INTEGRATED NUCLEIC ACID HYBRIDIZATION DEVICES

摘要

The invention provides devices and methods for enhanced and selective association or binding between biological materials, such as nucleic acids, e.g., DNA or RNA, or polypeptides, and an immobilized oligonucleotide probe. In one embodiment, the invention provides an association device comprising a plurality of nucleic acid probes or polypeptide probes or a combination thereof linked to a solid substrate; wherein the solid substrate comprises a substrate surface comprising an external substrate surface and a plurality of internal pores, wherein the pores comprise a proximal end opening to the external surface to allow passage of fluid into a pore, and wherein the pore surfaces comprise an association surface; wherein the association surface comprises a charged surface comprising net positive (cationic) charge density under conditions comprising a pH lower than the pI of the association surface. Methods for making these hybridization/association devices are also provided. For example, the devices and methods of the invention can be used in nucleic acid-based diagnostic tests. The devices and methods of the invention can be used, e.g., for detecting the association of a nucleic acid in a sample to a nucleic acid probe or purifying a nucleic acid from a sample.