Bioarrays enable high-throughput molecular analyses and have aided tremendous advances in life science research. Further increasing bioarray sensitivity and reproducibility will enable broader acceptance and standardization for more demanding settings, such as clinical diagnostics. Furthermore, increasing the range of options in bioarray substrates and surface chemistries - key elements in performance - will enable greater design flexibility and novel applications, especially with respect to protein and glycan-based arrays.

Synkera is developing novel bioarray and bioanalysis substrates that can significantly enhance bioarray performance through a unique 3-D nanoporous architecture that features high specific surface area and flexible surface chemistry. These substrates can serve as drop-in replacement for current glass-based arrays as well as support novel bioarrays and assays.

Substrate features and benefits

• High probe capacity due to high surface area, 3-D architecture of nanoporous ceramic substrate.
• Ability to vary the capacity via control of the pore depth.
• Ability to block large molecules interference based on size exclusion.
• High-resolution spotting due to wicking into vertically aligned pores, eliminating lateral spreading.
• Tailorable surface chemistry for various attachment options and minimized non-specific background binding.
• Optional flow-through architecture for increased sampling rate and fast analysis of low concentration targets.
• Micromachinable for integration with advanced microfluidics (lab-on-a-chip).

Status

Left: 8 mm x 35 mm array substrates with 150 nm pores. Right: representative microchips for bioanalysis

Left: SEM of ceramic array substrate with 50 nm pores. Right: array of microwells in nanoporous ceramic substrate.

Leveraging its extensive capabilities in developing numerous products based on this material platform, Synkera completed initial development of Gen-1 bioarray substrates. Prototypes are being evaluated for fluorescence-based assays and other bioanalysis applications. You can see our current offerings and get further info by filling out an Info/Quote Request form.

Partnership Development

Partners and customers are being sought for developing specific applications of these substrates. If you need additional information, are interested in prototype evaluation, or would like to discuss this further, please email us.