Hybridization of DNA targets to glass-tethered oligonucleotide probes

Hybridization of nucleic acids to surface-tethered oligonucleotide probes has numerous potential applications in genome mapping and DNA sequence analysis. In this article, we describe a simple standard protocol for routine preparation of terminal amine-derivatized 9-mer oligonucleotide arrays on ordinary microscope slides and hybridization conditions with DNA target strands of up to several hundred bases in length with good discrimination against mismatches. Additional linker arms separating the glass surface from the probe sequence are not necessary. The technique described here offers a powerful tool for the detection of specific genetic mutations.