Replication of DNA microarrays from zip code masters

This report describes a mechanical method for efficient and accurate replication of DNA microarrays from a zip code master. The zip code master is a DNA array that defines the location of oligonucleotides consisting of two parts:  a code sequence, which is complementary to one or more of the zip codes, and the functional sequence, which is terminated with biotin. Following hybridization of the zip code to the code sequence, a replica surface functionalized with streptavidin is brought into conformal contact with the surface of the master. When the two surfaces are separated, the functional and code sequences are transferred to the replica, and the zip code remains on the surface of the master. Using this approach it is possible to prepare replica arrays having any configuration from a single, universal master array. Here we demonstrate that this approach can be used to replicate master arrays having up to three different sequences, that feature sizes as small as 100 μm can be replicated, and that master arrays can be used to prepare multiple replicas.