Increased cross-platform microarray data set correlation via substrate-independent nanofilms

Recently developed substrate-independent nanofilms were utilized to generate highly concordant cross-platform microarray data sets on a diverse set of materials such as glass, mica, silicon, and polymer. Using model DNA and protein dose-response assays, the number of cross-platform data sets exhibiting high correlation (>0.98) increased from 33% to 86% when utilizing platforms coated with substrate-independent nanofilms as opposed to traditional surface coatings such as aminosilane and poly-L-lysine. Furthermore, it is shown how the surface properties of the substrate-independent nanofilms can be tailored through secondary modifications to improve assay performance, demonstrating a viable approach for standardized and rapid biochip development through common, yet upgradable, cross-platform interfaces.