How does NimbleGen synthesize arrays?
NimbleGen uses a proprietary in situ DNA synthesis method based on light modulated oligonucleotide synthesis. To control where light strikes the array, NimbleGen has adapted a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD, Texas Instruments, Inc.). The DMD is an array of tiny, individually addressable polished mirrors that can be positioned to either reflect the UV light source on a known position within the array or redirect light away from that position. By coordinating the sequence of illumination and addition of photoprotected phosphoramidites, the technology has the capability of synthesizing more than 385,000 user-defined oligonucleotide probes with high yield and high accuracy.
