Novel Three-Dimensional DNA Microarray Chips Display Enhanced Sensitivity

A line of unique three-dimensional (3D) DNA microarray chips provide the enhanced assay sensitivity that is essential for working with low abundance targets such as microRNAs, or troublesome samples such as formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens.

The new "3D-Gene” DNA chips manufactured by Toray Industries (Tokyo, Japan) are now available in Europe. These chips have reduced background noise due to the use of a special black resin material and novel uneven morphology. DNA probes are attached to 3D microcolumns on the surface of the chips. The microcolumns are of varying lengths, which promotes stabilization of spot morphology and enables a uniform detected image.

The hybridization reaction is optimized by the use of microbeads that agitate the reaction solution in the gaps between columns without scratching or disturbing the probes bound to the tops of the columns. This procedure relies on shaking of the chip during the reaction. For this reason, the 3D-Gene series requires shaking at 250 revolutions per minute in a constant temperature environment during hybridization.

Combining these features results in chips that are capable of a high level of precision at concentrations as low as 0.1 amol, providing an impressive improvement on currently available technologies.

In addition to the sale of preprinted arrays, Toray produces customized 3D-Gene chips that contain up to 27,000 probes. They also provide a microarray analysis service, allowing researchers to send their samples to be analyzed by Toray's in-house research team using a range of 3D-Gene DNA chips.


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