Maskless Microarray Formation via Selective LED Photodeprotection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for forming microarrays require numerous expensive masks and are time-consuming, leading to high costs and inaccuracies due to mask alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using a micro LED array to selectively irradiate areas of a solid matrix, eliminating photolabile protecting groups and allowing specific monomer conjugation without the need for masks, thereby reducing costs and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If masks are used to form probes on the solid matrix, then the probes can be formed with defined sequences, but the cost increases and time is consumed due to the need for changing masks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the mask component from the probe formation system. Instead of using physical masks to define probe sequences, the invention uses direct photodeprotection of monomers at specific locations on the solid matrix through selective light irradiation. This eliminates the time-consuming mask changing process while maintaining probe sequence accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mask system with an optical control system. Instead of physically positioning and changing masks, the invention uses spatially selective light irradiation to activate photolabile protecting groups at specific locations. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity and time loss associated with mask handling.
2Manufacturing precision
If masks are used during photosynthesis, then probe formation can be controlled, but the cost of forming the microarray becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, reusable masks with a direct photodeprotection approach where light energy itself acts as the controlling agent. Each location on the solid matrix can be selectively activated without requiring physical mask materials, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precise probe formation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical mask system with an optical field-based control system. Spatiotemporal control of light irradiation provides precise probe formation control without the material costs associated with masks, making the manufacturing process more cost-effective.
3Manufacturing precision
If masks are used for probe formation, then specific areas can be targeted, but alignment errors occur leading to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mask component that causes alignment errors. By directly irradiating specific areas of the solid matrix through spatially controlled light sources, the system achieves area targeting without the alignment inaccuracies inherent in mask-based approaches, thereby improving probe sequence reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mask alignment system with an optical positioning system. The light source can be precisely directed to specific coordinates on the solid matrix without physical contact, eliminating alignment errors and improving the reliability of probe sequence formation.
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
This approach enables the formation of microarrays without masks, reducing production costs and preventing errors in probe sequence formation, while ensuring high accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the plurality of areas is irradiated by turning on the corresponding LED of the micro LED array, so as to eliminate the photolabile protecting group of the monomer in the at least one of the plurality of areas
Data Source
AI summary
A microarray and a method for forming the same are disclosed and the method includes the following steps. A solid matrix and a micro LED array is provided, wherein the solid matrix comprises a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of LEDs of the micro LED array. A monomer with a photolabile protecting group is formed in the plurality of areas respectively. At least one of the plurality of areas is irradiated by turning on the corresponding LED of the micro LED array, so as to eliminate the photolabile protecting group of the monomer in the at least one of the plurality of areas. A monomer is conjugated to the deprotected monomer in the at least one of the plurality of areas. The steps of irradiating and conjugating are repeated, so as to form probes in the plurality of areas respectively.