Nanostructured silicon platform for detection of specific gene sequences

The use of glass supports in microarray technology is favored by their chemical stability, low level of autofluorescence and excellent functionalization capabilities. However, the flat surfaces generate steric hindrance during the hybridization reaction, hence reducing the signal detection in genotyping applications. Herein, a new microarray platform based on nanostructured Si was designated to be used for detection of specific gene fragments corresponding to HPV strains. We investigated the contribution on detection of the functional groups deriving from the chemical surface modification, combined with the effects of nanostructured Si. Uniform spot shapes were associated to surface wetting behaviour and the immobilization and hybridization data were evaluated by fluorescence analyses.