Novel Methods for The Parallel Copying of DNA Arrays

Introduction

One of today's most powerful research tools is DNA microarray technology. This technology allows up to 1,000,000 individual genetic samples to be assayed simultaneously, enabling massively parallel discovery opportunities. With this methodology, we have the key to better understand the genetic contribution to human disease, to diagnose disease conditions, to discover new therapies, and to establish genetic fingerprints as applied in forensic identification. However, this important technology is unattainable for many researchers due to the complexity of organizing and producing such array components. In the end, the fabrication cost for these devices is prohibitively high for most practitioners and applications. This high cost has narrowed the use of this powerful technology and limited the discoveries promised above.

Invention Description

This new technology has the potential to change the face of the entire DNA microarray market. We have developed an entirely new method for duplicating DNA microarrays that is analogous to xerography. Rather than using traditional technologies that create each array from scratch, a single master array is used as a template for repeated rounds of molecular xerography. In this process, the master is enzymatically copied and mechanically separated to produce the product array for experimental application

Like xerography, this approach promises dramatic reductions in the costs of microarray fabrication, as much as 80%, while simultaneously increasing the throughput of microarray production by several-fold. Thus, this is a revolutionary, rather than evolutionary, technology that will facilitate the availability of genetic analysis tools to all scientists.

Benefits

• Eliminates need to fabricate each array product separately
• Speeds array fabrication
• Minimal use of reagents for fabrication

Features

• Allows a single master to be copied multiple times
• Mechanical separation methodology simplifies copying process
• Method is scalable to various array sizes

Market Potential/Applications

This technology enables the production of DNA microarrays for the rapid and systemic evaluation of gene expression monitoring. By reducing costs and maximizing production potential, the technology promises DNA microarrays to be used in a number of new applications, including clinical diagnosis.

IP Status

One U.S. Patent Application filed

UT Researcher

Richard M. Crooks, Ph.D., Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Austin

For further information please contact:

University of Texas,
Austin, USA
Website : www.otc.utexas.edu