A method and device for sequencing at least a fragment of a linear
polymer. The device comprises a well for placement of a rotaxane
comprising the combination of a cyclic molecule and a linear polymer
threaded through said cyclic molecule; a probe having the ability to move
the linear polymer relative to the cyclic molecule while producing a
signal resulting from the interaction of the cyclic molecule and a unit
attached to the polymer; and means for reading said signal. The process
comprises formation of the rotaxane, attachment of the probe, movement of
the cyclic molecule relative to the linear polymer and the reading of
signals. The device and method are especially useful for the sequencing
of DNA.