Covalent attachment of oligonucleotides to cellulose acetate membranes

During the last decade, DNA has become an increasingly important biomolecule in several areas. DNA technology has found many applications, e.g., in forensic science, environmental studies, diagnosis and archeometry. DNA microarrays and DNA biosensors applying the principle of immobilization of oligonucleotide on solid supports are used in these areas. DNA immobilization can be performed by adsorption and covalent attachment. In this study cellulose acetate was used as a solid support for oligonucleotide immobilization. Cellulose acetate was activated with 1,1'-Carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) and then coupled with 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA) as a linker. A hexadecadesoxy oligonucleotide was also activated by I-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and immobilized on the membrane by coupling via amino groups. The effects of various parameters on the immobilization oligonucleotide were investigated.