Portable DNA-Probe-Array Synthesis System Using Acoustic-Wave Ejector and Atomizer Array

为了高效方便地进行DNA测序，我们建议开发一种便携式的按需DNA探针阵列合成系统，该系统使用二维MEMS弹射阵列（以任何所需的序列将DNA碱基发射到DNA探针芯片上）和雾管阵列（从探针芯片上散射未结合的DNA碱基）。提出的技术创新系统如下:(1)喷射数组(与nozzle-based喷射器)可以在任何倾斜角度,喷射液滴的和不需要搬到墨水有四个DNA碱基的位置,和(2)雾化器数组料液中的游离DNA碱基(后发现步骤),和吹掉不必要的基地之前移动到另一个地方发现DNA合成步骤,从而消除昂贵的步骤的洗涤和干燥步骤。此外，我们将把二维喷射器阵列与微通道、腔室和其他微流体处理组件集成在单个硅芯片上，用于小型、便携式、经济实惠的系统。便携式DNA探针合成系统将允许遗传学家在他们的位置上在芯片上产生任何DNA序列的任何二维阵列。一个主要的研究目标是开发一种灵活、低成本的技术，用于高效的基因分型，以表征数百个DNA样本的特定突变，用于分子遗传学或分子流行病学研究。基因分型目前非常耗时（因此，非常昂贵），及时开发一种高效灵活的基因分型技术，允许在玻璃芯片上按需形成任何DNA序列。拟议的活动还将包括(1)来自代表性不足群体的学生参与研究（通过积极搜索此类申请人和对所选学生进行比通常更多的指导），(2)通过互联网网站发布数据和信息，该网站描述了通过喷墨打印DNA碱基或肽在芯片表面上合成DNA和蛋白质微探针阵列的详细信息。(3)与一个研究小组（南加州大学医学院）密切合作，该小组专门从事DNA测序，用于公共卫生问题的基因分型和表型分析。

For efficient and convenient DNA sequencing, we propose to develop a portable system for on-demand DNA probe-array synthesis, using two-dimensional MEMS ejector array (to shoot out DNA bases onto a DNA probe chip in any desired sequence) and atomizer array (to scatter away unbound DNA bases from the probe chip). The technical innovations of the proposed system are as follows: (1) the ejector array (unlike a nozzle-based ejector) can eject liquid droplets at any oblique angle, and does not have to be moved to ink a spot with four DNA bases, and (2) the atomizer array atomizes the unbound DNA bases (after a spotting step), and blows off the unwanted bases before moving to another spotting step for DNA synthesis, thus removing the costly step of the washing and drying steps. Also, we will integrate the 2-D ejector array with microchannels, chambers and other microfluidic handling components on a single silicon chip for a small, portable, affordable system. The portable DNA probe synthesis system will allow geneticists to produce any two dimensional array of any DNA sequence on a chip at their sites.One major research objective is to develop a flexible, low cost technology for an efficient genotyping to characterize hundreds of DNA samples for specific mutations for molecular genetic or molecular epidemiologic research. Genotyping is currently very time-consuming (and, therefore, very expensive), and it is timely to develop an efficient and flexible genotyping technique that allows formation of any DNA sequences on a glass chip on demand. The proposed activity will also include (1) research involvement of students from underrepresented groups (through active search of such applicants and more than usual mentoring of the selected students), (2) data and information dissemination through an internet web site that describes detailed information on DNA and protein microprobe-array synthesis on a chip surface through ink-jet printing of DNA bases or peptides, and (3) close collaboration with a research group (at USC's medical school) that specializes on DNA sequencing for genotyping and phenotyping for public health concerns.