Efficient surface patterning of oligonucleotides inside a glass capillary through oxime bond formation

Area of Science:

• Biomolecular Chemistry
• Surface Science
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Surface functionalization is key for biomolecule immobilization in microdevices.
• Existing methods may lack efficiency or require complex procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient and robust method for surface patterning oligonucleotides.
• To enable multiplexed oligonucleotide immobilization on various surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Utilized oxime bond formation for oligonucleotide immobilization.
• Employed photocleavable 2-(2-nitrophenyl) propyloxycarbonyl (NPPOC) protected aminooxy silanes for surface modification.
• Silanized glass surfaces and capillary tubes, followed by UV irradiation to unmask reactive aminooxy groups.

Main Results:

• Achieved efficient surface immobilization of aldehyde-containing oligonucleotides.
• Demonstrated robust immobilization of up to three distinct oligonucleotide sequences within a single capillary.
• Successfully patterned oligonucleotides on fused-silica capillary tubes and glass slides.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a convenient and efficient approach for oligonucleotide surface patterning.
• Combines high coupling efficiency of oxime chemistry with photolabile protecting group strategy.
• Provides a valuable alternative for biomolecule immobilization in microfluidic devices and "labs on a chip" applications.