<p>A microarray can be configured for hybridizing with short nucleic acids, such as miRNA or siRNA, contained within a sample. Such a microarray includes a polynucleotide trap coupled to a substrate of a microarray site. The polynucleotide trap includes a probe that selectively hybridizes with short nucleic acid sequences, and a linker that is coupled to the substrate and configured to extend the probe from the substrate. Additionally, the polynucleotide trap can include an enhancer that hybridizes with the linker in order to enhance functionality of the probe. The linker and/or enhancer are configured to inhibit the probe from interacting with the linker or substrate. This can include the linker and/or enhancer being configured to have a minimal secondary structure so as to present the probe region for hybridizing with the target polynucleotide and inhibit the linker region or probe region from interacting with the substrate.</p>
