RCAT^TM for Microarrays

The microarray is currently the format of choice for many approaches to genomics and pharmacogenomics and holds considerable promise as a platform for diagnostics and proteomics.

Key advantages of microarrays are:

• Massive multiplexing,
• Multipurpose applicability,
• Minute reagent consumption.
  

For many microarray applications, however, prior amplification of target is a precondition for optimal use. PCR for example, is one of the most widely used amplification methods, but it is ill-suited for microarray purposes for two reasons. First, PCR amplification must be carried out prior to the addition of sample to the microarray, representing a time- and labor-consuming step as well as introducing another parameter of bias. Second, PCR has limited multiplexing ability because its products are dispersed into the solution, thereby limiting the advantage of microarrays for massively parallel applications.

RCAT is an amplification method that uniquely allows amplification and detection of RNA, DNA, and proteins directly on the microarray. In addition, the ability of RCAT to produce amplified material that remains tethered to target molecules enables unprecedented multiplexing. The combination of these features significantly increases efficiency, throughput, and the utility of microarrays for the life sciences market.

Advantages of RCAT for Microarrays:

• Allows target recognition, signal amplification and detection to be performed directly on the microarray
• Confers a significant gain in sensitivity without introducing bias
• Offers broad utility across RNA, DNA, and proteins
• Enables spatial multiplexing as result of amplified material remaining tethered to target molecules
• Enables combinatorial fluor multiplexing
• Compatible with most available chip platforms
• Compatible with most target recognition methods
  

Next: Applications- RCAT for Cells and Tissues