System provides a complete microarray and detection solution with improved reproducibility and sensitivity in array experiments, without amplification
The Qiagen SensiChip system, developed by Qiagen and Zeptosens, uses innovative planar waveguide (PWG) technology to reduce background interference and dramatically increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
This enables microarray analysis with as little as 1µg total RNA - without amplification steps - to give the true gene expression profile.
The SensiChip system provides a complete microarray and detection solution with improved reproducibility and sensitivity in array experiments.
Customised SensiChip DNA arrays are made to the user's specifications. In addition to customised arrays, the specialised SensiChip human kinase DNA array bar is available, carrying a comprehensive set of essentially all human kinase and phosphatase genes.
The system also includes the SensiChip HybStation for standardised hybridisation conditions, the SensiChip reader for high-throughput analysis, and optional SensiChip View software for image analysis.
SensiChip DNA arrays are spotted with Qiagen 70mer oligos, which combine the high specificity of oligo probes with the sensitivity of cDNA probes.
70mers are more specific than traditional cDNA probes, and, unlike short oligo probes, only one 70mer is needed per gene, providing sensitivity comparable to cDNA probes.
Qiagen designs customised SensiChip DNA arrays, which are produced by Zeptosens.
Using GenBank accession numbers provided by the user, Qiagen SensiChip Services designs 70mer oligos, which are spotted onto a SensiChip DNA Array for the user.
Each SensiChip DNA array carries its own fluidic cell, which functions as a hybridisation chamber. SensiChip DNA array bars, containing six separate arrays, are pre-assembled under clean-room conditions and ready to use.
This eliminates tedious and error-prone handling of cover slips and provides highly reproducible results.
Each bar is individually bar-coded for efficient handling and tracking.
The SensiChip system is designed in a microplate format to allow liquid handling using multi-channel pipets or robotic workstations.
The SensiChip reader is equipped with an integrated stacker for use with up to 300 arrays, enabling fully automated high-throughput analysis.
