Labeling, Hybridization, Scanning

We use the industry standards reagents Trizol and Qiagen RNeasy kit to extract and puirify RNA from cells and tissues.
For the purification of non-coding small RNAs, such as microRNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and small nuclear RNA (snRNA), from tissues and cells, we are using the mirVana miRNA Isolation Kit.

Prior to hybridization, we recommend RNA quality analysis to ensure that degradation did not occur and that samples are acceptable for microarray analysis. Please contact us if you are interested in using the Agilent Bioanalyzer to check the quality of your RNA samples.

We routinely use a variety of labeling methods. Please refer to the providers' website for details.
• mRNA Expression Arrays: Genisphere's 3DNA Detection Array 350 Kit
• miRNA Expression Arrays: Invitrogen's NCode miRNA Labeling System
• Amplification of mRNA or miRNA : Genisphere's RNA Amplification SenseAmp Plus Kit
• Amplification and Labeling of mRNA: Ambion's Amino Allyl MessageAmp II aRNA Kit

We are open to any labeling method that matches your requirements.

The Advalytix SlideBooster is employed for uniform hybridizations. This hybridization station works on the principle of Surface Acoustic Wave technology to actively mix the liquid evenly over the microarray.

We have different scanners for different applications:
• GenePix 4200AL from Axon Instruments,
• ScanArray Express from Perkin Elmer,
• ArrayWoRx from Applied Precision
• Agilent DNA Microarray from Agilent Technologies

Our GenePix 4200AL, ScanArray Express and ArrayWoRx scanners are accessible to our local users to scan their slides. Scanning time can be booked in advance. Please make sure that you are familiar with the equipment before you operate them.