (or the film-like material formed of the rod-shaped organic molecules 10 and the oxide layer in the base material 50) is preferably 810 nm or less, and more preferably 10 nm to 810 nm.
By appropriately changing the thickness, the color (wavelength) of the structural color development can be changed.
[0062]
The film-like material may be a monomolecular film of the rod-shaped material or a laminated film of the monomolecular film.
The monomolecular film or the laminated film formed thereof can be formed, for example, by a known coating method or according to the Langmuir-Blodgett method (LB method).
In the former case, that is, among the known coating methods, the spin coating method is preferable in that the operation is simple. Further, when the film-like material is formed of a rod-shaped material, the self-form based on the liquid crystallinity of the rod-shaped material. It is advantageous in that the film-like material can be efficiently formed by organization or by self-organization based on the interaction between the functional group at the end of the rod-like material and the substrate.
In the latter case, a known LB film forming apparatus (for example, NL-LB400NK-MWC manufactured by Nippon Laser & Electronics Laboratories, Inc. is preferably used) can be used.
[0063]
The monomolecular film is formed, for example, in a state in which the rod-like organic molecules having lipophilic (hydrophobic) or amphiphilic properties are floated on the water surface (on the aqueous phase), or in the rod-like shape having hydrophilic or amphiphilic properties. The organic molecules float on the oil surface (oil phase), that is, as shown in FIG. 3, the rod-shaped organic molecules 10 may be oriented on the substrate 50 using the extruded member 60. it can. By repeating this operation, the laminated film in which an arbitrary number of the monomolecular films are laminated on the substrate 50 can be formed.
[0064]
At this time, the surface of the substrate 50 is preferably subjected to surface treatment, for example, hydrophilic treatment, lipophilic treatment, etc. in advance for the purpose of facilitating adhesion or bonding of the rod-shaped organic molecules 10. When the rod-shaped organic molecule 10 (for example, α-helix polypeptide) is hydrophilic, surface treatment such as hydrophilization treatment using octadecyl trimethylsiloxane or the like is preferably performed in advance. When the surface of the base material 50 is subjected to the hydrophilic treatment, the rod-like organic molecules 10 can be arranged upright on the base material 50, and the surface of the base material is subjected to the hydrophobic treatment. The rod-shaped organic molecules 10 can be arranged in parallel on the substrate 50. In addition, the said hydrophilic treatment and lipophilic treatment can be suitably performed using a coupling agent etc., for example.
[0065]
In addition, when forming the monomolecular film of the amphiphilic rod-like organic molecule 10, the state in which the rod-like organic molecule 10 is floated on the oil phase or the water phase is as shown in FIG. In the above, the lipophilic parts (hydrophobic parts) 10a of the rod-like organic molecules 10 are oriented adjacent to each other, and the hydrophilic parts 10b are oriented adjacent to each other.
[0066]
The above is an example of a monomolecular film in which the rod-like organic molecules are oriented in the plane direction of the monomolecular film (laid sideways) or a laminated film thereof. The rod-like organic molecules are oriented in the thickness direction of the monomolecular film. The monomolecular film (in a standing state) can be formed as follows, for example. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the amphiphilic rod-like organic molecule 10 (α-helix polypeptide) is floated on the water surface (on the aqueous phase) (a state lying on its side), The pH of the (aqueous phase) is made alkaline to about 12. Then, the hydrophilic part 10b in the rod-like organic molecule 10 (α-helix polypeptide) has a random structure as its α-helix structure is dissolved. At this time, the lipophilic part (hydrophobic part) 10a in the rod-shaped organic molecule 10 (α-helix polypeptide) maintains the α-helix structure. Next, the pH of the water (aqueous phase) is acidified to about 5. Then, the hydrophilic part 10b in the rod-shaped organic molecule 10 (α-helix polypeptide) again takes an α-helix structure. At this time, when a pressing member brought into contact with the rod-shaped organic molecule 10 (α-helix polypeptide) is pressed against the rod-shaped organic molecule 10 (α-helix polypeptide) with air pressure from the side surface, The rod-shaped organic molecule 10 has an α-helix structure in a direction in which the hydrophilic portion 10b is substantially perpendicular to the water surface in the aqueous phase with the water (aqueous phase) standing. Then, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the rod-shaped organic molecules 10 (α-helix polypeptide) are simply extruded onto the substrate 50 using the extrusion member 60 while being oriented. A molecular film can be formed. By repeating this operation, the laminated film in which an arbitrary number of the monomolecular films are laminated on the substrate 50 can be formed.
[0067]
--Signal interaction part--
In this invention, it is preferable that the said rod-shaped material has a signal interaction part which can interact with the said switching signal. In this case, when the signal interaction part in the rod-shaped material interacts with the switching signal, a wavelength change occurs in the interference light by the optical interference means, and the wavelength change detection part detects the wavelength change. The switching signal present in the sample can be detected.
The signal interaction unit is not particularly limited as long as it can interact with the switching signal, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Preferably they can interact.
[0068]
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said signal interaction part, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, The signal capture body which can capture the said switching signal, etc. are preferable. In this case, the signal capturing body is not directly bonded to the base material, and the rod-shaped body is bonded to the base material after the signal capturing body is connected to the rod-shaped body. For example, when the signal capturing body is an organic substance, it is bonded to the rod-shaped body that is the same organic substance rather than directly bonded to the base material that is an inorganic substance. It is easier to arrange on the base material through the like, and the signal capturing body is also stable. Further, since the signal capturing body is arranged with good smoothness even if the surface of the substrate is not smooth, the light receiving surface of the light irradiated from the light irradiation means can be smoothed, and the light receiving surface It is possible to reduce the measurement error of the change in wavelength of the interference light due to the fact that is not smooth.
[0069]
The signal capturing body is not particularly limited as long as the target can be captured, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
[0070]
The capture mode is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include physical adsorption and chemical adsorption. These can be formed by, for example, hydrogen bonds, intermolecular forces (Van der Waals forces), coordination bonds, ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and the like.
[0071]
Specific examples of the signal capturing body include enzymes, coenzymes, enzyme substrates, enzyme inhibitors, inclusion compounds (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “host compounds” or “hosts”), metals, antibodies, antigens, proteins, Preferred examples include microorganisms, viruses, cell debris, metabolites, nucleic acids, hormones, hormone receptors, lectins, sugars, physiologically active substances, and physiologically active substance receptors.
[0072]
The switching signal is, for example, a coenzyme of the enzyme when the signal capturing body is the enzyme, and an enzyme having the coenzyme as a coenzyme when the signal capture body is a coenzyme, In the case of the inclusion compound, for example, it is a guest compound (component to be included) of the inclusion compound, and in the case of the antibody, for example, it is a protein as an antigen of the antibody, and is the protein For example, an antibody having the protein as an antigen. In the case of the nucleic acid, for example, a nucleic acid complementary to the nucleic acid, tubulin, chitin, etc., and in the case of the hormone receptor, for example, the hormone receptor. In the case of the lectin, for example, a sugar to be received by the lectin, and in the case of the physiologically active substance receptor. It is a bioactive substance that is received in the physiologically active substance receptors.
[0073]
The sample containing the switching signal is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, blood separated from a living body, saliva, tissue lesions, and the like. And excreta such as manure. Furthermore, when performing a prenatal diagnosis, fetal cells existing in amniotic fluid or a part of dividing egg cells in a test tube can be used as a sample. In addition, these samples are concentrated as a sediment directly or if necessary by centrifugation or the like, and then subjected to cell destruction treatment by, for example, enzyme treatment, heat treatment, surfactant treatment, ultrasonic treatment, a combination thereof or the like. You may use what gave beforehand.
[0074]
The inclusion compound is not particularly limited as long as it has molecular recognition ability (host-guest binding ability), and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, a compound having a cylindrical (one-dimensional) cavity, Preferred examples include those having a layered (two-dimensional) cavity and those having a cage (three-dimensional) cavity.
[0075]
Examples of the inclusion compound having a cylindrical (one-dimensional) cavity include urea, thiourea, deoxycholic acid, dinitrodiphenyl, dioxytriphenylmethane, triphenylmethane, methylnaphthalene, spirochroman, PHTP (perhydro Triphenylene), cellulose, amylose, cyclodextrin (however, in the solution, the cavity is in a cage shape).
[0076]
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by urea include an n-paraffin derivative.
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by thiourea include branched or cyclic hydrocarbons.
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by deoxycholic acid include paraffins, fatty acids, aromatic compounds, and the like.
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by dinitrodiphenyl include diphenyl derivatives.
[0077]
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by dioxytriphenylmethane include paraffins, n-alkenes, squalene, and the like.
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by triphenylmethane include paraffins.
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by methylnaphthalene include C₁₆N-paraffins, branched paraffins and the like.
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by the spirochroman include paraffins.
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by PHTP (perhydrotriphenylene) include chloroform, benzene, and various polymer substances.
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by the cellulose include H₂O, paraffins, CCl₄, Pigments, iodine and the like.
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by amylose include fatty acids and iodine.
[0078]
The cyclodextrin is a cyclic dextrin produced by the degradation of starch with amylase, and three types of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin are known. In the present invention, the cyclodextrin includes a cyclodextrin derivative in which a part of these hydroxyl groups is changed to another functional group such as an alkyl group, an allyl group, an alkoxy group, an amide group, or a sulfonic acid group.
[0079]
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by the cyclodextrin include thymol, eugenol, resorcin, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, phenol derivatives such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone, salicylic acid, methyl paraoxybenzoate, and paraoxybenzoic acid. Benzoic acid derivatives such as ethyl and esters thereof, steroids such as cholesterol, vitamins such as ascorbic acid, retinol and tocopherol, hydrocarbons such as limonene, allyl isothiocyanate, sorbic acid, iodine molecule, methyl orange, Congo red, 2- p-Toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonic acid potassium salt (TNS) and the like can be mentioned.
[0080]
Examples of the layered (two-dimensional) inclusion compound include clay minerals, graphite, smectite, montmorillonite, and zeolite.
[0081]
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by the clay mineral include hydrophilic substances and polar compounds.
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by graphite include O and HSO.₄ ⁻, Halogen, halide, alkali metal and the like.
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by montmorillonite include brucine, codeine, o-phenylenediamine, benzidine, piperidine, adenine, guanine, and their liposides.
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by the zeolite include H₂O etc. are mentioned.
[0082]
Examples of the cage-like (three-dimensional) inclusion compound include hydroquinone, gaseous hydrate, tri-o-thymotide, oxyflavan, dicyanoammine nickel, cryptand, calixarene, and crown compound.
[0083]
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by hydroquinone include HCl and SO.₂, Acetylene, and rare gas elements.
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by the gaseous hydrate include halogens, rare gas elements, and lower hydrocarbons.
Examples of the switching signal that can be captured by tri-o-thymotide include cyclohexane, benzene, chloroform, and the like.
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by oxyflavan include organic bases.
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by the dicyanoammine nickel include benzene and phenol.
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by the cryptand include NH.⁴⁺And various metal ions.
[0084]
The calixarene is a cyclic oligomer in which a phenol unit synthesized from phenol and formaldehyde under appropriate conditions is bonded with a methylene group, and 4 to 8 nuclei are known. Among these, examples of the switching signal that can be captured by pt-butylcalixarene (n = 4) include chloroform, benzene, and toluene. Examples of switching signals that can be captured by pt-butylcalixarene (n = 5) include isopropyl alcohol and acetone. Examples of switching signals that can be captured by pt-butylcalixarene (n = 6) include chloroform and methanol. Examples of switching signals that can be captured by pt-butylcalixarene (n = 7) include chloroform.
[0085]
The crown compound includes not only a crown ether having oxygen as an electron-donating donor atom, but also a macrocycle compound having a donor atom such as nitrogen or sulfur as a ring structure constituent atom as an analog thereof, and also represents a cryptand. Are also included, for example, cyclohexyl-12-crown-4, dibenzo-14-crown-4, t-butylbenzo-15-crown-5, dibenzo-18-crown. -6, dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6, 18-crown-6, tribenzo-18-crown-6, tetrabenzo-24-crown-8, dibenzo-24-crown-6 and the like.
[0086]
Examples of switching signals that can be captured by the crown compound include various metal ions such as alkali metals such as Li, Na and K, alkaline earth metals such as Mg and Ca, NH, and the like.⁴⁺, Alkylammonium ions, guanidinium ions, aromatic diazonium ions, and the like, and the crown compound forms a complex with them. In addition to these, the switching signal that can be captured by the crown compound includes C—H (acetonitrile, malonnitrile, adiponitrile, etc.), NH (aniline, aminobenzoic acid, amide, Sulfamide derivatives, etc.), polar organic compounds having O—H (phenol, acetic acid derivatives, etc.) units, etc., and the crown compounds form complexes with these.
[0087]
The size (diameter) of the inclusion compound cavity is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. From the viewpoint of exhibiting stable molecular recognition ability (host-guest binding ability). The thickness is preferably 0.1 nm to 2.0 nm.
[0088]
In addition, the said inclusion compound can also be classify | categorized into a monomolecular host compound, a multimolecular host compound, a high molecular host compound, an inorganic host compound etc., for example.
Examples of the monomolecular host compound include cyclodextrin, crown compound, cyclophane, azacyclophane, calixarene, cyclotriperatrilene, spherand, cavitand, cyclic oligopeptide, and the like.
Examples of the multimolecular host compound include urea, thiourea, deoxycholic acid, perhydrotriphenylene, tri-o-thymotide, and the like.
Examples of the polymer host compound include cellulose, starch, chitin, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and the like.
Examples of the inorganic host compound include an intercalation compound, zeolite, and Hofmann type complex.
[0089]
The antibody is not particularly limited as long as it causes an antigen-antibody reaction specifically with an antigen, and may be a polyclonal antibody or a monoclonal antibody, and further IgG, IgM, IgE. , IgG Fab ′, Fab, F (ab ′)₂And avidin.
[0090]
The antigen is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the type of the antibody. For example, plasma protein, tumor marker, apoprotein, viral antigen, autoantibody, coagulation / fibrinolytic factor, hormone, blood Medium drugs, HLA antigen, biotin and the like can be mentioned.
[0091]
Examples of the plasma protein include immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE), complement components (C3, C4, C5, C1q), CRP, α₁-Antitrypsin, α₁-Microglobulin, beta₂-Microglobulin, haptoglobin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, ferritin and the like.
[0092]
Examples of the tumor marker include α-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3, SCC antigen, prostate acid phosphatase (PAP), PIVKA-II, γ-semi Noprotein, TPA, elastase I, nerve specific enolase (NSE), immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) and the like.
[0093]
Examples of the apoprotein include apo AI, apo A-II, apo B, apo C-II, apo C-III, and apo E.
[0094]
Examples of the viral antigen include hepatitis B virus (HBV) -related antigen, hepatitis C virus (HVC) -related antigen, HTLV-I, HIV, rabies virus, influenza virus, rubella virus and the like.
Examples of the HCV-related antigen include HCVc100-3 recombinant antigen, pHCV-31 recombinant antigen, pHCV-34 recombinant antigen, and a mixture thereof can be preferably used. Examples of the HIV-related antigen include virus surface antigens, and the like, for example, HIV-I env. gp41 recombinant antigen, HIV-I env. gp120 recombinant antigen, HIV-I gag. p24 recombinant antigen, HIV-II env. Examples include p36 recombinant antigen.
Examples of infectious diseases other than viruses include MRSA, ASO, toxoplasma, mycoplasma and STD.
[0095]
Examples of the autoantibodies include anti-microsomal antibodies, anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factors, anti-mitochondrial antibodies, and myelin antibodies.
[0096]
Examples of the coagulation / fibrinolytic factors include fibrinogen, fibrin degradation product (FDP), plasminogen, α₂-Plasmin inhibitors, antithrombin III, β-thromboglobulin, factor VIII, protein C, protein S and the like.
[0097]
Examples of the hormone include pituitary hormone (LH, FSH, GH, ACTH, TSH, prolactin), thyroid hormone (T₃, T₄, Thyroglobulin), calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), corticosteroids (aldosterone, cortisol), gonadal hormones (hCG, estrogen, testosterone, hPL), pancreatic / gastrointestinal hormones (insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, gastrin) And others (renin, angiotensin I, II, enkephalin, erythropoietin) and the like.
[0098]
Examples of the blood drug include antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, primidone and valproic acid, cardiovascular disease drugs such as digoxin, quinidine, digitoxin and theophylline, and antibiotics such as gentamicin, kanamycin and streptomycin.
[0099]
Preferred examples of the protein include low molecular weight (about 6000 to 13000) having a high affinity for many heavy metals, particularly zinc, cadmium, copper, mercury and the like. These proteins are found in animal livers, kidneys, and other tissues, and have recently been found to be present in microorganisms. In addition, these proteins have a high cysteine content and an amino acid distribution that contains almost no aromatic residues, and are substances having a detoxifying function such as cadmium and mercury in vivo, as well as zinc and copper. It is an important substance that is also involved in the storage of trace metals essential for living bodies and the distribution in living bodies.
[0100]
Examples of the heavy metal include alkylmercury compound (R-Hg), mercury or its compound (Hg), cadmium or its compound (Cd), lead or its compound (Pb), hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺), Copper or its compound (Cu), zinc or its compound (Zn), cyan, hexavalent chromium, arsenic, selenium, manganese, nickel, iron, zinc, selenium, tin and the like.
[0101]
The method for binding the signal capturing body to the rod-shaped organic molecule (rod-shaped body) is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the type of the signal capturing body and the rod-shaped organic molecule. Known methods such as methods using covalent bonds such as bonds and amide bonds, methods of labeling proteins with avidin and binding to biotinylated capture structures, methods of labeling proteins to streptavidin and binding to biotinylated capture structures, etc. The method is mentioned.
In the optical switch of the present invention, various desired signal capturing bodies can be easily bound to the rod-like organic molecules by these methods, and therefore, unlike the case where the signal capturing body is directly bound to the substrate. The signal capturing body or the switching signal can be freely selected from a wide range, and the detection device can be widely applied regardless of the detection purpose, the type of the switching signal, and the like. Since the smoothness of the surface of the capturing body can be maintained, the variation in wavelength and measurement error of the interference light are small, and detection can be performed with high sensitivity.
[0102]
Examples of the method using the covalent bond include a peptide method, a diazo method, an alkylation method, a cyanogen bromide activation method, a binding method using a crosslinking reagent, an immobilization method using a Ugi reaction, and a thiol disulfide. Immobilization method using exchange reaction, Schiff base formation method, chelate bond method, tosyl chloride method, biochemical specific bond method, etc. are mentioned, but for more stable bonds such as covalent bond, thiol group and maleimide group The method using the reaction of Pyridyl disulfide group and thiol group, the reaction of amino group and aldehyde group, etc. is preferable, and a method using a chemical binder or a crosslinking agent is more preferable.
[0103]
Examples of such chemical binder / crosslinking agent include carbodiimide, isocyanate, diazo compound, benzoquinone, aldehyde, periodic acid, maleimide compound, pyridyl disulfide compound, and the like. Among these, glutaraldehyde, hexamethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisothiocyanate, N, N′-polymethylene bisiodoacetamide, N, N′-ethylene bismaleimide, ethylene glycol bissuccinimidyl succinate, bisdiazobenzidine 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide, succinimidyl 3- (2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP), N-succinimidyl 4- (N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC) N-sulfosuccinimidyl 4- (N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate, N-succinimidyl (4-iodoacetyl) aminobenzoate, N-succinimidyl 4 (1-maleimidophenyl) butyrate, iminothiolane, S-acetylmercaptosuccinic anhydride, methyl-3- (4′-dithiopyridyl) propionimidate, methyl-4-mercaptobutyrylimidate, methyl-3-mercaptopropion Examples include imidate and N-succinimidyl-S-acetylmercaptoacetate.
[0104]
In the present invention, the optical interference means may emit the interference light as transmitted light, or may emit the interference light as reflected light. In the former case, the optical switch can be a reflection type device, and in the latter case, the optical switch can be a transmission type device.
[0105]
<Switching means>
As long as the switching means is provided in the path of the interference light and has a function of detecting a wavelength change of the interference light emitted by the light interference means and performing either operation or stop of the circuit. There is no particular limitation and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.For example, a wavelength change detection unit that is provided in the path of the interference light and detects the wavelength change of the interference light emitted by the optical interference unit; A preferable example includes a circuit operation control unit that operates or stops a circuit when the wavelength change detection unit detects a wavelength change of the interference light.
[0106]
-Wavelength change detector-
The wavelength change detection unit is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of detecting the wavelength change of the interference light emitted by the optical interference means provided in the path of the interference light, and is appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, (1) only the light having a specific wavelength can be transmitted and detecting that the light having the specific wavelength has been transmitted, (2) the spectrum of the interference light before the wavelength change, and the interference light Preferably, the spectrum after the change of the wavelength is measured and the difference spectrum can be measured.
[0107]
Among these, in the case of the above (1), the wavelength change detection unit makes the interference light impermeable before the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means, and the switching signal. After interacting with the optical interference means, it is possible to transmit the interference light having a specific wavelength changed in wavelength, or before the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means. After the interference signal is transmitted, and after the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means, the interference light whose wavelength is changed cannot be transmitted. When it is extremely difficult to detect the slight change, that is, when there is only a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift) Even if it is, it can be detected easily and reliably, and the wavelength change detecting unit can detect the wavelength change of the interference light by detecting the transmission of the interference light, and the switching signal is The interaction with the light interference means, that is, the presence of the switching signal in the sample or the like can be detected easily and quickly with high sensitivity, and the switching performance is excellent.
[0108]
In the case of (2), the wavelength change detection unit measures the spectral difference before and after the change of the wavelength of the interference light, that is, the difference spectrum. Even when it is extremely difficult to detect a change, that is, when there is only a slight wavelength change (wavelength shift), it can be detected easily and reliably, and the wavelength change is converted into a spectral intensity. And can optionally be amplified. As a result, even a very small wavelength change can be detected as an amplified spectral intensity, and it is highly sensitive and can be detected easily, quickly and with high sensitivity, so switching performance of circuit operation Excellent.
[0109]
As a specific example of the above (1), a combination of an interference filter and a light detection sensor capable of detecting transmitted light that has passed through the interference filter is preferably used. In this case, the interference filter cannot transmit the interference light before the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means and the interference at a specific wavelength after the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means. By allowing light to pass through or before the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means, after allowing the interference light of a specific wavelength to pass through and after the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means Makes it impossible to transmit the interference light whose wavelength has changed, so that it is extremely difficult to detect a slight change by measuring a normal spectrum curve, that is, a very slight wavelength change (wavelength shift). ) Even if there is only a case, it can be detected easily and reliably, and the light detection sensor has passed through the interference filter. With the detection of the serial interference light, the wavelength change of the interference light is detected, the switching signal that has interacted with the optical interference unit, i.e. the presence of the switching signal in the sample or the like is detected. As a result, even if a slight wavelength change occurs, the light detection sensor can detect the transmitted light of the interference light, and since it is highly sensitive, the switching performance of the circuit operation is excellent.
[0110]
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said interference filter, According to the objective, it can select suitably, You may use a commercial item.
The interference filter interferes only with incident light having a specific wavelength and can transmit incident light with a wavelength other than the specific wavelength.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said light detection sensor, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a CdS cell, a photodiode, a photoelectric tube, a pyroelectric sensor, a CCD sensor, a PSD sensor etc. are mentioned.
As a specific example of the above (2), a known spectrophotometer or the like can be preferably cited.
[0111]
In the optical switch of the present invention, the light irradiation means irradiates light. The light interference means interferes light emitted from the light irradiation means and radiates it as interference light. The optical interference means can interact with the switching signal, and changes the wavelength of the interference light after interacting with the switching signal. The wavelength change detection unit detects a wavelength change of the interference light emitted by the optical interference unit. For this reason, it is detected that the switching signal interacts with the optical interference means, that is, the presence of the switching signal in a sample or the like by the wavelength change of the interference light detected by the wavelength change detection unit.
[0112]
-Circuit operation controller-
The circuit operation control unit is not particularly limited as long as the wavelength change detection unit has a function of operating or stopping the circuit when the wavelength change of the interference light is detected, and is appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, a computer is preferable.
[0113]
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said circuit, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, an electrical circuit etc. are mentioned suitably, Various apparatuses containing these, for example, a safety device etc. are mentioned suitably.
[0114]
The optical switch of the present invention can be used in various fields, and can efficiently and reliably detect various switching signals such as pathogenic substances, biological substances, and toxic substances, and can operate safety devices and the like at that time. It can be suitably used as a simple switch.
[0115]
【Example】
Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.
[0116]
Example 1
First, a monomolecular film of the α-helix polypeptide as the rod-like organic molecule is formed on the base material, and the same monomolecular film is further laminated on the monomolecular film (laminated film) The relationship between the number of stacked layers and the structural color development was examined.
As the α-helix polypeptide, poly (n-hexyl L-glutamate (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “PHeLG”) having a monomer unit obtained by substituting a hydrogen atom of a carboxyl group of glutamic acid with an n-hexyl group The PHeLG was obtained by a polymerization reaction of L-glutamic acid / γ-methyl ester using benzylamine as a polymerization initiator, and the degree of polymerization was¹It was 114 according to 1 H-NMR measurement. As the base material, a silicon base material (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) surface-treated with octadecyl trimethoxysilane (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was used. The monomolecular film was formed using an LB film forming apparatus (manufactured by Nippon Laser & Electronics Laboratory, NL-LB400NK-MWC). Note that. In the PHeLG, the helical pitch of the α-helix was 0.15 (nm / amino acid residue), and the diameter of the α-helix was 1.5 (nm).
[0117]
When the FT-IR spectrum was measured for the laminated film (the film-like material) obtained by laminating 120 monomolecular films, four peaks were obtained. One is 1738 cm based on the C = O group in the side chain^-1Is the peak. The other is 1656 cm based on the amide group I in the α-helix structure.^-1It is a strong peak. The other is 1626 cm based on the amide group I in the β-structure.^-1It is a small and weak peak. The last one is 1551 cm based on the amide group II in the α-helix structure.^-1Is the peak. From the measurement result of the FT-IR spectrum, it was confirmed that the PHeLG molecule maintained an α-helix structure in the monomolecular film.
[0118]
The thickness of the monomolecular film by PHeLG was 32 mm when 20 layers of the monomolecular film by PHeLG were laminated. Therefore, the thickness per layer was 1.6 nm.
[0119]
Next, when the relationship between the number of layers in the laminated film (the film-like material) formed by the monomolecular film and the structural color development was examined, each of the laminated films in which the monomolecular film was laminated in 60 layers, 70 layers, and 80 layers. The film (the film-like material) showed a visible light reflection spectrum as shown in FIG. Further, a laminated film (the film-like material) in which 40 to 50 monomolecular films are laminated exhibits a brown structural color, and a laminated film (the film-like material) in which 60 to 70 layers of the monomolecular film are laminated. ) Indicates dark blue (dark blue, dark blue), and a laminated film (the film-like material) obtained by laminating 80 to 100 layers of the monomolecular film indicates light blue (light blue, light blue). It is confirmed that the laminated film (the film-like material) obtained by laminating up to 120 layers of the molecular film shows yellow, and the laminated film (the film-like material) obtained by laminating the monomolecular film up to 160 layers shows reddish purple. It was done.
[0120]
Specifically, a laminated film (the film-like material) in which 40 monomolecular layers are laminated, and a laminated film (the film-like material) in which 80 layers of laminated films (the film-like material) are laminated in 120 layers As shown in FIG. 7, the visible light reflection spectrum of the laminated film (the film-like product) obtained by laminating 80 layers was blue with a maximum reflectance (%) peak at 418 nm. On the other hand, the laminated film (the film-like material) obtained by laminating 40 layers showed a minimum reflectance (%) at 456 nm and exhibited brown (dark orange) which is the blue complementary color. On the other hand, the 120-layer laminated film (the film-like material) has a maximum reflectance (%) at 619 nm and a minimum reflectance (%) at 409 nm, and is strengthened by weakened light with a wavelength of 409 nm. Yellow color based on the light of 619 nm obtained.
[0121]
The wavelength (λ) of the visible light reflection spectrum is influenced by the incident angle (α) of light to the laminated film (the film-like material) by the monomolecular film, and the conditions under which the wavelength (λ) is enhanced are as follows ( The conditions for reducing the wavelength (λ) are as shown in (2) below.
[0122]
[Equation 3]

[0123]
In the formula (1) and the formula (2), λ means the wavelength (nm) of interference light, and α means the incident angle (degree) of light to the monomolecular film or the laminated film. , T means the thickness (nm) of the monomolecular film, l means the number of monomolecular films, n means the refractive index of the monomolecular film, and m means an integer of 1 or more To do.
[0124]
Then, when the relationship between the wavelength (λ) of the visible light reflection spectrum and the incident angle (α) of light to the laminated film (the film-like material) by the monomolecular film was examined, it was as shown in FIG. Yes, the actually measured values of the wavelengths (λ) of the five reflection spectra for the five incident angles (α) and the wavelengths (λs) calculated by the above formulas (1) and (2) almost coincided.
In FIG. 8, “♦” means the minimum spectrum of the laminated film having 40 layers, “□” means the maximum spectrum of the laminated film having 80 layers, and “◯” means 120 layers. Means the maximum spectrum of the laminated film, and “●” means the minimum spectrum of the laminated film in which 120 layers are laminated. The line I is based on the condition of l = 120 and m = 1 according to the above formula (1), and the line II is based on the condition of l = 80 and m = 1 according to the above formula (I), or the above T = 1.7 (nm) and n = 1 under the condition of l = 40 and m = 1 according to the equation (2) or under the condition of l = 120 and m = 2 according to the equation (2), respectively. .6 (the lines of these three types of calculation results almost overlap each other).
[0125]
As described above, when the film-like object having a specific thickness provided on the base material is irradiated with light, the interference light from the film-like object has a wavelength in the visible light range, and is used as an interference color. It was confirmed that it was visible.
[0126]
-Production of optical interference means-
Next, the pre-colored base material having an oxide film as the base material on which the film-like material was placed was produced as follows. That is, a silicon base material (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) is heated at 1000 ° C. for 3 hours to form an oxide film (SiO 2) on the surface of the silicon base material.₂Layer) 50a was formed. This pre-colored base material had a green interference color (peak top was about 508 nm (thin line in FIG. 18)) and was green. The surface area of the silicon substrate is 3 × 10¹⁴nm²(15 mm × 20 mm).
[0127]
On the other hand, according to the following synthesis scheme, as the α-helix polypeptide which is the rod-like organic molecule, polybenzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG) having biotin at the terminal is used.₂₁-Bio) was synthesized. That is, by using a biotin derivative represented by the following chemical formula 3 as a polymerization initiator and polymerizing a benzyl-L-glutamate derivative (BLG-NCA) synthesized by the synthetic scheme represented by the chemical formula 2 below, the polymerization degree is 21. Polybenzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG₂₁-Bio) was synthesized.
[0128]
[Chemical formula 2]

[0129]
[Chemical 3]

[0130]
The polybenzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG₂₁-Bio) was measured using an Abbe refractometer (manufactured by Atago Co., Ltd.) and found to be about 1.5.
[0131]
The synthesized polybenzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG)₂₁-Bio) was deposited on the base material 50 by the LB method at a cumulative pressure of 9.5 mN / m (see FIG. 9, accumulated under the condition that the cumulative pressure on the vertical axis in FIG. 9 is 9.5 mN / m). Accumulated. That is, the polybenzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG₂₁-Bio) was formed as a laminated film 20 (thickness of about 13.25 nm) formed by laminating 10 monomolecular films (thickness of about 1.33 nm) made of rod-like organic molecules 10 (see FIG. 10, see FIG. 10) In FIG. 10, the number of the laminated films is not 10 for convenience of illustration). The light interference means obtained in this manner had a slightly yellow color (interference color, peak top of about 545 nm (dotted line in FIG. 18)) and a slight yellow color. The conditions under which the interference light is strengthened and weakened are as shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, the measurement (FIG. 12A) of the interference light (interference color) in the pre-colored substrate (without the film-like material) and the interference light (interference color) in the optical interference means. Measurement (FIG. 12B) was shown.
[0132]
-Interaction between optical interference means and switching signal-
The light interference means, that is, the one in which the laminated film is formed on the pre-colored substrate, is used as an aqueous solution of avidin (1.1 × 10 6 as the switching signal).^-7M) was immersed for 3 hours to allow interaction (adsorption reaction) between biotin as the signal capturing body in the light interference means and avidin as the switching signal. The cross-sectional area of avidin is about 30 nm.²It is about weak (3 nm × 3 nm × 3.14). FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of the interaction (adsorption reaction) between the biotin and the avidin in this example, and FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the optical interference means is immersed in an aqueous solution of the avidin. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram in which an interaction (adsorption reaction) occurs between the biotin and the avidin in the light detection means in the aqueous solution of the avidin. Thereafter, the optical interference means was washed with pure water.
[0133]
-Wavelength change detection-
As the light irradiation means, a light source in a spectrophotometer (manufactured by JASCO Corporation, V560) was used. Light (xenon lamp light) was irradiated from the light irradiation means so that the incident angle to the light interference means was 10 degrees. Note that the incident angle is set to 10 degrees when the incident angle is selected from the measurement data of the incident angle dependency of the interference light in FIGS.
Then, a light receiving unit in a spectrophotometer (manufactured by JASCO Corporation, V560) is disposed in the path of the light irradiated from the light irradiation means and reflected by the light interference means (interference light). When the spectral wavelength of the interference light was measured, the peak top was 565 nm (thick line in FIG. 18), and a peak shift of about 20 nm was observed compared to before the interaction between the optical interference means and the switching signal. . This 20 nm corresponds to a change in film thickness of about 7.16 nm when calculated with a refractive index of 1.5. This is based on the fact that avidin having a diameter of about 6 nm is adsorbed on the surface of the optical interference means. It was confirmed to be a thing. The above spectrum measurement data is shown in FIG.
[0134]
<Calculation of avidin adsorption amount>
The number of adsorptions of avidin on the substrate can be calculated from the surface area of the substrate / the cross-sectional area of one molecule of avidin.¹⁴/ 3 × 10¹= 1 x 10¹³It was a piece. Next, the number of moles of avidin adsorbed on the substrate can be calculated by the number of adsorption / Avocado number.¹³/ 6x10²³= 17 × 10^-12M = 17 pM.
Therefore, it was found here that the avidin adsorption amount is 17 pM when the wavelength shift of the interference light is 20 nm.
Here, when the surface area of the substrate is about 5 mm square, the wavelength shift (peak top shift) of the interference light is about 20 nm with an avidin adsorption amount of 1.4 pM. When this is converted into the weight of avidin, the molecular weight of avidin is calculated to be about 68,000, and 1.4 × 10^-12M × 68000 = 9.5 × 10^-8g (95 ng), corresponding to an adsorption amount of 4.8 ng per 1 nm of peak shift (wavelength shift) (4.8 ng / nm).
[0135]
<Detection of wavelength change by differential spectrum measurement and operation of electric circuit>
Measures the spectrum of interference light (thick line in FIG. 19) by the light interference means (the target detection substrate) and the spectrum of interference light (thin line in FIG. 19) when the switching signal (avidin) is captured. did. The results are shown in FIG. As apparent from the spectral data of FIG. 19, the two spectral curves almost coincide with each other, and it is difficult to detect the wavelength shift of the interference light from the data of the spectral curves. However, when the difference spectrum between the two spectral data is taken with the spectrophotometer, the result is as shown in FIG. 20, and the wavelength difference between the two spectra, which was extremely difficult to detect in FIG. appear. Therefore, by detecting the difference spectrum, there is no measurement error, and the wavelength difference of the interference light can be detected easily and quickly with high sensitivity. Since this difference spectrum is obtained as spectral intensity, it can be arbitrarily amplified by the spectrophotometer. That is, even an extremely small spectral intensity can be detected with high sensitivity by amplifying it.
Further, when the spectrophotometer detects the difference spectrum, the computer as the circuit operation control means is driven to turn on the switch of the electric circuit so that the lamp is lit. The meter detected the difference spectrum and the lamp was turned on, confirming that the circuit was activated.
[0136]
Next, the optical interference means was as described above, except that the silicon substrate was replaced with an interference filter, and the film-like product was replaced with a laminate of 88 layers of the rod-like organic molecules 10.
Here, the spectrum of the interference light by the interference filter itself (thick line in FIG. 21) and the spectrum of the interference light by the interference filter provided with the film-like material (thin line in FIG. 21) were measured. The results are shown in FIG. As apparent from the spectral data of FIG. 21, the two spectral curves are close to each other, and it is difficult to detect the wavelength shift (peak shift) of the interference light from the spectral curve data. However, when the difference spectrum of the two spectrum data is taken with the spectrophotometer, it becomes as shown in FIG. 22, and the wavelength difference between the two spectra, which was extremely difficult to detect in FIG. appear. Therefore, by detecting the difference spectrum, there is no measurement error, and the wavelength difference of the interference light can be detected easily and quickly with high sensitivity. Since this difference spectrum is obtained as spectral intensity, it can be arbitrarily amplified by the spectrophotometer. That is, even an extremely small spectral intensity can be detected with high sensitivity by amplifying it. Therefore, even when the silicon substrate is replaced with the interference substrate, it is possible to detect the switching signal with high sensitivity by measuring the difference spectrum in the same manner as when the silicon substrate is used. It can be seen that the circuit can be switched.
[0137]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to control the operation of a circuit by detecting the presence of various substances such as pathogenic substances, biological substances, and toxic substances as switching signals, and provide an optical switch applicable to various safety devices. can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining structural color development (generation of interference color) by a monomolecular film (film-like material) by rod-like organic molecules (rod-like material) provided on a substrate. .
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the principle of structural color development.
FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example (LB method) of forming a monomolecular film (film-like material) using rod-like organic molecules.
FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of a state in which amphiphilic rod-like organic molecules are oriented on water (aqueous phase).
FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for standing an amphiphilic rod-like organic molecule on water (aqueous phase).
FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the wavelength of structural coloration and the thickness of the laminated film by laminated films (60 layers, 70 layers, 80 layers) in which monomolecular films of rod-shaped organic molecules are laminated. .
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the wavelength of structural coloration and the thickness of the laminated film obtained by laminating laminated monolayers of rod-like organic molecules (40 layers, 80 layers, 120 layers). .
FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the incident angle (degrees) of light to a laminated film (40 layers, 80 layers, 120 layers) obtained by laminating monomolecular films of rod-like organic molecules and the reflection wavelength λ (nm). It is a graph which shows.
FIG. 9 is a graph showing the accumulated pressure when the rod-shaped organic molecules 10 are accumulated on the substrate 50 by the LB method.
FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory view showing an embodiment of an optical interference unit.
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the principle of light interference in the light interference means;
FIG. 12A is a conceptual diagram for explaining the light interference and interference color of the base material 50 when the film-like object 20 is not provided, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining light interference and interference color in a light interference unit in which a film-like object 20 is formed on a material 50.
FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining one mode of capturing a switching signal by a signal capturing body provided in a rod-shaped organic molecule.
FIG. 14 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of a state body in which a light detection means and a sample containing a switching signal are brought into contact with each other.
FIG. 15 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a switching signal is captured by a signal capturing body in a light detection unit.
FIG. 16 is a spectrum graph showing the incident angle dependence of the intensity of interference light by the optical interference means;
FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between the incident angle of the intensity of the interference light by the optical interference means and the increased film thickness.
FIG. 18 is a graph showing a spectrum of interference light by the substrate itself, a spectrum of interference light by the light interference means itself, and a spectrum of interference light when the light interference means captures the switching signal. is there.
FIG. 19 is a graph showing a spectrum of interference light by the optical interference means and a spectrum of interference light when a switching signal (avidin) is captured.
FIG. 20 is a graph showing a difference spectrum when a difference spectrum between two spectrum data in FIG. 19 is taken.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a spectrum of interference light from an interference filter and a film-like product formed by laminating 88 layers of rod-like organic molecules on the surface using the interference filter as a base material. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of the interference light by an optical interference means.
FIG. 22 is a graph showing a difference spectrum when a difference between two spectra in FIG. 21 is taken.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Switching signal (avidin)
2 Non-switching signal
10 Rod-like organic molecules
10a Lipophilic part (hydrophobic part)
10b Hydrophilic part
10c Signal capturer (biotin)
20 Membrane
50 base material
50a Oxide film (SiO₂layer)
60 Extruded member
100 Optical interference means

Claims (31)

The light irradiation means for irradiating light can interact with the switching signal, and the light emitted from the light irradiation means interferes and emits as interference light, and after interacting with the switching signal, the interference light An optical interference means capable of changing the wavelength, and a switching means provided in a path of the interference light, detecting a wavelength change of the interference light radiated by the optical interference means, and operating or stopping the circuit. have a, the optical interference means comprises at least have a film-like material, the film-like material is provided on the substrate, an optical switch, wherein the substrate is an interference filter.   A switching means is provided in a path of the interference light, and detects a wavelength change of the interference light emitted by the optical interference means, and the wavelength change detection part detects a wavelength change of the interference light. The optical switch according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit operation control unit that performs either operation or stop of the circuit when the operation is performed.   The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength change detection unit can transmit only light having a specific wavelength and can detect that light having the specific wavelength has been transmitted.   The optical switch according to claim 3, wherein the wavelength change detection unit is an interference filter and a light detection sensor capable of detecting transmitted light that has passed through the interference filter.   3. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength change detection unit is capable of measuring a spectrum of the interference light before the wavelength change and a spectrum of the interference light after the wavelength change and measuring a difference spectrum thereof. .   The optical switch according to claim 5, wherein the wavelength change detection unit can convert the difference spectrum into a spectrum intensity and amplify the spectrum intensity.   The optical switch according to claim 5, wherein the wavelength change detection unit is a spectrophotometer.   The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the circuit operation control unit is a computer.   9. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the optical interference means emits the interference light as at least one of reflected light and transmitted light. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the film-like object is formed of a rod-shaped material. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the film-like material is formed by a coating method. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the base material is formed of at least one selected from semiconductors, ceramics, metals, glass, and plastics. The optical switch according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base material has the same refractive index film having a refractive index substantially equal to the refractive index of the film-like material on the surface. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the base material has a different refractive index film having a refractive index different from that of the film-like material on the surface. The optical switch according to claim 14, wherein the different refractive index film has a refractive index different from that of the substrate. The optical switch according to claim 14, wherein the optical switch has two or more different refractive index films, and the two or more different refractive index films have different refractive indexes. The optical switch according to claim 14, wherein the different refractive index film is a dielectric film.   The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein at least one film is further provided on the surface of the film-like object. The optical switch according to claim 18, wherein the film has a refractive index substantially equal to a refractive index at a surface of the substrate in contact with the film-like object. The optical switch according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the thickness of the film-like material is 50 nm to 1 µm. 21. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the film-like material is any one of a monomolecular film of a rod-like material and a laminated film of the monomolecular film. The optical switch according to any one of claims 10 to 21, wherein the rod-shaped material is a rod-shaped organic molecule. The optical switch according to claim 22, wherein the rod-shaped organic molecule is a helical molecule. 24. The optical switch of claim 23, wherein the helical molecule is an [alpha] -helix polypeptide. The optical switch according to any one of claims 10 to 24, wherein the rod-shaped member has a signal interaction portion capable of interacting with a switching signal.   The optical switch according to claim 25, wherein the signal interaction unit can interact with a switching signal by at least one of physical adsorption and chemical adsorption. The optical switch according to any one of claims 23 to 24, wherein the signal interaction unit is a signal capturing body capable of capturing a switching signal. Signal capture body is enzyme, coenzyme, enzyme substrate, enzyme inhibitor, inclusion compound, metal, antibody, antigen, protein, microorganism, virus, cell debris, metabolite, nucleic acid, hormone, hormone receptor, lectin, sugar 28. The optical switch according to claim 27, wherein the optical switch is at least one selected from a physiologically active substance and a physiologically active substance receptor. The inclusion compound is selected from a monomolecular host compound, a multimolecular host compound, a polymer host compound and an inorganic host compound;
  The monomolecular host compound is selected from cyclodextrin, crown compound, cyclophane, azacyclophane, calixarene, cyclotriperatrilene, spherand, cavitand, and cyclic oligopeptide;
  The multimolecular host compound is selected from urea, thiourea, deoxycholic acid, perhydrotriphenylene, tri-o-thymotide,
  The polymeric host compound is selected from cellulose, starch, chitin, chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol;
  29. The optical switch according to claim 28, wherein the inorganic host compound is selected from intercalation compounds, zeolites, and Hofmann type complexes. 28. The optical switch according to claim 27, wherein the switching signal is avidin and the signal capturing body is biotin. The optical switch according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the light irradiation means can irradiate a linear light flux.

Images