Surface Modification Chemistries and Their Utilization in Microarrays, Diagnostics and Drug Delivery

Completion of the human genome has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way biological queries are addressed today. Things that were considered far-fetched only a few years ago, such as personalized medicines, seem to be within our reach. New informatics and research tools have been devised to handle and analyze the influx of a huge amount of data, such as gene chips and microarrays or newly introduced nanoarrays. These devices are used to monitor biochemical and molecular interactions in a highly parallel and automated fashion. Such applications are also multiplexed on microspheres for diagnostic purposes. Because of the advantages of high throughput and high sensitivity, arrays and microspheres are fast becoming indispensable tools in diagnostics, drug discovery, clinical trials and other areas. Surface chemistry is one of the key factors to consider in successfully making sensitive and robust devices. Surface not only controls the anchoring of biomolecules, but also affects molecular interactions. SurModics uses its PhotoLink ® photochemistry, to modify