A simple pen-spotting method for arraying biomolecules on solid substrates

Biosens Bioelectron. 2003 Oct 15;18(12):1455-9. doi: 10.1016/s0956-5663(03)00078-2.

Abstract

We describe a simple, relatively inexpensive method for depositing biomolecules on a solid substrate using Rapidograph drafting pens. The pens can be used without modification to accurately deposit spots between approximately 100 and 600 microm in diameter. When mounted on a suitable microtranslation stage, the pens can be used to easily deposit tens of spots aligned with underlying substrate features such as microfabricated sensors. The pens are particularly convenient because pre-mixed solutions can be stored in the pens for multiple uses. We demonstrate the use of this approach to deposit DNA probes on a microsensor array.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Biopolymers / chemistry*
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemical synthesis*
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / ultrastructure
  • Micromanipulation / instrumentation*
  • Micromanipulation / methods*
  • Molecular Probes / chemistry*
  • Molecular Probes / ultrastructure
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / instrumentation*
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / methods*

Substances

  • Biopolymers
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Molecular Probes
  • DNA