Anchored multiplex amplification on a microelectronic chip array

We have developed a method for anchored amplification on a microchip array that allows amplification and detection of multiple targets in an open form at. Electronic anchoring of sets of amplification primers in distinct areas on the microchip permitted primer-primer interactions to be reduced and di stinct zones of amplification created, thereby increasing the efficiency of the multiplex amplification reactions. We found strand displacement amplif ication (SDA) to be ideal for use in our microelectronic chip system becaus e of the isothermal nature of the assay, which provides a rapid amplificati on system readily compatible with simple instrumentation. Anchored SDA supp orted multiplex DNA or RNA amplification without decreases in amplification efficiency, This microelectronic chip-based amplification system allows mu ltiplexed amplification and detection to be performed on the same platform, streamlining development of any nucleic acid-based assay.