Article published Biochips
Grafting method for biomolecules...
of every kind!
Until now, bonding thousands of biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins) in parallel to the surface of DNA chips (biochips) or proteins entailed choosing the right method from a host of possibilities. That was because the method had to be suited to the biomolecule concerned and the type of substrate, which was, in turn, conditioned by the detection method used. “Our patented chemical surface functionalisation technology suits every case!” say Thomas Berthelot and Pascal Viel, two researchers at IRAMIS*. This simple, economic process does not require special atmospheric conditions. All that is needed is a beaker, some water and a commercially available molecule from the diazonium family. What's the secret? The researchers have found a way to coat any type of substrate with an active layer of this molecule by making use of the Graftfast® polymer grafting process developed by CEA. The substrate is then ready for bonding to any biomolecule. “The whole process takes around half an hour or so, which is much faster than other, often highly complex methods that call for a controlled atmosphere and specialised or expensive instruments,” the two researchers explain.
* Institut Rayonnement Matière de Saclay.
