AVS 49th International Symposium
    Biomaterials Wednesday Sessions
       Session BI-WeP

Paper BI-WeP7
A Novel Surface Chemistry Platform for Biochips and Bioanalytical Devices

Wednesday, November 6, 2002, 11:00 am, Room Exhibit Hall B2

Session: Biointerfaces and Surfaces II
Presenter: M.J. Lochhead, Accelr8 Technology Corporation
Authors: M.J. Lochhead, Accelr8 Technology Corporation
S. Metzger, Accelr8 Technology Corporation
Correspondent: Click to Email
Biochips, biosensors, and other advanced bioanalytical devices require exquisite control of biomolecular interactions with surfaces. Specificity, signal to noise ratios and detection limits of these systems are often limited by surface non-specific binding, particularly in protein-based applications. Inhibition of non-specific binding is thus a critical performance feature in the design of improved synthetic materials that contact and operate in biological fluids. While non-specific binding to surfaces is most often undesired, specific biomolecule, particle or cell binding at surfaces often is desired. The goal is to bind only one type of molecule, particle, or cell, and to do so in a manner that preserves its recognition activity and native structure. We have developed a suite of functionalized surface coatings - OptiChem - that demonstrate both low non-specific binding and robust specific biomolecule attachment. OptiChem coatings can be applied to virtually all materials commonly used in bio-analytical devices including glass, silicon, and several plastics. The coatings are organic films that combine a low binding matrix with functional groups that provide for covalent attachment or affinity binding. Reduction of non-specific binding and control of reactive group density translates into increased signal to noise ratios, thus improving upon conventional surface chemistries resulting in faster assay turnaround and lower consumption of valuable or rare samples. The capacity for coating various substrates, ready scale-up of convenient fabrication and low preparation costs make the surface chemistry ideal for many microarray applications.