 |
CombiMatrix |
|
| |
| CombiMatrix’s core technology is a specially modified semiconductor adapted for biological applications. These integrated circuits contain arrays of microelectrodes that are individually addressable using embedded logic circuitry on the chip. Placed in a specially designed fluidic chamber, the chip digitally directs the molecular assembly of biopolymers in response to a digital command. |
| |
| Under a controlled process developed at CombiMatrix, each microelectrode is addressed to selectively generate chemical reagents by means of an electrochemical reaction. These chemical reagents facilitate the in situ synthesis of complex molecules such as DNA oligonucleotides. These molecules are synthesized within a proprietary Porous Reaction Layer (PRL) that coats the chip. Under the direction of a PC the CombiMatrix chip rapidly synthesizes over a thousand different molecules in parallel, each above a distinct electrode. Since a different product can be synthesized at each site, the technology eliminates the need to synthesize different products in individual tubes by conventional methods. The parallel process drastically reduces the cost and time of synthesizing hundreds or thousands of different molecules. |
| |
|
| |
A small section of the semiconductor surface is shown above containing 16 electrodes where chemical reactions take place. Each electrode (highlighted in red) is 94-microns in diameter and controlled by individual electronic circuits embedded in the semiconductor. A software-controlled process that addresses any number of electrodes in parallel activates electrodes according to the molecular structure that needs to be synthesized. Once an electrode is addressed, chemical reagents are generated directly at that site under a controlled process. These reagents are used to control the assembly of a variety of different chemicals (including DNA) in situ. The figure above demonstrates the electrical activation of two electrodes. Subsequent generation of chemical reagents occurs at these sites suitable for synthesis of complex molecules such as DNA oligonucleotides. |
| |
| CombiMatrix has also developed the necessary technologies that enable high-throughput and reliable synthesis of biomolecules on these chips. Our Porous Reaction Layer (PRL) Technology permits synthesis and attachment of biomolecules within the layer above the semiconductor surface. Virtual Flask Technology confines the reagents that are generated at each electrode within a defined virtual column. Finally, biomolecules such as DNA oligonucleotides are rapidly synthesized and used in a variety of Microarray Applications. |
| |
|
Lab-on-a-Chip
Arrays of individually addressable microelectrodes permit synthesis of hundreds or thousands of different molecules in parallel. |
Porous Reaction Layer (PRL)
Biocompatible layer that supports the attachment of synthesized molecules. |
Virtual Flask
A process that confines chemical reagents within a virtual flask over each microelectrode. |
DNA Microarrays
Arrays of oligonucleotides capture molecules synthesized on the chip for use in genomic and proteomic applications. |
|
|
| |
