Agilent Technologies received US Patent No. 6,558,908, “Methods and kits for indirect labeling of nucleic acids.” The patents covers a method and kit for labeling nucleic acids for use in gene-expression analysis. The process begins with the generation of an oligonucleotide-tagged nucleic acid, which is then hybridized with a complementary tag to yield labeled nucleic acid. The kit described includes a primer for use in enzymatically generating a target nucleic acid. The primer includes an oligo dT region and the tag, and a labeled oligo complement. In a gene expression analysis assay, a three-part hybridization complex made up of the tagged target, the labeled oligonucleotide, and a probe oligonucleotide, is produced and detected.
Corning received US Patent No. 6,558,907, “Methods and compositions for arraying nucleic acids onto a solid support.” The patent, filed in May 2001, before Corning bowed out of its microarray production initiative, covers a method for depositing a solution of nucleic acid, also called a “printing ink,” on a solid support. The solution comprises a 30 to 80-percent dilution of dimethylsulfoxide, sodium chloride, and sodium citrate salt containing buffer (SSC) at a final concentration from 15 mM sodium chloride plus 1.5 mM sodium citrate to 120 mM of sodium chloride plus 12 mM sodium citrate. The composition includes a nucleic acid, preferably a double stranded DNA or an oligonucleotide, at a concentration ranging from 0.01 mg/ml to 0.50 mg/ml. According to the application, a salt concentration significantly lower than the 3 times SSC industry standard enables superior imaging of a highly dense array of printed spots of DNA using a visible light source device.
RoboDesign International of Carlsbad, Calif., received US Patent No. 6,558,623, “Microarray dispensing with real-time verification and inspection.” The patent covers a system for spotting solution onto slides in an automated microarray dispensing device. The system covered includes a dispensing head for spotting, a light source for illuminating the sides, and a camera to acquire and transmit image data to a computer. The system also allows for a method of quality control and location of arrayed spots. The slide image data includes information relating to slide alignment, information relating to spot quality, and slide identification information.