Automated DNA hybridization

We have developed a system which fully automates the process of membrane-immobilized DNA hybridization. The system consists of three major parts: (i) a membrane-processing cassette which is thermo-controlled and which can hold multiple membranes simultaneously; (ii) a fluidic system which consists of seven independent input channels, a collecting waste container, and flow-controlling valves; and (iii) integrating software which controls the entire system. No pumps are required since the entire fluidic system is gravity driven. The hybridizer is compatible with nonradioactive detection such as chemiluminescence and has been tested on gridded template arrays as part of a large-scale DNA sequencing project.