An active microelectronics device for multiplex DNA analysis

Nanogen's approach to DNA analysis involves the development of a unique active microelectronic device that provides electronic control over a variety of molecular biological affinity reactions. The core technology is an automated programmable electronic matrix (APEX), which has the ability to transport, bind and separate charged molecules in an electric field generated on the surface of the device. This broad-based platform technology is potentially applicable for multiplexed DNA hybridizations, immunoassays, receptor binding assays, cell typing assays, enzyme assays, combinatorial synthesis of oligonucleotides and peptides, and nanoparticle manipulations. Nanogen's initial developmental focus is in the area of DNA probe diagnostics. Our proof of concept and initial DNA hybridization results indicate great potential for Nanogen's active device technology. The multiplex hybridization array formats now being developed are directed at providing rapid simultaneous testing from a microliter volume of patient samples, with better sensitivity and specificity than current assays. Nanogen active device technology offers a number of distinct advantages versus current DNA diagnostic technology and differentiates itself from other chip technologies in the following way: (1) electronic addressing transports DNA molecules by charge; (2) the electronic hybridization's concentration effect improves the DNA hybridization rate; and (3) electronic stringency control improves selectivity and discrimination of hybrids.