Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
functional surfaces.
6
Due to the high spatial resolution of SECM,
this technology has been demonstrated as a readout method for
locally immobilized, micrometer-sized biological recognition ele-
ments, including a variety of DNA arrays with different formats
and detection modes.
This review examines how a SECM can facilitate DNA array
analysis and provides the underlying electrochemistry facets of
SECM. We also introduce some of our latest achievements in
SECM imaging of DNA microdots that respond toward the target
DNA through hybridization. Several comprehensive reviews, in-
cluding of electrochemical DNA sensors, have been published
recently.
7-11
Given the pace of advancement in this field, the de-
velopment of any high-throughput device, even point-of-care DNA
diagnostics that takes the full, latent strength of electrochemical
measurements, appears to be a realistic goal.
II. DNAARRAYSFORGENOMICANALYSIS
Completed in 2003, the Human Genome Project has identified all
the 20,000-25,000 genes present in human DNA. The task has also
determined the sequence of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that
make up human DNA. With this knowledge, how transcription
occurs and is regulated has become a challenge for biologists. Ge-
netic alterations in tumor cells which are recognized often lead to
the emergence of growth stimulatory autocrine and paracrine sig-
nals. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are a common form
of genome variations where alternation of a single nucleotide oc-
curs within the base sequence. Current methods for DNA testing
are restricted because they need extensive sample treatment un-
dertaken by skilled researchers. DNA arrays should aid scientists
to screen for SNPs throughout genomes, as these arrays will permit
the parallel processing of human DNA for a number of genetic
disorders.
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