title: Gains in sensitivity with a device that mixes microarray hybridization solution in a 25-microm-thick chamber.
abstract: A microarray hybridization system that allows mixing in volumes comparable to those used by glass coverslips is presented. This system is composed of a disposable flexible lid that binds to 1 in. x 3 in. glass slides via an adhesive gasket, forming a uniform 25-microm-thick hybridization chamber. This chamber rests on a base unit for temperature control. The lid contains two air-driven bladders that continuously mix the hybridization fluid. Mixing enhances sensitivity from a typical microarray experiment 2-3-fold. Mixing is particularly effective at high spotted probe and low labeled target concentrations and overcoming local target depletion that occurs when homologous probes are spotted in close proximity. Mixing appears to be compatible with most hybridization conditions; however, mix versus no-mix control experiments should be performed. Also covered are a number of microfluidic issues related to manufacturing, filling, mixing, and packaging.
authors.affiliation: BioMicro Systems, Inc., 1290 W, 2320 S, Suite D, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119, USA. nils@wasatchbioconsulting.com
authors.forename: Nils B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Adey
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lei
authors.forename: Mike T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Debbie A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Mayo
authors.forename: Darin L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Butel
authors.forename: Steve C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Coffin
authors.forename: Tom C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Moyer
authors.forename: Devan E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Slade
authors.forename: Mark K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Spute
authors.forename: Angela M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hancock
authors.forename: George T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Eisenhoffer
authors.forename: Brian K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Dalley
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: McNeely
mesh_terms: D010582:Bacteriophage lambda / Q000235:genetics; D002460:Cell Line; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D016679:Genome, Viral; D006801:Humans; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization / Q000379:methods*; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012996:Solutions
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions; D004247:DNA