Mesoscale Unaddressed Features Functionalized by Shape (MUFFINS)

MUFFINS have the following characteristics that differs from traditional cartesian microarray systems:

  • Composed of crosslinkable poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG) hydrogels
  • Encapsulate different biological probes
  • Association of function with SHAPE rather than position

Figure 1: Encoded shapes designed to fluoresce when exposed to a certain oligonucleotide

Figure 2: Fluorescing sensors indicate prescence of a certain substance.

This platform offers a cost-efficient and effective screening of biological materials such as oligonucleotides, proteins and small molecules. Photolithographic fabrication techniques used in the semiconductor industry is readily modified to produce hydrogel-based sensors.

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