Immobilization chemistry

The diagram shows a schematic representation of an amino-modified DNA molecule coupling to NEXTERION® Slide E. Amino-modified nucleic acids bind via the terminal amino group, as well as via exocyclic amino groups of the bases, and hydroxyl groups of the sugar-phosphate backbone. Unmodified nucleic acids will bind to an epoxysilane surface with almost the same efficiency via the exocyclic amino groups of the bases, and hydroxyl groups of the backbone. Other bio-molecules such as proteins bind via their exposed amine-, thiol- and hydroxyl-groups. The reaction with the epoxy group is rapid and irreversible and no additional baking or UV cross-linking steps are required. Any unreacted epoxy group may be chemically deactivated after printing to significantly reduce nonspecific binding of the target molecules to the slide surface. Molecular spacers between the glass slide and the epoxy groups facilitate interactions between the printed bio-molecules and their binding partners in solution.