Microarray technology is a perfect example of how modern science has been scaled down to a point where it is minute. For miniscule science, there is little else needed, other than the best tools and devices available. Utilizing these miniature tools has made laboratories an ideal place for researchers and scientists to conduct a thriving research. However, the methods they typically use are macroscopic. It offers a detailed glimpse into the reactions and interactions of cells, proteins and the DNA sequences. With this insight, all the specimens are placed in a single dish, so scientists now find it easier to compare the results of different drugs or chemicals simultaneously.
These days, microarrays are manufactured by pins or the piezo-jet technology. Both these techniques use a specific set of pins that are placed in holders to match the pattern required on the plate. However, this imposes certain kinds of restrictions on the shape and density of the arrays.
Uses of Microarray Technology
Microarray technology allows researchers to study thousands of DNA transcripts at the same time. These techniques can be used to detect differences and anomalies in gene expression levels, nucleotide polymorphisms, and other sequential differences. It also observes miRNA transcript if the researcher wants. There are, of course, other uses of microarrays that have helped in regulating and understanding the differences in the given samples. Generally, they benefit all sorts of fields in research and medicine; however, they are compressed into three basic techniques that microarrays work best for:
Comparative Genomic Hybridization
This technique is used to uncover the genomic gains and losses in a person’s DNA. This can help to detect a difference in the structure and can be used to discover signs of tumours in the person’s body system.
Biomarker Determination
Microarray technology has also been useful in discovering sets of genes that correlate with certain diseases.
Gene Expression in Medication
Another use of microarray is that it detects changes in the genomic structure of a person following a disease or certain illnesses. Exposure to medication or toxins will give the researchers a chance to predict the effectiveness or the adverse effects of different drugs.
Skin Biology
Applications in dermatology are one of the first uses brought forth by advancements in microarray technology. It can be applied to dermatological issues like melanoma, cutaneous issues, T-cell lymphoma and other diseases that can harm the skin or cause tumours. Microarrays have helped to keep more than one cell specimen in the slide, thereby showing the researchers to compare the use of medicine and other drugs to help find a cure for skin diseases.
The application of microarrays in gene analysis technology can make it easier for doctors and researchers to find cures for all sorts of illnesses. With the technology and insight it offers into the genomic and DNA sequences, microarrays have helped in finding the cure to illnesses for years. Microarray technology is one of the few techniques that have improved the medical and diagnostic sector of pharmaceuticals.
Angus Jones is a prominent expert and specialist in the field of genomics. His works have often been quoted by top magazines and have been published on leading websites. He suggests good microarray printer companies like arrayjet.co.uk to those who want best products.