Standardized development of microarray technology via substrate-independent surface coatings

Abstract

While microarray technology has provided a versatile and high-throughput analytical tool for many research purposes, poor cross-platform assay dataset correlation has prevented the technology from finding common usage for real-world applications due to difficulties regarding the ability to validate results obtained on different platforms. Although large-scale investigations in the literature have demonstrated that cross-platform dataset correlation can be increased through the implementation of standardized interlaboratory probes, assay methodology, and analysis techniques, the degree of cross-platform concordance achievable remains significantly limited due to inherent differences in the platforms themselves. Much of the inherent cross-platform differences limiting the extent of cross-platform dataset comparability lies with dissimilar surface properties between platforms, resulting in differential probe and target behaviors. To overcome these limitations regarding cross-platform dataset comparability, the development and use of multifunctional substrate-independent surface coatings was explored as a method to eliminate the initial differences in cross-platform surface properties and their effects on microarray performance. Specically, two types of substrate-independent surface coatings were examined: an electrostatically self-assembled polyelectrolyte multilayer and a self-polymerized polydopamine film. The results of this investigation determined that both multifunctional substrate-independent surface coatings were capable of depositing onto a broad range of materials and converting their surface properties into the properties of the coating itself. Additionally, when using these surface coatings as a common cross-platform interface, it was possible to obtain highly concordant microarray datasets between platforms constructed from glass, mica, silicon, and polymer. In particular, multianalyte DNA and protein dose-response assays performed on platforms with substrate-independent surface coatings yielded significantly higher correlation coefficients in comparison to platforms without substrate-independent surface coatings. Furthermore, it was shown how the surface properties of the multifunctional substrate-independent surface coatings can be manipulated through chemical modication in order to tailor and optimize microarray performance to suit specific applications. Utilization of substrate-independent surface coatings in such a manner can provide researchers and manufacturers with a simple, yet effective, method to standardize microarray fabrication across different platforms while still enabling sustainable development of the technology in terms of platform material, design, and application.