The Fast Lane

S&S's Fast Slide with hybridization chamber

Technological advances are contributing mightily to gene expression profiling. Schleicher & Schuell Inc., in collaboration with Grace Biolabs, adds to this promising field of research with the development of FAST Slides, glass microarray slides that incorporate Fluorescent Array Surface Technology.

FAST Slides are coated with a durable, proprietary nitrocellulose- based polymer designed to immobilize nucleic acids and proteins. Compatible with all robotic systems used to create microarrays, the depth and absorbency of the polymer easily accommodate 0.03 to 2.0 nl per spot. Robotically arrayed DNA binds noncovalently but irreversibly and can be probed in a manner similar to traditional blots.

FAST Slides were developed with fluorescent detection in mind. The membrane polymer does not contain any fluorescing components, generates less light scatter than traditional membranes, and produces higher specific signals than modified glass surfaces. However, according to Kevan Whippie, application specialist for biomolecular...