Miniaturized and flexible fabrication of microarrays using variable dispensing techniques - the biochip microproduction system

DNA and protein microarrays are commonly used research tools in the growing field of genomics and proteomics, e.g. expression analysis. Although there are several onchip synthesis techniques available for high-troughput fabrication of high-density biochips, there are also many spotting systems in use for cost-efficient, miniaturized and highly flexible production of low to medium density biochips. As future perspectives of biochip applications include the use of microarray based chips as diagnostic tools, an industrial production approach featuring quality assurance and shortened changeover-times is necessary to address the growing range of product vaiants. Especially the horizontal and vertical integration of different process steps, e.g. incubation, blocking, uv-activation, drying, etc. cannot be realized using available laboratory automation systems. Furthermore, many applications in the pharmaceutical surrounding require highly specialized dispensing systems, including specific pin-tools and specific buffer solutions, further complicating the industrial production of biochip systems.