Project: A revolution in flexible cost-effective DNA and high density microarray production.

The project aims to achieve an absolute breakthrough in the life sciences industry by producing fully flexibile microarrays and DNA at revolutionarily low costs and high quality. _x000D__x000D_The project will integrate the unique innovative technologies of FlexGen and Molecular Stamping and use the expertise and facilities of the LUMC to develop a highly flexible and very cost-effective microarray and DNA production technology. The project will greatly reduce (times 5) the production costs and improve microarray quality by using FlexGen's technology to produce templates and the SuNS technology to generate multiple copies per template microarray. With relatively minor adjustments the integrated production process can also be used to generate custom-made DNA nucleotides at unprecedented low costs and high quality. _x000D__x000D_Microarrays were first developed in the 1990's and have become a key tool in genetic research and diagnostics. Microarrays (basically glass plates with small individual spots that contain many copies of unique DNA sequences) are used to assess genetic differences, gene expression and in various other applications. Microarrays are used by universities, the white, red and green biotech industry and in clinical diagnostics. The microarray market is dominated by US suppliers, like Affymetrix, Agilent, Nimblegen (recently bought by Roche) and Illumina._x000D__x000D_Thanks to the technological advantages and the 5 times reduction in array cost, the project has a major impact in both existing and emerging microarray market applications such as next generation sequencing and synthetic biology. Moreover a successful outcome of the project would introduce a very strong European combination (FlexGen and Molecular Stamping) to counterbalance the US dominance in the world microarray market. _x000D__x000D_The total microarray market is estimated to be 850 million Euro's and the project Ps expect to capture 20% of this market after completion of this project. In addition, the project is expected to generate highly profitable sales in the growing synthetic biology market. _x000D__x000D_The project consortium consists of two European SME's and one university; FlexGen, Molecular Stamping and the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC). _x000D__x000D_FlexGen, based in Leiden, the Netherlands is a spin-off from the LUMC and Dutch Space (part of the European Space Agency consortium). FlexGen was founded in 2004 and has developed and patented a unique technology using lasers for the in-situ synthesis of DNA sequences on microarrays. _x000D__x000D_Molecular Stamping, based in Trento, Italy, was founded in 2006 and produces microarrays with its proprietary novel microarray printing technology called Supramolecular NanoStamping (SuNS) developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. _x000D__x000D_The LUMC and its LGTC (Leiden Genome Technology Centre), is at the forefront of genetic research. LGTC's mission is the development and facilitation of advanced, high throughput methods, technology and equipment, biological resources and bioinformatic tools for genomic research of academic and industrial parties, inside and outside LUMC. _x000D_ _x000D__x000D_ _x000D_

Acronym	Arrayvolution (Reference Number: 4731)
Duration	01/01/2009 - 31/12/2010
Project Topic	The project will integrate FlexGen's and Molecular Stamping's technologies in microarray production. The resulting flexibility, 5 times lower production costs and superior array quality will present a breakthrough in the high density microarray and synthetic biology markets.
Project Results (after finalisation)	The project comprises two workpackages: _x000D__x000D_WP1 had the final purpose to develop a flexible microarray production platform through the combination of FlexGen's and Molecular Stamping's technologies. A new concept of array design has been developed, ensuring a good array synthesis and copying process. The goal has been achieved at a proof-of-concept-level._x000D__x000D_WP2 had the aim to create a platform for generation of oligopools and target enrichment for genomic selection. The goal has been achieved with the implementation of a robust QC phase for the quality assessment of the generated oligonucleotides._x000D_
Network	Eurostars
Call	Eurostars Cut-Off 2

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
3	Academisch Ziekenhuis Leiden, acting as Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum	Partner	Netherlands
3	FlexGen B.V.	Coordinator	Netherlands
3	Molecular Stamping	Partner	Italy