초록 ▼

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 bi

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for transport and hybridization of DNA in an active electronic system comprising the steps of:providing a low conductivity, zwitterionic buffer on said device,electrophoretically transporting said nucleic acid towards a microlocation,applying current and voltage

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for transport and hybridization of DNA in an active electronic system comprising the steps of:providing a low conductivity, zwitterionic buffer on said device,electrophoretically transporting said nucleic acid towards a microlocation,applying current and voltage to the microlocation to effect transportation, whereby the local pH above the microlocation is below the pH of the buffer at its isoelectric point, whereby hybridization between the nucleic acid and a probe located at the microlocation is enhanced.