“The Spotting AcceleratorTM”, Customizable Head Assembly For Advanced Microarraying

Microarraying technologies have emerged as key toolsfor determining genomic expression. The quality ofgene arrays is reliant on spotting pins for production of uniform spots, which are consistent in volume, shape, size and alignment. Point Technologies, Inc., has developed an advanced spotting technology. Emphasis has been placed on producing the “perfect spots ” customized to each microarraying application. Uniform surface texturing such as highly polished or matte finishes, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic zonal coating is produced using Point Technologies ’ proprietary micro-machining technology. Micro-fabrication also permits the production of advanced pin designs, and high density, high throughput print-head assemblies of 1536 pins and greater. Point Technologies specializes in the micro-elec-trochemical machining of spotting pins in any size, shape and configuration. Presented data will demonstrate spotting pin design solutions, such as: variety of tip dimensions, surface finishes, specialized coatings, and material options instrumental in producing the ideal spot size, shape and spot density during extended usage. OVERVIEW The recent advances in microarraying instrumentation have enabled researchers to create customized arrays to meet their application needs. The tools are constantly evolving to increase array density, manufacturing speed, throughput, automation, and reproducibility. Microarray technology has empowered researchers to approach gene expression analysis on a genomic and proteomic scale.8 The fields of functional genomics and proteomics are developing at an accelerated pace and placing new demands on microarray technology.1 Microarraying robotics, printing sub-strates, and array scanning technology have kept pace with the demand for new discovery, however, spotting pin technology has lagged further and further behind. The need for microarrayer instruments that maximize flexibility and precision without com-promising speed and cost has become critical.