Method for enhancing the hybridization efficiency of target nucleic acids using a self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device
First Claim
1. A method for enhancing the hybridization efficiency of target nucleic acids in a microelectronic hybridization device including a microlocation test site having a capture nucleic acid, the microlocation adapted to be placed at least in a first state wherein no electric field is generated and in a second state wherein an electric field attractive to the target nucleic acids is generated at the microlocation, comprising the steps of:
- applying a buffer to the device, providing target nucleic acid to the device, placing the microlocation in the said second state through application of power to the device to cause accumulation of the target nucleic acids at a microlocation test site on the device, and hybridizing the target nucleic acids with the capture nucleic acid with an efficiency which is greater in the said second state than in the said first state.
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Abstract
A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen reactions, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific microlocations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific microlocations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.
132 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for enhancing the hybridization efficiency of target nucleic acids in a microelectronic hybridization device including a microlocation test site having a capture nucleic acid, the microlocation adapted to be placed at least in a first state wherein no electric field is generated and in a second state wherein an electric field attractive to the target nucleic acids is generated at the microlocation, comprising the steps of:
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applying a buffer to the device, providing target nucleic acid to the device, placing the microlocation in the said second state through application of power to the device to cause accumulation of the target nucleic acids at a microlocation test site on the device, and hybridizing the target nucleic acids with the capture nucleic acid with an efficiency which is greater in the said second state than in the said first state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification