Parallel Synthesis Technologies
Press Release: Silicon Microarray™ Technology
Parallel Synthesis introduces Silicon Microarray™ Technology for Printing DNA and Protein Microarrays
Santa Clara, CA- December 10, 2004: Parallel Synthesis Technologies (PSTI) introduces Silicon Microarray™ Technology - a highly innovative micromachined silicon toolset for printing DNA and protein microarrays. This novel design provides users with a technology that improves pin-to-pin uniformity, eliminates the prespotting step, and greatly reduces dead volume, carryover and the 'missing spot' phenomenon.
This simple but efficient design, comprised of a printhead and pins, is readily compatible with all commercial microarrayers. In contrast to the stainless steel or tungsten-based alternatives, these pins are micromachined in parallel, hundreds at a time, from single crystal silicon wafers. The pins have an inert SiO2 coating facilitating wetting and cleaning. Offering three distinct pin tip sizes, Parallel enables users to match tip size with desired spot size within a 60-250 micron range.
"We have strived to develop a highly accurate tool for printing DNA and protein microarrays", states Bob Haushalter, Founder and CEO of Parallel Synthesis, "one that is affordable, user-friendly, and reliable in producing consistent, highly reproducible results". The compact printhead accommodates 32 or 48 pins on a 384 SBS format or 128 or 192 pins on a 1536 format, allowing the user to aspirate directly from a 1536 well source plate. Due to intrinsic design features, the pins are easily cleaned, greatly minimizing carryover risk and decreasing valuable print-run times. For the first time, researchers can greatly diminish carryover and missing spot issues, and dramatically reduce CV's of inter and intra spot variability.
About Parallel Synthesis
Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2000 by Dr. Robert Haushalter. It is a privately owned company based in Santa Clara, California. Research is focused on the application of array technologies, HTS techniques, microfabrication and MEMS technology to problems in the genomics and proteomics fields. Research results are based upon work supported by The National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program under grant number 032160.