The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Automated liquid dispensing pin for DNA microarray applications
Author:	Parthasarathy, Suganya
View Online:	njit-etd2005-112 (xii, 83 pages ~ 7.1 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Electrical Engineering
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Chang, Timothy Nam (Committee chair) Soteropoulos, Patricia (Committee member) Hou, Edwin (Committee member)
Date:	2005-08
Keywords:	DNA microarray fabrication Liquid dispensing system
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	This thesis describes the research and development of a new liquid dispensing/aspiring system that is capable of producing micro sized spots/droplets for molecular biology research and analysis. In particular, the application is focused on DNA microarray fabrication with the goals of smaller spot size, higher yield, more efficient usage of biological materials, and capability to handle high viscosity liquids. The new system is based on active sensing and control and it is part of a fully integrated robotic microarray system for genomic and proteomic applications. The prototype system handles water as well as thick liquids such as 100% glycerol and generates spots in a contactless manner with controllable spot size ranging from 80 microns to 200 microns. Microarray technology is enhancing many areas of biological research including stem cell, cancer and infectious disease research. This new method of microarray production will afford hospitals and laboratories the system necessary to help detect and study genetic changes in cells in a more efficient and cost effective manner.