The microarray is subjected to an assay which is representative of the final functional environment of the material. This may be an actual bodily fluid such as blood or saliva, or alternatively a culture of cells or proteins which simulate the target function. |
In the case of cellular studies, each material spot present on the array is automatically imaged using a high resolution camera in order to visualise the interactions between the material and the cells. Cells can be stained with a variety of markers (e.g. a nuclear stain or specific antibodies) allowing the study of cell binding, growth and phenotype.
When high resolution imaging isn’t critical, interactions of the material array with analytes such as fluorescent proteins can be undertaken using a DNA scanner. Using this system a single image of the whole array is taken and the fluorescence arising from each polymer spots can subsequently be automatically integrated and related to the amount of immobilised analytes.
Altrika Ltd uses high quality scanning equipment combined with robotics developed in-house to analyse the response of the various markers on every single polymer spot individually. Analytical facilities for microarrays include: |
(a). White light source-based DNA chip reader - with multiple fluorescent filters. For rapid acquisition of whole arrays to low resolution.
(b). High-content / high-throughput automated fluorescent allowing time-lapse study of live cell cultures. Most adapted for the high resolution study of cellular interactions with material array.
(c). Real-time pseudo-confocal imaging for chips and plates.
Primary human mesenchymal stem cells immobilised on a polyacrylates spot. From left to right, brightfield image, DAPI staining of nuclei, CD90-PE staining, composite of the three previous images. |
Legend: fluorescent intensity integrated on polymer spot arising from the adsorption of fluorescently labelled proteins
Altrika Ltd is continuously developing new characterisation techniques for new applications as required by the customer. Altrika Ltd would be happy to discuss development of these techniques with you.