Cavity-Chip Microarray Transfer for Flexible Spot Geometry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing and replicating DNA microarrays are limited, as they cannot transform or modify existing arrays, requiring new generation from scratch, and are time-consuming and costly, with limited spot shape, size, and position flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a template array, cavity chip, and reaction mixture to copy and transform DNA microarrays, allowing for changes in spot shape, size, and position, using PCR or other amplification methods to generate desired geometries and combinations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DNA microarrays are replicated by hybridization or PCR methods, then existing arrays can be copied, but the spot shape, size, and position cannot be transformed or modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearray transformation capabilityVSAvoidspot geometry control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the replication process into two distinct stages: first copying DNA molecules into cavity chips, then transferring them to a new array surface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of copying fidelity and geometric transformation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining DNA accuracy and changing spot geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cavity chip serves as an intermediary medium between the template array and the final microarray. DNA molecules are first captured in the cavity chip's wells, then transferred to the new array surface with desired geometric transformations. This intermediary enables both faithful copying and flexible shape/position modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If DNA microarrays are newly synthesized from scratch, then complete control over spot geometry is achieved, but production time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespot geometry controlVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary copying of DNA molecules into cavity chips before final array formation. This preliminary action separates the copying function from the geometric formation function, allowing rapid replication of existing arrays while enabling subsequent geometric transformations without starting from scratch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of synthesizing DNA from scratch, the invention copies existing DNA molecules from template arrays into cavity chips and then to new arrays. This copying approach maintains the biological functionality of original arrays while enabling geometric transformations, significantly reducing production time compared to de novo synthesis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional replication methods are used, then DNA fidelity is maintained, but flexibility in modifying array design is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearray design flexibilityVSAvoidDNA copy accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The replication process is segmented into DNA copying (ensuring fidelity) and geometric transformation (enabling flexibility) as separate operations. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently, maintaining DNA accuracy while achieving design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cavity chip acts as an intermediary that preserves DNA integrity during copying while enabling geometric transformations during transfer. The physical separation of copying and transformation steps ensures DNA fidelity is maintained while design flexibility is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables flexible replication and transformation of DNA microarrays, producing high-quality, homogeneous arrays with precise geometries and combinations, reducing production time and cost, and enabling new array designs.

Implementation Method 1

copying process, wherein the oligonucleotides of the spots of the template array are copied onto the cavity chip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPCR amplification:

Implementation Method 2

copying process, wherein the oligonucleotides of the spot of the cavity chip are copied onto the array surface as DNA, RNA or protein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPCR amplification:

Implementation Method 3

The hybridized DNA molecules are used in this case as primer for a DNA elongation reaction by means of DNA polymerase. The polymerase is an enzyme which can elongate a DNA strand using a template.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDNA polymerase elongation: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS12465902B2Microarray transformer

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 BIOCOPY GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for microarray transformation, wherein, by using a cavity chip with transformation matrix, a template array can be copied onto a planar support, and the information or spatial arrangement is changed in the process, so that a transformed second array forms. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out such a method.