Biocept, Inc.

Novartis Ag

Tim Watanaskul

Soonkap Hahn

Pavel Tsinberg

Jhobe Steadman

Zhiyi Xie

Yehudit Gerassi

Methods for detecting in a single assay any one of multiple chromosomal disorders that result from aneuploidy or certain mutations, particularly microdeletions, and kits for use therein. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is carried out to amplify eukaryotic genomic DNA using a plurality of primer oligonucleotide pairs wherein one primer of each pair has a detectable label attached 5' thereto. A plurality of the primer pairs are targeted to DNA segments of different chromosomes of interest which are indicative of potential chromosomal disorders, and one pair is targeted for a control gene. The amplified PCR products are purified, and single-stranded DNA having the detectable labels is obtained therefrom and hybridized with spots on a microarray that each contain DNA oligonucleotide probes having nucleotide sequences complementary to a nucleotide sequence of one strand of each segment. The microarray is imaged for presence of labels on its respective spots, and the absence or presence of chromosomal disorders as indicated by one or more of the targeted DNA segments of interest is diagnosed by first comparing the imaging results to the imaging of spots specific to the control gene and then to results obtained from imaging normal DNA.

Detection of chromosomal disorders

A novel hybridization device that improves the efficiency and consistency of microarray hybridization reactions by achieving a greater degree of internal mixing of target solution. The device provides a gasket-and-cover-type chamber wherein solution mixing is achieved by the creation of a multitude of microbubbles. One or more of the inner walls that define the chamber contain bubble-rupturing elements that extend into the chamber and terminate in sharp edges. They are typically located on opposite sides of a rectangular chamber and are pointed in a direction opposing bubble movement. Their interference with larger bubbles causes their breakup into microbubbles which travel separate and distinct paths as a result of external agitation and thereby provide improved solution mixing that results in a uniform distribution of target molecules to the probe molecules bound to the substrate. The sensitivity and consistency of the hybridization reaction is significantly increased.

Microarray hybridization device having bubble-fracturing elements

Growing community of inventors

Oceanside, CA, United States of America

Tim Watanaskul