Analysis of DNA microarrays by non-destructive fluorescent staining using SYBR (R) green II

A simple, non-destructive procedure is described to determine the quality o f DNA arrays before they are used. It consists of a preliminary staining st ep of the DNA microarray by using SYBR(R) green II, a fluorophore with spec ific affinity for ssDNA, followed by a laser scan analysis. The surface qua lity, integrity and homogeneity of each DNA spot of the array can thus be a ssessed. After this preliminary control, which may avoid further analytical steps that lead to the waste of precious biological samples, a fully rever sible staining procedure is performed that produces an array ready for subs equent use.