Efficient oligonucleotide-attachment with dendrimers via covalent bonds on solid support

Abstract

DNA microarray technology uses microscopic arrays of DNA molecules immobilized on solid supports for biomedical analysis. DNA-immobilization and hybridization efficiency in DNA microarray are most important factors for its accuracy and sensitivity, which usually depend on the modified solid surface for the covalent attachment of DNA. In this study, we have developed an optimized functionalization procedure with dendrimers on silicon wafer as a solid support. The method was based on the initial modification of silicon wafer through silanization. The modified surface was then coated with starburst dendrimers with a hyper-branched, spherical structure. In particular, we used heterogeneous aminosilane reagents in silanization step to control the number of functional amine group on the surface, which would be important procedure for providing the space for hybridization. We particularly used dendrimers with terminal carboxyl groups for less backgrounds. As a result, the controlled silanization step and the carboxyl-group terminated dendritic support can provide a simple and efficient solution for the preparation of DNA microarray with less non-specific backgrounds and high hybridization yields.