Random distribution of biomaterials as a handling method on microarray applied to PCR, biosensors and high through-put screening

This paper describes a random distribution method to bring biomaterials into an array of sites on a chip. A mixture of biomolecules or a mixed suspension of particles immobilized with biomaterials; was simply poured on an array and the components were randomly distributed. A microchamber array for PCR was developed by semiconductor microfabrication techniques. Amplification of pGFP was confirmed using a technique based on energy transfer of fluorescent dyes. Addition of BSA in PCR mixture enhances PCR efficiency. Furthermore, employing a special membrane made it possible to pick up the PCR products. Random distribution method is also applied to the construction of biosensor arrays. We first employed a two-step immobilization in which materials are not immobilized directly but indirectly via small support materials. In this case random distribution is called random fluidic self-assembly. This arranges the microparticles reducing the complication in the second step on the chip.