hybridize. Additionally, high probe density leads to high steric hindrance,
which prevents targets from hybridizing. A number of troubleshooting
methods have been developed to optimize these parameters. In many
cases, the microarray surface and the probe molecules can be modified to
maximize functional probe density.
Another method to optimize hybridized density uses linker molecules to
move the probes farther from the surface to minimize or prevent any
unwanted interactions. Innovation of the linker has resulted in a
dendrimeric linker, which has been shown to greatly increase probe
density and hybridized density.
10.7.4 Applications of DNA microarrays
DNA microarrays are excellent tools for studying gene expression and
have valuable uses in both research and industry. One of the first uses of
DNA microarrays was in the study of the growth of E. coli. Samples of
stationary-phase E. coli and log-phase E. coli were analyzed by DNA
microarray. The data found from microarray analysis led to the discovery
of multiple growth-regulating genes and an overall improved understanding of this significant microorganism (Ye et al., 2001).
Industrially, DNA microarrays are of great significance in optimizing
biocatalysis. In particular, fermentation processes are often optimized
using DNA microarrays. As biological fuel cells gain more attention, it is
likely that DNA microarrays will be of great importance in optimizing
these systems.
DNA microarrays have great potential to impact health care. Intelligent
drug design has benefited from the use of DNA microarrays as it allows
drug developers to anticipate adverse effects, or alternatively, to discover
new drug targets. Other kinds of microarrays are also effective in diagnosing diseases. DNA microarrays have been designed to screen for
inherited genetic diseases; also, changes in the expression of certain
genes can be attributed to cancer and other chronic illnesses, allowing for
earlier detection. Perhaps the most exciting possibility with DNA
microarrays is the development of personalized medicine. Using a DNA
microarray to better understand an individual’s genotype will allow
doctors to more effectively treat each patient, ultimately resulting in a
higher treatment efficiency and substantial improvements in patient
outcomes.
CHAPTER 10: Fabrication, Properties, and Applications of Thin Films
424
which prevents targets from hybridizing. A number of troubleshooting
methods have been developed to optimize these parameters. In many
cases, the microarray surface and the probe molecules can be modified to
maximize functional probe density.
Another method to optimize hybridized density uses linker molecules to
move the probes farther from the surface to minimize or prevent any
unwanted interactions. Innovation of the linker has resulted in a
dendrimeric linker, which has been shown to greatly increase probe
density and hybridized density.
10.7.4 Applications of DNA microarrays
DNA microarrays are excellent tools for studying gene expression and
have valuable uses in both research and industry. One of the first uses of
DNA microarrays was in the study of the growth of E. coli. Samples of
stationary-phase E. coli and log-phase E. coli were analyzed by DNA
microarray. The data found from microarray analysis led to the discovery
of multiple growth-regulating genes and an overall improved understanding of this significant microorganism (Ye et al., 2001).
Industrially, DNA microarrays are of great significance in optimizing
biocatalysis. In particular, fermentation processes are often optimized
using DNA microarrays. As biological fuel cells gain more attention, it is
likely that DNA microarrays will be of great importance in optimizing
these systems.
DNA microarrays have great potential to impact health care. Intelligent
drug design has benefited from the use of DNA microarrays as it allows
drug developers to anticipate adverse effects, or alternatively, to discover
new drug targets. Other kinds of microarrays are also effective in diagnosing diseases. DNA microarrays have been designed to screen for
inherited genetic diseases; also, changes in the expression of certain
genes can be attributed to cancer and other chronic illnesses, allowing for
earlier detection. Perhaps the most exciting possibility with DNA
microarrays is the development of personalized medicine. Using a DNA
microarray to better understand an individual’s genotype will allow
doctors to more effectively treat each patient, ultimately resulting in a
higher treatment efficiency and substantial improvements in patient
outcomes.
CHAPTER 10: Fabrication, Properties, and Applications of Thin Films
424