Flip chip interconnection of DNA chip devices

Nanogen has developed a novel instrument system that utilizes silicon microelectronic technologies to execute rapid DNA hybridization analyses optimized for diagnostic and research applications. This system incorporates an active DNA array-formatted Si microchip, that is flip-chip mounted to a polyimide flex circuit microfluidic cartridge assembly. This disposable cartridge assembly is inserted for analysis into Nanogen's desktop instrument much like a music CD enters the CD player drawer. Multiplex DNA hybridization, electronic control of hybridization stringency, sample detection, and computer analysis functions can be automatically performed within a 10 to 15 minute timeframe. Present applications are directed at infectious disease detection, genetic testing, drug discovery, and biomedical research. The microelectronic materials and processes selected for the DNA chip, the interconnection circuits, the cartridge fluidics, and the optical detection system will be presentedeng