Microarray technology is a powerful high-throughput screening method used in life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. A microarray typically consists of a glass slide or other functionalised surface containing thousands of miniature biological or chemical samples arranged in a precise grid pattern.
Originally developed for DNA and oligonucleotide analysis, modern microarrays now support a wide range of sample types, including proteins, antibodies, antigens, glycans, cell lysates, food extracts, and small molecules. Common substrates used for microarray printing include glass slides, membranes, microplates, and microfluidic devices. These surfaces are often treated with coatings such as nitrocellulose or epoxy to improve sample immobilisation and stability.
During the microarray process, a library of biological samples is printed onto the substrate using precision low-volume liquid handling systems. The array is then exposed to a target analyte to detect selective interactions. These interactions may include DNA hybridisation, antibody-protein recognition, antigen binding, RNA-small molecule targeting, or biomolecular screening. Fluorescent labels are commonly used to identify and quantify successful binding events.
Microarrays offer rapid, accurate, and cost-effective analysis of thousands of interactions in a single experiment. This makes them highly valuable for proteomics research, antibody profiling, biomarker discovery, multiplex diagnostics, drug screening, target validation, and personalised medicine.
Although specialised microarray printers are used for manufacturing, many laboratories can access this technology through pre-printed slides, custom array development services, and third-party analysis providers. Microarray platforms continue to play a critical role in advancing biotechnology, genomics, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical research.
