Microarray Equipment

Microarrays, also known as chips or biochips, consist of a substrate of interest fixed to a solid matrix such as a glass slide, used for genotyping, antibody detection and comparative genome analysis. Microarrays can be produced in house with specialized equipment, or purchased from a manufacturer. Microarray slides or chips are spotted with arrayers, hybridized in ovens, and refined by washers and strainers. Separate components can be purchased to produce, process, scan and analyze microarrays. Entire systems are available for scanning and analysis. A laboratory embarking on microarray experimentation should consider the option of self-produced vs. custom arrays. Arrays made “from scratch” provide a relatively low cost and easily customized microarray for each experiment. Commercially produced arrays have the benefit of reduced labor time and excellent reproducibility. In situ arrays require synthesis of the substrate directly onto the support. Budget, throughput, and available lab space are the important parameters for microarray equipment purchases.