ABSTRACT

Non-Contact DNA Microarray Fabrication System Based On Smart Pin

Speaker: Qiong Shen

Advisors: Dr. Timothy Chang, Dr. Zhiming Ji

DNA microarray has become the de facto central platform of functional genomics [1]. Currently, there are three commonly used approaches to microarray fabrication: contact printing, photolithography and non-contact ink-jet printing [2]. Each of these three methods has limitations such as reliability, cost, and quality of the microarrays, primarily due to their open loop nature. As a technology improvement, the Smart Pin was introduced [3]. It offers advantages such as efficient material dispensation, high spot density, and consistent microarray morphology. It relies on a sensor based real-time control system to detect and control the formation and dispensed volume on each spot. For maximum reliability, the pin is servo controlled [4] over the slide surface to maintain a uniform gap between pin tip and slide surface so that during the printing process, it never comes into direct contact with the slide [5]. The ultimate goal of this project is to print the entire human genome onto on chip and technical issues such as spot size control, cycle time, reliability, and yield will be addressed by a combination of hardware and software improvements and designs.

References:

[1] Dangond, F., “Chips around the world,” Physiological Genomics (Online), Volume 2, Issue 2, March 13, 2000, Pages 53-58.

[2] Moore, S.K. ,  “Making chips to probe Genes,” IEEE Spectrum, pp. 54-60, March 2001.

[3] Chang, T.N. and Tolias, P., “Delivery of metered amounts of liquid materials,” US and international patents pending.

[4]  Chang, T.N., “Servo Control Design,” Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), New York, 2004, Article No.: 6.43.13.19, pp.1-34.

[5] Chang, T.N. et al.., "Automated Liquid Dispensing Pin for DNA Microarray Applications", IEEE Transactions on Automation Science And Engineering, Vol. 3, No. 2, April 2006, pp. 187-191.