Integrated Amplification Microarrays for Infectious Disease Diagnostics

• Main Authors: Darrell P. Chandler, Lexi Bryant, Sara B. Griesemer, Rui Gu, Christopher Knickerbocker, Alexander Kukhtin, Jennifer Parker, Cynthia Zimmerman, Kirsten St. George, Christopher G. Cooney
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2012-11-01
• Series: Microarrays
• Subjects: microfluidics; diagnostics; gel element arrays; asymmetric PCR; RT-PCR; reverse transcriptase; multiplex; integrated microarrays
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2076-3905/1/3/107

This overview describes microarray-based tests that combine solution-phase amplification chemistry and microarray hybridization within a single microfluidic chamber. The integrated biochemical approach improves microarray workflow for diagnostic applications by reducing the number of steps and minimizing the potential for sample or amplicon cross-contamination. Examples described herein illustrate a basic, integrated approach for DNA and RNA genomes, and a simple consumable architecture for incorporating wash steps while retaining an entirely closed system. It is anticipated that integrated microarray biochemistry will provide an opportunity to significantly reduce the complexity and cost of microarray consumables, equipment, and workflow, which in turn will enable a broader spectrum of users to exploit the intrinsic multiplexing power of microarrays for infectious disease diagnostics.