“…For example, the precise distribution of monomers in a copolymer, the precise distribution of the branch length, and the branch position in the main chain of a branched polymer could be characterized in detail. The molecular combing of a rigid biopolymer, DNA, has been extensively studied for the purpose of mapping genetic information with fluorescence microscopy, AFM, and scanning tunneling microscopy. − DNA can be molecularly combed by drying a DNA solution sandwiched between two glass plates − or by pulling up a substrate from a DNA solution (dipping method). ,,− ,, DNA chains are believed to be combed by the capillary force of the receding meniscus that acts on the DNA chains during drying and dipping. The molecular combing of DNA has also been achieved by translating a droplet of DNA solution on a substrate ,, and by flowing a solution in microchannels. − In contrast, molecular combings of flexible polymers require a significant reduction in entropy during chain stretching, and therefore, we believe, no attempt for the molecular combing of flexible polymers has been reported for more than two decades since the first report of the DNA molecular combing.…”