Plastic Microarrays: A Novel Array Support Combining the Benefits of Macro- and Microarrays

Until recently, gene arrays could only be printed on two types of supports: nylon membranes or glass slides. Nylon membrane-based arrays allow researchers to analyze hundreds of genes in a single experiment using standard laboratory equipment. However, the density of genes that can be included on] a membrane array is limited by the printing resolution. Glass arrays allow for a high printing density but can be expensive and require the use of specialized equipment. In response, BD Biosciences Clontech has developed a new type of array support, the BD Atlas™ Plastic Film, which combines the simplicity of nylon arrays with the high gene density of glass arrays.