Micro-Stamp Systems for Batch-Filling, Parallel-Spotting, and Continuously Printing of Multiple Biosample Fluids

Abstract

Microarrays simultaneously screen tens to thousands of biosamples to observe biochemical activities in protein—protein, protein—nucleic acid and small molecule interactions. In this high throughput analysis, rapid and reliable printing technologies are highly desired with less deterioration on biosamples during process. This study introduces several micro-contact printing systems to print out multiple proteins simultaneously, uniformly and continuously with batch-filling capability for rapid microarray formation, with very gentle process for biosample preservation. This printing system consists of two chips, including a micro-filling chip and a micro-stamp chip, for rapid/accurate registration and batch operation. The micro-filling chip can simultaneously transfer numerous protein solutions into the micro-stamp chip in seconds by capillary force without cross-contamination, while preserving the functionality of proteins. Different proteins can be dispensed into the corresponding channels and driven into the tips of the micro stamps. The micro stamp can be then brought to contact with the substrate to produce bio-fluid spot arrays. These devices have a potential to be expanded to a high throughput system for simultaneously printing hundreds of bio-fluid spots for hundreds times in minutes, and to form dense bio-microarrays for disease diagnosis or drug screening. © 2008, Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening. All rights reserved.